Shoe component

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a removable insole (4) for a shoe (1), which insole extends in a longitudinal direction (LD) from a heel area (HA) across a midfoot area (MA) to a forefoot area (FA). The insole comprises a footbed (41), which extends in a vertical direction (VD) from an upper surface (411) to a lower surface (412) and comprises two lateral sides (413, 413'), a heel counter (42), which is attached to the footbed (41) in the heel area (HA) and extends along the vertical direction (VD) away from the upper surface (411) of the footbed (41) and at least two eye-stays (43, 43'), each comprising a proximal end (432, 432') which is attached to the footbed (41) adjacent to the heel counter (42) and each comprising at a distal end (431, 431'), which is spaced along the vertical direction (VD) away from the upper surface (411) of the footbed (41) and each comprises at least one eyelet (433) for receiving a shoelace (6). The footbed (41), the heel counter (42) and the eye-stays (43, 43') are an integral unit configured to be inserted into and removed from an upper (3) of a shoe (1) as a single unit. The present disclosure further relates to a shoe (1) comprising a midsole (2), an upper (3) and a removable insole (4) according to the present disclosure.

Description

[0001] P28667PC00

[0002] 1 / 25

[0003] Shoe component

[0004] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a removable insole for a shoe and a shoe comprising the removable insole.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] US2017303632A1 , published on 26.10.2017 on behalf of KIZIK DESIGN LLC relates to a rapid-entry and rebounding fit shoe, which has one or both of a rapidentry heel element and a rapid-entry tongue element and both snap back for fit. The rapid-entry shoe directs a user's foot into or otherwise accommodates a user's foot with respect to a shoe opening and thereafter secures a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe about a user's heel as well as forefoot. The rapid-entry shoe includes a rapid-entry heel structure, configured to return a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe from a collapsed configuration to a non-collapsed configuration. A rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe can refer to the quarter of the shoe, a heel portion of the upper of the shoe, the heel seat, the heel counter, the back strap or other portion of the shoe that is configured to be disposed around a heel of a user.

[0008] US2020068991A1 , published on 05.03.2020 on behalf of TBL LICENSING LLC relates to a shoe that contains a removable insert that is configured to be removed and washed in between uses or as needed, such that a sock or other liner is unnecessary. The shoe further includes a footbed and an outsole that contain P28667PC00

[0009] 2 / 25 matching tread patterns. The removable insert comprises three integral components, a footbed cover, a footbed and a heel cup. The removable insert is configured to fit within the cavity so that a bottom surface of the footbed contacts a top surface of the insole. A top surface of the footbed opposite the bottom surface is permanently secured to the footbed cover. The heel cup extends generally vertically from the footbed and the footbed cover. The heel cup is arranged to fit snugly against a heel portion of the upper. The bottom surface of the footbed comprises a tread pattern that corresponds to the tread pattern of the outsole. This allows complementary mechanical operation of the two components.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] An important component in shoe construction is the outsole, which is typically the bottom layer of the shoe, and in contact with the ground. The outsole is typically made from a variety of materials, although most modern shoes have soles made from natural rubber, polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride compounds. Between the outsole and an insole typically a midsole is arranged, usually for shock absorption. Some types of footwear, such as running shoes, have additional material for shock absorption, usually under the heel of the foot, where most of the pressure is applied.

[0012] The insole is the inner sole of a shoe that sits directly under the foot beneath the footbed and is also known as the sock liner. In traditional shoemaking, the purpose of the insole is to attach to the lasting edge of the upper, which is wrapped around the last when the shoe is closed during the lasting process. Insoles in modem shoes are usually made of cellulose paperboard or synthetic non-woven P28667PC00

[0013] 3 / 25 fabric. Many shoes have removable and replaceable footbeds. Extra cushioning is often added for comfort and to control the shape, moisture or odor of the shoe, or for health reasons to accommodate differences in the natural shape of the foot or the position of the foot when standing or walking. The upper helps to keep the shoe on the foot.

