Shoe, in particular sports shoe

Abstract

A sports shoe includes an upper and a midsole. The shoe includes, at a heel area of the shoe, a heel counter comprising a top counter and a bottom counter. The top counter is provided with a top part fastened to the upper and a bottom part fastened to a top face of the midsole. The bottom counter is fastened to a lateral face of the midsole. The top counter and the bottom counter are distinct and separated by a portion of the midsole.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of French Patent Application FR 25 / 00765 filed on January 24, 2025. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of footwear, in particular shoes, more particularly sports shoes.BACKGROUND

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0004] Conventional footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a cavity within the footwear to comfortably receive and secure a foot. The sole structure is secured to a bottom area of the upper and arranged, in use, between the ground and the upper.

[0005] In shoes designed for sports, the sole structure may comprise an outsole and a midsole. The midsole often comprises a polymer foam material that absorbs shock with the ground upon impact in order to mitigate the effects on the foot and leg during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities.

[0006] The shoe may comprise one or several reinforcement elements, including a heel counter, covering part of the upper located at the rear of the upper.

[0007] The basic function of a heel counter is to improve the positioning and stability of the foot within the shoe. In particular, a heel counter can prevent the foot from slipping off the sole, for example, during lateral or vertical movements (heel lift).

[0008] Such a heel counter is described, for example, in document US 2021 / 0120913 A1. This type of one-piece counter, which partially covers the upper and entirely covers the outer face of the midsole, has the disadvantage of providing excessive rigidity and limiting the shock absorption and cushioning properties of the midsole.SUMMARY

[0009] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0010] The present disclosure thus relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising an upper and a midsole.

[0011] The shoe according to the present disclosure further comprises, at a heel area of the shoe, a heel counter comprising a top counter and a bottom counter, the top counter being provided with a top part fastened to the upper and a bottom part fastened to a top face of the midsole, the bottom counter being fastened to a lateral face of the midsole, the top counter and the bottom counter being distinct and separated by a portion of the midsole.

[0012] Thus, thanks to the use of two independent heel counters, the foot retention function, performed by the top counter, can be separated from the midsole stabilization function, performed by the bottom counter, thereby avoiding any limitation of the shock absorption and cushioning properties of the midsole, while improving the overall performance of the shoe. The two counters also contribute to ensuring improved torsion of the midsole, allowing for controlled deformation thereof during natural foot movements, in particular during dynamic efforts or sudden changes of direction. This torsion thus improves longitudinal flexibility of the shoe, which is beneficial for the athlete's comfort and performance.

[0013] The bottom part of the top counter can be fastened to the top face of the midsole at a fastening area of the top face, the fastening area being located under the top end of the portion of the midsole.

[0014] The bottom part of the top counter may be provided with notches.

[0015] The top part of the top counter may comprise a top area provided with perforations.

[0016] The top part of the top counter may comprise a band, located at the top end of the top reinforcement, the band being thinner than the top area provided with perforations.

[0017] The top area may have an axis of symmetry and the thickness of the top part may decrease as one moves away from the axis of symmetry.

[0018] The bottom part of the top counter can extend towards the front end of the shoe, beyond the bottom counter.

[0019] The bottom counter may comprise an opening on an inner lateral side of the shoe, as well as on an outer lateral side of the shoe.

[0020] The midsole may comprise a particulate foam material.

[0021] The particulate foam material may comprise expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), expanded polyamide (ePA), expanded polyether-block-amide (ePEBA), expanded polylactide (ePLA), expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET), expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT), or expanded thermoplastic polyester-ether elastomer (eTPEE).

[0022] The top counter may comprise a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The top counter may, in one example, comprise cast polyurethane (CPU).

[0023] The bottom counter may comprise a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The bottom counter may, in one example, comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0024] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.DRAWINGS

[0025] In order that the disclosure may be well understood, there will now be described various forms thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe according to one example of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded perspective view of the shoe;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the shoe;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a first partial lateral view of the shoe;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a second partial lateral view of the shoe;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a partial rear view of the shoe;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a partial top view of the shoe;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a two-dimensional view of a top heel counter of the shoe;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the shoe, in one example of the top counter of the present disclosure; and

[0035] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the shoe in FIG. 9.

