Footwear

Abstract

A footwear (1A) comprises a sole part (2) and an upper part (3), and the upper part (3) is provided with filaments (41) including fixing filaments. The fixing filaments have an extension part (45) that extends from the peripheral edge on the lower end side of the upper part (3). The extension part (45) includes an overlapping part (45B) that extends toward the inside of the footwear (1A) so as to overlap at least a part of an upper surface (11) or a lower surface (12), which are surfaces to be joined, of a first component (10) constituting at least a part of the sole part (2). The portion of the fixing filaments constituting the overlapping part (45B) is fixed to the surface to be joined, whereby the fixing filaments are joined to the first component (10).

Description

Footwear

[0001] The present disclosure relates to footwear.

[0002] As components constituting footwear (hereinafter also referred to as "constituent elements"), fibrous structures made of fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc. are often used. In a generally structured shoe consisting of a sole and an upper, among these, the upper uses fibrous structures made of these fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc.

[0003] In recent years, attempts have been made to use a fiber structure using filaments that are distinguished from the fibrous structures made of the above-mentioned fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, etc. as components constituting footwear. For example, International Publication No. 2021 / 064821 (Patent Document 1) and International Publication No. 2024 / 133187 (Patent Document 2) disclose shoes in which the upper is constituted by a fiber structure using filaments.

[0004] International Publication No. 2021 / 064821 International Publication No. 2024 / 133187

[0005] Here, since a filament itself can also be a joining element, when this filament is adopted as a component of footwear, it may be possible to abolish part or all of the adhesion process using an adhesive that has been necessary for joining between components in the past. If part or all of this adhesion process can be abolished, the manufacture of footwear will be facilitated.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present disclosure is to facilitate the manufacture of footwear that includes filaments as constituent elements.

[0007] Footwear according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a sole portion configured to cover the sole of the wearer's foot and having an internal space into which the wearer's foot can be inserted, and an upper portion configured to cover the circumferential surface of the wearer's foot. The upper portion is provided with one or more filaments that constitute at least a part of the upper portion, and the one or more filaments include fixing filaments that are joined to a first component that constitutes at least a part of the sole portion. The fixing filaments have an extended portion that extends from the lower end periphery of the upper portion toward the sole portion. The extended portion includes an overlapping portion that extends toward the inside of the footwear so as to overlap at least a part of the upper or lower surface which is the surface to be joined of the first component. In the footwear according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing filaments are joined to the first component by the fixing filaments of the portion constituting the overlapping portion being fixed to the surface to be joined.

[0008] In this specification, "to adhere" means that a molten or softened material solidifies or hardens while in contact with another component, thereby becoming permanently attached to that component.

[0009] This disclosure facilitates the manufacturing of footwear that includes filaments as a component.

[0010] This is a schematic perspective view of footwear according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic plan view of the footwear shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic side view of the footwear shown in Figure 1, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly consisting of the fiber structure and upper body of the footwear shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the footwear shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic enlarged view showing one example of the configuration of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic enlarged view showing another example of the configuration of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly comprising the footwear according to the first modification. This is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly comprising the footwear according to the second modification. This is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly comprising the footwear according to the third modification. This is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly comprising the footwear according to the fourth modification. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the fifth modification, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly comprising the footwear shown in Figure 13. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 2, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 15. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the sixth modification, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the seventh modification, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the eighth modification, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the ninth modification, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 3, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic bottom view of the footwear shown in Figure 21. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 21. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the tenth modification, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic bottom view of the footwear shown in Figure 24. This is a schematic bottom view of the footwear according to the eleventh modification. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 4, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 27. This is a schematic enlarged view showing one configuration of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 27. Figure 27 is a schematic enlarged view showing another component of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear according to the 12th modified example. This is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the 13th modified example, viewed from the outer foot side.This is a schematic side view of footwear according to the 14th modified example, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic side view of footwear according to Embodiment 5, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 34. This is a schematic side view of footwear according to Embodiment 6, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear shown in Figure 36. This is a schematic side view of footwear according to a related embodiment, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear shown in Figure 38. This is a schematic side view of footwear according to Embodiment 7, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear shown in Figure 40. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear shown in Figure 40. This is a schematic perspective view of the midsole of the footwear shown in Figure 40. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear according to the 15th modified example. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear according to the 16th modified example. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear according to the 17th modified example. This is a schematic side view of footwear according to Embodiment 8, viewed from the outer foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear shown in Figure 47. This is a schematic side view of footwear according to Embodiment 9, viewed from the outer foot side.

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the figures. In the embodiments described below, the same or common parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <A. Schematic Configuration of Footwear> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of footwear according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the footwear shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the footwear shown in Figure 1 as seen from the outer foot side, and Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 1 along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly consisting of the fiber structure and upper body of the footwear shown in Figure 1, and Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the footwear shown in Figure 1. First, the schematic configuration of footwear 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the footwear 1A according to this embodiment comprises a sole portion 2 and an upper portion 3. The sole portion 2 is the part of the footwear 1A configured to cover the sole of the wearer's foot, and the upper portion 3 is the part of the footwear 1A configured to cover the circumferential surface of the wearer's foot.

[0014] In other words, the sole portion 2 corresponds to the part positioned below the wearer's foot when the wearer is wearing the footwear 1A, and the upper portion 3 corresponds to the part positioned to the side of the wearer's foot when the wearer is wearing the footwear 1A. Of these, the lower surface of the sole portion 2 constitutes the contact surface that comes into contact with the ground or floor when landing.

[0015] The footwear 1A, consisting of a sole portion 2 and an upper portion 3, is provided with an internal space SP into which the wearer's foot can be inserted. This internal space SP is composed of the upper surface of the sole portion 2 and the inner surface of the upper portion 3, and corresponds to the part in which the wearer's foot is placed after being inserted through the opening 33 of the upper body 30, which will be described later, when the wearer is wearing the footwear 1A.

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, footwear 1A comprises a midsole 10, an outsole 20, an upper body 30, and a fiber structure 40 as its components. In other words, footwear 1A is constructed by assembling these midsole 10, outsole 20, upper body 30, and fiber structure 40 together. Of these, referring particularly to Figure 6, the upper body 30 and the fiber structure 40 are constructed as an intermediate assembly 100, which is a single integrated part, prior to being assembled to the midsole 10 and outsole 20.

[0017] For ease of understanding, in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the midsole 10 is depicted in a dark color, the outsole 20 is given a coarse dot pattern, and the upper body 30 is given a light color. This is also the case for the drawings referenced in the various embodiments and modifications described later, unless otherwise specified.

[0018] Here, the front-to-back direction X of the footwear 1A is defined as the direction that coincides with the length direction of the foot of the wearer wearing the footwear 1A. The left-to-right direction Y of the footwear 1A is defined as the direction that coincides with the width direction of the foot of the wearer wearing the footwear 1A. Furthermore, the up-and-down direction Z of the footwear 1A is defined as the direction that is perpendicular to both the front-to-back direction X and the left-to-right direction Y described above. In particular, the up-and-down direction Z is approximately perpendicular to the contact surface of the portion included in the midfoot R2 of the footwear 1A, which will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the footwear 1A includes a forefoot R1 configured to support the toes and ball of the foot of the wearer, a midfoot R2 configured to support the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot R3 configured to support the heel of the wearer's foot, along the front-to-back direction X.

[0020] The forefoot R1, midfoot R2, and rearfoot R3 are defined as follows based on the shoe center SC of footwear 1A (see Figure 2). Here, the shoe center SC is a straight line obtained when a standard wearer with feet of a size that fits footwear 1A wears the footwear, and the straight line connecting the area between the wearer's first and second toes and the center of the calcaneus (the so-called heel center (in Figure 2, a point indicated by the symbol HC is marked at the position of footwear 1A corresponding to the heel center)) is projected onto the footwear 1A along the vertical direction Z. The direction in which this shoe center SC extends coincides with the anterior-posterior direction X described above. As a premise, the positions on the shoe center SC and the foremost and rearmost points in the anterior-posterior direction X of the internal space SP are referred to as the anterior end position PF and the posterior end position PR, respectively, and the distance between the anterior end position PF and the posterior end position PR along the anterior-posterior direction X is referred to as the total length of the internal space SP.

