shoes

Abstract

To provide a shoe that can suppress the formation of wrinkles in the upper during quick changes of direction. [Solution] The shoe 1 comprises a sole 1S and an upper 1U. The upper 1U includes a foot insertion portion 410, a slit portion 420, a peripheral portion 430, and a forefoot covering portion 500. The forefoot covering portion 500 includes an inner functional portion 510 and an outer functional portion 520. The inner functional portion 510 has a plurality of inner high-rigidity portions 510H and a plurality of inner low-rigidity portions 510L arranged between the inner high-rigidity portions 510H. The outer functional portion 520 has a plurality of outer high-rigidity portions 520H and a plurality of outer low-rigidity portions 520L arranged between the outer high-rigidity portions 520H. The length between the outer ends in the foot width direction of the outer low-rigidity portions 520L that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is longer than the length between the inner ends in the foot width direction of the inner low-rigidity portions 510L that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to shoes.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in shoes used for sports such as ball games, etc., in addition to a running assistance function, it is required to be excellent in an assistance function for quickly and smoothly performing a turning operation (so-called switching operation). For example, International Publication No. 2011 / 129017 discloses a structure of the front foot part of an upper of a shoe including a high-rigidity region, a low-rigidity region that is more easily stretchable and more easily bendable than the high-rigidity region. The low-rigidity region has a plurality of inner flexible parts formed on the inner side in the foot width direction and a plurality of outer flexible parts formed on the outer side in the foot width direction. Each flexible part is spaced apart from each other in the foot length direction. The high-rigidity region has an inner reinforcement part disposed between adjacent inner flexible parts and an outer reinforcement part disposed between adjacent outer flexible parts.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a sport (such as tennis) where switching operations frequently occur, if wrinkles occur in the front foot part of the upper during the switching operation, there is a concern that the toes of the wearer may be locally compressed.

[0005] An object of this disclosure is to provide shoes capable of suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the upper during the switching operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A shoe according to one aspect of this disclosure comprises a sole and an upper, the upper including a foot opening for inserting and removing the foot of the wearer of the shoe, a slit defining an opening extending forward in the foot-length direction from the foot opening, a periphery connected to the sole, and a forefoot covering covering the forefoot of the wearer of the shoe, the forefoot covering including an internal functional portion formed on the inside in the foot-width direction and between the slit and the periphery, and an external functional portion formed on the outside of the internal functional portion in the foot-width direction and between the slit and the periphery, the internal functional portion including a plurality of internal high-rigidity portions arranged in line in the foot-length direction, each of which has a shape extending in the foot-width direction, and a plurality of internal high-rigidity portions arranged between adjacent internal high-rigidity portions in the foot-length direction The outer functional part comprises a low-rigidity section, each of which of the plurality of inner low-rigidity sections has a bending rigidity lower than that of each of the plurality of inner high-rigidity sections and has a shape that extends in the direction of the width of the foot, and the outer functional section comprises a plurality of outer high-rigidity sections arranged in line in the direction of the length of the foot, each of which of the plurality of outer high-rigidity sections has a shape that extends in the direction of the width of the foot, and a plurality of outer low-rigidity sections arranged between adjacent outer high-rigidity sections in the direction of the length of the foot, each of which of the plurality of outer low-rigidity sections has a bending rigidity lower than that of each of the plurality of outer high-rigidity sections and has a shape that extends in the direction of the width of the foot, and the length between the outer ends in the direction of the width of the outer low-rigidity sections adjacent to each other in the direction of the length of the foot is longer than the length between the inner ends in the direction of the width of the inner low-rigidity sections adjacent to each other in the direction of the length of the foot. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure makes it possible to provide shoes that can suppress the formation of wrinkles in the upper during quick changes of direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a shoe in one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective showing the shoe from a different angle than Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a two-dimensional view of a shoe. [Figure 4] This is a view of the bottom of the sole. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged perspective view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the outer reinforcement section and the front end of the inner / outer separation groove. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows the changes in the contact area of ​​the sole during a change of direction movement. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged perspective view that schematically shows the positional relationship between the front end of the internal functional section and internal reinforcing section and the bending guide groove. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the unfolded portion of the forefoot covering. [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX. [Figure 10] Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view along line XX. [Figure 11] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 12] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 13] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 14] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 15] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 16] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 17] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 18] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 19] This figure schematically shows modified examples of the outer high-rigidity section and the outer low-rigidity section. [Figure 20]It is a diagram schematically showing a modified example of an outer high-rigidity part and an outer low-rigidity part. [Figure 21] It is a diagram schematically showing a modified example of an outer high-rigidity part and an outer low-rigidity part. [Figure 22] It is a diagram schematically showing a modified example of an outer high-rigidity part and an outer low-rigidity part. [Figure 23] It is a diagram schematically showing a modified example of an outer high-rigidity part and an outer low-rigidity part. [Figure 24] It is a diagram schematically showing a modified example of an outer high-rigidity part and an outer low-rigidity part.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding members are given the same numbers. In the following description, terms such as the longitudinal direction, the width direction, the front, and the rear are used. These terms indicating directions show the directions as viewed from the perspective of a wearer wearing the shoe 1 placed on a flat surface such as the ground. For example, the front points to the toe side, and the rear points to the heel side. Also, the inner side points to the first toe side of the foot in the width direction, and the outer side points to the fifth toe side of the foot in the width direction.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a shoe in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the shoe at a different angle from FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the shoe. The shoe 1 of this embodiment is suitable for shoes for coat-type competitions (such as tennis) with a lot of so-called turning-back movements.

