Sole for shoes

Abstract

A sole (100), for shoes, comprising: - an elastic base (30), having at least one first seat (31), for accommodating a midsole (10), - the midsole (10), comprising a first body (11), contoured to contain the sole of a foot (F) of a user, the first body (11) having an upper surface (12) which has a footbed-like shape and is surrounded by an outer perimetric edge (1), and a lower surface (13), opposite the previous one, the first body (11) having a plurality of regions (16, 21, 27) adapted to correspond to regions and / or bones of the foot (F), the regions (16, 21, 27) of the first body (11) comprising, in order, at least: - a heel region (16), - a tarsal region (21) comprising, in turn, a cuboid sub-region (25) and a third cuneiform sub-region (26), the cuboid sub-region (25) and the third cuneiform sub-region (26) being adjacent to a metatarsal region (27), - the metatarsal region (27) comprising in turn a first metatarsal sub-region (19'), a second metatarsal and third metatarsal sub-region (19''), a fourth metatarsal sub-region (17'') and a fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'); the lower surface (13) of the midsole (10) has: - a first portion (14) comprising a plurality of protrusions (15), the first portion (14) extending at least in a part of the heel region (16) and of the fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'), - a second portion (18) made of solid / continuous material, the second portion (18) extending at least in the first metatarsal sub-region (19').

Description

[0001] SOLE FOR SHOES

[0002] The present invention relates to a sole, particularly for shoes, such as for example sports shoes for running, tennis and football, and leisure and / or safety shoes.

[0003] Nowadays the use is widespread of soles for shoes, of generally contained thickness, made of elastically deformable material in order to:

[0004] - adapt / conform anatomically to the foot of the user as a function of the configurations that the foot assumes when walking or running,

[0005] - act as a shock absorber for the foot.

[0006] The sole, in fact, must be capable of adequately decreasing the excessive load in the impact area of the foot with respect to the ground, and elastically return part of the energy received during the normal heel-toe stride, while simultaneously decreasing muscular stress and loads to the detriment of the muscular-skeletal apparatus.

[0007] Nowadays, in order to meet such needs, soles are used whose principal functions are, therefore, the absorption of impact during the normal heel-toe stride, elastic yield for transferring loads from the heel to the toes, and flexibility for the thrust phase.

[0008] To this end, it is known to make a sole that comprises a midsole made of expanded polyurethane (PU) or of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), which make up about 90% of the mid-sole and are characterized by a single rigidity level over the entire length of the mid-sole, from the heel to the toes.

[0009] A drawback that is found in the cited known art consists in the fact that the midsole made of EVA or of EP adapts slowly to the shape of the sole of the foot of the user, and therefore it is not capable of ensuring an adequate anatomical adaptation during use, rendering the shoe rather uncomfortable.

[0010] This drawback is felt more deeply by users who suffer from overpronation.

[0011] “Pronation” is a physiological phase consisting of the natural tendency of the foot to rotate inward (i.e. toward the other foot) when walking or running, in order to absorb shocks.

[0012] “Overpronation” is defined as excessive pronation, or pronation that continues after the impact of the foot on the ground. Overpronation influences gait and can increase the risk of injury, and engender tendinitis both in the foot and in the knees, plantar fasciitis and other forms of muscular inflammation.

[0013] To seek to overcome these drawbacks, it is known to provide soles in which rigid supporting elements are inserted, for example in the form of vertical walls of greater or lesser thickness, in the medial wall of the midsole, at the plantar arch.

[0014] Such rigid elements are uncomfortable and inconvenient because they do not adapt to the shape of the sole of the foot, since they are not three- dimensionally and anatomically shaped to fit the foot.

[0015] Conventional midsoles are often reinforced in the waist region by way of the use of added materials the function of which is to lighten and cushion the midsole.

[0016] For example, it is known to use pads, arranged in the heel region, which contain air and / or gel and / or similar materials, which increase impact absorption and are adapted to deform, elastically absorbing the energy of impact with the ground.

[0017] A drawback of such conventional solutions consists in a loss of impact absorption, with consequent loss of elasticity, owing to the fact that, as a consequence of repeated compressions during use, over time the midsole loses the shock-absorption properties and the elastic return of the thrust phase.