[0021] In other words, if we define the first boundary surface P1 as a virtual plane that passes through a point 40% of the total length of the internal space SP from the anterior end position PF and is perpendicular to the shoe center SC, and define the second boundary surface P2 as a virtual plane that passes through a point 80% of the total length of the internal space SP from the anterior end position PF and is perpendicular to the shoe center SC, then the forefoot R1 corresponds to the portion included between the anterior end position PF and the first boundary surface P1 along the anterior-posterior direction X, the midfoot R2 corresponds to the portion included between the first boundary surface P1 and the second boundary surface P2 along the anterior-posterior direction X, and the rearfoot R3 corresponds to the portion included between the second boundary surface P2 and the posterior end position PR along the anterior-posterior direction X.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, the footwear 1A is divided along the left-right direction Y into the medial foot portion (the portion on the S1 side in the figure), which is the midline side of the foot in its anatomical orientation (i.e., the side closer to the midline), and the lateral foot portion (the portion on the S2 side in the figure), which is the opposite side of the foot in its anatomical orientation (i.e., the side further from the midline).

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 6, the midsole 10 is provided to mitigate impact during landing and is located continuously from the forefoot R1 to the rearfoot R3 via the midfoot R2. The midsole 10 has a generally flat, roughly plate-like shape and has thickness in the vertical direction Z. In particular, referring to Figures 4 and 6, the midsole 10 has an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12, and a side surface 13.

[0024] The midsole 10 preferably has moderate strength while also having excellent cushioning properties. From this viewpoint, for example, the midsole 10 can be a resin foam material containing a resin material as the main component and a foaming agent or crosslinking agent as a secondary component. Alternatively, a rubber foam material containing a rubber material as the main component and a plasticizer, foaming agent, reinforcing agent, or crosslinking agent as a secondary component may be used.

[0025] Examples of suitable resin materials include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA, TPAE), or thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Suitable rubber materials include butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0026] As a result, the midsole 10 is generally made of a soft material with a low Young's modulus. Therefore, the midsole 10 will elastically deform relatively easily when subjected to a compressive load, thereby providing excellent cushioning. Various cushioning and reinforcing parts may be included in predetermined parts of the midsole 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the midsole 10 may be composed of a single component or it may be composed of multiple components. For example, if the midsole 10 is composed of multiple components, a high-rigidity plate can be inserted between them and embedded inside the midsole 10. When this high-rigidity plate is provided, dorsiflexion that occurs in the sole, especially during running, is suppressed, thereby increasing the forward propulsion force when pushing off.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6, the outsole 20 is provided to ensure grip during landing and is located continuously from the forefoot R1 to the rearfoot R3 via the midfoot R2. The outsole 20 has a generally flat, roughly plate-like shape and has thickness in the vertical direction Z. In particular, referring to Figures 4 and 6, the outsole 20 has an upper surface 21, a lower surface 22, and an end surface 23.

[0029] The upper surface 21 of the outsole 20 is joined to the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, for example, by adhesive. This assembles the outsole 20 to the midsole 10. On the other hand, the lower surface 22 of the outsole 20 constitutes the contact surface described above. Here, a tread pattern may be formed on the lower surface 22 of the outsole 20 by creating irregularities to improve grip.

[0030] The outsole 20 preferably has excellent abrasion resistance and grip. From this viewpoint, the outsole 20 may be made of a material that includes, for example, a rubber material as the main component and a plasticizer, reinforcing agent, or crosslinking agent as a secondary component. Suitable rubber materials include, for example, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0031] As a result, the outsole 20 is generally made of a material with a high modulus of elasticity and rigidity. Therefore, the outsole 20 has excellent durability, such as abrasion resistance. The outsole 20 may be made of a single material or it may be made up of multiple materials.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the upper body 30 constitutes the part of the footwear 1A that comes into contact with the wearer's foot when worn, and has a bag-like shape that can enclose the wearer's foot. The upper body 30 is made of a flexible material that can be deformed in order to improve fit and ensure a good wearing experience. The upper body 30 includes a peripheral wall portion 31 and a bottom wall portion 32 that closes the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 31, and an opening 33 into which the wearer's foot can be inserted is provided at the upper part of the peripheral wall portion 31.

[0033] Referring particularly to Figure 4, the peripheral wall portion 31 has an inner surface 31a and an outer surface 31b, of which the inner surface 31a constitutes the innermost part 3A of the upper portion 3. The bottom wall portion 32 has an upper surface 32a and a lower surface 32b. The lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 is positioned to face the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10. As a result, the upper body 30 is located above the midsole 10.

[0034] Furthermore, a notch 34 is provided in the portion of the upper body 30 adjacent to the opening 33 and located in front of the opening 33 in the front-to-back direction X. This notch 34 extends continuously from the opening 33 and is positioned to correspond to the instep of the wearer's foot. A shoe tongue 35 is provided at the position corresponding to this notch 34.

[0035] Furthermore, referring particularly to Figure 2, multiple lace-through sections 36 are provided in the portion adjacent to the notch 34 of the upper body 30. Shoelaces 37 (see Figure 1) are inserted through these multiple lace-through sections 36. The shoelaces 37 are used to pull the periphery of the notch 34 of the upper body 30 together in the width direction of the wearer's foot, and by tightening the shoelaces 37 when wearing the shoes, the upper body 30 can be made to fit snugly against the wearer's foot.

[0036] The upper body 30 can be made of materials such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, or resin. In shoes where breathability and lightness are particularly important, double raschel warp knit fabric with woven polyester yarn is used.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, a fiber structure 40 is provided on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30. More specifically, the fiber structure 40 has a cover portion 44 that covers the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, and an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower peripheral edge of the cover portion 44 (i.e., the lower peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2. The extended portion 45 includes an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1A so as to overlap the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10.

[0038] This fiber structure 40 is composed of one or more filaments 41, which are arranged regularly or irregularly on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32. The diameter and length of the filaments 41 are not particularly limited, but long fibers are preferably used. For example, the diameter of the filament 41 is 0.1 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and the length of the filament 41 is 200 mm or more.

[0039] Here, when the fiber structure 40 is composed of a single filament 41, it includes cases where the single filament 41 is arranged without intersecting itself, and cases where the single filament 41 is arranged to intersect itself. Furthermore, when the fiber structure 40 is composed of multiple filaments 41, it includes cases where each of the multiple filaments 41 is arranged separately from each other without intersecting, and cases where some or all of the multiple filaments 41 are arranged to intersect with other filaments 41.

[0040] In the footwear 1A according to this embodiment, the fiber structure 40 is composed of a plurality of filaments 41 arranged to intersect each other as shown in the figure, and these plurality of filaments 41 are irregularly arranged on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32.

[0041] Various materials can be used for the filament 41. Specifically, synthetic fibers or natural fibers can be used as the filament 41. However, it is necessary that one or more filaments 41 constituting the fiber structure 40 include fixing filaments. These fixing filaments function as joining elements, and for example, filaments made of thermoplastic material (hereinafter referred to as "thermoplastic filaments") can be used as fixing filaments.

[0042] More specifically, examples of the material of the filament 41 include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polylactic acid (PLA), polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE), nylon 6 (PA6), nylon 66 (PA66), nylon 12 (PA12), nylon 11 (PA11), polyether block amide (PEBA), aromatic amide, polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic aliphatic polyurethane (ATPU), thermoplastic aromatic polyurethane (MTPU), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer (ASA), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carbon, glass, and the like.

[0043] Among these, as the fixing filament, those made of PET, PTT, PBT, PEF, PLA, TPEE, PA6, PA66, PA12, PA11, PEBA, aromatic amide, ATPU, MTPU, PP, PE, UHMWPE, TPR, PVA, etc., which are thermoplastic materials, can be preferably used.

[0044] As the filament 41, a monofilament composed of untwisted single filaments may be used, or a multifilament in which a plurality of single filaments are twisted together may be used. Further, as the filament 41, a filament having a cavity inside, such as a hollow filament or a foamed filament, may be used. Furthermore, as the filament 41, a deformed filament whose cross-section is not a perfect circular shape may be used, or a crimped filament provided with a crimp by heat processing may be used. Also, as the filament 41, a composite spun filament spun by combining different materials may be used, or a covering filament having a core yarn and a sheath yarn may be used.

[0045] Here, the fixing filament functions as a joining element as described above, and the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are joined by the fixing filament. More specifically, among the fixing filaments included in the fiber structure 40, the fixing filaments in the overlapping portion 45B are interposed between the midsole 10 and the upper body 30, and the joining between the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 is achieved by the fixing filaments in the portion located in the overlapping portion 45B functioning as joining elements. Details of the joining structure between the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 using the fixing filaments included in this overlapping portion 45B will be described in detail later.