[0014] For conventional sports shoes, the insoles are usually not stitched or glued to the midsole but are in form of removable inlays. Reinforcements and / or layers of several components, e.g. heel counters, foam layers etc. are typically arranged around the heel collar and eye stays of the upper to give the upper more stability. These reinforcements are usually applied in the heel region or the collar, where most stress and strain is applied to the upper during walking or running. In conventional shoe upper constructions such as those described above, various components are typically either thermally bonded, glued and / or stitched. Such a mechanically bonded material mix makes recycling difficult, if not impossible. As a result, the footwear is typically discarded at the end of its useful life and its material value is lost. In comparison to these kinds of reinforced sandwich structures, single-layer uppers can be used. In particular for performance footwear, like athletic or running shoes, these single-layer uppers nevertheless tend to lack support and wear out quickly, resulting in a short lifespan and unwanted movement between the foot and the upper. This can make wearing the shoe uncomfortable for the user.An objective of the present disclosure can be seen in providing a removable insole with improved support for the wearer’s foot. Another objective of the present disclosure can be seen in increasing the recyclability of the overall shoe. P28667PC00

[0015] 4 / 25

[0016] The present disclosure relates to a removable insole for a shoe. The insole extends in a longitudinal direction from a heel area across a midfoot area to a forefoot area. The insole typically comprises a footbed, which extends in a vertical direction from an upper surface to a lower surface and comprises with respect to the longitudinal direction two lateral sides. The footbed is typically essentially planar. The footbed can be in form of a curved layer and may be an integral foam layer or have a multilayered design. Typically, the footbed has an extension in the vertical direction which is an order of magnitude smaller than the extension in the longitudinal direction. The upper surface of the footbed is configured to receive a wearers foot and can therefore be ergonomically shaped for a wearer foot. In the mounted state, being the state in which the removable insole is arranged within a shoe, the lower surface of the insole is typically configured to face an upper surface of a midsole of the shoe. Besides the upper and lower surface, the footbed comprises a circumferential edge which is defined by the two lateral sides which merge at a first end in the heel area and opposite at a second end in a toe tip of the insole with each other. The circumferential edge typically interconnects the upper and the lower surface with each other.

[0017] Besides the footbed, the removable insole typically further comprises a heel counter, which is attached to the footbed in the heel area and extends along the vertical direction away from the upper surface of the footbed. In a top view onto the upper surface of the insole, the heel counter can have a U-shaped outline. Ther heel counter can be an arc shaped support which is configured to stabilize a wearer’s heel during walking or running. The heel counter can be attached on lateral sides of the circumferential edge of the footbed, with the lateral sides typically being laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction as will be described P28667PC00

[0018] 5 / 25 in more detail further down below. The heel counter may be attached to the circumferential edge of the footbed by gluing or sewing. Alternatively or in addition, the heel counter can be attached to the upper or lower surface of the footbed, as will be also described in more detail further down below. The removable insole typically further comprises at least two eye-stays, which each comprise a proximal end which proximal ends may be attached to the footbed adjacent to the heel counter, preferably in the midfoot area. Each eye-stay typically comprises a distal end, which may be spaced along the vertical direction away from the upper surface of the footbed. The distal ends may each comprise at least one eyelet for receiving a shoelace. The eye-stays extend from the proximal end, being the end facing the footbed to the distal end, facing away from the footbed.

[0019] In the mounted state the eye-stays face towards the vamp of a shoe, which is typically the front panel of the shoe upper. The vamp is the front area of the upper, extending from a toe tip until the back quarter before the heel area. The at least one eyelet is typically a reinforced through-hole in the respective eye-stay for passing a shoelace through. The eye-stay can be reinforced and / or padded. The holes may be reinforced with a circular plastic or metal rivet to prevent the holes from ripping. The number of eyelets depends on the specific shoe style and design. Good results can be achieved with two eyelets per eye-stay. The shoelaces can be passed through the eyelets of the eye-stays. Besides their purpose of tightening the shoes on the wearer’s feet, the shoelaces also keep the removable insole in place within a shoe with respect to the longitudinal direction. The eyestays therefore fulfill two important purposes. First, they stabilize the wearer’s foot in the mounted state with tightened shoelaces by acting as straps stabilizing the wearer’s foot with respect to the sole in the vertical as well as in the longitudinal P28667PC00

[0020] 6 / 25 direction. Second, they avoid that the removable insole moves within the shoe along the longitudinal direction while wearing.