[0018] These drawbacks can be due both to the characteristics of the principal material of which the midsole is made, and to the use of pads that can easily deflate and break if subjected to the repeated compressions that arise during sporting activity. To overcome such drawbacks, the sole of W02017 / 08940 is known, by this same applicant.

[0019] This sole comprises:

[0020] - an elastic base, for plantar support, on the upper surface of which, in the configuration for use, there is a seat for accommodating a midsole,

[0021] - such midsole.

[0022] The midsole comprises a body which has:

[0023] - an upper surface which, in the configuration for use, has a footbedlike shape,

[0024] - a lower surface from which, in the configuration for use, a plurality of elastically compressible protrusions protrude, each one having an axial cavity, and which are directed toward the base.

[0025] The protrusions are arranged substantially over all the sole and have different heights in order to allow differentiated support of the various regions of the foot, according to the specific requirements of these zones, in order to cushion the foot and reduce overpronation.

[0026] In particular, such protrusions are:

[0027] - higher and softer in the heel region and in the first and fifth metatarsal regions, corresponding to the regions where the bones of the foot protrude most,

[0028] - lower and stiffer in the regions where greater support is necessary, such as the plantar arch region and the second, third and fourth metatarsal regions.

[0029] This conventional sole, although commercially successful and nowadays highly appreciated, has aspects that can be improved.

[0030] In fact, the presence of protrusions on substantially all of the sole, although providing considerable cushioning and limiting overpronation of the foot, reduces propulsion in the thrust phase of the foot with a consequent dissipation of muscular energy. The aim of the present invention is to provide a sole for shoes that is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the abovementioned aspects.

[0031] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a sole for shoes that enables considerable comfort for the user while improving propulsion in the thrust phase of the foot with respect to similar, conventional soles.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to provide a sole for shoes that makes it possible to cushion the foot of the user while at the same time limiting / reducing overpronation with respect to similar, conventional soles.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole for shoes that makes it possible to maintain the cushioning and thrust capacities over time.

[0034] Another object of the invention is to provide a sole for shoes that ensures an adequate level of anatomical adaptation is obtained, even for users who have problems with overpronation.

[0035] A further object of the present invention is out to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0036] Another object of the invention is to provide a sole that is highly reliable, easy to implement, and at low cost.

[0037] This aim and these and other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a sole, for shoes, comprising:

[0038] - an elastic base, having at least one first seat, for accommodating a midsole,

[0039] - said midsole comprising a first body, contoured to contain the sole of a foot of a user, said first body having an upper surface which has a footbed-like shape and is surrounded by an outer perimetric edge, and a lower surface, opposite the previous one, said first body having a plurality of regions adapted to correspond to regions and / or bones of said foot, said regions of said first body comprising, in order, at least:

[0040] - a heel region,

[0041] - a tarsal region comprising, in turn, a cuboid sub-region and a third cuneiform sub-region, said cuboid sub-region and said third cuneiform sub-region being adjacent to a metatarsal region,

[0042] - said metatarsal region comprising in turn a first metatarsal sub-region, a second metatarsal and third metatarsal sub-region, a fourth metatarsal sub-region and a fifth metatarsal sub-region, said sole being characterized in that said lower surface of said midsole has:

[0043] - a first portion comprising a plurality of protrusions, said first portion extending at least in a part of said heel region and of said fifth metatarsal sub-region,

[0044] - a second portion made of solid / continuous material, said second portion extending at least in said first metatarsal sub-region.

[0045] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the sole for shoes, according to the invention, which is illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0046] - Figure 1 is a plan view of a foot in which the bones that make it up are visible;

[0047] - Figure 2 is a side view of the foot of Figure 1 wherein the bones that make it up are visible;

[0048] - Figure 3 is a side view of a sole for shoes, according to the invention;

[0049] - Figure 4a is a first exploded perspective view of the sole of Figure 3;

[0050] - Figure 4b is a second exploded perspective view of the sole for shoes of Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a plan view from below of a first component of the sole of Figure 3;

[0051] - Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the component of Figure 5;

[0052] - Figure 7 is a plan view from above of the sole of Figure 3;

[0053] - Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII- VIII of Figure 7;

[0054] - Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of Figure 7;

[0055] - Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of Figure 7.

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 are a plan view and a side view of the shape structure of the bones of a foot F : the bones of the phalanges are indicated with the letter A, the calcaneus with the letter D, the metatarsal bones with the letter B and the bones of the tarsus with C.

