shoes

Abstract

To provide a piece of footwear that fits feet and is easy to walk, with tightness and pain mitigated, that is easy to move the toes to contribute to increase of muscle force of the toes, and that is also good in an outer appearance.SOLUTION: An opening for a foot to enter is provided in a toe side instep part of a piece of footwear. A front side opening is provided in a forward part of the opening for the foot to enter. There is a partition piece on both outer sides of the opening for the foot to enter and between a front periphery of the opening for the foot to enter and the front side opening. A breadth of the front side opening is wider than a breadth of the opening for the foot to enter, and the partition piece is a part of the toe side instep part. With an elastic material attached to the opening for the foot to enter, the front side opening, and the partition piece, the opening for the foot to enter and the front side opening are blocked. The elastic material is wide in the breadth in a lateral direction of the toe side instep or in a direction of a first metatarsophalangeal joint and a fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, and is made of a freely elastic material in the lateral direction. The opening for the foot to enter, the front side opening, the partition piece, and the elastic material are coated with a cover on top, with a space provided in-between each other of the cover, the partition piece, and the elastic material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to shoes having a toenail-side toenail portion (commonly referred to as "toenail leather") at the tip of the opening edge, and shoes in which there are no shoelaces, clasps, etc. at the opening edge and the opening edge is open (commonly referred to as "pumps"), and shoes similar thereto (hereinafter these are referred to as "pumps").

Background Art

[0002] Pumps have the convenience of being easy to put on and take off because the opening edge is open. Also, since there are no shoelaces, clasps, etc., there is an advantage that the structure is simple. On the other hand, since there is no toenail covering, the foot and the shoe cannot be fixed at the central part of the metatarsal bone, and the structure is such that the front foot part including the metatarsal head is tightened. Therefore, if it is tightened more than necessary, there is a problem that pain and discomfort are likely to occur in the front foot part including the metatarsal head.

[0003] When a person's foot bone is under weight, it spreads horizontally more than before the weight is applied. Therefore, if the shoes are worn continuously for a long time, the foot is compressed and becomes cramped, and in some cases, the foot may become painful. Becoming cramped and painful is a pain for people with hallux valgus or adducted little toe. When wearing continuously for a long time, if the shoes are taken off in a timely manner, the cramping and pain are released, but taking off and putting on the shoes is troublesome and the appearance is bad. Depending on the time and place, it may not be possible to take off and put on the shoes. In that case, one has to endure the cramping and pain.

[0004] Pumps that tighten the middle toe joint more than necessary so that the foot cannot be taken off make it difficult to move the toes in the shoe. Therefore, if such pumps are worn continuously, it is considered that the gripping power of the toes (the power to grasp the insole of the shoe) decreases. When the gripping power of the toes decreases, the power to grasp the bottom surface of the shoe weakens, and in some people, the above-mentioned problems may occur.

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for pumps that allow for easy movement of the toes inside the shoe, improve foot muscle strength, fit the foot well for easy walking, are not too tight, and are less likely to cause pain. However, pumps that can satisfy all these requirements have not yet been developed.

[0006] Patent Document 1 describes a type of pump developed with the aim of fitting the foot well, making it easy to walk in, and making it easy to wear for people with bunions or hammertoes. This shoe has a rubber sheet attached to a cutout in the upper leather, and an adjustment belt is placed over the rubber sheet to conceal it and prevent a decrease in appearance quality. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3171220 Gazette [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide pumps that fit the foot well, are easy to walk in, cause less (or alleviate) tightness and pain, allow for easy movement of the toes, contribute to strengthening the muscles of the toes, and have a good appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The shoe of the present invention has an opening on the toe side of the upper part of the pumps, an opening to the front of the opening on the upper part, and partition pieces on both outer sides of the opening on the upper part, between the front peripheral edge of the opening and the opening to the front. The width of the opening to the front is wider than the width of the opening on the upper part of the shoe, and the partition pieces are part of the upper part of the toe, and are formed by leaving a part of the upper part of the toe when forming the opening on the upper part of the toe. An elastic material is attached to the opening on the upper part of the shoe, the opening to the front, and the partition pieces to close the opening on the upper part of the shoe and the opening to the front. The elastic material is wider in the lateral direction of the upper part of the shoe, or in the direction of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, and is expandable and contractible in those lateral directions.