[0046] In addition, in the present embodiment, the fixing filament not only functions as a joining element for joining the fiber structure 40 itself including the fixing filament to the upper body 30, but also functions as a joining element for joining a plurality of filaments 41 included in the fiber structure 40 to each other. This point will also be described in detail later.

[0047] <B. An Example of a Method for Manufacturing Footwear> The footwear 1A described above can be manufactured, for example, according to the manufacturing method described below.

[0048] First, a pre-formed three-dimensional upper body 30 is placed on a mold. In this state, a device capable of feeding (for example, blowing out, pulling out, etc.) the filament 41 along its extending direction is used to supply the filament 41 toward the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30.

[0049] In this case, if the thermoplastic filament described above is used as the fixing filament contained in the supplied filament 41, the fixing filament, which is softened or melted by heating, is supplied toward the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, so that the fixing filament adheres to these outer surfaces 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32. Furthermore, if the last and / or the above device are moved relative to each other at that time, the filament 41 can be attached to the upper body 30 so that it extends linearly on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30.

[0050] Subsequently, as the heat is removed from the fixing filament, it solidifies on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30. At this time, the fixing filament becomes fixed to the surface of the upper body 30 in contact with it. Also, if the filament 41 fed from the above device contains filaments other than the fixing filament, the fixing filament in contact with these other filaments will also become fixed to them.

[0051] In this manner, after the intermediate assembly 100, consisting of the upper body 30 and the fiber structure 40, is manufactured, the fiber structure 40 located at the bottom of the intermediate assembly 100 (more specifically, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40) is locally heated to soften or melt it. In this state, the midsole 10 is pressed against the bottom of the intermediate assembly 100, and the softened or melted overlapping portion 45B is solidified, thereby joining the midsole 10 to the upper body 30.

[0052] Furthermore, the outsole 20 is then bonded to the midsole 10 by adhesive or other means to produce footwear 1A having the structure described above.

[0053] As a result, in the footwear 1A described above, the sole portion 2 is mainly composed of the midsole 10, the outsole 20, the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, and the extended portion 45 (more specifically, the overlapping portion 45B) of the fiber structure 40, while the upper portion 3 is mainly composed of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30 and the cover portion 44 of the fiber structure 40.

[0054] <C. Structure of the Fiber Structure> Figure 7 is a schematic enlarged view showing one example of the structure of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 1, and Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged view showing another example of the structure of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 1. Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, a more detailed explanation of the structure of the fiber structure 40 provided in the footwear 1A according to this embodiment will be given.

[0055] Figure 7 shows one example of the configuration of the fiber structure 40, in which multiple fixing filaments 41A are used as the filaments 41 described above, and the fiber structure 40 is constructed using these multiple fixing filaments 41A. In Figure 7, for ease of understanding, the upper body 30 is colored lightly and the fixing filaments 41A are colored darkly.

[0056] The fiber structure 40 shown in Figure 7 has a laminated filament structure in which multiple fixing filaments 41A are partially overlapped and fixed to each other at their intersections 42. The fiber structure 40 configured in this way has a substantially mesh-like shape, and in the parts of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30 where fixing filaments 41A are not arranged, the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 is exposed.

[0057] On the other hand, in the portion of the multiple fixing filaments 41A that contacts the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31. As a result, the fiber structure 40, consisting of multiple fixing filaments 41A, functions as a joining element itself and is joined to the upper body 30. Here, as described above, the cover portion 44 of the fiber structure 40 is provided so as to cover the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, so the cover portion 44 constitutes the outermost part 3B of the upper portion 3 (see Figures 3 and 4 in particular).

[0058] Although not shown in detail here, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 has a similar structure to the cover portion 44 described above.

[0059] Another example of the fiber structure 40 shown in Figure 8 is a case in which the fiber structure 40 is constructed using multiple fixing filaments 41A and multiple additional filaments 41B as the filaments 41 described above. In Figure 8, for ease of understanding, the upper body 30 is given a light color, the fixing filaments 41A are given a dark color, and the additional filaments 41B are given a coarse dot pattern.

[0060] Here, the additional filament 41B is a filament made of a different material than the fixing filament 41A, and, like the fixing filament 41A, imparts various properties to the fiber structure 40. These various properties include abrasion resistance, elasticity, and rigidity, in addition to the bonding properties which are the main properties of the fixing filament 41A, but the details of these will be described later.

[0061] The fiber structure 40 shown in Figure 8 has a laminated filament structure in which multiple fixing filaments 41A are partially overlapped with each other, and multiple fixing filaments 41A are also partially overlapped with multiple additional filaments 41B, and at the intersections 42 of the multiple fixing filaments 41A, these multiple fixing filaments 41A are fixed to each other, and at the intersections 43 of the multiple fixing filaments 41A and multiple additional filaments 41B, the multiple fixing filaments 41A are fixed to the multiple additional filaments 41B. The fiber structure 40 configured in this way also has a substantially mesh-like shape, and in the parts of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30 in which the fixing filaments 41A and additional filaments 41B are not arranged, the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 is exposed.

[0062] On the other hand, in the portion of the multiple fixing filaments 41A that contacts the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31. As a result, the fiber structure 40, consisting of the multiple fixing filaments 41A and the multiple additional filaments 41B, functions as a joining element itself and is joined to the upper body 30. Here, as described above, the cover portion 44 of the fiber structure 40 is provided so as to cover the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, so the cover portion 44 constitutes the outermost part 3B of the upper portion 3 (see Figures 3 and 4 in particular).

[0063] Although not shown in detail here, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 has a similar structure to the cover portion 44 described above.

[0064] <D. Joining structure between midsole and upper body> Next, the joining structure between the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 will be explained in detail, with particular reference to Figures 3 to 5 mentioned above.

[0065] As described above, in the footwear 1A according to this embodiment, an overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is interposed between the midsole 10 and the upper body 30, and this overlapping portion 45B functions as a joining element, thereby joining the midsole 10, which is a first component constituting a part of the sole portion 2, and the upper body 30, which is a second component constituting a part of the sole portion 2 (more specifically, the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, which is a part of the sole portion 2).

[0066] More specifically, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 extends from the lower peripheral edge of the upper portion 3 toward the inside of the footwear 1A, and overlaps with the upper surface 11, which is the bonding surface of the midsole 10.

[0067] In this embodiment, the midsole 10 is positioned over the entire area of ​​the footwear 1A when viewed from above, and the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap the entire upper surface 11 of the midsole 10. That is, as shown in Figure 5, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to cover the entire lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, thereby overlapping the entire upper surface 11 of the midsole 10.

[0068] Furthermore, in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, and in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32.

[0069] Therefore, the fixing filaments 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B function as joining elements that connect the midsole 10 and the upper body 30. This makes it possible to join the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 using the fiber structure 40 without having to separately join them using adhesive or the like.

[0070] <E. Summary> Therefore, by using the footwear 1A according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the filaments 41 that constitute the fiber structure 40 as joining elements, and thus footwear can be manufactured more easily compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0071] Furthermore, when the configuration described in this embodiment is adopted, the fiber structure 40 will be used to join the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10 and the entire lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30. This makes it possible to join the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 more firmly, resulting in footwear with superior durability.

[0072] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the fiber structure 40 has a mesh-like shape, so the statement above that "the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 covers or overlaps the entire upper surface 11 of the midsole 10 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30" does not necessarily mean that the overlapping portion 45B covers the entire area in a complete sense, but rather that the overlapping portion 45B is located substantially in relation to the entire area.

[0073] <F. Example of Filament Configuration> In the footwear 1A according to the above-described embodiment, a fiber structure 40 consisting of a plurality of filaments 41 is provided on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30. By changing the material, placement position and orientation direction of the filaments 41 included in this fiber structure 40 relative to the footwear 1A, and the arrangement density, various functions can be imparted to the footwear 1A. In other words, by imparting the characteristics of the filaments 41 to the fiber structure 40, it becomes possible to give those characteristics to the part of the footwear 1A where it is provided, thereby allowing various functions to be precisely imparted to each part of the footwear 1A.

[0074] As mentioned above, the fiber structure 40 can also include an additional filament 41B in addition to the fixing filament 41A as the filament 41. Therefore, while the material of the fixing filament 41A is considerably limited in order to give the fiber structure 40 the desired bonding properties, by including it in the additional filament 41B, various properties such as abrasion resistance, elasticity, and rigidity can be given to the fiber structure 40, and as a result it becomes possible to provide high-performance footwear.

[0075] The following sections will provide examples of specific filament configurations and the resulting footwear functionality, illustrating them in order.

