Footwear with elastic corrective straps for treating and preventing foot misalignment

Abstract

The present invention refers to footwear (10) for treating and preventing foot malpositions, in particular for treating and preventing hallux valgus, the footwear (10) comprising a retaining element (14) configured to fix the foot relative to the footwear (10) and a tensioning element (16) configured to be fixed to the toe and configured, in a state in which the footwear is fixed to the foot, to apply a first corrective force (F1) to the toe and a second corrective force (F2) directed in a direction opposite to the first corrective force (F1) to the metatarsal-phalangeal joint of the toe, the tensioning element (16) being an elastic corrective strap.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to footwear for treating and preventing foot position abnormalities, particularly for treating and preventing hallux valgus.

Background Art

[0002] Pathological position abnormalities in the area of the patient's midfoot and forefoot can have various causes, such as genetic predisposition, wearing inappropriate footwear, particularly shoes that are too tight or high heels, or flattening of the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot as a result of instability of the connective tissue in the midfoot area. In particular, the displacement of the big toe (hallux) at the joint between the metatarsal and phalanx bones of the foot is also known as hallux valgus and is becoming increasingly important due to the increasing number of cases that do not change.

[0003] Hallux valgus appears because the joint between the metatarsal and phalanx bones of the big toe (hallux) of the foot is pulled in the direction of the inside of the foot by the traction of the muscles. This causes the first metatarsal bone to protrude from the inside of the foot as a ball-shaped protrusion at the joint between the metatarsal and phalanx bones, which is called pseudoexostosis. In addition, often, changes in the length and direction of the tendon traction are associated with hallux valgus, which may further exacerbate the deformation over time. As a result, arthritis of the joint between the metatarsal and phalanx bones of the big toe (hallux) develops, which must be surgically treated at an advanced stage.

[0004] In addition to surgical treatment, the use of conservative therapy is known to stop or counteract the disease process. For example, the use of tape or orthoses is known for treating the foot in a resting position (rest position). Due to the need for the foot to be in a resting position during the treatment period, these are mainly used at night.

[0005] Furthermore, the use of sandals for the therapeutic treatment of hallux valgus is also known. For example, EP3716806A1 discloses a hallux valgus sandal having a tensile rigid loop section(part) positioned around the toe to be treated, where the therapeutic corrective force acts on the toe to be treated by applying a tensile force to the loop section. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Starting from known prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide improved footwear for correcting and preventing foot misalignment, which enables particularly effective treatment and has a simple design.

[0007] This objective is achieved by footwear having the features defined in the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are illustrated in the dependent claims, this specification, and the drawings.

[0008] Accordingly, footwear is provided for correcting and preventing foot misalignment, particularly for treating and preventing hallux valgus. The footwear comprises a retaining element configured to fix the foot to the footwear, and a tensioning element configured to be fixed to the toes and, when the footwear is fixed to the foot, to act a first corrective force on the toes and a second corrective force opposite to the first corrective force acting on the intermetatarsal phalangeal joints of the toes, wherein the tensioning element is an elastic corrective strap.

[0009] The recommended footwear provides a primary corrective force acting on the toes, and a secondary corrective force acting on the interphalangeal joints, which can achieve particularly effective therapeutic effects. This is because the primary and secondary corrective forces simultaneously provide therapeutic effects on toe eversion and interphalangeal joint inversion. In this way, the symptoms and causes of foot misalignment can be treated at the same time. The corrective forces acting on the foot and the associated therapeutic effects will be explained in more detail below with respect to the relevant components of the footwear.