[0021] The footbed, the heel counter and the eye-stays are an integral unit configured to be inserted into and removed from an upper of a shoe as a single unit. This allows that the entire footbed can be inserted or removed as one unit and exchanged easily. The integral unit of footbed, heel counter and eye-stays is typically not materially bonded to the midsole or upper in the mounted state. The removable insole typically stays in place by the weight of the wearer and through the lacing. The integral unit of footbed, heel counter and eye-stays reduce or eliminates bonded or stitched components. Through the modularity, the integral unit can be disassembled from the rest of the shoe, typically midsole and upper. The separation of the bonded / stitched components allows for easy disassembly of the shoe, therefore allowing the recycling of the shoe as different material components can be sorted for recycling. In addition, the removable insole improves the stability of the upper and the midfoot lockdown.

[0022] The distal ends of each of the two eye-stays of the removable insole may be configured, in the mounted state of the insole within a shoe, to extend from an inside of the upper of the shoe through a respective slit in the upper to an outside of the upper. Good results can be achieved when the upper comprises two lateral sides and one slit is arranged on each lateral side of the upper. One eye-stay may extend through one of the two slits on each side. The integral unit adds extra stability and midfoot lockdown within the upper construction through the eyestays and the typically padded heel counter. By having this construction, the wearer can strap their foot to exactly their foot shape. The heel counter and the P28667PC00

[0023] 7 / 25 two eye-stays can be integral with each other and attached to the footbed. The heel counter and the two eye-stays may be co-molded with the footbed.

[0024] Alternatively, the heel counter with the two eye-stays and the footbed can be made from two separate parts. Thereby, the footbed is molded and the heel counter and the two eye-stays are attached to the footbed. Each of the proximal ends of the two eye-stays may be attached to the footbed in the midfoot area. Each of the distal ends of the two eye-stays may extend from the midfoot area towards the forefoot area, preferably in an oblique manner. The eye-stay can in addition be reinforced. Typical reinforcements include fibers or webs which are embedded in the eye-stays. The two eye-stays being arranged in an oblique manner allows for an ergonomic design, encompassing the ankle and thereby stabilizing the ankle joint.

[0025] The heel counter and / or proximal ends of the two eye-stays can be attached to the footbed on lateral sides of the footbed. This allows for a good compromise between simple production and good force transmission from the heel counter and the eye-stays into the footbed. The heel counter may be arc shaped and can comprise an aperture in the heel area. The arc can be designed to run around the wearer’s heel bone and thereby stabilize the heel. Alternatively or in addition, the heel counter can encompass the footbed and opposing ends of the heel counter may be attached to the lower surface of the footbed, preferably attached overlapping with each other. Compared to attaching the heel counter to the lateral sides of the footbed, attaching the opposing ends of the heel counter to the lower surface of the footbed even further increases the stability as the contact surface P28667PC00

[0026] 8 / 25 between the opposing ends of the heel counter and the lower surface of the footbed to which an adhesive can be applied is increased.

[0027] The heel counter and the two eye-stays may be integral with each other and can be fixedly attached to the footbed, preferably sewn or bonded to the footbed. Good results can be achieved when the opposing ends of the heel counter which are attached to the lower surface of the footbed are sewn or bonded to the lower surface of the footbed. Alternatively, the heel counter and the two eye-stays can be integral with each other and may be removably wrapped around to the footbed. The footbed can comprise a recess, which is arranged in the lower surface and the lateral sides of the footbed. The recess is typically configured to receive the heel counter and the proximal ends of the two eye-stays.