[0011] Although the left-foot shoe 1 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, this shoe 1 is also applicable to the right foot. In this case, the right-foot shoe is formed in a shape that is symmetric with the left-foot shoe or a shape generally conforming thereto.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the shoe 1 includes a sole 1S and an upper 1U. are.

[0013] <Sole> First, let me explain about Sole 1S. The sole 1S supports the wearer's foot. As shown in Figure 3, the sole 1S has a forefoot region R1 and a hindfoot region R2.

[0014] The forefoot region R1 is the area of ​​the sole 1S that overlaps with the wearer's forefoot in the thickness direction. The forefoot is the part of the wearer's foot located at the front in the length direction (vertical direction in Figure 3) of the shoe 1. The forefoot region R1 is located in a range of approximately 0% to 50% of the total length of the shoe 1 along the shoe center SC (see Figure 3), from the front end to the rear end of the shoe 1.

[0015] The direction of the foot length is parallel to the shoe center SC. Note that the shoe center SC is not limited to the center line of shoe 1, but may also be the line corresponding to the straight line connecting the center of the calcaneus B10 of a typical wearer of shoe 1 and the space between the first and second toes.

[0016] The rearfoot region R2 is the area of ​​the sole 1S that overlaps with the rearfoot of the wearer of the shoe 1 in the thickness direction. The rearfoot is the part of the wearer's foot located at the back in the length direction of the foot. The rearfoot region R2 is located in the range of 50% to 100% of the total length of the shoe 1, from the front to the rear.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sole 1S includes a midsole 100, an inner reinforcement portion 210, an outer reinforcement portion 220, a heel reinforcement portion 230, and an outsole 300.

[0018] The midsole 100 primarily serves to cushion the foot upon impact. The midsole 100 is formed from a resin foam material containing, for example, a resin material as the main component and a foaming agent or crosslinking agent as secondary components. However, the midsole 100 is not limited to the above materials and may be formed from a resin or rubber material that has appropriate strength while also having excellent cushioning properties.

[0019] The inner reinforcement portion 210 is provided on the inner side of the midsole 100 in the width direction of the foot. The inner reinforcement portion 210 is made of a material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane resin, nylon resin) that is harder than the material that makes up the midsole 100 and the material that makes up the upper 1U. The inner reinforcement portion 210 reinforces the upper 1U. The inner reinforcement portion 210 has a shape that extends in the length direction of the foot. The inner reinforcement portion 210 has the function of allowing the midsole 100 to twist inward at the heel side relative to the toe side during push-off in a change of direction movement. The inner reinforcement portion 210 covers the lower part of the upper 1U. The front end portion 212 of the inner reinforcement portion 210 in the length direction of the foot is located posterior to the position corresponding to the MP joint of the wearer's foot (see Figure 3) in the length direction of the foot.

[0020] The outer reinforcement portion 220 is provided on the outer side of the midsole 100 in the width direction of the foot. The outer reinforcement portion 220 is made of a material with higher hardness than the material constituting the midsole 100 and the material constituting the upper 1U (for example, thermoplastic polyurethane resin, nylon resin). The outer reinforcement portion 220 may be made of a material with lower hardness than the material constituting the inner reinforcement portion 210. The outer reinforcement portion 220 reinforces the upper 1U. The outer reinforcement portion 220 has a shape that extends in the length direction of the foot. The outer reinforcement portion 220 has the function of suppressing a decrease in the compressive stiffness of the midsole 100. In this embodiment, the outer reinforcement portion 220 also has the function of suppressing an increase in the bending stiffness of the sole 1S near the MP joint of the wearer's foot. As shown in Figure 2, the outer reinforcing portion 220 has a rear reinforcing portion 222, a front reinforcing portion 224, and a bending allowance portion 226.

[0021] The posterior reinforcement portion 222 is located posterior to the extension line L of the MP joint of the wearer's foot in the foot-length direction. As shown in Figure 2, the posterior reinforcement portion 222 covers the outer side of the midsole 100 in the foot-width direction.

[0022] The front reinforcement portion 224 is located anterior to the extension line L of the wearer's foot's MP joint in the foot-length direction. The front reinforcement portion 224 covers the outer side of the midsole 100 in the foot-width direction. The front reinforcement portion 224 has a shape that exposes the upper part of the outer side of the midsole 100.