[0010] The proposed solution further takes into account that during walking, the joints between the toes and metatarsal phalanges naturally tend to change their position relative to the metatarsals, particularly laterally in the foot, due to flexion movements and the loads acting upon them. In the context of the present invention, these relative movements between the metatarsals, toes, and metatarsal phalanges have been found to affect both the comfort and therapeutic effect of the footwear, especially when the footwear is used by the patient during longer periods of walking. To take this into consideration, the proposed footwear is equipped with tension elements provided in the form of elastic corrective straps. The elastic corrective straps allow the footwear to be worn more comfortably by enabling, to some extent, the natural relative movement between the components of the foot, while continuing to apply corrective force. Furthermore, the proposed footwear improves the therapeutic mode of action of the footwear by enabling the utilization of these relative movements. Specifically, since the force applied by the corrective straps depends on their elastic stretch, the use of elastic corrective straps adapts the amount of corrective force during use. Thus, when significant relative motion occurs, the amount of corrective force increases accordingly.

[0011] Compared to known devices, which are equipped with a multi-component tensioning mechanism that generates corrective force when tensile force is manually set in the toe loop section, the proposed footwear can be secured to the foot with less effort. In addition, the footwear can consist of fewer components, and accordingly, it can have a compact and simple design.

[0012] The proposed footwear is intended to treat, counteract, and / or prevent pathological deformities of the foot, specifically pathological malposition of the toe and / or intermetatarsal phalangeal joints, such as the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint associated with the toe to be treated. Specifically, the proposed footwear can, but is not limited to, the prevention or treatment of hallux valgus.

[0013] In the context of this disclosure, footwear refers to any type of shoe or shoe-like footwear. For example, the term “footwear” can refer to open and closed shoes, such as sandals, especially toe-strap sandals, and similar items. Accordingly, the proposed footwear is intended to be fixed to the patient’s foot and, while fixed to the foot, to act therapeutically on the foot, specifically on the toes and the inter-metatarsal joints. In this context, the term “footwear” refers to both a pair of shoes, i.e., a pair consisting of a left shoe and a right shoe, and a single shoe.

[0014] In this disclosure, the term “properly secured to the foot” is used herein to mean “fastened (secured) state,” and also refers to a state in which footwear is intendedly secured to a patient’s foot, thereby producing a desired therapeutic effect for correcting or preventing a positional abnormality.

[0015] The proposed footwear is designed and provided to apply corrective force to the foot when fastened. In this disclosure, the term “corrective force” refers to a force that has a therapeutic effect on the foot to be treated. Specifically, the corrective force pushes those parts of the foot affected by the misalignment into their anatomically correct or intended positions in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

[0016] As described above, in the context of this disclosure, it has been found that particularly effective therapeutic effects can be achieved by applying a second corrective force acting on the metatarsal-phalangeal joints in addition to a first corrective force acting on the toes. Specifically, in the context of this disclosure, the feature that defines "a second corrective force is applied to the metatarsal-phalangeal joints" relates to such a corrective force that acts therapeutically on the metatarsal-phalangeal joints. Such a corrective force may be applied directly to the metatarsal-phalangeal joints using a corrective strap, or directly to the lateral projection of the toe ball, particularly to pseudoexostasis. Alternatively, such a corrective force may be applied indirectly by applying a corrective force to the metatarsal-phalangeal joints or the projection of the toe ball, for example, to the metatarsal bones, specifically the first metatarsal bone, in the area of ​​the metatarsal-phalangeal joints, using a corrective strap. In particular, the second corrective force may have a specific purpose: to act therapeutically on the inversion of the metatarsals, especially the inversion of the first metatarsal. The resulting combination of corrective forces applied to the foot in this way may be particularly beneficial when treating hallux valgus.

[0017] As described above, the second corrective force is directed in the opposite direction to the first corrective force. In this disclosure, this is understood to mean that the vector representing the first corrective force is directed in the opposite direction to the vector representing the second corrective force. In this manner, the vectors representing the first and second corrective forces are parallel to each other, but point in different directions and are particularly spaced apart.