[0028] The heel counter and the two eye-stays can alternatively be attached to the footbed between the foam layer and the top cloth. The footbed may comprise a foam layer and on the upper surface a top cloth may be arranged at least partially thereon. The material used for the footbed can be an open cell foam. In addition, the footbed can be covered with a laminated elastane layer, also known as Spandex or Lycra, which is a four way stretch material and has a favorable cushioning effect. The footbed is typically made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or open cell polyurethane (Pll). The heel counter and the two eye-stays may be laminated between the foam layer the top cloth laminated to the upper surface of the footbed. The heel counter may comprise an integrated collar and a heel padding. The heel counter and the two eye-stays can be coated with a layer of fabric. P28667PC00

[0029] 9 / 25

[0030] The present disclosure further relates to a shoe, comprising a removable insole as described above noted. A shoe according to the present disclosure comprises a midsole, which extends in the vertical direction from an upper surface to a lower surface. The midsole extends in the longitudinal direction from a heel area across a midfoot area to a forefoot area. The midsole is typically made from a thermoplastic material, preferably in a foamed state. The shoe further comprises a removable insole as described above in more detail, which is arranged on the midsole. The midsole can additionally comprise at least one tensile layer, which is connected to or embedded in the midsole and extends along the longitudinal direction and / or along a transversal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0031] The shoe further comprises an upper, which acts as the outer shell of the shoe and a removable insole according to the present disclosure, which is inserted into the upper in a removable manner. The midsole is arranged between the upper and the outsole. The outsole is the bottom of the shoe and is in contact with the ground. The outsole can be made from a variety of materials, preferably made from natural rubber, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds.

[0032] The removable insole is not attached to the upper and stays in place while wearing through the shoelaces. This avoids that the removable insole slides within the shoe. Another advantage is the modularity. Especially for performance shoes, where customization to each individual’s feet and gait cycle is desired, a number of removable insoles can be combined with the given uppers. The upper of the shoe may comprise two lateral sides and in the midfoot area a slit, which is arranged in each lateral side. Each of the two eye-stays of the removable insole P28667PC00

[0033] 10 / 25 extends from an inside of the upper through one of the slits to an outside of the upper. Each of the two eye-stays may extend through the respective slit towards a collar of the upper and the distal ends of the two eye-stays may point towards each other. The upper can be made from a single material and the removable insole may be configured to be removed from the upper in a non-destructive manner. The upper may be made form a textile material or alternatively form a material being made from a helical filament forming overlapping loops. The heel counter may extend along the vertical direction above the heel area of the upper. This allows the wearer to easily grab the insole to remove or insert it and prevents the heel area of the upper during wearing from being overstrained.

[0034] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The herein described disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which should not be considered limiting to the disclosure described in the appended claims. The drawings are showing: P28667PC00

[0037] 11 / 25

[0038] Fig. 1 a lateral view on a first embodiment of the removable insole for a shoe;

[0039] Fig. 2 a schematic perspective exploded view on a first embodiment of the shoe;

[0040] Fig. 3 a schematic perspective view on the first embodiment of the shoe ac- cording to Figure 2 in an assembled state;

[0041] Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view on a second embodiment of the removable insole for a shoe;

[0042] Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view on a third embodiment of the removable insole for a shoe; Fig. 6 a schematic perspective view on a fourth embodiment of the removable insole for a shoe;

[0043] Fig. 7 a schematic perspective view on a fifth embodiment of the removable insole for a shoe;

[0044] Fig. 8 a schematic view from the bottom side onto the fifth embodiment ac- cording to Figure 6;

[0045] Fig. 9 a lateral view on the footbed of a sixth embodiment of the removable insole for a shoe; P28667PC00

[0046] 12 / 25

[0047] Fig. 10 a schematic perspective exploded view on the sixth embodiment of the removable insole according to Figure 9;

[0048] Fig. 11 a schematic view from the bottom side onto the sixth embodiment according to Figure 10.

[0049] DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of the removable insole 4 for a shoe. The shown removable insole 4 extends in the longitudinal direction LD from a heel area HA across a midfoot area MA to a forefoot area FA and comprises a footbed 41 , which extends in a vertical direction VD from an upper surface 411 to a lower surface 412 and comprises two lateral sides 413. A heel counter 42 is attached to the footbed 41 in the heel area HA and extends along the vertical direction VD away from the upper surface 411 of the footbed 41 . Two eye-stays 43 are made integral with the heel counter 42 and each comprise a proximal end 432, which is attached to the footbed 41 adjacent to the heel counter 42. The eye stays 43 further comprise a distal end 431 , which is spaced along the vertical direction VD P28667PC00

[0052] 13 / 25 away from the upper surface 411 of the footbed 41 and each comprise at least one eyelet 433 for receiving a shoelace.