[0023] The bending allowance portion 226 is located on the extension line L of the MP joint and connects the posterior reinforcing portion 222 and the anterior reinforcing portion 224. The bending allowance portion 226 allows the anterior reinforcing portion 224 to bend relative to the posterior reinforcing portion 222. In this embodiment, the bending allowance portion 226 is composed of a notch that opens upward.

[0024] The heel reinforcement portion 230 reinforces the heel portion of the upper 1U. The heel reinforcement portion 230 is made of a material with higher hardness than the material that makes up the midsole 100 and the material that makes up the upper 1U (for example, thermoplastic polyurethane resin, nylon resin). The heel reinforcement portion 230 has the function of suppressing the bending of the heel portion of the upper 1U when it makes contact with the ground during a change of direction. The heel reinforcement portion 230 covers a part of the heel portion of the upper 1U. The heel reinforcement portion 230 is connected to the rear end of the inner reinforcement portion 210. The heel reinforcement portion 230 may be made of the same material as the inner reinforcement portion 210, or it may be made of a different material.

[0025] The outsole 300 is positioned on the underside of the midsole 100. In this embodiment, the outsole 300 is connected to the underside of the midsole 100. The outsole 300 constitutes the contact area. The outsole 300 is made of rubber or the like.

[0026] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the sole. As shown in Figure 4, the outsole 300 has an inner contact portion 310, an outer contact portion 320, an inner / outer separation groove 330, and a front contact portion 340.

[0027] The inner contact portion 310 is located on the inside in the width direction of the foot. The inner contact portion 310 includes an inner edge 312. The inner edge 312 is an edge that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot in the thickness direction of the shoe 1 and is located on the inside in the width direction of the foot. The inner contact portion 310 has a shape that extends in the length direction of the foot. In this embodiment, the inner contact portion 310 has a shape that extends forward in the length direction of the foot from the rear end of the outsole 300.

[0028] The outer contact portion 320 is positioned on the outside in the width direction of the foot. The outer contact portion 320 includes an outer edge 322. The outer edge 322 is an edge that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot in the thickness direction of the shoe 1 and is located on the outside in the width direction of the foot. The outer contact portion 320 has a shape that extends in the length direction of the foot. In this embodiment, the outer contact portion 320 has a shape that extends forward in the length direction of the foot from the rear end of the outsole 300.

[0029] The inner-outer separation groove 330 is formed between the inner contact portion 310 and the outer contact portion 320, separating the inner contact portion 310 and the outer contact portion 320. The inner-outer separation groove 330 has a shape that extends forward in the foot length direction from the rear end of the outsole 300. The front end 332 of the inner-outer separation groove 330 in the foot length direction is located on the outer edge of the outsole 300 in the foot width direction. As shown in Figure 5, the front end 332 is flexible in the thickness direction. It is formed in a position that overlaps with part 226.

[0030] The front contact area 340 is formed in a position that overlaps with the front of the wearer's forefoot in the thickness direction of the shoe 1. The front contact area 340 is a region located in the range of approximately 0% to 40% of the total length of the shoe 1 along the shoe center SC, from the front end to the rear end of the shoe 1.

[0031] Here, referring to Figure 6, we will explain the changes in the contact area of ​​the outsole 300 during a change of direction movement. Figure 6 shows the contact area of ​​the outsole 300 from the time of ground contact to the time of push-off (take-off) during a change of direction movement. Note that in Figure 6, the contact area is shown with diagonal lines, and the rear end of the contact area is shown with a dashed line.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, from the initial contact with the ground to the push-off, the rear end of the contact area gradually moves forward in the length direction of the foot. More specifically, the rear end of the contact area moves further forward on the outer side than on the inner side in the width direction of the foot. In other words, from the initial contact with the ground to the push-off, the amount of forward movement of the outer end of the rear end of the contact area in the width direction of the foot is greater than the amount of forward movement of the inner end of the rear end of the contact area in the width direction of the foot. The outsole 300 is provided with grooves (hereinafter referred to as "flexion guidance grooves 342") that define the flexion area of ​​the outsole 300 during a change of direction movement in order to smooth this transition of the contact area.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the front contact portion 340 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) bending guide grooves 342 formed therein. The plurality of bending guide grooves 342 are arranged at intervals in the foot length direction. Each of the plurality of bending guide grooves 342 has a shape that extends continuously or intermittently from the inner edge to the outer edge of the front contact portion 340 in the foot width direction. Each bending guide groove 342 is formed in a shape based on the transition of the rear end of the contact area shown in Figure 6. Each bending guide groove 342 has a shape that gradually extends forward in the foot length direction as it extends outward in the foot width direction. Each bending guide groove 342 has a shape that extends in a straight line. The length L32 between the outer edges in the foot width direction of adjacent bending guide grooves 342 in the foot length direction is longer than the length L31 between the inner edges in the foot width direction of adjacent bending guide grooves 342 in the foot width direction.