[0010] The opening at the top of the shoe, the opening at the front, the partition piece, and the elastic material are covered by a cover placed over them. In this case, a gap is provided between the inner surface of the cover and the partition piece and elastic material underneath, allowing the toe area of ​​the shoe to widen as the elastic material stretches (the widening of the toe area is not prevented).

[0011] The cover may be a single piece that is arched in the lateral direction of the toe side of the upper part of the foot and covers the partition piece and the expandable material, or it may be a separate type that is separated into left and right halves approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction and can be opened and closed so as to cover the partition piece and the expandable material.

[0012] The shoe of this invention has an insole on top of the midsole. Preferably, the insole has a medial longitudinal arch pad, a metatarsal pad, a lateral longitudinal arch pad, a forefoot pad, and arch and heel pads on its bottom side. Preferably, these pads are made of elastic material so that the insole can easily fit to the foot.

[0013] Support material can also be attached to the heel edge of the shoe's opening. The support material protrudes above the heel edge of the shoe and, like the heel edge, is curved in a concave shape on the inside to make the shoe easier to put on and less likely to slip off. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The shoes of this invention have the following effects. The elastic material provided at the openings on the top and bottom of the shoe can stretch in the lateral direction of the toe area of ​​the instep, or in the direction of the first and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot, making it easier to fit the foot and easier to walk in. Furthermore, even when worn for long periods of time, there is less pressure, tightness, and pain in the foot. Moreover, it makes it easier to move the toes inside the shoe. Shoes that use only leather, artificial leather, or fabric for the upper material tend to stretch and loosen over time due to the pressure on the foot during walking, causing the shoe itself to expand and become loose, which often changes the comfort. However, this invention has the advantage of high shape recovery due to the use of elastic material at the openings. Therefore, even after long-term wear, the shoe itself is less likely to lose its shape and can maintain a good fit for a long time.

[0015] Because elastic material is also attached to the compartment piece on the toe side of the upper part of the shoe, the toe side of the upper part of the shoe is less likely to lose its shape even if the width of the opening on the top and toe side is widened.

[0016] Because the compartments and elastic material are covered by a cover, they are not exposed, resulting in a good appearance. There is a gap between the inner surface of the cover and the compartments and elastic material underneath, so the toe area is not constricted by the cover, and the elasticity of the material is not impaired even with the cover in place, allowing the foot to spread out more easily and making it easier to move the toes inside the shoe.

[0017] In the case of the separate type with covers divided into left and right halves, you can open and close the left and right covers to adjust the tightness of the toe area on the instep to a level that fits your foot and makes walking easier.

[0018] If the insole of a shoe has an inner longitudinal arch pad, a metatarsal pad, an outer longitudinal arch pad, a forefoot pad, and arch and heel pads on the bottom side, the foot will fit snugly into the insole, creating a sense of unity with the shoe and making walking easier. Making these pads out of elastic material will further enhance the sense of unity between the foot and the shoe, making walking even easier.

[0019] By providing a support member that protrudes upward on the heel-side peripheral portion of the opening, the heel side of the foot is supported by the support member, making it easier to fit into the shoe, easier to walk, and more difficult to take off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] A perspective view of an example of the shoe of the present invention in a state before attaching the elastic member to the opening. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing an example of the shoe of the present invention. [Figure 3] A perspective view of an example of the shoe of the present invention in a state where a cover is placed on the elastic member. [Figure 4] A perspective view of an example of the shoe of the present invention in a state where a separate-type cover is placed on the elastic member and a part of the cover is cut off. [Figure 5] A plan view of the cover attachment state. [Figure 6] (a) is a perspective view showing a cross-sectional portion of the cover, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b-b of (a). [Figure 7] (a) to (c) are explanatory views of the arrangement and fixation of an example of the insole in the present invention. [Figure 8] (a) is a plan view of the inner longitudinal arch pad of the insole in the present invention, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of the pad, (c) is a plan view of the midfoot bone pad of the insole in the present invention, (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of the pad, (e) is a plan view of the outer longitudinal arch pad in the insole of the present invention, and (f) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of the pad. [Figure 9] An explanatory view of an example of the arrangement of the insole and the midsole in the present invention. [Figure 10] Another example of the cover in the present invention, where (a) is an explanatory view of a state where a cut is made at the end in the lateral width direction of the cover, and (b) is a developed view of the cut cover.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] [Pumps] As an example of the shoes (pumps) of the present invention, the shoes shown in Fig. 1 have an opening edge 1 and a toe-side upper part 2, and there are no shoelaces, fasteners, etc. at the opening edge 1, and they are commonly called pumps. The shoes of the present invention are not limited to the pumps in Fig. 1, but include all shoes without shoelaces, fasteners, etc. at the opening edge 1 similar to the pumps in Fig. 1. Hereinafter, these shoes will be described as pumps.