[0053] Figures 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of a shoe 1. The shown shoe 1 comprises a midsole 2, which extends in the vertical direction from an upper surface 21 to a lower surface 22. The shoe further comprises an upper 3, which acts as the outer shell of the shoe 1 and a removable insole 4, which is inserted into the upper 3 in a removable manner. The midsole 2 is arranged between the upper 3 and the outsole 5. The shown outsole 5 is the bottom of the shoe 1 and is in contact with the ground. The outsole 5 can be made from a variety of materials, typically including natural rubber, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds.

[0054] The shown midsole 2 extends in the vertical direction VD from the upper surface 21 , configured to face the upper 3, to the lower surface 22, configured to face the outsole 5. The shown removable insole 4 is not attached t the upper 3 or the midsole 2 and stays in place while wearing due to the shoelaces 6 as shown in Figure 3. The shoelaces 6 are fed through the eyelets 433, arranged at the distal ends 431 , 43T of the eye-stays 43, 43’. The upper 3 of the shown shoe 1 comprises two lateral sides LS, LS’ and in the midfoot area a slit 31 , 3T in each lateral side LS, LS’. The respective distal end 431 , 43T of the shown two eye-stays 43, 43’ of the removable insole 4 extends from the inside of the upper 3 through one of the slits 31 in the upper 3 to the outside of the upper 3.

[0055] The distal ends 431 , 431 ’ of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ extend through the respective slits 31 towards the collar 32 of the upper 3 and the distal ends 431 , 43T of P28667PC00

[0056] 14 / 25 the two eye-stays 43, 43’ point towards each other. The removable insole 4 is configured to be removed from the upper 3 in a non-destructive manner. The shown heel counter 42 extends along the vertical direction VD above the heel area HA of the upper 3. This allows the wearer to easily grab the insole 4 to remove or insert it and prevent the heel area HA of the upper 3 during wearing from being overstrained. In the mounted state as shown in Figure 3, the distal ends 431 , 43T of the eye-stays 43, 43’ interact with the vamp 33 of the shoe 1 , which is the front panel of the shoe upper 3. The vamp 33 is in the forefoot area FA of the shoe and extends from the toe tip until the back quarter before the heel area. The distal ends 431 , 43T of the eye-stays 43, 43’ are in the mounted state arranged at the top of the shoe’s vamp 33.

[0057] The eyelets 433, 433’ are typically reinforced through-holes in the eye-stays 43, 43’ for passing a shoelace 6, 6’ through. The eye-stays 43, 43’ are reinforced and / or padded. The through-holes may be reinforced with a circular plastic or metal rivet to prevent the eyelets 433, 433’ from ripping. The number of eyelets 433, 433’ depends on the specific shoe style and design. In the shown embodiments each eye-stay 43, 43’ comprises two eyelets 433, 433’. The shoelaces 6, 6’ are passed through the eyelets 433, 433’ of the eye-stays 43, 43’. Besides their purpose of tightening the shoes 1 on the wearer’s feet, the shoelaces 6, 6’ also keep the removable insole 4 in place within a shoe with respect to the longitudinal direction LD.

[0058] Figures 4 to 11 show six embodiments of the removable insole 4. The shown insoles 4 each extend in the longitudinal direction LD from a heel area across a midfoot area to a forefoot area. The insoles 4 each comprise a footbed 41 , which P28667PC00

[0059] 15 / 25 extends in the vertical direction VD from the upper surface 411 to the lower surface 412. The shown footbed 41 is essentially planar and in form of a curved plane. The footbed 41 has an extension in the vertical direction VD which is an order of magnitude smaller than the extension in the longitudinal direction LD. The upper surface 411 of the footbed 41 is configured to receive a wearers foot and can therefore be ergonomically shaped for a wearer foot. In the mounted state the lower surface 412 is configured to face an upper surface of a midsole of the shoe. Besides the upper 411 and lower surface 412, the footbed 41 comprises a circumferential edge 413 which interconnects the upper 411 and the lower surface 412.