[0034] The multiple flexion guide grooves 342 include a rearmost flexion guide groove 342r located furthest to the rear in the foot length direction. As shown in Figure 4, the outer edge of the rearmost flexion guide groove 342r in the foot width direction is located forward in the foot length direction of the front end 332 of the inner / outer separation groove 330. As shown in Figure 7, the inner edge of the rearmost flexion guide groove 342r in the foot length direction is located forward in the foot length direction of the front end 212 of the inner reinforcing portion 210.

[0035] <Upper> Next, I will explain Upper 1U. The upper 1U is located above the sole 1S and is connected to the sole 1S. Together with the sole 1S, the upper 1U forms a space that accommodates the wearer's foot. The upper 1U covers the top surface of the foot. The upper 1U includes a foot insertion portion 410, a slit portion 420, a peripheral portion 430, and a forefoot covering portion 500.

[0036] The foot opening 410 is the part of the shoe 1 used for inserting and removing the wearer's foot. The foot opening 410 is open upwards.

[0037] The slit portion 420 defines an opening that extends forward in the foot-length direction from the foot insertion portion 410. The slit portion 420 has an insertion hole for inserting shoelaces. It has been done.

[0038] The peripheral portion 430 is a part that constitutes the periphery of the upper 1U. The peripheral portion 430 is connected to the sole 1S. Specifically, the peripheral portion 430 is connected to the midsole 100. The peripheral portion 430 is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like. The peripheral portion 430 is continuously connected along the periphery of the upper 1U. The surface of the peripheral portion 430 may be formed smoothly. The peripheral portion 430 is formed in a range of approximately 1 mm to 20 mm above the upper end of the midsole 100.

[0039] The forefoot covering portion 500 covers the wearer's forefoot. The forefoot covering portion 500 has a base portion made of mesh fabric and a reinforcement portion provided on the base portion. The reinforcement portion has a bending rigidity higher than that of the base portion. The reinforcement portion is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like.

[0040] Bending stiffness refers to the stiffness of a part when it is bent along a straight line parallel to the width of the foot. For example, the bending stiffness of a strong part refers to the stiffness of that strong part when it is bent along a straight line parallel to the width of the foot. Bending stiffness is measured by so-called three-point bending tests, etc.

[0041] Figure 8 is an unfolded view of the forefoot covering portion 500. As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8, the forefoot covering portion 500 has an inner functional portion 510 and an outer functional portion 520.

[0042] The inner functional portion 510 is formed on the inner side in the width direction of the foot and between the slit portion 420 and the peripheral portion 430. The inner functional portion 510 has the function of suppressing damage to the base portion due to friction. As shown in Figure 3, the inner functional portion 510 is formed in the width direction of the foot in an area that overlaps with the ball of the wearer's foot. As shown in Figure 8, the inner functional portion 510 has a plurality of inner high-rigidity portions 510H and a plurality of inner low-rigidity portions 510L.

[0043] Multiple inner high-rigidity sections 510H are arranged in a line along the length of the foot. Each of the multiple inner high-rigidity sections 510H has a shape that extends in the width direction of the foot. Each inner high-rigidity section 510H has a shape that extends continuously from the slit section 420 to the peripheral edge section 430. Therefore, tension from the shoelaces is effectively transmitted to the peripheral edge section 430. Each inner high-rigidity section 510H constitutes a part of the strength section. In other words, each inner high-rigidity section 510H is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like.

[0044] As shown in Figure 8, the multiple inner high-rigidity sections 510H include the rearmost inner high-rigidity section 511H, which is located furthest back in the leg-length direction. As shown in Figure 7, the front end 212 of the inner reinforcing section 210 in the leg-length direction is located behind the line segment L1 connecting the inner end of the rearmost inner high-rigidity section 511H in the leg-length direction and the inner end of the rearmost bending guide groove 342r in the leg-length direction.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8, each inner high-rigidity section 510H has a plurality of inner high-rigidity elements 512 connected to each other in the foot width direction. Each of the inner high-rigidity elements 512 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape in which the length in the foot width direction gradually decreases as they get closer to each other. Each inner high-rigidity element 512 is formed in a rectangular shape. Preferably, each inner high-rigidity element 512 is formed in a rhombus shape. Preferably, the corners of each of the inner high-rigidity elements 512 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0046] Multiple inner low-rigidity sections 510L are arranged between adjacent inner high-rigidity sections 510H in the leg length direction. Each of the multiple inner low-rigidity sections 510L has a bending rigidity lower than the bending rigidity of each of the multiple inner high-rigidity sections 510H. Each inner low-rigidity section 510L is in the leg width direction. Each inner low-rigidity portion 510L has a shape that extends continuously from the slit portion 420 to the peripheral edge portion 430. The position and shape of each inner low-rigidity portion 510L shown in Figure 8 are set based on the transition of the rear end of the ground contact area shown in Figure 6.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, each inner low-rigidity section 510L has a plurality of inner low-rigidity elements 514 connected to each other in the foot width direction. Each of the inner low-rigidity elements 514 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape in which the length in the foot width direction gradually decreases as they get closer to each other. Each inner low-rigidity element 514 is formed in a rectangular shape. Preferably, each inner low-rigidity element 514 is formed in a rhombus shape. Preferably, the corners of each of the inner low-rigidity elements 514 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the thickness of each inner high-rigidity element 512 is greater than the thickness of each inner low-rigidity element 514. The inner low-rigidity elements 514 may be made of the same material (such as polyurethane) as the material that forms the inner high-rigidity elements 512, or they may be made of the same material (mesh fabric) as the material that forms the base.