[0022] [Opening edge side opening, front side opening, partition piece] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, for the shoes (pumps) of the present invention, an opening 3 is formed by cutting a part of the toe-side upper part 2, and an elastic material 4 is attached to the opening 3 to close the opening 3. Specifically, an opening edge side opening 5 is opened in the toe-side upper part 2, and a front side opening 6 is opened in front of the opening edge side opening 5 to form the opening 3. Partition pieces 8 and 9 are provided between the front side opening 6 and the front peripheral edge 7 of the opening edge 1 on both outer sides of the opening edge side opening 5.

[0023] The opening edge side opening 5 is continuous with the front of the opening edge 1, and the front side opening 6 is continuous with the front of the opening edge side opening 5. The width of the front side opening 6 is wider than the width of the opening edge side opening 5, and the two side openings are continuous to form a pot shape or a gourd shape (hereinafter, these will be referred to as "pot shape") in plan view.

[0024] Both partition pieces 8 and 9 are on both outer sides of the opening edge side opening 5 and are formed between the front side opening 6 and the front peripheral edge 7 of the opening edge 1. Both partition pieces 8 and 9 can be formed by leaving a part of the toe-side upper part 2 when opening the opening edge side opening 5 and the front side opening 6 in the toe-side upper part 2. The shapes and sizes of both partition pieces 8 and 9 can be designed and changed so that it is easy to attach the elastic material 4 and the elastic material 4 is not easily deformed even when it expands and contracts. Although both partition pieces 8 and 9 in Fig. 1 have the same shape and size, they may have different shapes.

[0025] [Elastic material] The opening 5 on the foot opening side and the opening 6 on the toe side are closed with an elastic material 4 as shown in Figure 2. The elastic material 4 is made of elastic rubber, a sheet with little or no elasticity cut into it, a sheet with many holes punched in it, or any other shape or structure that is elastic.

[0026] The elastic material 4 consists of an opening-side elastic material 4a that closes the opening 5 on the foot opening side and an opening-side elastic material 4b that closes the opening 6 on the toe side, which are continuous. The continuous shape is a vase shape to match the continuous shape (vase shape) of the opening 5 (Figure 1) and the opening 6 (Figure 1). The elastic material 4 is placed against the back surface of the opening 5 (Figure 1) and the opening 6 (Figure 1), and its outer edge is attached to the periphery of the opening 5, the periphery of the opening 6, and the periphery of both compartment pieces 8 and 9. Attachment may be by sewing, adhesive bonding, or other connecting means. If the shape and size of the opening 5, the opening 6, and the two compartment pieces 8 and 9 are not vase-shaped, the elastic material 4 can be shaped to match those shapes.

[0027] The stretch material 4 can also be applied to the surface of the opening 5 on the foot opening side and the opening 6 on the toe side, and its outer edge can be attached to the periphery of the toe opening 5, the periphery of the toe opening 6, and the periphery of both compartment pieces 8 and 9.

[0028] The elastic material 4a on the opening side (Figure 2) and the elastic material 4b on the toe side are widened in the lateral direction of the toe-side instep 2 and are stretchable in the same direction. Here, the lateral direction refers to the general direction in which the toe side of the foot widens, and includes, for example, the direction of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot.