[0060] All shown embodiments of the removable insole 4 further comprise a heel counter 42, which is fixedly attached to the footbed 41 in the heel area and extends along the vertical direction VD away from the upper surface 411 of the footbed 41 . Figures 4 and 7 show embodiments where the heel counter 42 is attached on lateral sides of the circumferential edge 413 to the footbed 41 , with the lateral sides being laterally with respect to the longitudinal direction LD. Figures 5 and 6 show embodiments where the heel counter 42 is attached on the upper surface 411 of the footbed 41. All shown embodiments of the removable insole 4 further comprise at least two eye-stays 43, 43’. The proximal ends 432are fixedly attached to the footbed 41 in the midfoot area, adjacent to the heel counter 42 and each comprise a distal end 431 , 43T which is spaced along the vertical direction VD away from the upper surface 411 of the footbed 41 .

[0061] The footbed 41 , the heel counter 42 and the eye-stays 43, 43’ are an integral unit configured to be inserted into and removed from an upper of a shoe as a single P28667PC00

[0062] 16 / 25 unit. The integral unit of footbed 41 , heel counter 42 and eye-stays 43, 43’ is typically not permanently attached to the midsole or upper in the mounted state. The removable insole 4 typically stays in place by the weight of the wearer and through the lacing. The integral unit of footbed 41 , heel counter 42 and eye-stays 43, 43’ reduces or eliminates bonded or stitched components. Through the modularity they can be disassembled from the rest of the shoe, typically midsole and upper. The separation of the bonded / stitched components allows for easy disassembly of the shoe, therefore allowing the recycling of the shoe as different material components can be sorted for recycling. In addition, the removable insole improves the stability of the upper and the midfoot lockdown.

[0063] The distal ends of 431 , 43T of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ of the removable insole 4 are configured to extend from the inside of the upper 3 of a shoe through slits in the upper to the outside of the upper. The integral unit adds extra stability and midfoot lockdown within the upper construction through the adjustable eye-stays 43, 43’ and the extra padded inserted around the heel. By having this construction, the user can strap their foot to exactly their foot shape. The removable insole increases the upper’s stability, midfoot lockdown, provides an support to the upper, heel reinforcement for the wearer and an integrated sock liner or drop in footbed. The material for this part can be of any textile such as microsuede and mesh.

[0064] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the removable insole 4, where the heel counter 42 and the proximal ends 432, 432’ of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ are integral with each other and attached to the footbed 41 . The shown heel counter 42 with the two eye-stays 43, 43’ and the footbed 41 are made from two separate pieces. P28667PC00

[0065] 17 / 25

[0066] The footbed 41 is molded and the heel counter 42 and the proximal ends 432, 432’ of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ are laterally attached to the footbed 41 . The distal ends 431 , 43T of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ extend from the midfoot area MA towards the forefoot area FA in an oblique manner. The eye-stays 43, 43’ are in addition reinforced, e.g. by fibers or webs which are embedded in the eye-stays 43, 43’.

[0067] Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment of the removable insole 4 where the heel counter 42 and the proximal ends 432 of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ are attached to the footbed 41 between the foam layer 414 and the top cloth 415. The material used for the foam layer 414 is an open cell foam. In addition, the footbed 41 is covered with a laminated Lycra, which is a four way stretch material, as top cloth 415. The footbed 41 is made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or open cell polyurethane (Pll). The heel counter 42 and the two eye-stays 43, 43’ of the shown embodiment are laminated between the foam layer 414 the top cloth 415 to the upper surface 411 of the footbed 41 . The shown heel counter 42 comprises an integrated collar 423 and a heel padding 424. The heel counter 42 and the two eye-stays 43, 43’ can be additionally coated with a layer of fabric 7.