[0057] The calcaneus D constitutes the heel.

[0058] Among the phalanges A the proximal phalanges can be distinguished, each one connected to a respective metatarsal bone B.

[0059] The proximal phalanges are:

[0060] - first proximal phalanx Al ,

[0061] - second proximal phalanx A2,

[0062] - third proximal phalanx A3,

[0063] - fourth proximal phalanx A4,

[0064] - fifth proximal phalanx A5.

[0065] Among the metatarsal bones B the following can be distinguished:

[0066] - first metatarsal, indicated with B 1 ,

[0067] - second metatarsal, indicated with B2,

[0068] - third metatarsal, indicated with B3,

[0069] - fourth metatarsal, indicated with B4,

[0070] - fifth metatarsal, indicated with B5. The first metatarsal Bl, the second metatarsal B2, the third metatarsal B3, the fourth metatarsal B4 and the fifth metatarsal B5 each have a head, indicated respectively with Hl, H2, H3, H4, H5, which is constituted by the end that is proximate to the respective proximal phalanx Al, A2, A3, A4, A5.

[0071] Among the bones of the tarsus the following can be distinguished:

[0072] - the first cuneiform Cl, connected to the first metatarsal Bl,

[0073] - the second cuneiform C2, connected to the second metatarsal B2,

[0074] - the third cuneiform C3, connected to the third metatarsal B3,

[0075] - the cuboid bone C4, connected to the fourth metatarsal B4 and to the fifth metatarsal B5.

[0076] In the discussion below and in the claims, reference will be made to the various regions of the midsole by giving them the names of the regions / bones of the foot that correspond to them, as illustrated above.

[0077] Expressions like “upper”, “lower”, “from below”, “from above” and the like refer to the configuration for use of the sole according to the invention, in which components have an upper surface directed toward the foot of the user and a lower surface, opposite to the other surface, directed toward the ground.

[0078] With reference to the figures, a sole for shoes, according to the invention, is generally designated by the reference numeral 100.

[0079] The sole 100 comprises:

[0080] - an elastic base 30, having at least one first seat 31, for accommodating a midsole 10,

[0081] - such midsole 10.

[0082] The midsole 10 is, overall, substantially shaped to complement the base 30 in the area for mutual interaction.

[0083] In particular, the first seat 31 is arranged on the upper surface 32 of the base 30, therefore on the surface directed toward the foot of the user, during use.

[0084] The midsole 10 comprises a first body 11, which is shaped to contain the sole of a foot F of a user, and has, in turn:

[0085] - an upper surface 12 with a footbed-like shape, surrounded by a protruding / raised outer perimetric edge 1,

[0086] - a lower surface 13, opposite the preceding surface.

[0087] In variations of embodiment, not shown in the figures, there is no protruding / raised outer perimetric edge and the midsole 10 is embedded in the base 30; therefore it is not visible externally.

[0088] The first body 11 has a plurality of regions 16, 21, 27 which are adapted to correspond to regions and / or bones of the foot F.

[0089] Such regions 16, 21, 27 of the first body 11 comprise, in order, at least:

[0090] - a heel region 16,

[0091] - a tarsal region 21 comprising, in turn, a cuboid sub-region 25 and a third cuneiform sub-region 26, the cuboid sub-region 25 and the third cuneiform sub-region 26 being adjacent to a metatarsal region 27,

[0092] - the metatarsal region 27 comprising in turn a first metatarsal subregion 19', a second metatarsal and third metatarsal sub-region 19", a fourth metatarsal sub-region 17" and a fifth metatarsal sub-region 17'.

[0093] The lower surface 13 of the midsole 10 has:

[0094] - a first portion 14 comprising a plurality of protrusions 15, the first portion 14 extending at least in a part of the heel region 16 and of the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17',

[0095] - a second portion 18 made of solid / continuous material, the second portion 18 extending at least in the first metatarsal sub-region 19'.

[0096] In the present description, the expression “solid / continuous material” means that in that portion there are no protrusions, rather there is material continuity between corresponding points Pl, P2, Pl', P2' of the plane KI, KI', locally tangential to the upper surface 12, and the plane K2, K2', locally tangential to the lower surface 13, considering a cross-section of the midsole 10 taken along a plane perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the first body 11, like the one shown for example in Figures 9 and 10.