[0029] Since the elastic material 4a on the opening side and the elastic material 4b on the toe side are vase-shaped, they do not look bad even when exposed on the toe side instep 2 as shown in Figure 2. However, as shown in Figure 3, a cover 20 can be placed over them to cover the elastic material 4a on the opening side, the elastic material 4b on the toe side, and both compartment pieces 8 and 9 so that they are not visible from the outside.

[0030] [Cover: Single piece] The cover 20 in Figure 3 is long in the lateral direction of the toe-side upper part 2 and is a single strip (one piece) long enough to cover both compartment pieces 8 and 9 and the elastic material 4. The ends 20a and 20b in the lateral direction are wider than the central part in the longitudinal direction (Figures 3 and 5), and the ends 20a and 20b in the lateral direction are fixed to the ends in the lateral direction of the toe-side upper part 2 and placed over the opening-side elastic material 4a, the toe-side elastic material 4b, and both compartment pieces 8 and 9. In addition, the opening-side peripheral edge (front peripheral edge) 20c (Figure 5) of the cover 20 covers the toe-side peripheral edge 1a of the opening 1 to the side of the opening 1 and hides the toe-side peripheral edge 1a, and the toe-side peripheral edge (toe-side peripheral edge) 20d covers the toe-side elastic material 4b to the toe and hides the toe-side elastic material 4b. The method of fixing the cover 20 to both ends in the lateral direction of the toe-side upper portion 2 can be by suspension, adhesive, or other fixing methods.

[0031] A gap (space) 11 is provided between the inner surface of the cover 20 fixed to the toe-side instep 2 and the upper surfaces of the opening-side elastic material 4a, the toe-side elastic material 4b, and both compartment pieces 8 and 9 (Figure 6(b)). The gap 11 is provided throughout the entire longitudinal direction (width direction) of the cover 20. When wearing shoes, the foot expands, swells, and the instep becomes higher due to the lifting of bones during walking. Consequently, the toe-side instep 2 of the shoe is pushed upward (expanded). In this invention, by providing the gap 11, the toe-side instep 2 can easily expand to follow the changes in the foot, so that the foot is not compressed, does not become tight, and does not become painful (tightness and pain associated with compression are alleviated).

[0032] As shown in Figure 6(b), the gap 11 is designed so that the gap L1 at the opening side peripheral edge 20c of the cover 20 is widened, and the gap L2 at the toe side peripheral edge 20d gradually narrows. The toe side peripheral edge 20d is not adhered to the toe side upper part 2, even when the gap L2 is narrow, and remains separate. Furthermore, the gap 11 is designed to gradually narrow from the center in the width direction of the cover 20 towards both ends 20a and 20b in the width direction, and these ends 20a and 20b in the width direction are fixed to both ends in the width direction of the toe side upper part 2.

[0033] [Cover: Separate type] The cover 20 may be a separate type, divided into left and right covers (inner cover 21 and outer cover 22: Figure 4) approximately in the center of the width direction of the toe-side upper part 2. In this case, the widthwise outer ends of the inner cover 21 and outer cover 22 are fixed to both ends of the width direction of the toe-side upper part 2, so that both covers 21 and 22 can be opened and closed so that they overlap both compartment pieces 8 and 9 and the elastic material 4. Buttons, hooks, Velcro bands (registered trademarks), and other connecting devices are provided on the inner ends (center ends) of the inner cover 21 and outer cover 22 so that the inner ends can be connected and disconnected from each other, and when connected, they overlap both compartment pieces 8 and 9 and the opening-side elastic material 4a and the toe-side elastic material 4b, so that they can be hidden. Even in the case of a separate-type cover, when the inner cover 21 and the outer cover 22 are connected, a gap 11 (Figure 6(b)) is provided between the inner surfaces of both covers and the elastic material 4a on the opening side, the elastic material 4b on the toe side, and the upper surfaces of both compartment pieces 8 and 9. It is desirable that this gap 11 be the same as in the case of a single-piece cover.