[0049] The outer functional portion 520 is formed outside the inner functional portion 510 in the width direction of the foot and between the slit portion 420 and the peripheral portion 430. The outer functional portion 520 has the function of restricting foot slippage within the shoe 1 while ensuring the fit of the upper 1U to the foot. As shown in Figure 3, the outer functional portion 520 is formed in a range from the area in front of the slit portion 420 to the area behind the position that overlaps with the MP joint of the wearer's foot in the width direction. The area of ​​the outer functional portion 520 is larger than the area of ​​the inner functional portion 510. As shown in Figure 8, the outer functional portion 520 has a plurality of outer high-rigidity portions 520H and a plurality of outer low-rigidity portions 520L.

[0050] Multiple outer high-rigidity sections 520H are arranged in a line along the length of the foot. Each of the multiple outer high-rigidity sections 520H has a shape that extends in the width direction of the foot. Each outer high-rigidity section 520H has a shape that extends continuously from the slit section 420 to the peripheral edge section 430. Therefore, tension from the shoelaces is effectively transmitted to the peripheral edge section 430. Each outer high-rigidity section 520H constitutes a part of the strength section. In other words, each outer high-rigidity section 520H is made of polyurethane (PU) or the like.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, each outer high-rigidity section 520H has a plurality of outer high-rigidity elements 522 connected to each other in the foot width direction. Each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape in which the length in the foot width direction gradually decreases as they get closer to each other. Each outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed in a rectangular shape. Preferably, each outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed in a rhombus shape. Preferably, the corners of each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0052] Multiple outer low-rigidity sections 520L are arranged between adjacent outer high-rigidity sections 520H in the leg length direction. Each of the multiple outer low-rigidity sections 520L has a bending rigidity lower than the bending rigidity of each of the multiple outer high-rigidity sections 520H. Each outer low-rigidity section 520L has a shape that extends in the leg width direction. Each outer low-rigidity section 520L has a shape that extends continuously from the slit section 420 to the peripheral edge section 430.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the length between adjacent outer low-rigidity sections 520L in the foot length direction gradually increases as it moves outward in the foot width direction. The position and shape of each outer low-rigidity section 520L shown in Figure 8 are set based on the transition of the rear end of the contact area shown in Figure 6.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, the length L20 between the outer ends in the foot width direction of adjacent outer low-rigidity portions 520L in the foot length direction is longer than the length L10 between the inner ends in the foot width direction of adjacent inner low-rigidity portions 510L in the foot length direction. The length L20 is preferably 1.5 to 5 times the length of L10, and more preferably 2 to 3 times.

[0055] Furthermore, "the outer end of the outer low-rigidity portion 520L in the foot width direction" refers to the boundary between the outer low-rigidity portion 520L and the peripheral portion 430, and "the inner end of the inner low-rigidity portion 510L in the foot width direction" refers to the boundary between the inner low-rigidity portion 510L and the peripheral portion 430.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, each outer low-rigidity section 520L has a plurality of outer low-rigidity elements 524 connected to each other in the foot width direction. Each of the outer low-rigidity elements 524 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape in which the length in the foot width direction gradually decreases as they get closer to each other. Each outer low-rigidity element 524 is formed in a rectangular shape. Preferably, each outer low-rigidity element 524 is formed in a rhomboid shape. Preferably, the corners of each of the outer low-rigidity elements 524 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0057] As shown in Figure 10, the thickness of each outer high-rigidity element 522 is greater than the thickness of each outer low-rigidity element 524. The outer low-rigidity element 524 has a resin portion 524a made of the same material (such as polyurethane) as the material that forms the outer high-rigidity element 522, and a fabric portion 524b made of the same material (mesh fabric) as the material that forms the base portion.

[0058] As described above, in the shoe 1 of this embodiment, on the inner side in the width direction of the foot, the inner low-rigidity portion 510L and the inner high-rigidity portion 510H are arranged alternately in the length direction of the foot, and on the outer side in the width direction of the foot, the outer low-rigidity portion 520L and the outer high-rigidity portion 520H are arranged alternately in the length direction of the foot. Therefore, in so-called quick-change movements, the forefoot covering portion 500 of the upper 1U bends at each of the low-rigidity portions 510L, 520L. Furthermore, the length L20 between the outer ends in the width direction of the outer low-rigidity portion 520L that are adjacent to each other in the length direction of the foot is longer than the length L10 between the inner ends in the width direction of the inner low-rigidity portion 510L that are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the foot. As a result, the forefoot covering portion 500 effectively fits the wearer's forefoot when the bending portion of the forefoot covering portion 500 moves forward from the initial landing to the push-off. Therefore, the formation of wrinkles in the forefoot covering portion 500 is effectively suppressed.