[0018] In the following, in relation to corrective straps, for the sake of simplification, a general reference is made to the toes. Specifically, the toes refer to the big toe of the foot to be treated. However, footwear is not limited to this use, and the term "toes" may also refer to, for example, the little toe. Accordingly, in relation to the second corrective force, a general reference is made to the metatarsal phalangeal joint, here by which the term specifically refers to the metatarsal phalangeal joint of the big toe, but footwear is not limited to this application. Alternatively, the term "metatarsal phalangeal joint" may also refer to, for example, the metatarsal phalangeal joint of the little toe.

[0019] In this disclosure, a reference frame is used to specify footwear, particularly with respect to the foot being treated, as is common in anatomy, oriented toward the midline or near-midline (medial) of the patient's body. Therefore, the position and orientation (direction) of each component of the proposed footwear in a fastened state may be indicated relative to the foot receiving the footwear. Accordingly, the term “near the midline (or medial)” refers to the direction or side of the footwear pointing toward the medial side of the wearer’s body. In anatomy, the term “medial side” is also known as the “median sagittal plane” and generally refers broadly to the anatomical plane that divides the body into two symmetrical parts. Accordingly, when describing footwear, the term “medial” means the direction pointing from the patient’s foot to be treated toward the patient’s other foot. In this sense, the term “lateral” refers to the side and direction of the footwear pointing toward away from the medial side of the wearer’s body. Accordingly, when describing footwear fastened to one foot of the wearer, the term “lateral” means the direction pointing toward away from the wearer’s other foot.

[0020] To provide corrective force, the proposed footwear is equipped with a tension element provided in the form of an elastic corrective strap. The terms “elastic strap,” and in particular “elastic corrective strap” and “elastic retaining strap,” are used in this disclosure to mean a strap-like or belt-like component that is elastically deformable to a degree that is not negligible in order to generate first and second corrective forces. This is a significant difference in tensile stiffness, i.e., compared to a non-elastic strap. For the application of the proposed footwear, these components should be considered elastic, having linear or nonlinear stretching behavior with respect to a load of at least 10% of the amount of the first or second corrective force. In other words, the elastic corrective strap can absorb and mitigate (mitigate) at least 10%, in particular substantially 100%, of the amount of the first or second corrective force in the form of tension induced by elastic deformation. In other words, the tension of the corrective strap induced by elastic deformation can be at least 10%, in particular substantially 100%, of the amount of the first or second corrective force. In particular, the elastic corrective strap may be elastically deformable along its longitudinal direction and optionally along its transverse direction.

[0021] In particular, the proposed footwear is provided such that the elastic corrective strap is elastically deformable when fastened to the foot. In other words, the elastic corrective strap may be set in a taut state when fastened to the foot, in which case it is elastically deformed and subjected to a corresponding tension induced by the elastic deformation. However, when the footwear is removed and separated from the foot to be treated, the elastic corrective strap may be in a resting state or set in a resting state. When fixed to the foot, i.e., when the corrective strap is positioned in a taut state, the elastic corrective strap may be elastically deformed to the extent of at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm. In other words, when fixed to the foot, i.e., when the corrective strap is positioned in a taut state, the length of the corrective strap may be stretched by at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm due to elastic deformation compared to the resting state of the corrective strap. Accordingly, footwear may be designed and configured such that, in the fastened state, the first corrective force and / or second corrective force are generated by the tension that is effective (spread, dominant, used) in the elastic deformation of the corrective strap and the tension induced by the elastic deformation of the corrective strap.

[0022] Preferably, the footwear is fixed to the foot, and the corrective straps are configured and provided so that they lie in contact with the foot, at least in part, particularly in the area of ​​the toes and / or the area of ​​the metatarsophalangeal joints (joints between the metatarsal bones), and especially in the area of ​​the lateral projection of the ball of the foot. The surface of the corrective strap that is in contact with the toe and / or intermetatarsal phalangeal joints, particularly in contact with the lateral projection of the toe ball, is referred to herein as the engagement surface. The footwear may be designed so that, when fixed to the foot, the corrective strap elastically deforms along its engagement surface, particularly along the entire length of the engagement surface and / or along the portion adjacent to the engagement surface.