[0034] [Cover: Cutout] Notches 23 may be made at both ends in the width direction of the cover 20, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b). By making notches 23, even if the lateral ends 20a and 20b of the cover 20 are placed over (doubled) and fixed to both ends in the width direction of the toe-side instep 2, the fixed ends will not become too rigid and difficult to bend (making walking difficult). The shape and size of the notches 23 can be designed arbitrarily. The method of fixing the cover 20 to both ends in the width direction of the toe-side instep 2 can be by suspension fixing, adhesive fixing, or other fixing methods. Notches 23 may be made only at one end 20a or 20b in the width direction of the cover 20. If made only at the inner end, it will be less noticeable when attached to the toe-side instep 2.

[0035] The illustrated cover 20 is a horizontally elongated strip, but it may have other shapes or structures, and may be decorated with desired ornaments.

[0036] [Insole] The shoes (pumps, etc.) of the present invention have an insole 30, just like general-purpose pumps (Figures 7(a) to (c)). The insole 30, like general-purpose insoles, is placed on top of the insole 40 (Figure 9) of the pumps and becomes the surface that comes into contact with the sole of the foot, and also makes the inside of the shoe look neat.

[0037] The insole 30 in this invention only needs to perform the function and effect of an insole, and its structure, material, etc., are not particularly specified, but as an example, an insole like the one in Figure 7(c) is suitable. Figures 7(a) to 7(c) show the insole body 31 turned upside down, with the medial longitudinal arch pad 32, metatarsal pad 33, lateral longitudinal arch pad 34, forefoot pad 35, and arch and heel pads 36 arranged and fixed on its upper surface (actually the back side of the insole body: bottom surface) 31a. This insole 30 is placed in the shoe with the surface 31b (Figure 9) of the insole body 31 facing upwards.

[0038] As we age, tendons, muscles, and ligaments throughout the body tend to loosen, causing the three-dimensional structure of the skeleton in the feet to collapse and the arch structure of the sole (instep) to drop. As a result, the impact on the feet from walking cannot be properly distributed, leading to a walking style that puts a strain on the feet. This can result in pain in the soles of the feet, lead to bunions, and increase the strain on the knees and lower back. To prevent these symptoms, it is important to walk using the toes and to maintain a healthy arch. The insole 30 shown in Figure 7(c), an example of the insole of the present invention, is designed with cushioning positioned to gently support the three arches (medial, lateral, and transverse) of the human foot and to support walking firmly using the toes.

[0039] [Insole body] The insole body 31 is a sheet-like material with approximately the same shape as the insole 40 (Figure 9), similar to a general-purpose insole body. The material is not particularly limited, but suitable examples include synthetic leather or a nonwoven fabric of polyester fibers (base fabric) with a resin film, such as a polyurethane film, on its surface. The thickness of the base fabric is about the same as that of a general-purpose insole body, and a suitable example is about 0.7 mm.

[0040] [Internal longitudinal arch pad] As shown in Figure 8(a), the medial longitudinal arch pad 32 has a dumpling-like shape in plan view, and as shown in Figure 8(b), the upper surface (the surface attached to the insole body 31) 32a is flat, the outer part of the bottom surface in the lateral direction (left side in Figure 8(b)) 32b is thicker, and from there it gradually becomes thinner with a downward slope toward the inner part in the lateral direction (right side in Figure 8(b): the part that becomes the center of the shoe in the lateral direction) 32c. As shown in Figure 7(a), this medial longitudinal arch pad 32 is fixed to the inner side in the lateral direction of the back surface of the insole body 31 and provides appropriate support to the medial longitudinal arch (inner arch) of the sole of the foot. Anatomically, as the heel height increases, the arch of the foot rises due to the arch-lifting mechanism, and a large gap is created between the foot and the shoe, especially slightly proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joint. By filling this gap appropriately, it supports the foot's weight and prevents the foot from sliding forward inside the pump due to the downward slope caused by the increased heel height. Suitable materials include elastic materials, such as latex sponge.