[0076] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's toes requires high abrasion resistance. Therefore, by placing a highly abrasion-resistant filament in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's toes, high abrasion resistance can be provided to that portion, resulting in footwear with superior durability. Suitable highly abrasion-resistant filaments include, for example, filaments made of aromatic amide or UHMWPE.

[0077] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's instep requires a certain degree of flexibility. Therefore, by placing a low-flexibility filament in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's instep, it becomes possible to give that portion flexibility, resulting in footwear with excellent fit. Suitable low-flexibility filaments include, for example, filaments made of PTT, TPEE, PEBA, PU, ​​ATPU, and MTPU.

[0078] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's instep requires a function to prevent water from entering. Therefore, by placing hydrophobic or water-repellent filaments in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's instep, it is possible to suppress the entry of water from that portion. Suitable hydrophobic filaments include those made of TPEE, PEBA, and PP. Water-repellent filaments can be made by applying a water-repellent treatment to various filaments.

[0079] The upper part of footwear, particularly the opening and its vicinity, requires high elasticity. Therefore, by placing a highly elastic filament in the opening and its vicinity of the upper part, high elasticity can be provided to that area, improving the fit around the wearer's ankle and making the footwear easier to put on and take off. Suitable highly elastic filaments include, for example, filaments made of PTT, TPEE, PEBA, PU, ​​ATPU, and MTPU.

[0080] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's heel requires high rigidity to suppress heel wobble during landing. Therefore, by placing a low-melting-point filament in the heel portion of the upper, high rigidity can be provided to that portion, thereby suppressing heel wobble during landing. Suitable low-melting-point filaments include those made of PET, TPEE, PA6, PA66, PEBA, ATPU, and MTPU.

[0081] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the area below the ankle and the arch of the foot is prone to gaps between the foot and the upper, and therefore requires a high level of fit to prevent the foot from lifting away from the wearer's foot. By placing heat-shrinkable filaments in the upper portion that corresponds to the area below the ankle and the arch of the foot, these portions will shrink during manufacturing, thereby improving the fit. Suitable heat-shrinkable filaments include those made of PET, PTT, PBT, PEF, PLA, TPEE, PA6, PA66, PA12, PA11, PEBA, PU, ​​ATPU, and MTPU.

[0082] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's toes requires high abrasion resistance. Therefore, by placing composite spun filaments or covering filaments in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's toes, high abrasion resistance can be provided to that portion, resulting in footwear with superior durability.

[0083] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's instep requires lightness. Therefore, by placing hollow filaments, foamed filaments, or small-diameter filaments in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's instep, the weight of that portion can be reduced, and the overall weight of the footwear can be reduced as well.

[0084] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's instep requires both moisture absorption and quick drying properties, as well as good grip. Therefore, by placing irregularly shaped filaments in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's instep, the moisture absorption, quick drying properties, and grip of that portion can be enhanced.

[0085] The upper part of footwear, particularly the opening and its vicinity, requires high elasticity. Therefore, by using crimped filament in the opening and its vicinity of the upper, high elasticity can be provided to this area, resulting in footwear that fits the wearer's ankle better and is easier to put on and take off.

[0086] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's toes requires high abrasion resistance. Therefore, by increasing the density of the filaments placed in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's toes, high abrasion resistance can be provided to that portion, resulting in footwear with superior durability.

[0087] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the MP joint of the wearer's foot requires high deformability. Therefore, by reducing the density of the filaments placed in the upper portion that corresponds to the MP joint of the wearer's foot, high deformability can be provided to that portion, resulting in footwear that does not hinder the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot.

[0088] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's instep requires high elasticity. Therefore, by not placing filaments in the upper portion that corresponds to the wearer's instep, the tensile stress in that portion can be reduced, and high elasticity can be ensured.

[0089] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the wearer's heel requires high rigidity to suppress heel wobble during landing. Therefore, by increasing the density of the filaments placed in the heel portion of the upper, high rigidity can be provided to that portion, thereby suppressing heel wobble during landing.

[0090] The upper portion of footwear corresponding to the MP joint of the wearer's foot requires high tensile rigidity in the circumferential direction on the shorter side (the circumferential direction of the footwear around the X-axis according to the coordinate axes shown in Figure 1, etc.) while not hindering the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot. Therefore, by arranging multiple filaments in parallel so as to extend only along the circumferential direction on the shorter side in the portion of the upper corresponding to the MP joint of the wearer's foot, high tensile rigidity in the circumferential direction on the shorter side can be ensured while making the upper portion in that area more susceptible to flexion deformation. Thus, with this configuration, footwear can be made that does not hinder the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot while not compromising the fit.

[0091] The upper portion of footwear corresponding to the midfoot requires high tensile rigidity in the circumferential direction on the shorter side of the footwear, while still allowing for shear deformation. Therefore, by arranging multiple filaments in parallel in the midfoot portion of the upper so as to extend only along the circumferential direction on the shorter side, it is possible to ensure high tensile rigidity in the circumferential direction on the shorter side of the footwear while still allowing for shear deformation. Thus, with this configuration, it is possible to create footwear that allows for torsional deformation of the upper portion corresponding to the midfoot without compromising the fit.

[0092] The upper portion of footwear that corresponds to the instep of the wearer's foot requires high tensile rigidity in the circumferential direction on the shorter side, while also having high deformability in the anterior-posterior direction. Therefore, by arranging multiple filaments in parallel so as to extend only along the circumferential direction on the shorter side in the portion of the upper that corresponds to the MP joint of the wearer's foot, it is possible to ensure high tensile rigidity in the circumferential direction on the shorter side while increasing deformability in the anterior-posterior direction. Thus, with this configuration, footwear can be made that does not compromise the fit and is easy to put on and take off.

[0093] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing overpronation, the density of filaments in the medial foot portion of the upper may be increased, high-tensile-rigidity filaments may be used as the filaments in the medial foot portion of the upper, or the orientation direction of the filaments arranged in the medial foot portion of the upper may be set to a direction that intersects (more preferably orthogonal to) the anterior-posterior direction.

[0094] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the collapse of the wearer's arch, the density of filaments in the part of the upper corresponding to the wearer's arch may be increased, or the orientation direction of the filaments arranged in that part may be set to a direction that intersects (more preferably orthogonal to) the front-to-back direction.

[0095] In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing instability of the wearer's heel when landing, the filaments placed in the part of the upper corresponding to the wearer's heel may be heated and pressed to process the fibrous structure of that part into a shape closer to a plate in a subsequent process.

[0096] Furthermore, it is preferable to use filaments made from recycled materials, plant-derived materials, carbon dioxide-derived materials, or biodegradable materials. Doing so can reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, using hollow filaments or foamed filaments as filaments can reduce the amount of material used, which also reduces the environmental impact.

[0097] Furthermore, if the filament is constructed from recyclable materials, the environmental impact can be reduced in this case as well. In that case, if the filament is constructed from as few types of materials as possible, the recycling process will be made easier when the filament is recycled from discarded footwear.

[0098] Furthermore, if at least one of the midsole, outsole, and upper body is constructed from a single recyclable material, and the filaments are constructed from the same material as much as possible, the recycling process becomes easier when these are recycled from discarded footwear.

[0099] Furthermore, if heat-shrinkable filament, foamed filament, or hot-water soluble filament is used as the filament, the dismantling of the footwear after disposal will be made easier.

[0100] In other words, when heat-shrinkable or foamed filaments are used as the filaments, heating the footwear during disassembly will cause the filaments to shrink or foam, reducing the anchoring effect of the filaments as bonding elements to the midsole and upper body, making them relatively easy to separate.

[0101] Furthermore, when a hydrolytically soluble filament is used as the filament, the midsole and upper body can be separated relatively easily by hydrating and heating the footwear during disassembly, causing the filament, which acts as a bonding element, to melt. As a hydrolytically soluble filament, for example, a filament made of PVA can be suitably used.

[0102] Here, from the perspective of improving the design of footwear, the filament used may be one that is partially or entirely colored. The colored filament may be, for example, dope-dyed yarn or dyed yarn.

[0103] Furthermore, from the perspective of improving the design of footwear, printing or embroidery may be directly applied as a post-processing step to the three-dimensional surface of a fiber structure composed of multiple filaments.

[0104] (First Modified Example) Figure 9 is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly comprising the footwear according to the first modified example. Hereinafter, the footwear 1A1 according to the first modified example based on the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 9. The only difference between the footwear 1A1 according to the first modified example and the footwear 1A1 according to the above-described embodiment 1 is the shape of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40.

[0105] As shown in Figure 9, in the footwear 1A1 according to the first modified example, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap only the peripheral edge of the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30. As a result, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is also positioned to overlap only the peripheral edge of the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10.