[0023] A corrective strap may be constructed from multiple layers, i.e., it may have a multilayer structure. For example, an elastic corrective strap may have an elastically deformable layer, which can substantially contribute to the elastic properties of the corrective strap. The elastically deformable layer may be provided by a rubber material such as an elastomer. Alternatively or additionally, a corrective strap may include at least one lining layer (inner layer). The first lining layer may be positioned along the engagement surface. The first lining layer may be made of, for example, a nonwoven material, i.e., fleece. This configuration can enhance the comfort of wearing the strap. According to one embodiment, an elastic corrective strap may be designed such that the first lining layer and a correspondingly designed second lining layer can be positioned on multiple sides opposite the elastically deformable layer.

[0024] In a fixed position, the corrective strap can engage with or grip around the toe, at least partially. In the context of this disclosure, the term “engage with the toe” means that, in a fixed position, the corrective strap extends circumferentially around the toe. Preferably, the corrective strap extends along the toe or along the toe and metatarsophalangeal joints over a substantially π-radian arc around the longitudinal axis of the toe. That is, the corrective strap extends circumferentially along at least half of the circumference of the toe. In other words, the corrective strap may extend from one side of the toe to the opposite side of the toe or metatarsophalangeal joint. According to one embodiment, the corrective strap may extend medially along the toe surface in the region of the metatarsophalangeal joints or toe ball. Alternatively, the corrective strap may extend laterally along the surface of the toe, specifically from the medial side of the toe, specifically from the medial side of the little toe, in the region of the intermetatarsal phalangeal joints. In other words, the engagement surface may be provided in the form of a pivoting surface, whose orientation, i.e., its surface normal, changes along the longitudinal axis of the toe, and preferably points to the longitudinal axis of the toe.

[0025] The corrective strap may comprise a first end and an opposing second end, i.e., the second end is positioned on the end opposite to the first end. The footwear may be designed so that, when fixed to the foot, the first end is positioned between the toe and any further adjacent toes, particularly the second toe of the foot, and is especially guided to the sole of the footwear. The second end can be positioned in the area of ​​the metatarsal phalangeal joint of the toe and can be guided to the sole. The second end can be positioned in contact with the metatarsal phalangeal joint, or lie in contact with the lateral projection of the toe ball associated with the metatarsal phalangeal joint, and can be especially engaged around that portion. Alternatively, the second end may be positioned anterior or posterior to the metatarsal phalangeal joint, in a direction from the metatarsal phalangeal joint toward the toe.

[0026] Furthermore, the corrective strap may be connected to the sole via a first end and / or a second end, and may be connected particularly firmly or fixedly, and / or tightly in tension. To this end, the first end and / or the second end may be connected to the sole by a tactile fit, and / or by pressure fitting, and / or by adhesive. In such a case, the first end and / or the second end may protrude from the underside of the sole, and may be housed in the sole, for example in a recess, or fixed to the underside of the sole in a tightly intensified manner. Alternatively, the first end and / or the second end may be guided into the sole, or positioned between the layers of the sole.

[0027] The sole may be constructed from multiple layers, that is, it may have a multilayer structure. In other words, the sole of footwear may be constructed from multiple flat layers. For example, the sole may include at least two of the following elements: an outsole (outsole of the shoe), a midsole, an insole (insole), and an inlay sole (inserted sole). In particular, the sole may comprise an outsole and an insole, where the first end and / or second end may be positioned in portions between the outsole and the insole.

[0028] In a further developed form, the connecting portion of the corrective strap is such that the first end portion of the corrective strap is connected to the sole via the connecting portion, and may be arranged spaced apart from the proximal end of the web space between the toes and the next adjacent toe. The distance between the proximal end of the web space along the longitudinal foot axis and the connecting portion may be in the range of 4 mm to 18 mm, particularly in the range of 6 mm and 15 mm.