[0041] [Metatarsal pad] As shown in Figure 8(c), the metatarsal pad 33 has a teardrop shape in plan view, and as shown in Figure 8(d), the upper surface 33a is flat, the central part of the bottom surface 33b is thicker, and the outer periphery of the bottom surface 33c is thinner with a gentle downward slope towards the edge. This metatarsal pad 33 plays a role in approaching the arch of the foot and is attached to the underside of the insole body 31 in a place that fills the gap in the front of the foot (slightly proximal to the 2nd to 4th metatarsophalangeal joints) that occurs when the heel is raised. In Figure 7(a), it is attached between the medial longitudinal arch pad 32 and the lateral longitudinal arch pad 34. The metatarsal pad 33 plays a role in helping to elevate (lift) the transverse arch of the foot in feet where the transverse arch of the foot has decreased. When the transverse arch is lifted, the toes point downward, which guides the toes to flex more, making it easier to grip the ground with the toes while walking and allowing for a stronger push-off. Suitable materials include elastic materials, such as latex sponge.

[0042] [Outer longitudinal arch pad] As shown in Figure 8(e), the lateral longitudinal arch pad 34 has a crescent shape in plan view, with a flat upper surface 34a and a thicker outer bottom portion 34b as shown in Figure 8(f). It gradually thins down towards the inner bottom portion (center side in the width direction of the shoe) 34c. The lateral longitudinal arch pad 34 is a pad that targets the lateral longitudinal arch (outer arch) of the sole of the foot. If only the dumpling-shaped inner longitudinal arch pad 32 is attached to the insole body 31, the foot is anatomically prone to inversion (movement where the sole of the foot turns inward). However, by attaching the lateral longitudinal arch pad 34, this risk is prevented, and force is evenly distributed to the inner and outer sides of the foot. Furthermore, since the foot is anatomically more prone to inversion as the heel height increases, it is also effective in preventing inversion sprains, which account for about 90% of ankle sprains.

[0043] By arranging the medial longitudinal arch pad 32 and the metatarsal pad 33 as shown in Figure 7(a), a recess 37 (Figure 9) is formed between the tip of the medial longitudinal arch pad 32 and the anterior end of the metatarsal pad 33, into which the ball of the big toe fits. The ball of the big toe then fits into this recess 37, providing stable support to the body. Furthermore, stimulation of the abductor hallucis muscle promotes flexion of the big toe (enabling a stronger push-off).

[0044] [Front foot pad] The forefoot pad 35, as shown in Figure 7(b), has almost the same shape as the front half of the insole body 31, and is typically a sheet about 4 mm thick. Its material is sponge, low-rebound sponge, foam cushioning, or other cushioning material. It is located on the underside of the insole body 31, attached to the area from the lower part of the toes to the metatarsal heads, and serves as a cushion for the forefoot. It sinks moderately under the load during walking, and during the final phase of the stance phase, the push-off phase (from when the heel begins to lift until the toes leave the ground), it helps the toes to grip the ground firmly. Improving the grip function of the toes (strengthening the toe muscles) helps create a healthy plantar arch and, in turn, strengthens the core axis. By using the toes more when walking, the leg opening angle naturally increases (stride length increases) and walking speed also increases. In addition, it also plays a role in absorbing shock to the forefoot during the mid-stance phase, thus improving comfort.

[0045] [Arch support and heel pads] As shown in Figure 7(c), the arch and heel pads 36 are placed on top of the medial longitudinal arch pad 32, lateral longitudinal arch pad 34, metatarsal pad 33, and forefoot pad 35 positioned on the insole body 31, like a lid. They are positioned between the insole body 31 and the pads, and also serve to stabilize the pads so that they do not curl up or peel off. Furthermore, by being layered with these pads, they improve comfort by providing more elasticity under the soles of the feet and toes, and also help to mitigate impact on the soles of the feet. The arch and heel pads 36 are, for example, sheets with a thickness of about 1.5 mm, and can be thin, plate-shaped elastic material, flat sponge material, foamed cushioning material, or sheet-shaped cushioning material.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7(a) – (c) and FIG. 9, the sockliner 30 illustrated herein has its separately manufactured sockliner body 31, inner longitudinal arch pad 32, metatarsal pad 33, outer longitudinal arch pad 34, and forefoot side pad 35 sequentially attached to the back surface (lower surface) of the sockliner body 31, and further, the ball and heel side pad 36 is superposed and attached as if covering them. However, the sockliner 30 of the present invention can also integrally mold all or two or more of these members. In this case, it is suitable for mass production and also reduces costs.