[0106] In this configuration, the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are joined only at their peripheral edges via the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40, and the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are not joined in the areas other than these peripheral edges. Therefore, in this configuration, the area in which the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is provided can be significantly reduced, resulting in a lighter footwear 1A1.

[0107] Here, the separation of the midsole 10 from the upper body 30 occurs mainly from the peripheral edges of the midsole 10 and the upper body 30. Therefore, if the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are joined at their peripheral edges by the overlapping portion 45B, a reasonable bonding strength can be ensured. Accordingly, by adopting the above configuration, it is possible to reduce the weight of the footwear 1A1 while preventing the midsole 10 from separating from the upper body 30.

[0108] (Second Modification) Figure 10 is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly of the footwear according to the second modification. Hereinafter, the footwear 1A2 according to the second modification based on the embodiment 1 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 10. The only difference between the footwear 1A2 according to the second modification and the footwear 1A1 according to the first modification described above is the shape of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40.

[0109] As shown in Figure 10, in the footwear 1A2 according to the second modified example, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 has multiple portions that extend not only to the peripheral edge of the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, but also further toward the inside of the footwear 1A2 from the peripheral edge. These multiple portions include a first extension 45B1 that extends to overlap the portion of the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30 that supports the toes of the wearer's foot, a second extension 45B2 that extends to overlap the portion of the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30 that supports the arch of the wearer's foot, and a third extension 45B3 that extends to overlap the portion of the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30 that supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0110] As a result, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap not only the peripheral edge of the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, but also the portion corresponding to the toes of the wearer's foot, the portion corresponding to the arch of the wearer's foot, and the portion corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0111] Even with this configuration, as in the first modified example described above, it is possible to reduce the weight of the footwear 1A2 while preventing the midsole 10 from peeling off the upper body 30. Furthermore, with this configuration, the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are more firmly bonded in the areas where peeling of the midsole 10 from the upper body 30 is most likely to occur: the part corresponding to the toes of the wearer's foot, the part corresponding to the arch of the wearer's foot, and the part corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot. As a result, footwear 1A2 can be made that has a stronger bond strength compared to footwear 1A1 according to the first modified example.

[0112] (Third Modification) Figure 11 is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly of the footwear according to the third modification. Hereinafter, the footwear 1A3 according to the third modification based on the embodiment 1 described above will be explained with reference to Figure 11. The footwear 1A3 according to the third modification differs from the footwear 1A1 according to the first modification described above only in the shape of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40.

[0113] As shown in Figure 11, in the footwear 1A3 according to the third modified example, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 has multiple island-like portions 45B4 located not only on the peripheral edge of the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, but also inside the said peripheral edge. These multiple island-like portions 45B4 are evenly distributed in the front-to-back direction X and the left-to-right direction Y of the footwear 1A3.

[0114] As a result, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10 not only at its peripheral edge, but also at a predetermined position inside the peripheral edge.

[0115] Even with this configuration, as in the first modified example described above, it is possible to reduce the weight of the footwear 1A3 while preventing the midsole 10 from peeling off the upper body 30. Furthermore, with this configuration, the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are joined not only at the periphery of the footwear 1A3 but also at a predetermined position inside the periphery, resulting in footwear 1A3 with stronger bonding strength compared to footwear 1A1 according to the first modified example.

[0116] (Fourth Modification) Figure 12 is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly of the footwear according to the fourth modification. Hereinafter, the footwear 1A4 according to the fourth modification based on the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figure 12. The only difference between the footwear 1A4 according to the fourth modification and the footwear 1A according to the above-described embodiment 1 is the configuration of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40.

[0117] As shown in Figure 12, in the footwear 1A4 according to the fourth modified example, similar to the footwear 1A according to the first embodiment described above, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap the entire lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30. As a result, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is also positioned to overlap the entire upper surface 11 of the midsole 10.

[0118] However, in the footwear 1A4 according to the fourth modified example, unlike the footwear 1A according to the first embodiment described above, the fiber structure 40 includes a striped filament structure 46. This striped filament structure 46 is located in the forefoot R1 excluding the peripheral edge and in the midfoot R2 excluding the peripheral edge, near the front end, and in the striped filament structure 46, the filaments 41 constituting the fiber structure 40 are arranged to extend substantially only in the left-right direction Y.

[0119] Here, since the overlapping portion 45B is provided over the entire upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, the overlapping portion 45B includes an MP joint corresponding region that is positioned to overlap the portion of the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10 that supports the MP joint of the wearer's foot (in the figure, this portion is schematically represented by a dashed line indicated by the symbol MP). The striped filament structure 46 described above is positioned to include this MP joint corresponding region, and as a result, the direction in which the filaments 41 included in the striped filament structure 46 extend generally coincides with the direction in which the MP joint corresponding region extends.

[0120] Therefore, when configured in this way, bending deformation is more likely to occur in the MP joint-corresponding region of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40, making it less likely to hinder the bending movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot.

[0121] Furthermore, it is preferable that the filaments 41 in the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding area have a substantially arc-shaped form that curves outward toward the front in the anterior-posterior direction X. With this configuration, the direction in which the filaments 41 extend and the direction in which the MP joint corresponding area extends almost perfectly coincide, so that the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot is more reliably prevented from being hindered by the fiber structure 40.

[0122] Furthermore, it is preferable that the filaments 41 in the MP joint corresponding area are made of filaments made of a material with high tensile stress. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid hindering the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot while also giving the sole portion 2 high resilience, thus making it possible to create footwear 1A4 that enhances forward propulsion, especially during running.

[0123] In the above explanation, we have used as an example the case in which the filaments in the MP joint corresponding area are configured to extend substantially only in the left-right direction. However, it is not necessary for all of the filaments in the MP joint corresponding area to extend substantially in the left-right direction. Even if some of them extend in other directions, a reasonable effect can be obtained as long as the number of such extensions is not excessively large.

[0124] (Fifth Modification) Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the fifth modification, viewed from the outer foot side, and Figure 14 is a schematic bottom view of the intermediate assembly provided by the footwear shown in Figure 13. Hereinafter, the footwear 1A5 according to the fifth modification based on the above-described embodiment 1 will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The only difference between the footwear 1A5 according to the fifth modification and the footwear 1A5 according to the above-described embodiment 1 is the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0125] In the first embodiment described above, the footwear 1A was constructed by arranging a plurality of filaments 41 so as to intersect with each other to form a fiber structure 40. However, in the fifth modified example, the footwear 1A5 is constructed by arranging a plurality of filaments 41 so as to be spaced apart from each other without intersecting.

[0126] Specifically, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the footwear 1A5 according to the fifth modified example, a plurality of filaments 41 are provided on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 and the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, spaced apart from each other along the front-rear direction X. More specifically, each of the plurality of filaments 41 extends substantially along the vertical direction Z on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, and extends substantially along the left-right direction Y on the lower surface 32b of the bottom wall portion 32 of the upper body 30.

[0127] Here, the fiber structure 40, which is composed of a plurality of filaments 41 positioned spaced apart from each other, has an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower end periphery of the cover portion 44 that covers the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30 toward the sole portion 2, similar to the fiber structure 40 provided by the footwear 1A according to the first embodiment described above. The extended portion 45 includes an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1A5 so as to overlap the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10.

[0128] Furthermore, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is interposed between the midsole 10 and the upper body 30, and this overlapping portion 45B functions as a joining element, thereby joining the midsole 10 and the upper body 30.

[0129] Therefore, even with this configuration, the same effects as those described in Embodiment 1 above can be obtained, and footwear can be manufactured more easily compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0130] (Embodiment 2) Figure 15 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 2, viewed from the outer foot side, and Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 15. Hereinafter, the footwear 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Note that the footwear 1B according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0131] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in the footwear 1B according to this embodiment, the fiber structure 40 is provided on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30 and on the side surface 13 and bottom surface 12 of the midsole 10. More specifically, the fiber structure 40 has a cover portion 44 that covers the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, and an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower end peripheral edge of the cover portion 44 (i.e., the lower end peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2. The extended portion 45 includes a side cover portion 45A that covers the side surface 13 of the midsole 10 and an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1B so as to overlap the bottom surface 12 of the midsole 10.

[0132] In the footwear 1B according to this embodiment, the midsole 10, the upper body 30, and the fiber structure 40 are configured as an intermediate assembly 100, which is an integrated component. That is, the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are joined together, for example, by using an adhesive, and after the midsole 10 and the upper body 30 are integrated, the fiber structure 40 is provided so as to be integrated with the midsole 10 and the upper body 30, thereby manufacturing the intermediate assembly 100.