[0097] In particular, taking for example Figure 10, where the following are indicated:

[0098] - a point Pl of the plane KI locally tangential to the upper surface 12,

[0099] - a point P2 of the plane K2 locally tangential to the lower surface 13, corresponding to the point Pl .

[0100] Between the points Pl and P2 of Figure 10, the material is solid / continuous.

[0101] Taking for example Figure 9, where the following are indicated:

[0102] - a point Pl' of the plane KI' locally tangential to the upper surface

[0103] 12,

[0104] - a point P2' of the plane K2' locally tangential to the lower surface

[0105] 13, corresponding to the point Pl'.

[0106] Between the points Pl' and P2' of Figure 9, the material is discontinuous because in that region there are protrusions 15.

[0107] In particular, the first portion 14 extends substantially from the heel region 16 to the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17', primarily affecting the latter in the part of the metatarsi, up until a portion 28, adapted to correspond to the head H5 of the fifth metatarsal B5 of the foot F, passing through the tarsal region 21 at least partially.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first portion 14 can at least partially affect the fourth metatarsal sub-region 17" and / or the second metatarsal and third metatarsal sub-region 19" as well.

[0109] Advantageously the first portion 14 is defined in a corresponding second seat 20 inside the second portion 18, which therefore surrounds it entirely.

[0110] Preferably, the protrusions 15 have a substantially frustum-like and / or truncated pyramid-like shape, with:

[0111] - the larger end face directed, in the configuration for use, towards the foot F of the user,

[0112] - and the smaller end face 24 directed toward the base 30 and in contact with the upper surface 32 of the latter.

[0113] Such protrusions 15 are elastically compressible and have each a blind axial cavity 22, extending starting from a corresponding hole 23 arranged on the upper surface 12 of the midsole 10.

[0114] More precisely, the upper surface 12 of the midsole 10 has a plurality of holes 23, each one of which communicates with a respective axial cavity 22 which ends proximately to the smaller end face 24 of a respective protrusion 15.

[0115] The axial cavities 22 allow the respective protrusions 15 to collapse, elastically, when subjected to compression, when the user places their foot F on the ground.

[0116] The holes 23 have a diameter which can vary according to the region of the upper surface 12 of the midsole 10 in which they are arranged.

[0117] Advantageously the holes 23 have a diameter preferably comprised between 1 mm and 11 mm.

[0118] Preferably, the holes 23 have:

[0119] - a diameter that has a variable trend and is substantially comprised between 4 mm and 11 mm in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17',

[0120] - a diameter that is substantially constant in the tarsal region 21 and is comprised between 1 mm and 6 mm, at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26.

[0121] For example, considering a midsole / insole 10 with a UK shoe size of 9, corresponding to an EU shoe size of 43, the holes 23 have a diameter preferably comprised between 2 mm and 9 mm, and in particular:

[0122] - a diameter that has a variable trend and is substantially comprised between 5 mm and 9 mm in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17',

[0123] - a diameter that is substantially constant in the tarsal region 21 and is comprised between 2 mm and 4 mm, at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26.

[0124] Advantageously, the protrusions 15 have volumes that have a variable trend.

[0125] With particular reference to Figure 5, the protrusions 15 have:

[0126] - volumes that have a variable trend in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17',

[0127] - a substantially constant volume in the tarsal region 21, at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26.

[0128] Preferably, the protrusions 15 of the heel region 16 and of the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17' have a greater volume than the protrusions 15 of the tarsal region 21, at least at the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or at the third cuneiform sub-region 26.

[0129] Advantageously, the protrusions 15 have a height with a variable trend and substantially comprised between 3 mm and 13 mm.

[0130] With reference to Figures 9 and 10, in the present description, the expression “height” means the dimension h of the protrusions 15 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the first body 11, measured starting from the bottom g of the second seat 20.

[0131] In particular, the protrusions 15 have:

[0132] - a height that has a variable trend in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17' and is substantially comprised: between 5 mm and 13 mm in the heel region 16, and between 3 mm and 10 mm in the fifth metatarsal region 17',

[0133] - a height that is substantially constant in the tarsal region 21 at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26 and is comprised between 2 mm and 10 mm.