[0029] Furthermore, the footwear comprises a holding element configured to fix the foot to be treated to the footwear in the fastened state, particularly to hold the foot relative to the footwear at a predetermined position. In other words, the holding element may be intended to exert a holding force on the foot in the fastened state of the footwear. Due to the interaction of the corrective force and the holding force, the footwear can be stably maintained with respect to the foot to be treated at the position intended for the treatment, and at the same time can act therapeutically on the foot.

[0030] The holding element may comprise a holding strap configured to fix at least one further toe and / or the joint between the further middle metatarsal and phalanx to the footwear in a state fixed to the foot. At least one further toe is arranged adjacent to the toe, particularly adjacent to the second toe or the second to fifth toes, and the further joint between the middle metatarsal and phalanx is arranged opposite the joint between the middle metatarsal and phalanx, particularly opposite the metatarsophalangeal joint of the little toe. In particular, the holding strap can exert a holding force on a further toe arranged adjacent to the toe, where, in particular, the holding force can be directed opposite to the first corrective force, that is, can point in the opposite direction compared to the first corrective force. Thus, the holding strap can ensure that the corrective force acts appropriately on the toes and the joints between the middle metatarsal and phalanx because the holding force can stably hold the foot within the footwear.

[0031] In further developed forms, the retaining force is applied by a retaining strap and can have a therapeutic effect on the foot to be treated, which can contribute in particular to the therapeutic effect of the first and second corrective forces and / or provide different further therapeutic effects.

[0032] When fixed to the foot, the retaining strap can lie in contact with an additional toe located next to the toe, and / or lie in contact with the foot in the area of ​​an additional metatarsal-phalangeal joint located opposite the metatarsal-phalangeal joint. In a further developed form, when fixed to the foot, the retaining strap may abut the foot such that the retaining strap extends from one side of an additional toe, particularly the second toe, to the opposite side of an additional metatarsal-phalangeal joint. In particular, the retaining strap can extend from the medial side of an additional toe, particularly the second toe, to the lateral (lateral) side of an additional metatarsal-phalangeal joint.

[0033] In particular, the retaining strap may be an elastic retaining strap that can be elastically deformed when fastened to the foot. More specifically, the retaining strap may be elastically deformable along its longitudinal direction and optionally along its transverse (lateral) direction. In other words, when fixed to the foot, the retaining strap may be positioned or set in a taut state, in which case it is subjected to a corresponding tension induced by elastic deformation and is elastically deformed. However, when the footwear is removed or separated from the foot to be treated, the retaining strap may be in a resting state or set in a resting state. When fixed to the foot, i.e., when the retaining strap is positioned in a taut state, the elastic retaining strap may be elastically deformed to the extent of at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm. In other words, when fixed to the foot, i.e., when the retaining strap is positioned in a taut state, the length of the retaining strap may be stretched by at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm due to elastic deformation compared to the resting state of the retaining strap. Accordingly, footwear may be designed and configured such that, in the fastened state, the retaining force is induced by the elastic deformation of the retaining strap and is at least partially generated by the tensile force that is effective (spread, dominant, used) on the retaining strap.

[0034] With respect to its material properties, particularly its elastic properties, the retaining strap can be designed to correspond to the corrective strap. In other words, the retaining strap may be made of the same material as the corrective strap.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the retaining element may comprise a further retaining strap or upper (upper leather), referred to as a vamp, which, while fixed to the foot, secures the area of ​​the metatarsal bones of the foot to the footwear and lies in contact with the foot in the area of ​​the instep. The further retaining strap or upper may be made of a material that is substantially tensile rigid. In other words, the further retaining strap may be a tensile rigid retaining strap, or the upper may be a tensile rigid upper.