[0133] In the footwear 1B according to this embodiment, an overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is interposed between the midsole 10 and the outsole 20, and this overlapping portion 45B functions as a joining element, thereby joining the midsole 10, which is a first component constituting a part of the sole portion 2, and the outsole 20, which is a second component constituting a part of the sole portion 2.

[0134] More specifically, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 extends inward from the lower end of the side cover portion 45A, which extends from the lower end periphery of the upper portion 3, and overlaps with the lower surface 12, which is the bonding surface of the midsole 10.

[0135] In this embodiment, the midsole 10 is positioned over the entire area of ​​the footwear 1B when viewed from above, and the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10. Furthermore, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to cover the entire upper surface 21 of the outsole 20.

[0136] Furthermore, in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, and in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the upper surface 21 of the outsole 20, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the upper surface 21 of the outsole 20.

[0137] Therefore, the fixing filaments 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B function as joining elements that connect the midsole 10 and the outsole 20. This makes it possible to join the midsole 10 and the outsole 20 using the fiber structure 40 without having to separately join them using adhesive or the like.

[0138] In addition, in the footwear 1B according to this embodiment, the fixing filament 41A included in the side cover portion 45A is fixed to the side surface 13 of the midsole 10 in the portion that contacts the side surface 13 of the midsole 10.

[0139] Therefore, by using the footwear 1B according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the filaments 41 that constitute the fiber structure 40 as joining elements, making it easier to manufacture footwear compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0140] Furthermore, when the configuration described in this embodiment is adopted, not only does the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 function as a bonding element to the midsole 10, but the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 also functions as a bonding element to the midsole 10. Therefore, the bonding area of ​​the fiber structure 40 to the midsole 10 is increased, and the bonding strength is improved.

[0141] (Sixth Modification) Figure 17 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the sixth modification, as seen from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, the footwear 1B1 according to the sixth modification based on the above-described embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 16. Note that the footwear 1B1 according to the sixth modification differs from the footwear 1B according to the above-described embodiment 2 only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0142] As shown in Figure 17, in the footwear 1B1 according to the sixth modified example, the filaments 41 in the portion constituting the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 are composed solely of highly elastic filaments 45A1 with low tensile stress. That is, all filaments 41 other than the highly elastic filaments 45A1 are included only in the cover portion 44 and overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40, and these filaments are all interrupted at the lower end peripheral edge of the upper body 30 or at the boundary between the lower surface 12 and the side surface 13 of the midsole 10.

[0143] In this configuration, the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 has high elasticity, so the fiber structure 40 does not hinder the cushioning of the midsole 10. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, in addition to the effects described in Embodiment 2 above, the footwear 1B1 can be made to have good cushioning performance.

[0144] (Seventh Modification) Figure 18 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the seventh modification, as seen from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, the footwear 1B2 according to the seventh modification, based on the embodiment 2 described above, will be explained with reference to Figure 17. Note that the footwear 1B2 according to the seventh modification differs from the footwear 1B1 according to the sixth modification described above only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0145] As shown in Figure 18, in the footwear 1B2 according to the seventh modified example, the filaments 41 that constitute the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 are generally made of highly elastic filaments 45A1, but only the filaments 41 that cover the side surface 13 of the front end in the front-to-back direction X of the midsole 10 (i.e., the part corresponding to the toes of the wearer's foot) are made of low-elasticity filaments 45A2. These low-elasticity filaments 45A2 extend parallel to each other, and their direction of extension generally coincides with the front-to-back direction X of the footwear 1B2.

[0146] In this configuration, the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 in the area where the low-stretch filament 45A2 is placed exhibits high resilience against compression in the vertical direction Z, thereby promoting kickback at the tip of the midsole 10 during push-off while running. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, in addition to the effects described in the sixth modified example above, the footwear 1B2 can be made with enhanced forward propulsion, especially during running.

[0147] (Eighth Modification) Figure 19 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the eighth modification, as seen from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, the footwear 1B3 according to the eighth modification, based on the embodiment 2 described above, will be explained with reference to Figure 19. Note that the footwear 1B3 according to the eighth modification differs from the footwear 1B1 according to the sixth modification described above only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0148] As shown in Figure 19, in the footwear 1B3 according to the eighth modified example, the filaments 41 that constitute the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 are generally made of highly elastic filaments 45A1, but only the filaments 41 that cover the side surface 13 of the portion corresponding to the midfoot portion R2 of the midsole 10 are made of low-elasticity filaments 45A3. The direction of extension of these low-elasticity filaments 45A3 is in a direction that intersects with the front-to-back direction X of the footwear 1B3, and the upper end reaches the opening 33 and notch 34 of the upper body 30.

[0149] In this configuration, the side cover portion 45A of the part covered by the low-stretch filament 45A3 is pulled upward, which suppresses the arch of the wearer's foot from sinking. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, in addition to the effects described in the sixth modification above, the footwear 1B3 can be made that improves running efficiency, especially during running.

[0150] (9th Modification) Figure 20 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the 9th modification, as seen from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, the footwear 1B4 according to the 9th modification, based on the above-described embodiment 2, will be described with reference to Figure 20. Note that the footwear 1B4 according to the 9th modification differs from the footwear 1B1 according to the 6th modification described above only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0151] As shown in Figure 20, in the footwear 1B4 according to the ninth modified example, the filaments 41 of the portion constituting the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 are generally made of highly elastic filaments 45A1. However, only the filaments 41 covering the front end portion X in the front-to-back direction of the midsole 10 (i.e., the portion corresponding to the toes of the wearer's foot) and the rear end portion X (i.e., the portion corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot) are made of highly abrasion-resistant filaments 45A4.

[0152] In this configuration, the sides 13 of the midsole 10 located at the front and rear ends, where high abrasion resistance is required, are covered with the highly abrasion-resistant filament 45A4, thereby providing high abrasion resistance to those parts. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, in addition to the effects described in the sixth modification above, the footwear 1B4 can be made more durable.

[0153] (Embodiment 3) Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 3 as seen from the outer foot side, and Figure 22 is a schematic bottom view of the footwear shown in Figure 21. Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 21. The footwear 1C according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 21 to 23. The footwear 1C according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1B according to Embodiment 2 described above only in that it does not have an outsole 20.

[0154] As mentioned above, since the filament itself can also act as a bonding element, adopting this filament as a component of footwear could potentially eliminate some or all of the bonding process that was previously required to join parts together. Therefore, if some or all of this bonding process can be eliminated, footwear manufacturing would become easier.

[0155] In addition, since filaments can be given various functions to footwear by changing their material, placement position and orientation direction on the footwear, and placement density, if other components of footwear can be replaced with filaments, the manufacturing process will be simplified from the perspective of reducing the number of parts.

[0156] In this respect, the footwear 1C according to this embodiment replaces the outsole with a filament, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0157] As shown in Figures 21 to 23, in the footwear 1C according to this embodiment, the fiber structure 40 is provided on the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30 and on the side surface 13 and bottom surface 12 of the midsole 10. More specifically, the fiber structure 40 has a cover portion 44 that covers the outer surface 31b of the peripheral wall portion 31 of the upper body 30, and an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower end peripheral edge of the cover portion 44 (i.e., the lower end peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2. The extended portion 45 includes a side cover portion 45A that covers the side surface 13 of the midsole 10 and an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1C so as to overlap the bottom surface 12 of the midsole 10.

[0158] Here, as shown in particular in Figure 22, the midsole 10 is located over the entire area of ​​the footwear 1C when the footwear 1C is viewed from above, and the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is located so as to overlap the entire area of ​​the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10. The overlapping portion 45B that covers the entire area of ​​the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 constitutes the lowest part of the sole portion 2, and the contact surface is formed by this overlapping portion 45B.

[0159] Furthermore, in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, and in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the side cover portion 45A that contacts the side surface 13 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the side surface 13 of the midsole 10. As a result, the fixing filament 41A included in the extended portion 45 functions as a joining element that connects the fiber structure 40 itself and the midsole 10, eliminating the need to join them separately using adhesive or the like.

[0160] Here, the filaments 41 included in the overlapping portion 45B that covers the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 are preferably made of highly abrasion-resistant filaments. By configuring it in this way, the abrasion resistance of the contact surface is increased, making the footwear 1C durable.

[0161] Furthermore, the filaments 41 included in the overlapping portion 45B that covers the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 are preferably made of high-grip filaments. This configuration enhances the grip of the contact surface, resulting in footwear 1C that suppresses slippage. Suitable high-grip filaments include, for example, filaments made of TPEE, PEBA, PU, ​​ATPU, and MTPU.