[0134] For example, considering a midsole / insole 10 with a UK shoe size of 9, corresponding to an EU shoe size of 43, the protrusions 15 have a height which has a variable trend and is substantially comprised between 4 mm and 11 mm, and in particular:

[0135] - a height that has a variable trend in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17' and is substantially comprised: between 6 mm and 11 mm in the heel region 16, and between 4 mm and 8 mm in the fifth metatarsal region 17',

[0136] - a height that is substantially constant in the tarsal region 21 at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26 and is comprised between 3 mm and 8 mm.

[0137] Preferably, the protrusions 15 of the heel region 16 and of the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17' have a greater height than the protrusions 15 of the tarsal region 21, at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid subregion 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26.

[0138] Furthermore, the protrusions 15 have:

[0139] - a smaller end face 24 with a variable trend in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17', and substantially comprised between 19 mm2and 132 mm2,

[0140] - a smaller end face 24 which is substantially constant in the tarsal region 21 at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26, and comprised substantially between 0.8 mm2and 29 mm2.

[0141] For example, considering a midsole / insole 10 with a UK shoe size of 9, corresponding to an EU shoe size of 43, the protrusions 15 have:

[0142] - a smaller end face 24 with a variable trend in the heel region 16 and in the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17', and substantially comprised between 28 mm2and 95 mm2,

[0143] - a smaller end face 24 which is substantially constant in the tarsal region 21 at least at the part primarily affecting the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or the third cuneiform sub-region 26, and comprised substantially between 3 mm2and 13 mm2.

[0144] Preferably, the protrusions 15 of the heel region 16 and of the fifth metatarsal sub-region 17' have a greater smaller end face 24 than the protrusions 15 of the tarsal region 21, at least at the cuboid sub-region 25 and / or at the third cuneiform sub-region 26.

[0145] The arrangement on the regions of the lower surface 13 of the midsole 10 and the dimensions of the protrusions 15 and their concentration are defined as a function of the function for cushioning, pronation control, elastic yield and desired propulsion, correlated with the anatomical shape structure of the foot F of the user and of the type of activity performed by the user.

[0146] The base 30 comprises a second body 33 for plantar support, which has:

[0147] - an upper surface 32 directed toward the midsole 10 and surrounded by an outer perimetric edge 2,

[0148] - and a lower surface 34, opposite the preceding surface.

[0149] Advantageously, the lower surface 34 of the second body 33 is stably associated with a tread, not shown in the figures, for example provided in a single piece with the base 30 and / or glued to and / or co-molded with the latter and made for example of rubber and / or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and / or the like.

[0150] In particular, for safety shoes, the sole according to the invention can comprise an anti-perforation plate, in conformance with the EN 22568 standard, not shown in the figures, which is glued to or co-molded with the base 30 and interposed between the latter and the tread.

[0151] The first seat 31 is substantially delimited by the perimetric edge 2 of the upper surface 32 of the base 30.

[0152] The base 30 is provided as a single piece of plastic material, using a material that has elastic characteristics, in order to facilitate its return to the original shape during the use of the shoe and has a density preferably comprised between 0.11 g / cm3and 0.30 g / cm3and a hardness preferably comprised between 45 Asker C and 60 Asker C.

[0153] The material with which the base 30 is made is, for example, EVA and / or polyethylene and / or expanded polystyrene (EPS) and / or PU and / or TPU.

[0154] The base 30 is substantially characterized by a consistency and by a hardness that are standard for the sector, so as to ensure an adequate plantar anatomical support of the sole.

[0155] In particular, the base 30 has a thickness of variable trend and substantially comprised between 5 mm and 50 mm.

[0156] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, in the present description the expression “thickness” means the dimension s of the base 30 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of the structure 100, measured between the bottom q of the first seat 31 and the lower surface 34 of the second body 33.

[0157] Advantageously, the base 30 has ergonomics such that:

[0158] - it matches the ergonomics of the midsole 10 which is adapted to accommodate the foot F, supporting the foot under the plantar arch and reducing stress and fatigue in the foot,

[0159] - it guides the deformation of the midsole 10 when the foot F is placed on the ground in order to limit and / or prevent overpronation.

[0160] The midsole 10 is provided in a single piece or in multiple elements; if produced in a single piece, it is provided using a material that has elastic characteristics, in order to facilitate its return to its original shape during the use of the shoe, and which has a density preferably comprised between 0.07 and 0.14 g / cm3and a hardness preferably comprised between 30 Shore C and 60 Shore C.