[0059] The following describes some variations of the above embodiment.

[0060] (First variation) The outer shapes of the inner high-rigidity element 512 and the outer high-rigidity element 522 may be formed as convex polygons. Figures 11 to 13 show examples where the outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed as a pentagon, Figures 14 to 16 show examples where the outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed as a trapezoid, Figure 17 shows an example where the outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed as a triangle, and Figure 18 shows an example where the outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed as a quadrilateral. In all examples, the corners of each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 that are adjacent to each other in the leg length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0061] (Second variation) The outer shape of the inner high-rigidity element 512 and the outer high-rigidity element 522 may be formed as a concave polygon.

[0062] Figure 19 shows an example in which the outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed in a concave octagonal shape. Each of these outer high-rigidity elements 522 has a shape in which acute and obtuse angles are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction, and the acute angles of each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 that are adjacent to each other in the leg length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0063] Figure 20 shows an example in which the outer rigidity element 522 is formed in the shape of a concave hexagon. In this outer rigidity element 522, two acute angles and one obtuse angle are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction, and the acute angles of each of the outer rigidity elements 522 that are adjacent to each other in the leg length direction are in contact with or close to each other.

[0064] (Third variation) The outer shape of the inner high-rigidity element 512 and the outer shape of the outer high-rigidity element 522 may include a curved portion in part.

[0065] Figure 21 shows an example in which the outer high-rigidity element 522 is formed in an elliptical shape.

[0066] The outer high-rigidity element 522 shown in Figure 22 has a pair of first curved portions 522a facing each other in the leg length direction and a pair of second curved portions 522b facing each other in the leg width direction. Each first curved portion 522a has a shape that curves convex outward in the leg length direction. Each second curved portion 522b has a shape that curves convex inward in the leg width direction. Each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 that are adjacent to each other in the leg length direction has its first curved portions 522a in contact with or close to each other.

[0067] The outer high-rigidity element 522 shown in Figure 23 has a pair of opposing straight sections 522c and a pair of opposing curved sections 522d. Each curved section 522d has an inflection point. Each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 that are adjacent to each other in the leg length direction has corners of its straight section 522c and curved section 522d that are in contact with or close to each other.

[0068] The outer high-rigidity element 522 shown in Figure 24 has three curved portions 522e. Each curved portion 522e has a shape that curves convexly toward the inside of the outer high-rigidity element 522. Each of the outer high-rigidity elements 522 that are adjacent to each other in the leg length direction have their corners in contact with or close to each other.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the embodiments described below.

[0070] [Aspect 1] A shoe comprising a sole and an upper, The aforementioned upper is, The aforementioned shoes include a foot opening for inserting and removing the wearer's feet, A slit portion defines an opening that extends forward in the foot-length direction from the foot insertion portion, The edge portion connected to the sole, The shoe includes a forefoot covering portion that covers the forefoot of the wearer, The aforementioned forefoot covering portion is An inner functional portion formed on the inner side in the width direction of the foot and between the slit portion and the edge portion, Including an outer functional portion formed outside the inner functional portion in the width direction of the foot and between the slit portion and the edge portion, The aforementioned internal functional part is, A plurality of inner high-rigidity parts arranged in line in the length direction of the legs, Each of the parts has a shape that extends in the direction of the width of the foot, The foot comprises a plurality of inner low-rigidity portions arranged between adjacent inner high-rigidity portions in the lengthwise direction of the foot, each of which has a bending rigidity lower than that of each of the plurality of inner high-rigidity portions and has a shape that extends in the widthwise direction of the foot, The aforementioned external functional part is, A plurality of outer high-rigidity parts arranged in line in the length direction of the foot, each of the plurality of outer high-rigidity parts having a shape that extends in the width direction of the foot, The leg comprises a plurality of outer low-rigidity portions arranged between adjacent outer high-rigidity portions in the lengthwise direction of the leg, each of which has a bending rigidity lower than that of each of the plurality of outer high-rigidity portions and has a shape that extends in the widthwise direction of the leg, The length between the outer ends in the foot width direction of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is longer than the length between the inner ends in the foot width direction of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot length direction.

[0071] In these shoes, on the inner side in the width direction, low-rigidity and high-rigidity sections are arranged alternately in the length direction of the foot, and on the outer side in the width direction, low-rigidity and high-rigidity sections are arranged alternately in the length direction of the foot. As a result, the forefoot covering of the upper flexes at each low-rigidity section during so-called quick changes of direction. Furthermore, the length between the outer ends of adjacent outer low-rigidity sections in the width direction is longer than the length between the inner ends of adjacent inner low-rigidity sections in the width direction. Therefore, as the flexed portion of the forefoot covering moves forward from the initial contact with the ground to the push-off, the forefoot covering effectively fits the wearer's forefoot. Consequently, the formation of wrinkles in the forefoot covering is suppressed.