[0068] Figures 7 and 8 show an embodiment of the removable insole 4 where the heel counter 42 and the proximal ends 432, 432’ of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ are attached to the footbed 41 on lateral sides 413, 413’ of the edge. The shown heel counter 42 is attached to the lateral sides 413, 413’ of the footbed 41 , is arc shaped and comprises an aperture 421 in the heel area HA. In addition, the heel counter 42 encompasses the footbed 41 and opposing ends 422, 422’ of the heel counter 42 are attached to the lower surface 412 of the footbed 41 , preferably P28667PC00

[0069] 18 / 25 attached overlapping with each other. Compared to attaching the heel counter 42 to the lateral sides of the footbed 41 , attaching the opposing ends 422, 422’ of the heel counter 42 to the lower surface 412 of the footbed 41 increases the stability as contact surface to which an adhesive can be applied. The opposing ends 422, 422’ of the heel counter 42 are attached to the lower surface 412 of the footbed 41 , either by sewing or are bonded to the lower surface 412.

[0070] Figures 9 to 11 show an embodiment of the removable insole 4 with a recess 416 for receiving the heel counter 42 and the proximal ends 432, 432’ of the two eye-stays 43, 43’. As can be seen best in Figure 9, the shown footbed 41 comprises a recess 416, which is arranged in the lower surface 412 of the footbed 41 and the lateral sides 413 of the footbed 41. The recess 416 is configured to receive the heel counter 42 and the proximal ends 432, 432’ of the two eye-stays 43, 43’ as shown by Figure 10. The heel counter 42 and the two eye-stays 43, 43’ are made integral with each other and are attached to the footbed 41 . As shown by Figure 11 , the opposing ends 422, 422’of the heel counter are attached to the lower surface 412 of the footbed 41 and in the shown embodiment are arranged in the recess, overlapping with each other. The opposing ends 422, 422’ are removably wrapped around to the footbed 41 . Alternatively, the opposing ends 422, 422’ can be also sewn or bonded to the footbed 41 .

[0071] Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the Spirit and scope of the disclosure. P28667PC00

[0072] 19 / 25

[0073] LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0074] 1 Shoe 421 Aperture

[0075] 2 Midsole 20 422, 422’ End

[0076] 21 Upper surface 423 Collar 22 Lower surface 424 Padding

[0077] 3 Upper 43, 43’ Eye-stay

[0078] 31 , 31 ’ Slit 431 , 431 ’ Distal end

[0079] 32 Collar 25 432, 432’ Proximal end

[0080] 33 Vamp 433 Eyelet 4 Removable insole 5 Outsole

[0081] 41 Footbed 6 Shoelace

[0082] 411 Upper surface 7 Fabric layer

[0083] 412 Lower surface 30 VD Vertical direction

[0084] 413, 413’ Lateral side LD Longitudinal direction 414 Foam layer HA Heel area

[0085] 415 Top cloth MA Midfoot area

[0086] 416 Recess FA Forefoot area

[0087] 42 Heel counter

Claims

P28667PC00 07.10.202420 / 25PATENT CLAIMS1 . A removable insole (4) for a shoe (1 ), which insole extends in a longitudinal direction (LD) from a heel area (HA) across a midfoot area (MA) to a forefoot area (FA) and comprises i. a footbed (41 ), which extends in a vertical direction (VD) from an upper surface (411 ) to a lower surface (412) and comprises two lateral sides (413, 413’); ii. a heel counter (42), which is attached to the footbed (41 ) in the heel area (HA) and extends along the vertical direction (VD) away from the upper surface (411 ) of the footbed (41 ); iii. at least two eye-stays (43, 43’), each comprising a proximal end (432, 432’) which is attached to the footbed (41 ) adjacent to the heel counter (42) and each comprising a distal end (431 , 43T), which is spaced along the vertical direction (VD) away from the upper surface (411 ) of the footbed (41 ) and each comprises at least one eyelet (433) for receiving a shoelace (6); wherein the footbed (41 ), the heel counter (42) and the eye-stays (43, 43’) are an integral unit configured to be inserted into and removed from an upper (3) of a shoe (1 ) as a single unit.P28667PC00 07.10.202421 / 252. The removable insole (4) according to claim 1 , wherein each of the distal ends (431 , 43T) of the at least two eye-stays (43, 43’) of the removable insole (4) is configured to extend from an inside of an upper (3) of a shoe (1 ) through the respective slit (31 , 3T) in the upper (3) to an outside of the upper (3).