[0161] Such material is preferably constituted by, or based on, polymeric material expanded with “supercritical foaming” technology, such as: EVA and / or TPEE (thermoplastic polyester elastomer) and / or PEBA (poly ether block amide) and / or polyamide and / or TPU made using supercritical foaming technology.

[0162] In the present description, the expression “supercritical foaming technology” refers to a technology for producing expanded material in an autoclave using supercritical fluids (SCF) as foaming agents, in particular supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) and / or supercritical nitrogen (ScN2).

[0163] The term “supercritical fluids” means fluids at a temperature greater than their critical temperature and at a pressure greater than their critical pressure.

[0164] “Critical temperature” is defined as the temperature above which a substance cannot exist in the liquid state.

[0165] “Supercritical pressure” is defined as the pressure at which the vapor and liquid forms of a substance can coexist.

[0166] It should be noted that such a material has a considerable capacity for elastic return, superior to similar, conventional materials used to provide conventional midsoles, but with considerably lower material density.

[0167] It should also be noted that the use of such a material and the particular arrangement and configuration of the protrusions 15 makes it possible for the midsole 10 to ensure high capacity for deformation to ensure considerable cushioning and pronation control, while at the same time ensuring a superior elastic return.

[0168] It should also be noted that the presence of protrusions 15 in the first portion 14 of the midsole 10 makes it possible to ensure cushioning at the heel region and to orient the movement of the foot at the metatarsal region in order to minimize overpronation.

[0169] Similarly, the second portion 18 of the midsole 10, made of solid / continuous material at least in the first metatarsal sub-region, makes it possible to guide the foot to obtain maximum propulsion in output. Furthermore, the material used to provide the midsole 10 is abrasionresistant and can be effectively glued to the base 30 of the sole 100, and can therefore protrude from it and be visible from outside the shoe.

[0170] In particular, as this material is abrasion-resistant and as the midsole 10 can protrude from the sole 100, it is possible to take advantage of the characteristics of this material over the entire supporting surface of the foot.

[0171] Specifically, in fact, the perimetric edge 1 of the upper surface 12 of the midsole 10 rests, substantially uniformly, on the perimetric edge 2 of the upper surface 32 of the base 30.

[0172] Advantageously, the midsole 10 is fixed to the base 30 by means of:

[0173] - adhesive bonding with polyurethane mastics in a mixture of waterbased solvents and / or adhesives and / or thermoplastics,

[0174] - and / or co-molding.

[0175] Furthermore, the base 30 can have, as in the example shown in the figures, a through opening 36 adapted to allow the midsole 10 to be seen.

[0176] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a sole for shoes that enables considerable comfort for the user while improving propulsion in the thrust phase of the foot with respect to similar, conventional soles.

[0177] With the invention a sole for shoes has been devised that makes it possible to cushion the foot of the user while at the same time limiting / reducing overpronation with respect to similar, conventional soles.

[0178] Furthermore, with the invention a sole for shoes has been provided that makes it possible to maintain the cushioning and thrust capacities over time.

[0179] Lastly, with the invention a sole for shoes has been devised that ensures an adequate level of anatomical adaptation is obtained, even for users who have problems with overpronation.

[0180] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0181] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0182] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000016765 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0183] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS A sole (100) for shoes, comprising:- an elastic base (30), having at least one first seat (31), for accommodating a midsole (10),- said midsole (10), comprising a first body (11), contoured to contain the sole of a foot (F) of a user, said first body (11) having an upper surface (12) which has a footbed-like shape and is surrounded by an outer perimetric edge (1), and a lower surface (13), opposite the previous one, said first body (11) having a plurality of regions (16, 21, 27) adapted to correspond to regions and / or bones of said foot (F), said regions (16, 21, 27) of said first body (11) comprising, in order, at least:- a heel region (16),- a tarsal region (21) comprising, in turn, a cuboid sub-region (25) and a third cuneiform sub-region (26), said cuboid sub-region (25) and said third cuneiform sub-region (26) being adjacent to a metatarsal region (27),- said metatarsal region (27) comprising in turn a first metatarsal sub-region (19'), a second metatarsal and third metatarsal subregion (19"), a fourth metatarsal sub-region (17") and a fifth metatarsal subregion (17'), said sole (100) being characterized in that said lower surface (13) of said midsole (10) has:- a first portion (14) comprising a plurality of protrusions (15), said first portion (14) extending at least in a part of said heel region (16) and of said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'),- a second portion (18) made of solid / continuous material, said second portion (18) extending at least in said first metatarsal sub-region (19').