[0072] [Aspect 2] The shoe according to embodiment 1, wherein the length between adjacent outer low-rigidity portions in the foot length direction gradually increases as it moves outward in the foot width direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, the formation of wrinkles in the forefoot covering is more reliably suppressed.

[0074] [Aspect 3] The shoe according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the length between the outer ends in the foot width direction of the outer low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is 1.5 times or more and 5 times or less the length between the inner ends in the foot width direction of the inner low-rigidity portions adjacent to each other in the foot length direction.

[0075] [Aspect 4] Each of the aforementioned inner high-rigidity sections has a plurality of inner high-rigidity elements connected to each other in the foot width direction, Each of the aforementioned outer high-rigidity sections has a plurality of outer high-rigidity elements connected to each other in the foot width direction, Each of the inner high-rigidity elements adjacent to each other in the length direction of the foot has a shape in which the length in the width direction of the foot gradually decreases as they get closer to each other. The shoe according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each of the outer high-rigidity elements adjacent to each other in the foot length direction has a shape in which the length in the foot width direction gradually decreases as they approach each other.

[0076] In this embodiment, the portion of the forefoot covering that bends during a change of direction movement is effectively defined as the portion of the medial functional part between adjacent medial high-rigidity elements in the longitudinal direction of the foot and the portion of the lateral functional part between adjacent lateral high-rigidity elements in the longitudinal direction of the foot.

[0077] [Aspect 5] Each of the aforementioned inner high-rigidity elements is formed in a rectangular shape. The shoe according to embodiment 4, wherein each of the aforementioned outer high-rigidity elements is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0078] [Aspect 6] The sole mentioned above is The midsole that supports the wearer's foot, The midsole includes an outer reinforcing portion provided on the outer side in the width direction of the foot, which is made of a material with higher hardness than the material constituting the midsole, The aforementioned outer reinforcing portion is A rear reinforcing portion located posterior to the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot in the foot-length direction, The front reinforcing portion is located anterior to the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot in the foot-length direction, A shoe according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, having a flexion-allowing portion that is located on the extension of the MP joint of the wearer's foot, connects the rear reinforcing portion and the front reinforcing portion, and allows the front reinforcing portion to bend relative to the rear reinforcing portion.

[0079] In this embodiment, the decrease in the compressive stiffness of the midsole is suppressed, and the increase in the bending stiffness of the sole near the MP joint of the wearer's foot is suppressed.

[0080] [Aspect 7] The shoe according to embodiment 6, wherein the sole further includes an outsole disposed on the underside of the midsole.

[0081] [Aspect 8] The aforementioned outsole is The shoe has an inner contact portion that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot in the thickness direction and includes the inner edge in the width direction of the foot, and has a shape that extends in the length direction of the foot, An outer contact portion having a shape that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot in the thickness direction and includes the outer edge in the foot width direction, and extends in the foot length direction, It has an inner-outer separation groove formed between the inner ground portion and the outer ground portion, which separates the inner ground portion and the outer ground portion, The shoe according to embodiment 7, wherein the front end of the inner and outer separation groove in the length direction of the foot is formed in a position that overlaps with the bending allowance in the thickness direction.

[0082] In this embodiment, relative displacement of the outer contact point relative to the inner contact point during a change of direction is permitted, and bending of the sole near the MP joint of the wearer's foot is promoted.

[0083] [Aspect 9] The outsole includes a front contact portion that overlaps with the forefoot covering portion in the thickness direction of the shoe. The front contact portion is formed with a plurality of bending guide grooves arranged in the direction of the length of the foot, each of which has a shape that extends continuously or intermittently from the inner edge to the outer edge in the direction of the width of the foot. The shoe according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the length between the outer ends in the foot width direction of the flexion guide grooves that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is longer than the length between the inner ends in the foot width direction of the flexion guide grooves that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction.

[0084] In this embodiment, the outsole is used from the initial ground contact to the push-off during the change of direction motion. The flexed portion moves effectively forward.

[0085] [Aspect 10] The sole is provided on the inner side of the midsole in the width direction of the foot, and further includes an inner reinforcing portion made of a material with higher hardness than the material constituting the midsole. The plurality of inner high-rigidity portions include the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion located furthest back in the leg length direction, The plurality of bending guide grooves include the rearmost bending guide groove located furthest back in the length direction of the leg, The shoe according to embodiment 9, wherein the front end of the inner reinforcing portion in the length direction of the foot is located behind the line segment in the length direction of the foot that connects the inner end of the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion in the length direction of the foot and the inner end of the rearmost flexion guide groove in the length direction of the foot.