[0036] Further retaining straps may comprise a distal end portion and two proximal end portions, which are fixedly connected to the sole (outsole, footbed), and may be connected particularly tensilely rigidly. The footwear may be designed such that, while fixed to the foot, the distal end portion is positioned between the toe and any adjacent further toes and fixed to the sole, and the two proximal end portions are positioned on opposite sides of the foot, i.e., the outer and inner sides, and are also firmly fixed to the sole. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] Further embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the figures: [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the upper surface of footwear designed to treat and prevent foot misalignment while fixed to the patient's foot. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the footwear shown in Figure 1 from a different side. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the footwear shown in Figure 1 from a different side. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Preferred embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements are given the same reference numeral, and repeated descriptions can be omitted to avoid duplication.

[0039] Figures 1 to 3 show footwear 10 for treating and preventing foot misalignment, particularly for treating and preventing bunions. Footwear 10 is provided in the form of a sandal, particularly a toe-strap sandal.

[0040] The footwear 10 comprises a sole 12 to which retaining elements 14 and tensioning elements 16 are fastened, each forming a loop for receiving different parts of the foot to be treated.

[0041] The tension element 16 is designed to form a loop in which the big toe is received, and the big toe is hereafter referred to as "toe". The tension element 16 is configured to fasten to the toe, as shown by vectors "F1" and "F2" in Figure 1, and is configured to apply a first corrective force F1 to the toe and a second corrective force F2 directed in the opposite direction to the first corrective force to the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint of the toe. The tension element 16 is provided in the form of an elastic corrective strap, and the elastic corrective strap is hereafter referred to as "corrective strap".

[0042] The retaining element 14 is intended to secure the foot to the footwear 10, particularly to the sole 12. To do so, the retaining element 14 comprises a first retaining strap 18 and a separate second retaining strap 20. The first retaining strap 18 is designed to form a loop that accommodates the second through fifth toes of the foot, as can be seen gathered from Figure 1. The first retaining strap 18 is provided in the form of an elastic retaining strap.

[0043] The second retaining strap 20 is configured to secure the metatarsal region of the foot to the footwear 10 when fastened to the foot. To do so, the second retaining strap 20 is positioned in contact with the foot in the instep region, as gathered from Figures 1 to 3. The second retaining strap 20 is provided in the form of a tensile-rigidity retaining strap, i.e., a non-elastic retaining strap.

[0044] The sole 12 of the footwear 10 is constructed from multiple layers, i.e., multilayered, and also comprises an outsole and an insole. The corrective straps 16, the first retaining strap 18, and the second retaining strap 20 are fixedly connected to the sole 12. To do so, the opposite ends (sections) of the corrective straps 16, the first retaining strap 18, and the second retaining strap 20 are firmly connected to the sole 12 by fixation and tension. More specifically, the opposite ends of the corrective straps 16, the first retaining strap 18, and the second retaining strap 20 are guided to the sole and connected to the outsole and insole in a manner of aligning and fitting, and / or force fitting, and / or adhesive, and are also positioned between the outsole and the insole.

[0045] When fastened to the foot, both the elastic corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 are elastically deformed, in particular, to about 3 mm. In other words, when fastened to the foot, both the elastic corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 are in a taut state, and in this taut state, the elastic corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 are elastically deformed and, correspondingly, subjected to a tightening force induced by this elastic deformation. However, when the footwear is removed or separated from the foot to be treated, the corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 are in a resting state. When fixed to the foot, that is, when the corrective strap 16 and the retaining strap 18 are in a taut state, the corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 are elastically deformed to about 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm. In other words, when fixed to the foot, the length of the corrective strap 16 or the first retaining strap 18, particularly the wrap-around length or circumferential length, is stretched by at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, or at least 5 mm due to elastic deformation compared to their resting state. In the fastened state, the first and second corrective forces F1, F2 applied by the corrective strap 16, and the retaining force F3 applied by the first retaining strap 18, are generated by tension, which is effective (spread, dominant, used) in the corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 and is induced by elastic deformation. In the illustrated configuration, the retaining force F3 is applied to the second toe in the opposite direction to the first corrective force, as can be seen from Figure 1.