2. The sole (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first portion (14) extends substantially from said heel region (16) to said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'), said first portion (14) passing through saidtarsal region (21) at least partially.

3. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first portion (14) is defined in a corresponding second seat (20) within said second portion (18) which surrounds it entirely.

4. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) have a substantially frustum-like and / or truncated pyramid-like shape, with:- the larger end face directed, in the configuration for use, towards said foot (F),- and the smaller end face (24) directed toward said base (30).

5. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) are elastically compressible and have each a blind axial cavity (22) extending from a corresponding hole (23) arranged on said upper surface (12) of said midsole (10), said upper surface (12) of said midsole (10) having a plurality of holes (23), each of said holes (23) communicating with a respective axial cavity (22), said axial cavity (22) ending proximate to said smaller end face (24) of a respective one of said protrusions (15).

6. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holes (23) have a diameter preferably comprised between 1 mm and 11 mm.

7. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said holes (23) have:- a diameter that has a variable trend and is substantially comprised between 4 mm and 11 mm in said heel region (16) and in said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'),- a diameter that is substantially constant in said tarsal region (21) and is comprised between 1 mm and 6 mm, at least at the part primarily affecting said cuboid sub-region (25) and / or said third cuneiform sub-region (26).

8. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that said protrusions (15) have volumes that have a variable trend.

9. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) have:- volumes that have a variable trend in said heel region (16) and in said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'),- a substantially constant volume in said tarsal region (21), at least at the part primarily affecting said cuboid sub-region (25) and / or said third cuneiform sub-region (26), said protrusions (15) of said heel region (16) and of said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17') having a greater volume than the protrusions (15) of said tarsal region (21), at least at said cuboid sub-region (25) and / or at said third cuneiform sub-region (26).

10. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) have a height with a variable trend and substantially comprised between 3 mm and 13 mm.

11. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) have:- a height that has a variable trend in said heel region (16) and in said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17') and is substantially comprised: between 5 mm and 13 mm in said heel region (16) and between 3 mm and 10 mm in said fifth metatarsal region (17'),- a height that is substantially constant in said tarsal region (21) at least at the part primarily affecting said cuboid sub-region (25) and / or said third cuneiform sub-region (26), and is comprised between 2 mm and 10 mm.

12. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) of said heel region (16) and of said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17') have a greater height than the protrusions (15) of said tarsal region (21), at least at the part primarily affecting said cuboid sub-region (25) and / or said third cuneiform sub-region(26).

13. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said protrusions (15) have:- said smaller end face (24) having a variable trend in said heel region (16) and in said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17'), and comprised substantially between 19 mm2and 132 mm2,- said smaller end face (24) which is substantially constant in said tarsal region (21) at least at the part primarily affecting said cuboid subregion (25) and / or said third cuneiform sub-region (26), and comprised substantially between 0.8 mm2and 29 mm2, said protrusions (15) of said heel region (16) and of said fifth metatarsal sub-region (17') having said smaller end face (24) with larger dimensions than the protrusions (15) of said tarsal region (21), at least at said cuboid sub-region (25) and / or at said third cuneiform sub-region (26).

14. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is made of a material that has a density comprised between 0.07 and 0.14 g / cm3and a hardness comprised between 30 Shore C and 60 Shore C.

15. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said material of said midsole (10) is constituted by, or is based on, polymeric material expanded with supercritical foaming technology.

16. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (30) comprises a second body (33) for plantar support, said second body (33) having:- an upper surface (32) directed toward said midsole (10) and surrounded by an outer perimetric edge (2), said at least one first seat (31) being substantially delimited by said perimetric edge (2) of said upper surface (32) of said base (30),- and a lower surface (34), opposite the upper surface.

17. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (30) is provided in a single piece and is made of plastic material, with a material having a density comprised between 0.11 g / cm3and 0.30 g / cm3and a hardness comprised between 45 Asker C and 60 Asker C.

18. The sole (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said perimetric edge (1) of said upper surface (12) of said midsole (10) rests, substantially uniformly, on said perimetric edge (2) of said upper surface (32) of said base (30).

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