[0162] Therefore, by using the footwear 1C according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the filaments 41 that constitute the fiber structure 40 as joining elements, making it easier to manufacture footwear compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0163] Furthermore, if a configuration like that of this embodiment is adopted, the outsole will be replaced by the filament 41, which will also simplify manufacturing by reducing the number of parts.

[0164] (Tenth Modification) Figure 24 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the tenth modification, viewed from the outer foot side, and Figure 25 is a schematic bottom view of the footwear shown in Figure 24. Hereinafter, the footwear 1C1 according to the tenth modification based on the above-described embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figures 24 and 25. Note that the footwear 1C1 according to the tenth modification differs from the footwear 1C according to the above-described embodiment 3 only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0165] As shown in Figures 24 and 25, in the footwear 1C1 according to the 10th modified example, the filaments 41 in the portion constituting the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 are made of a highly elastic filament 45A1 and a highly abrasion-resistant filament 45A4, and the filaments 41 in the portion constituting the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 are made of a small-diameter filament 45B5 and a high-grip filament 45B6.

[0166] In particular, the small-diameter filaments 45B5 included in the overlapping portion 45B are arranged over the entire area of ​​the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, while the high-grip filaments 45B6 included in the overlapping portion 45B are arranged in the portion of the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 corresponding to the forefoot R1, and in the portion of the lower surface 12 on the outer side of the midsole 10 near the rear end of the midfoot R2 and in the portion corresponding to the rearfoot R3.

[0167] Here, the high-grip filament 45B6 located in the forefoot R1 extends generally along the left-right direction Y, while the high-grip filament 45B6 located near the rear end of the midfoot R2 and spanning across the rearfoot R3 extends generally along the front-back direction X.

[0168] By configuring it in this way, the high-grip filaments 45B6 are arranged in an orientation that matches the direction in which grip is required, so that the footwear 1C1 can be made that suppresses the occurrence of slippage and improves running efficiency, especially during running.

[0169] Furthermore, it is preferable that the high-grip filament 45B6 located at the forefoot R1 has a roughly arc-shaped form that curves outward toward the front in the anterior-posterior direction X. With this configuration, the direction of extension of the high-grip filament 45B6 will generally coincide with the direction of extension of the MP joint of the wearer's foot, thus preventing the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot from being hindered by the high-grip filament 45B6.

[0170] Here, the high-grip filament 45B6 preferably also possesses high abrasion resistance. By configuring it in this way, the abrasion resistance of the contact surface is enhanced, resulting in durable footwear 1C1. Alternatively, in the region where the high-grip filament 45B6 is placed, high-grip filaments and high-abrasion-resistant filaments may be arranged alternately.

[0171] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the abrasion resistance of the contact surface, the density of filaments placed in the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 that corresponds to the toes of the wearer's foot and the heel of the wearer's foot may be increased.

[0172] As mentioned above, the reason why the small-diameter filaments 45B5 are arranged across the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 is to achieve adequate grip across the entire contact surface while reducing the weight of the footwear 1C1.

[0173] (11th Modification) Figure 26 is a schematic bottom view of the footwear according to the 11th modification. Hereinafter, the footwear 1C2 according to the 11th modification based on the above-described embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 26. Note that the footwear 1C2 according to the 11th modification differs from the footwear 1C1 according to the above-described 10th modification only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0174] As shown in Figure 26, the footwear 1C2 according to the 11th modified example differs from the footwear 1C1 according to the 10th modified example described above in that the small-diameter filaments 45B5 are not arranged over the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, but are interrupted in the central part in the left-right direction Y in the portions corresponding to the midfoot R2 and rearfoot R3. As a result, a filament-free region 14 is provided in the central part in the left-right direction Y of the midfoot R2 and rearfoot R3 of the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10.

[0175] By providing this filament-free region 14, the sole portion 2 corresponding to the midfoot R2 and rearfoot R3 of the footwear 1C2 has relatively low rigidity in the central part in the left-right direction Y, and relatively high rigidity at both ends in the left-right direction Y (i.e., the medial and lateral ends).

[0176] By providing a low-rigidity section extending along the front-to-back direction X at the center of the sole section 2 in the left-to-right direction Y, the load applied from the wearer's foot to the sole section 2 during landing is more easily transmitted forward. Therefore, it becomes possible to match the direction of this load transmission to the direction of force flow during landing, which proceeds from the rearfoot R3 through the midfoot R2 to the forefoot R1, thereby suppressing energy loss, especially during running. Consequently, by adopting the above configuration, footwear 1C2 with improved running efficiency can be achieved.

[0177] (Embodiment 4) Figure 27 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 4, viewed from the outer foot side, and Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 27. Figure 29 is a schematic enlarged view showing one example of the configuration of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 27, and Figure 30 is a schematic enlarged view showing another example of the configuration of the outer surface of the upper part of the footwear shown in Figure 27. The footwear 1D according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 27 to 30. The footwear 1D according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above only in that it does not have an upper body 30.

[0178] In Figure 28, for the sake of ease of understanding, the detailed shape of the fibrous structure 40 located on the inner side of the foot, which would normally be shown in the figure, has been omitted. This also applies to Figures 31, 35, 37, 39, 41, and 48, which will be discussed later.

[0179] As mentioned above, since the filament itself can also act as a bonding element, adopting this filament as a component of footwear could potentially eliminate some or all of the bonding process that was previously required to join parts together. Therefore, if some or all of this bonding process can be eliminated, footwear manufacturing would become easier.

[0180] In addition, since filaments can be given various functions to footwear by changing their material, placement position and orientation direction on the footwear, and placement density, if other components of footwear can be replaced with filaments, the manufacturing process will be simplified from the perspective of reducing the number of parts.

[0181] In this respect, the footwear 1D according to this embodiment eliminates the need to equip the footwear with an upper body by constructing the upper part using only filaments, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0182] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the footwear 1D according to this embodiment comprises a sole portion 2 and an upper portion 3, and is constructed by assembling a midsole 10, an outsole 20, and a fiber structure 40 as constituent elements. In the footwear 1D according to this embodiment, as described above, there is no upper body, and the upper portion 3 is constructed solely by a fiber structure 40 composed of multiple filaments 41.

[0183] The fiber structure 40 has a side wall portion 47 that constitutes the upper portion 3, and an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower end peripheral edge of the side wall portion 47 (i.e., the lower end peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2, and the extended portion 45 includes an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1D so as to overlap the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10.

[0184] The side wall portion 47 has an inner surface 47a and an outer surface 47b, of which the inner surface 47a constitutes the innermost part 3A of the upper portion 3, and the outer surface 47b constitutes the outermost part 3B of the upper portion 3. The overlapping portion 45B is positioned to face the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10. As a result, the fiber structure 40 is located above the midsole 10.

[0185] Referring particularly to Figure 28, the fiber structure 40 has an internal space SP into which the wearer's foot can be inserted. Furthermore, the upper end of the fiber structure 40 has an opening 48a into which the wearer's foot can be inserted. In other words, the fiber structure 40 has a bag-like (sock-like) shape with an opening 48a at its upper end.

[0186] The midsole 10 has an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12, and a side surface 13, and is positioned to cover the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40. The outsole 20 has an upper surface 21, a lower surface 22, and an end surface 23, and its upper surface 21 is joined to the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 by means of adhesive, for example, so that it is integrated with the midsole 10.

[0187] As a result, in the footwear 1D described above, the sole portion 2 is mainly composed of the midsole 10, the outsole 20, and the extended portion 45 (more specifically, the overlapping portion 45B) of the fiber structure 40, and the upper portion 3 is composed of the side wall portion 47 of the fiber structure 40.

[0188] Figure 29 shows an example of the configuration of the fiber structure 40, in which multiple fixing filaments 41A are used as the filaments 41 described above, and the fiber structure 40 is constructed using these multiple fixing filaments 41A. In Figure 29, the fixing filaments 41A are colored darker for easier understanding.

[0189] The fiber structure 40 shown in Figure 29 has a laminated filament structure in which multiple fixing filaments 41A are partially overlapped and fixed to each other at their intersections 42. The fiber structure 40 configured in this way has a substantially mesh-like shape.

[0190] Furthermore, the above-described fiber structure 40 is present in both the side wall portion 47 and the overlapping portion 45B.