[0036] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, a shoe 1 comprises an upper 2 and a sole structure including a midsole 3 and an outsole 4. The midsole 3 comprises a top face 3a, a bottom face 3b, and a lateral face 3c.

[0039] The midsole 3 advantageously comprises a particulate foam material, which comprises agglomerated foam beads, in particular through a process called "steam chest foaming". These particulate foam materials have distinctly advantageous and desirable characteristics for soles, in particular soles for sports shoes.

[0040] These materials are distinguished by excellent cushioning properties, good elasticity, and high energy return. They are lightweight, and their properties remain essentially independent of temperature over an intended range of use.

[0041] The midsole 3 thus, in one example, comprises expanded material particles. The particles can be arranged randomly. The particles may comprise, for example, expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), expanded polyamide (ePA), expanded polyether-block-amide (ePEBA), expanded polylactide (ePLA), expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET), expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT), expanded thermoplastic polyester-ether elastomer (eTPEE).

[0042] Shoe 1 is provided, at a heel area, with a heel counter comprising a top counter 5, which is an upper counter, and a bottom counter 6, which is a midsole counter. The top counter 5 is fastened to the upper 2 and the midsole 3, while the bottom counter 6 is fastened to the midsole 3. For example, the assembly comprising the upper 2 and the top counter 5 can be joined to the assembly comprising the midsole 3 and the bottom counter 6, for example by gluing or overmolding.

[0043] The top counter 5 is a key element in foot stability and retention. It is advantageously made of cast polyurethane (CPU), a material widely used for its flexibility and impact resistance. Alternatively, the top counter 5 may comprise a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0044] The top counter 5 is fastened to the rear part of the upper 2 and extends downwards to the top face 3a of the midsole 3, to which it is fastened, in particular by gluing or overmolding. The top counter 5 comprises, in particular, a bottom part 5a in the form of a tab intended to be glued to a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped fastening area 3a1 of the top face 3a. The fastening area 3a1 advantageously has a width of at least 3 mm.

[0045] The fastening area 3a1 allows for a smooth transition between the rigidity of the top counter 5 and the flexibility of the midsole 3. This margin creates a shock dissipation area or local flexibility that reduces concentrated stress at the fastening point. This progressive cushioning contributes to improving overall comfort, while preventing premature wear at the upper-sole junction. The specific shape of the top counter 5 is designed to absorb lateral forces exerted on the sides of the foot. This configuration allows for the even distribution of lateral forces while stabilizing the foot in the shoe, thus reducing the risk of accidental torsion or excessive movements. This lateral reinforcement contributes to better foot retention and enhanced performance in sporting activities with frequent changes of direction or intense lateral loading. The fastening area 3a1 also makes it possible to improve the longitudinal flexibility of the shoe, allowing for a better dynamic fit during exertion, in particular in activities with rapid movements. It also provides improved foot retention.

[0046] The bottom counter 6 is fastened to the rear of the midsole 3, on an outer part of the lateral face 3c of the midsole 3, at the heel. It is separated from the top counter 5 by a portion 3d of the midsole 3, so that the bottom counter 6 and the top counter 5 are not in contact. The bottom counter 6 may be part of the outsole 4.

[0047] The bottom counter 6 may comprise, on the inner lateral side of the shoe 1 (also called the medial side), facing the middle of the body, as well as on the outer lateral side (also called the lateral side) of the shoe 1, an opening 6a. The openings 6a make it possible to adjust the stiffness level of the bottom reinforcement 6. The bottom counter 6 may bear against the outsole 4 at its bottom end.

[0048] The bottom counter 6 may comprise a plastic material, such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or a thermoplastic material, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The bottom counter 6 is advantageously made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a material known for its rigidity and abrasion resistance. The bottom counter 6 is independent and separate from the top counter 5.

[0049] The bottom counter 6 acts as a stabilizing element for the midsole 3, particularly in the back region of the shoe 1. Its independence from the upper makes it possible to improve heel retention while ensuring that the midsole 3 does not deform under the effect of the lateral foot movements, in particular in sporting activities involving rapid changes of direction.