[0047] [Insole] The insole 40 (FIG. 9) is the same as a general-purpose insole. The forefoot part 42 is adhered to the front half of the upper surface of the insole board 41, and the rearfoot part 43 is adhered to the rear half (from the ball part to the heel part). As an example, it is in the form of a sheet about 2 mm thick.

[0048] [Insole board] The insole board 41 (FIG. 9) is the base part to which the forefoot part 42 and the rearfoot part 43 are adhered, the part where the suspension core is adhered during the molding of the shoe, and the part where it is adhered to the outsole of the shoe. While maintaining the shape of the bottom surface of the mold, it is desirable that the insole board 41 can flexibly bend in conjunction with the movement of the forefoot part 42. Also, a pulp board is suitable as with a general-purpose insole board.

[0049] [Forefoot part] The forefoot part 42 (FIG. 9) corresponds to the part from the lower part of the toes to the stepping part, and is the elastic material of the bottom layer of the cushion material. It is suitable to be made of EVA sponge or other elastic materials. By forming a layer with the upper sponge and cushion material, it gives elasticity to the sole and toes, improving the wearing comfort, and also has the role of shock absorption.

[0050] [Rearfoot part] The rearfoot part 43 (FIG. 9) maintains the shape of the bottom surface of the mold, incorporates a shank called the backbone of the shoe, and should not bend, playing a role in keeping the rear part of the shoe tough. Therefore, it is suitable to be made of a hard material.

[0051] [Support material] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the shoe of the present invention may also be provided with a support member 51 that protrudes upward from the heel-side peripheral edge 50 on the inside of the heel-side peripheral edge 50 of the opening 1. The support member 51 is made of the same material as the toe-side upper part 2 for a better appearance, and a cushioning material is provided on the inner surface 52 to prevent the heel and ankle of the foot from slipping off and to provide a softer contact feel.

[0052] The above-described embodiment is merely one example of the present invention. The shape, size, material, placement, etc., of various components can be modified within the scope of being able to solve the problem. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] The shoes of this invention can also be used for shoes other than pumps. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0054] 1. Opening 1a The outer edge (of the opening) 2 Back of toe side 3 Opening 4 Elastic material 4a Elastic material on the opening side 4b Outer side expansion material 5. Opening at the top of the shoe 6. Opening on the other side 7. Front edge (of the opening) 8, 9 Sections 11 gaps 20 Covers 20a, 20b (Cover) edges 20c (Cover) Peripheral edge of the opening 20d (Cover) Toe-side peripheral edge 21 Inner cover 22 Outer cover 23 cuts 30 Insole 31 Insole 31a Top surface (of the insole) 31b Surface (of the insole) 32. Inner longitudinal arch pad 32a Top surface (of the medial longitudinal arch pad) 32b (Lateral outer portion of the medial longitudinal arch pad) 32c (internal portion in the width direction of the medial longitudinal arch pad) 33 Metatarsal pads 33a (Superior surface of the metatarsal pad) 33b Center of the sole (of the metatarsal pad) 33c (Outer edge of the bottom surface of the metatarsal pad) 34 Outer longitudinal arch pad 34a Top surface (of the outer longitudinal arch pad) 34b (Outer part of the bottom of the outer longitudinal arch pad) 34c (Inner part of the bottom of the outer longitudinal arch pad) 35 Front foot pad 36. Arch and heel pads 37 Recess 40 Insole 41 Inner bottom board 42 Forefoot 43 Rear foot 50 Heel side peripheral area 51 Support material 52 (Inner surface of the support material) L1 (Gap on the opening side of the cover) L2 (the gap on the tip side of the cover)

Claims

1. In a shoe with a toe-side upper section at the front of the opening, An opening is provided on the toe side of the upper part of the shoe, which communicates with the opening. An opening on the front side of the aforementioned opening on the shoe opening side is provided, which is wider in width than the opening on the shoe opening side. A partition piece, which is part of the toe-side upper portion, is provided on both outer sides of the opening at the top of the shoe, between the front periphery of the opening and the toe-side opening. The two partition pieces are elongated in the width direction of the shoe, The two partition pieces are provided so that their respective ends face each other and protrude inward. The opening on the shoe opening side is provided between the two partition pieces, The aforementioned front-side opening is provided further forward than the two partition pieces and the opening on the foot opening side. The opening on the top side and the opening on the front side are closed with an elastic material. The aforementioned expandable material is connected and fixed to the opening on the foot opening side, the opening on the toe side, and the peripheral edge of the partition piece. The aforementioned stretchable material has a lateral width in the direction of the toe side of the instep or in the direction of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot, and is stretchable in those directions. Shoes characterized by the following features.