3. The removable insole (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the proximal ends (432, 432’) of the two eye-stays (43, 43’) is attached to the footbed (41 ) in the midfoot area (MA) and each of the distal ends (431 , 43T) of the two eye-stays (43, 43’) extends from the midfoot area (MA) towards the forefoot area (FA), preferably in an oblique manner.

4. The removable insole (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heel counter (42) and the proximal ends (432, 432’) of the two eye-stays (43, 43’) are attached to the footbed (41 ) on the lateral sides (413, 413’) of the footbed (41 ).

5. The removable insole (4) according to claim 4, wherein the heel counter (42) is arc-shaped and comprises an aperture (421 ) in the heel area (HA).

6. The removable insole (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the footbed (41 ) comprises a foam layer (414) and on the upper surface (411 ) a top cloth (415) is arranged at least partially thereon.

7. The removable insole (4) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heel counter (42) encompasses the footbed (41 ) and opposing ends (422,P28667PC00 07.10.202422 / 25422’) of the heel counter (42) are attached to the lower surface (412) of the footbed (41 ), preferably attached overlapping with each other.

8. The removable insole (4) according to claim 7, wherein the opposing ends (422, 422’) of the heel counter (42) are attached to the lower surface (412) of the footbed (41 )..

9. The removable insole (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heel counter (42) and the two eye-stays (43, 43’) are integral with each other and are fixedly attached to the footbed (41 ), preferably sewn or bonded to the footbed (41 ).

10. The removable insole (4) according to claim 9, wherein the heel counter (42) and the two eye-stays (43, 43’) are attached to the footbed (41 ) between the foam layer (414) and the top cloth (415).11 . The removable insole (4) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heel counter (42) and the two eye-stays (43, 43’) are integral with each other and are removably wrapped around to the footbed (41 ).

12. The removable insole (4) according to claim 11 , wherein the footbed (41 ) comprises a recess (416) which is arranged in the lower surface (412) and the lateral sides (413, 413’) of the footbed (41 ) and configured to receive the heel counter (42) and the proximal ends (432, 432’) of the two eye-stays (43, 43’).P28667PC00 07.10.202423 / 2513. The removable insole (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heel counter (42) comprises an integrated collar (423) and a heel padding (424).

14. The removable insole (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heel counter (42) and the two eye-stays (43, 43’) are coated with a layer of fabric (7).

15. A shoe (1 ) comprising a. a midsole (2) which extends in the vertical direction (VD) from an upper surface (21 ) to a lower surface (22), b. an upper (3) which acts as the outer shell of the shoe (1 ), and c. a removable insole (4) according to at least one of the preceding claims, which is arranged within the upper (3) on the upper surface (21 ) of the midsole (2) in a removable manner.

16. The shoe (1 ) according to claim 15, wherein the upper (3) comprises two lateral sides (LS, LS’) and in the midfoot area (MA) a slit (31 , 31 ’) is arranged in each lateral side (LS, LS’) and each of the two eye-stays (43, 43’) of the removable insole (4) extends from an inside of the upper (3) through a respective slit of the two slits (31 , 3T) to an outside of the upper (3).

17. The shoe (1 ) according to claim 16, wherein each of the two eye-stays (43, 43’) extends through the respective slit (31 , 3T) towards a collar (32) of theP28667PC00 07.10.202424 / 25 upper (3) and the distal ends (431 , 431 ’) of the two eye-stays (43, 43’) point towards each other.

18. The shoe (1 ) according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the upper (3) is made from a single material and the removable insole (4) is configured to be removed from the upper (3) in a non-destructive manner.

19. The shoe (1 ) according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the heel counter (42) extends along the vertical direction (VD) above the heel area (HA) of the upper (3).

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