[0050] The independence of the bottom counter 6 from the top counter 5 makes it possible to separate support and stabilization functions. While the top counter 5 focuses on foot retention, the bottom counter 6 specifically stabilizes the midsole 3, enabling better force distribution and thus improving the durability and overall performance of the shoe 1. This configuration contributes not only to improving the durability of the shoe but also to offering increased responsiveness and excellent rebound, improving overall performance, in particular during the propulsion and dynamic movement phases. The bottom counter 6 further limits lateral dissipation of the energy, allowing it to be redirected vertically, which significantly improves responsiveness and rebound, in particular during jumping or fast running phases. This configuration contributes to increasing the energy efficiency while reinforcing the durability and overall performance of the shoe 1.

[0051] There is a synergy between the top counter 5 and the bottom counter 6. They act in a complementary way to offer, at the same time, retention, stability, flexibility and protection against the stresses associated with intense and repetitive movements during physical activity.

[0052] By combining foot retention, midsole 3 stabilization, dynamic flexibility, as well as protection against deformation, this configuration makes it possible to meet the diverse demands of users in a sporting context, in terms of comfort, durability, and improved performance.

[0053] This dual-counter system makes it possible to efficiently distribute desired functions between the sole and the upper, ensuring secure foot retention, which guarantees structural stability, while reducing overall weight and increasing flexibility, these characteristics being particularly important for a high-performance sports shoe.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a two-dimensional, flat view of the top counter 5. The top counter 5 comprises a bottom part 5a and a top part 5b, separated by a fold line 5c. As indicated above, the bottom part 5a is intended to be fastened to the fastening area 3a1 of the top face 3a of the midsole 3. The top part 5b is intended to be fastened to the upper, on the inner face of the top part 5b. The top part 5b extends from the top face 3a of the midsole 3, and has a bottom area 5b1 conforming to an inner part of the lateral face 3c of the midsole 3, and then a top area 5b2 protruding above the midsole 3. The top counter 5 is advantageously provided with substantially V-shaped notches (indentations) 5d. The notches 5d allow the top counter 5 to switch from a flat configuration to a three-dimensional configuration ready to be fastened to the midsole 3.

[0055] The top area 5b2 of the top part 5b of the top counter 5 is centered on the heel along an axis of symmetry A. The top area 5b2 advantageously comprises perforations 5b3, as well as cut lines and specific shapes. The perforations 5b3 allow for better air circulation, thereby preventing excessive perspiration and improving overall user comfort. These openings and cutouts help reduce the total weight of the shoe, an important criterion for high-performance sports shoes. Furthermore, some cutout shapes make it possible to increase the localized flexibility of the structure without compromising the general rigidity desired for foot retention.

[0056] The length of the top counter 5, on the inner lateral side and the outer lateral side, can be adjusted, thereby obtaining different levels of lateral retention, offering customized solutions according to the support demands of the sporting activity, such as support for the arch of the foot or top lateral retention.

[0057] The thickness of the top counter 5 can also be adjusted. The thickness of the upper part 5b, and in particular the thickness of the part 5b2, can decrease as one moves away from the rear axis A. The top part 5b can also be provided with a band 5b4, located at the top end of the top reinforcement 5, which is thinner than the perforated top area 5b2. These thickness gradients allow for increased flexibility where desired (thin areas), while maintaining rigidity and support at the heel level (thick areas).

[0058] The combination of these elements results in a shoe that can adapt to various sporting demands, including high-intensity sports with a blend of flexibility, support, and protection against torsion.

[0059] In one variant, the bottom part 5a of the top counter 5 can be in the form of a base which extends from the rear of the top face 3a of the midsole 3 and extends to approximately the middle of the top face 3a, beyond the bottom counter 6 (FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0060] This configuration of the bottom part 5a, in the form of a solid plate, provides reinforced support for the arch of the foot. It also makes it possible to reduce torsion of the shoe according to the demands of the sport, and in particular during changes of direction. The two lateral parts can be joined or remain separate. This extension plays a role in retaining the plantar arch, offering targeted support where most of the stress is concentrated during a sporting movement. This helps prevent the arch of the foot from collapsing, and thus reduces foot fatigue. By integrating this plate to the middle of the arch of the foot, the transverse rigidity of the midsole is reinforced, improving lateral foot stability, in particular during sudden movements, and reducing the risk of sprains or unintentional torsion. The extension of the bottom part 5a also contributes to a better distribution of forces on the sole upon impact with the ground, which improves cushioning while preventing premature wear of the sole.