2. In the shoe according to Claim 1, There is a cover in the lateral direction of the toe side of the instep. The cover is a single piece that is placed over the opening at the foot opening, the opening at the toe end, the partition piece, and the elastic material, so as to cover them. There is a gap between the inner surface of the cover and the partition piece and the expansion material. The aforementioned gap is wide enough to accommodate the widening of the toe-side instep due to the stretching of the elastic material. Shoes characterized by the following features.

3. In the shoe according to Claim 1, There is a cover in the lateral direction of the toe side of the instep. The cover is a separate type, consisting of an outer cover on the outer side of the toe area in the width direction and an inner cover on the inner side in the width direction. A gap is formed between the inner surfaces of the outer cover and the inner cover, and the partition piece and the expansion material. The aforementioned gap is wide enough to accommodate the widening of the toe-side instep due to the stretching of the elastic material. Shoes characterized by the following features.

4. In the shoe described in claim 2, The gap is present across the entire width of the cover. Shoes characterized by the following features.

5. In the shoe described in claim 2, The gap is designed to gradually narrow from the center of the cover's width towards both ends of the width. Shoes characterized by the following features.

6. In the shoe described in claim 2, The gap is designed to gradually narrow from the opening edge of the cover towards the toe edge. Shoes characterized by the following features.

7. In the shoe described in claim 3, The gap is present across the entire width of the cover. Shoes characterized by the following features.

8. In the shoe described in claim 3, The gap is designed to gradually narrow from the center of the cover's width towards both ends of the width. Shoes characterized by the following features.

9. In the shoe described in claim 3, The gap is designed to gradually narrow from the opening edge of the cover towards the toe edge. Shoes characterized by the following features.

10. In the shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, There is an insole inside the shoe. The bottom surface of the insole has an inner longitudinal arch pad, a metatarsal pad, an outer longitudinal arch pad, a forefoot pad, and arch and heel pads. The aforementioned inner longitudinal arch pad is located on the inner side of the sole surface in the lateral direction, near the arch of the foot. The aforementioned outer longitudinal arch pad is located on the outer side in the lateral direction of the sole surface, on the side opposite to the arch of the foot. The metatarsal pad is located between the medial longitudinal arch pad and the lateral longitudinal arch pad. The aforementioned forefoot pad is located on the toe side of the medial longitudinal arch pad, the lateral longitudinal arch pad, and the metatarsal pad. The aforementioned arch support and heel pads are located on the heel side of the forefoot pad. Those pads are made of elastic material. Shoes characterized by the following features.

11. In the shoe according to claim 10, The medial longitudinal arch pad has a thickness that slopes downward from the inner side in the width direction of the insole towards the center. The outer longitudinal arch pad has a thickness that slopes downward from the outer side to the center in the width direction of the insole. The metatarsal pad is thicker in the center, and the peripheral part gradually becomes thinner from the center outwards, creating a downward slope. The forefoot pad is made of a low-rebound elastic material. The arch support and heel pads are flat. Shoes characterized by the following features.

12. In the shoe according to claim 11, There is a recess between the tip of the medial longitudinal arch of the insole and the tip of the metatarsal pad where the ball of the big toe fits. Shoes characterized by the following features.

13. In the shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The heel edge of the opening is provided with a support material that protrudes upward from the heel edge. Shoes characterized by the following features.

14. In the shoe according to claim 10, The heel edge of the opening is provided with a support material that protrudes upward from the heel edge. Shoes characterized by the following features.

15. In the shoe according to claim 11, The heel edge of the opening is provided with a support material that protrudes upward from the heel edge. Shoes characterized by the following features.

16. In the shoe according to claim 12, The heel edge of the opening is provided with a support material that protrudes upward from the heel edge. Shoes characterized by the following features.

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