[0046] The corrective strap 16 and the first retaining strap 18 are composed of multiple layers. More specifically, they have an elastic layer, which is made of elastomer in particular, and this layer is covered on its opposing side by two lining layers. The lining layers are made of nonwoven fabric material.

[0047] The corrective strap 16 is positioned along its engagement surface in contact with the toe and the intermetatarsal joints. When fastened to the foot, the elastic corrective strap 16 elastically deforms along its engagement surface and / or along portions adjacent to the engagement surface. In the tensile state, the corrective strap 16 engages around the toe so that, at least in portions, it can be stacked from Figures 1 and 2, extending from the outside of the toe along the surface of the toe toward the medial side of the foot in the area of ​​the intermetatarsal joints.

[0048] The corrective strap 16 includes a first end 22 and a second end 24 on the opposite side. When fixed to the foot, the first end 22 is positioned between the toe and any adjacent toes, more specifically, in the intertoe portion between them. The second end 24 is positioned in the area of ​​the metatarsal joint of the big toe, as can be seen from Figure 1. In the illustrated configuration, as described above, the corrective strap 16 is fixedly connected to the sole 12 of the footwear 10 via the first end 22 and the second end 24. The second end 24 lies laterally in contact with the metatarsal joint, i.e., with the laterally projecting portion of the toe ball. Alternatively, the second end portion 24 can be positioned anterior or posterior to the metatarsal joint or toe ball (toe ball) when viewed in the direction from the metatarsal joint toward the toe, i.e., along the longitudinal direction X.

[0049] The first end 22 of the corrective strap 16 is connected to the sole 12 via a connector 26. The connector 26 forms a section (part) of the corrective strap 16 that is guided to or in contact with the sole 12. In other words, the first end 22 protrudes from the sole 12 and the connector 26. The connector 26 is positioned spaced apart from the proximal end of the area between the toe and the adjacent further toe, such that the distance between the proximal end of the intertoe area and the connector 26 along the longitudinal axis X is in the range of 6 mm to 16 mm.

[0050] The first retaining strap 18 is configured to secure at least the metatarsal joints of the second toe and little toe to the footwear 10 when fixed to the foot. To do so, the first retaining strap 18 lies in contact with the metatarsal joints of the second toe and little toe. More specifically, the first retaining strap 18 includes a first end 28 and an opposing second end 30. When fixed to the foot, the first end 28 is positioned between the big toe and the second toe, more specifically, in the intertoe region provided between them. As gathered from Figure 1, the second end 30 is positioned in the region of the metatarsal joint of the little foot. In the illustrated configuration, as described above, the first retaining strap 18 is fixedly connected to the sole 12 of the footwear 10 via its first end 28 and its second end 30. In the illustrated configuration, the second end portion 30 is positioned in contact with the foot so as to be located anterior to the interphalangeal joint of the metatarsal bones of the little toe in the longitudinal direction X. Alternatively, the second end portion 30 may be positioned posterior to the interphalangeal joint of the metatarsal bones of the little toe in the longitudinal direction X, or it may be positioned laterally in contact with it.

[0051] The second retaining strap 20 is substantially tensile rigid, i.e., non-elastic, and includes two proximal end portions 34, 36 and a distal end portion 32 that are fixed and connected to the sole 12. The distal end portion 32 is positioned in the intertoe region between the big toe and the second toe and also abuts against the proximal end of the intertoe region. The two proximal end portions 34, 36 are positioned on both sides (opposite sides) of the foot, more specifically, on the outside and inside, and are also fixed to the sole.