[0061] Thus, the bottom part 5a provides additional support to the arch of the foot, offering additional support to this frequently stressed area. It allows for structural continuity between the back part (the heel) and the central part (the arch of the foot), resulting in a more even distribution of forces applied during intense physical activities.

[0062] The bottom part 5a of the top counter 5 may have a visible central opening 5a1, which offers several advantages. The central opening 5a1 makes it possible to reduce the weight of the shoe while maintaining the structural properties desired for foot retention, which can be a decisive advantage in sports where lightness is desired for improved performance. The opening 5a1 introduces an area of flexibility in the bottom part 5a, thereby allowing the shoe to adapt to the natural movements of the foot, in particular during running. This increases freedom of movement while maintaining sufficient lateral and longitudinal support. Furthermore, the opening 5a1 plays a role in thermal comfort by facilitating ventilation of the foot and reducing the accumulation of heat and moisture in the area of the arch of the foot.

[0063] Thus, the top part 5b of the top counter 5 provides rigid and stable retention, while the bottom part 5a of the top counter 5 offers a perfect balance between stability, support, and torsion. The top counter 5 offers a foot stabilization system that reduces the risk of injury while improving foot comfort and mobility. Improved retention of the heel and the arch of the foot is achieved, thereby improving the stability, comfort, and performance of the shoe.

[0064] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values indicating mechanical / thermal properties, compositional percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances, or other characteristics are to be understood as modified by the word “about” or "approximately" in describing the scope of the present disclosure. This modification is desired for various reasons including industrial practice, material, manufacturing, and assembly tolerances, and testing capability.

[0065] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A OR B OR C), using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be construed to mean “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0066] The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A sports shoe comprising: an upper; a midsole; and a heel counter at a heel area, the heel counter comprising a top counter and a bottom counter, the top counter including a top part fastened to the upper and a bottom part fastened to a top face of the midsole, the bottom counter fastened to a lateral face of the midsole, and the top counter and the bottom counter are distinct and separated by a portion of the midsole.

2. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bottom part of the top counter is fastened to the top face of the midsole at a fastening area of the top face, and the fastening area is located under a top end of the portion of the midsole.

3. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bottom part of the top counter is provided with notches.

4. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the top part of the top counter comprises a top area provided with perforations.

5. The sports shoe according to claim 4, wherein the top part of the top counter comprises a band, located at a top end of the top counter, and the band is thinner than the top area provided with perforations.

6. The sports shoe according to claim 4, wherein the top area has an axis of symmetry and in that a thickness of the top part decreases away from the axis of symmetry.

7. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bottom part of the top counter extends towards a front end of the sports shoe, beyond the bottom counter.

8. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bottom counter comprises an opening defined on an inner lateral side of the sports shoe, and on an outer lateral side of the sports shoe.

9. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the midsole comprises a particulate foam material.

10. The sports shoe according to claim 9, wherein the particulate foam material comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), expanded polyamide (ePA), expanded polyether-block-amide (ePEBA), expanded polylactide (ePLA), expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET), expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT), or expanded thermoplastic polyester-ether elastomer (eTPEE).

11. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the top counter comprises a plastic material.

12. The sports shoe according to claim 11, wherein the plastic material comprises polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or a thermoplastic material.

13. The sports shoe according to claim 12, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

14. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the top counter comprises cast polyurethane (CPU).

15. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bottom counter comprises a plastic material.

16. The sports shoe according to claim 15, wherein the plastic material comprises polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), or a thermoplastic material.

17. The sports shoe according to claim 16, wherein the thermoplastic material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

18. The sports shoe according to claim 1, wherein the bottom counter comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

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