[0086] In this embodiment, during the push-off phase of a change of direction, the midsole is allowed to twist inward at the heel relative to the toe, and the bending of the sole near the MP joint of the wearer's foot is promoted.

[0087] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1 Shoe, 1S Sole, 1U Upper, 100 Midsole, 210 Medial reinforcement, 220 External reinforcement, 222 Rear reinforcement, 224 Front reinforcement, 226 Flexion allowance, 230 Heel reinforcement, 300 Outsole, 310 Medial contact area, 320 External contact area, 330 Medial / outer separation groove, 332 Fore end, 340 Forefoot contact area, 342 Flexion guidance groove, 342r Rearmost flexion guidance groove, 410 Foot insertion area, 420 Slit area, 430 Peripheral area, 500 Forefoot covering, 510 Medial functional area, 510H Medial high rigidity area, 510L Medial low rigidity area, 512 Medial high rigidity element, 514 Medial low rigidity element, 520 External functional area, 520H External high rigidity area, 520L External low rigidity area, 522 External high-rigidity element, 524 External low-rigidity element, R1 Forefoot area, R2 Rearfoot area, SC Shoe center.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising a sole and an upper, The aforementioned upper is, The aforementioned shoes include a foot opening for inserting and removing the wearer's feet, A slit portion defines an opening that extends forward in the foot-length direction from the foot insertion portion, The peripheral portion connected to the sole, The shoe includes a forefoot covering portion that covers the forefoot of the wearer, The forefoot covering portion includes an inner functional portion formed on the inner side in the width direction of the foot and between the slit portion and the peripheral edge portion, The sole mentioned above is The midsole that supports the wearer's foot, The midsole includes an outer reinforcing portion provided on the outer side in the width direction of the foot, which is made of a material with higher hardness than the material constituting the midsole, The aforementioned outer reinforcing portion is A rear reinforcing portion located posterior to the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot in the foot-length direction, The front reinforcing portion is located in the longitudinal direction of the foot, forward of the extension line of the MP joint of the wearer's foot, A shoe having a flexion-allowing portion located on the extension of the MP joint of the wearer's foot and provided between the rear reinforcement portion and the front reinforcement portion, which allows the front reinforcement portion to bend relative to the rear reinforcement portion.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bending allowance portion has a shape that exposes a part of the midsole between the rear reinforcement portion and the front reinforcement portion.

3. The bending allowance portion includes an upward-opening notch and connects the rear reinforcing portion and the front reinforcing portion, Within the aforementioned cutout, a portion of the midsole is exposed. The shoe according to claim 2, wherein the lower end of the notch has a shape that curves downward so as to be convex.

4. The shoe according to claim 3, wherein the sole further includes an outsole disposed on the underside of the midsole.

5. The aforementioned outsole is The shoe has an inner contact portion that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot in the thickness direction and includes the inner edge in the width direction of the foot, and has a shape that extends in the length direction of the foot, An outer contact portion having a shape that overlaps with the wearer's rear foot in the thickness direction and includes the outer edge in the foot width direction, and extends in the foot length direction, It has an inner-outer separation groove formed between the inner ground portion and the outer ground portion, which separates the inner ground portion and the outer ground portion, The shoe according to claim 4, wherein the front end of the inner and outer separation groove in the length direction of the foot is formed in a position that overlaps with the bending allowance in the thickness direction.

6. The outsole includes a front contact portion that overlaps with the forefoot covering portion in the thickness direction of the shoe. The front contact portion is formed with a plurality of bending guide grooves arranged in the direction of the length of the foot, each of which has a shape that extends continuously or intermittently from the inner edge to the outer edge in the direction of the width of the foot. The shoe according to claim 4, wherein the length between the outer ends in the foot width direction of the flexion guide grooves that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is longer than the length between the inner ends in the foot width direction of the flexion guide grooves that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction.

7. The internal functional part is A plurality of inner high-rigidity parts arranged in line in the length direction of the foot, each of the plurality of inner high-rigidity parts having a shape that extends in the width direction of the foot, The foot comprises a plurality of inner low-rigidity portions arranged between adjacent inner high-rigidity portions in the lengthwise direction of the foot, each of which has a bending rigidity lower than that of each of the plurality of inner high-rigidity portions and has a shape that extends in the widthwise direction of the foot, The sole is provided on the inner side of the midsole in the width direction of the foot, and further includes an inner reinforcing portion made of a material with higher hardness than the material constituting the midsole. The plurality of inner high-rigidity portions include the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion located furthest back in the leg length direction, The plurality of bending guide grooves include the rearmost bending guide groove located furthest back in the length direction of the leg, The shoe according to claim 6, wherein the front end of the inner reinforcing portion in the length direction of the foot is located behind the line segment in the length direction of the foot that connects the inner end of the rearmost inner high-rigidity portion in the length direction of the foot and the inner end of the rearmost flexion guide groove in the length direction of the foot.

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