[0052] Where applicable, all of the individual features shown in the above embodiments can be combined and / or replaced without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 10 Footwear 12 soles 14 Retention elements 16 Tension elements 16; corrective straps 18. First holding strap 20. Second holding strap 22 First end of the corrective strap 24. Second end of the corrective strap 26 Connection part 28 First end of first retaining strap 30 Second end of the first retaining strap 32 Proximal end portion of the second retaining strap 34, 36 Distal end portion of the second retention strap F1 1st correction force F2 2nd correction force F3 holding force

Claims

1. Footwear (10) for treating and preventing foot misalignment, particularly for treating and preventing bunions, A sole (12) comprising an outsole and an insole, A retaining element (14) configured to fix the foot to the footwear (10), A tension element (16) is configured to be fixed to the toes, and in a state in which the footwear (10) is fixed to the foot, it is configured to apply a first corrective force (F1) to the toes and a second corrective force (F2) directed in the opposite direction to the first corrective force (F1) to the joint between the metatarsal phalanges of the toes, Equipped with, The tension element (16) is an elastic corrective strap (16), The retaining element (14) comprises a retaining strap (18) and a further retaining strap (20), The retaining strap (18), when fixed to the foot, is configured to secure to the footwear (10) at least one further toe and / or further metatarsal phalangeal joints located adjacent to the toe. The further retaining strap (20), when fixed to the foot, fixes the metatarsal region of the foot to the footwear (10) and lies in contact with the foot in the instep region. The opposite ends (22, 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) of the corrective strap (16), the retaining strap (18), and the further retaining strap (20) are guided into the sole (12), positioned between the outsole and the insole, and connected to the sole (12) by fitting and snapping, and / or force-fitting, and / or adhesive. footwear.

2. In the state in which it is fixed to the foot, the corrective strap (16) is elastically deformed, and in particular elastically deformed to at least 3 mm. Footwear according to claim 1.

3. In the state in which the corrective force is fixed to the foot, the first corrective force (F1) and / or the second corrective force (F2) are configured to be effective in the elastic deformation of the corrective strap (16) and to be generated by the tensile force induced by the elastic deformation of the corrective strap (16). Footwear according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. In the state described above with the footwear (10) fixed to the foot, the corrective strap (16) is along the engagement surface of the corrective strap (16) to the toe and / or the middle Lying in contact with the joint between the phalanges of the foot, the corrective strap (16) is elastically deformed along the engaging surface of the corrective strap (16) and / or along the portion adjacent to the engaging surface. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In the state in which it is fixed to the foot, the corrective strap (16) engages around the toe, at least in part, such that the corrective strap (16) extends from one side of the toe to the intermetatarsal joint or to the opposite side of the toe. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the state in which it is fixed to the foot, the corrective strap (16) lies in contact with the foot such that it extends medially to the foot in the region of the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint, from the side of the toe to the toe surface. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The footwear (10) is designed such that, when fixed to the foot, the first end (22) of the corrective strap (16) is positioned between the toe and the adjacent toe, and the second end (24) of the corrective strap (16) is positioned in the area of ​​the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The corrective strap (16) is fixed and connected to the sole (12) of the footwear via the first end (22) and the second end (24) of the corrective strap (16). Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The second end (24) of the corrective strap (16) lies laterally relative to the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint, or is positioned anteriorly or posteriorly to the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint in the direction (X) from the intermetatarsal phalangeal joint toward the toe. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The connecting portion (26) of the corrective strap (16) is such that the first end (22) of the corrective strap (16) is connected to the sole (12) via the connecting portion (26), and is positioned at a distance from the proximal end of the intertoe region between the toe and the adjacent further toe, and the distance along the longitudinal foot axis (X) between the connecting portion (26) and the proximal end of the intertoe region is in the range of 4 mm to 18 mm. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. In the state in which it is fixed to the foot, the retaining strap (18) lies or is positioned in contact with the further toe area and / or in contact with the further metatarsal phalangeal joint area. Footwear according to claim 1.

12. The retaining strap (18) is an elastic retaining strap, and in the state described above with the footwear (10) fixed to the foot, the elastic retaining strap is elastically deformed, and in particular elastically deformed to at least 3 mm. Footwear according to claim 1.

13. The further retaining strap (20) is formed by a retaining strap that is substantially tensilely rigid. Footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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