[0191] Another example of the fiber structure 40 shown in Figure 30 is a case in which the fiber structure 40 is constructed using multiple fixing filaments 41A and multiple additional filaments 41B as the filaments 41 described above. In Figure 30, for ease of understanding, the fixing filaments 41A are colored darkly, and the additional filaments 41B are covered with a coarse dot pattern.

[0192] Here, the additional filament 41B is a filament made of a different material than the fixing filament 41A, and, like the fixing filament 41A, imparts various properties to the fiber structure 40. These various properties include abrasion resistance, elasticity, and rigidity, in addition to the bonding properties which are the main properties of the fixing filament 41A.

[0193] The fiber structure 40 shown in Figure 30 has a laminated filament structure in which multiple fixing filaments 41A are partially overlapped with each other, and the multiple fixing filaments 41A are also partially overlapped with multiple additional filaments 41B, and the multiple fixing filaments 41A are fixed to each other at the intersections 42 of the multiple fixing filaments 41A, and the multiple fixing filaments 41A are fixed to the multiple additional filaments 41B at the intersections 43 of the multiple fixing filaments 41A and the multiple additional filaments 41B. The fiber structure 40 constructed in this way also has a substantially mesh-like shape.

[0194] Furthermore, the above-described fiber structure 40 is present in both the side wall portion 47 and the overlapping portion 45B.

[0195] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, in the footwear 1D according to this embodiment, as described above, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 extends inward toward the footwear 1D so as to overlap the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, and this overlapping portion 45B is joined to the upper surface 11, which is the joining surface of the midsole 10 as a first component that constitutes a part of the sole portion 2.

[0196] More specifically, in the portion of the multiple fixing filaments 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, the fixing filaments 41A are fixed to the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10. As a result, the fiber structure 40, consisting of multiple fixing filaments 41A, functions as a joining element itself and is joined to the midsole 10. Therefore, it becomes possible to join the midsole 10 and the fiber structure 40 without separately joining the midsole 10 and the fiber structure 40 using adhesive or the like.

[0197] Therefore, by using the footwear 1D according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the filaments 41 that constitute the fiber structure 40 as joining elements, making it easier to manufacture footwear compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0198] Furthermore, when adopting the configuration described in this embodiment, the upper portion 3 is composed solely of the filament 41, eliminating the need for a separate upper body. This reduces the number of parts, thus simplifying manufacturing.

[0199] Furthermore, the footwear 1D described above can be manufactured, for example, by following the manufacturing method described below.

[0200] First, using a device capable of feeding the aforementioned filament 41 along its extending direction, the filament 41 is supplied towards the end, thereby producing a molded fiber structure 40 having a bag-like shape.

[0201] Next, the overlapping portion 45B of the molded fiber structure 40 is locally heated to soften or melt it, and while the midsole 10 is pressed against the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 in this state, the overlapping portion 45B, which is in a softened or melted state, is solidified, thereby joining the midsole 10 to the fiber structure 40.

[0202] Furthermore, by subsequently joining the outsole 20 to the midsole 10 by adhesive or other means, footwear 1D having the above-described structure can be manufactured.

[0203] (Twelfth Modification) Figure 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of footwear according to the twelfth modification. Hereinafter, the footwear 1D1 according to the twelfth modification based on the above-described embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 31. The footwear 1D1 according to the twelfth modification differs from the footwear 1D according to the above-described embodiment 4 only in that it is equipped with an insole 50.

[0204] As shown in Figure 31, the footwear 1D1 according to the 12th modified example includes a midsole 10, an outsole 20, and a fiber structure 40, as well as a second component, an insole 50, which constitutes a part of the sole portion 2. This insole 50 is positioned to cover the upper surface of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40, so that the overlapping portion 45B is not exposed inside the footwear 1D1. In other words, the insole 50 covers the entire upper surface of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40.

[0205] Furthermore, the fixing filaments 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 are fixed to the lower surface of the insole 50. In other words, the fiber structure 40, which consists of multiple fixing filaments 41A, is joined to the insole 50 by functioning as a joining element itself.

[0206] Here, the bonding of the fiber structure 40 to the insole 50 may be carried out by attaching the insole 50 to the bottom of the last prior to the fabrication of the fiber structure 40, and then molding the fiber structure 40 in this state, or the insole 50 may be bonded to the fiber structure 40 at the same time as the process of bonding the midsole 10 to the prefabricated fiber structure 40.

[0207] Even with the footwear 1D1 configured in this way, the same effects as those described in Embodiment 4 above can be obtained. Furthermore, since the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is not exposed inside the footwear 1D1, the footwear 1D1 can be made to be highly durable and comfortable to wear.

[0208] (13th Modification) Figure 32 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the 13th modification, as seen from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, the footwear 1D2 according to the 13th modification based on the above-described embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 32. Note that the footwear 1D2 according to the 13th modification differs from the footwear 1D according to the above-described embodiment 4 only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0209] As shown in Figure 32, the footwear 1D2 according to the 13th modified example has a pocket-like space provided in the first region A1 of the fiber structure 40, which is adjacent to the opening 48a. This pocket-like space may be formed by embedding a bag-shaped member inside the first region A1 of the fiber structure 40, or by configuring the first region A1 of the fiber structure 40 as a two-layer structure.

[0210] In the case of forming a pocket-like space by embedding a bag-shaped member, for example, when manufacturing a fiber structure 40, first, fixing filaments 41A that function as joining elements are stacked, then a bag-shaped member is placed on top of the stacked fixing filaments 41A, and then the bag-shaped member is formed by further stacking fixing filaments 41A that function as joining elements on top of the bag-shaped member.

[0211] Furthermore, in the case of forming a pocket-like space by configuring the fiber structure 40 as a two-layer structure, for example, when manufacturing the fiber structure 40, first, fixing filaments 41A that function as joining elements are stacked in layers, then a mold such as a core is placed on top of the stacked fixing filaments 41A, then fixing filaments 41A that function as joining elements are further stacked in layers on top of the mold, and finally the mold is withdrawn to form the structure.

[0212] In addition, in the case of forming a pocket-like space by configuring the fiber structure 40 in a two-layer structure, for example, when manufacturing the fiber structure 40, first, fixing filaments 41A that function as joining elements are laminated in layers, then additional filaments 41B that do not function as joining elements are laminated in layers on top of the laminated fixing filaments 41A so that the fixing filaments 41A are fixed to them, and then additional additional filaments 41B that do not function as joining elements are laminated in layers, and then fixing filaments 41A that function as joining elements are laminated on top of the additional filaments 41B that are not yet joined to other members so that they are fixed to the additional filaments 41B.

[0213] In the pocket-like space thus constructed, cushioning material or filaments are then inserted or injected. By adjusting the amount of cushioning material or filaments inserted or injected, it becomes possible to adjust the elasticity of the opening of the shoe in various ways. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, it is possible to create footwear 1D2 in which the fit of the opening of the shoe can be easily adjusted to suit the wearer's preference.

[0214] Furthermore, when the fiber structure 40 is configured as a two-layer structure to form a pocket-like space, the filaments 41 will be arranged at an even higher density than the density of filaments 41 in the first region A1 shown in Figure 32.

[0215] (14th Modification) Figure 33 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to the 14th modification, viewed from the outer foot side. Hereinafter, the footwear 1D3 according to the 14th modification based on the above-described embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Figure 33. Note that the footwear 1D3 according to the 14th modification differs from the footwear 1D according to the above-described embodiment 4 only in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0216] As shown in Figure 33, the footwear 1D3 according to the 14th modified example has a notch 48b in the part of the fiber structure 40 corresponding to the instep of the wearer's foot, and a lace-through portion is provided in the second region A2 of the fiber structure 40, which is adjacent to the notch 48b. This lace-through portion can be formed by constructing the filament 41 in the part located in the second region A2 with an additional filament 41B that does not function as a joining element.

[0217] In other words, the additional filament 41B, which does not function as a joining element, can be easily processed to have a loop shape by relaxing it, thereby easily forming a lace-through section. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, footwear 1D3 that fits the instep of the wearer's foot can be easily manufactured by inserting shoelaces through this lace-through section.

[0218] (Embodiment 5) Figure 34 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 5 as seen from the outer foot side, and Figure 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 34. Hereinafter, the footwear 1E according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 34 and 35. Note that the footwear 1E according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1D according to Embodiment 4 described above in the configuration of the fiber structure 40.

[0219] Footwear 1E according to this embodiment, like footwear 1D according to embodiment 4 described above, also eliminates the need to equip the footwear with an upper body by constructing the upper portion solely from filaments, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

[0220] As shown in Figures 34 and 35, in the footwear 1E according to this embodiment, the fiber structure 40 has a side wall portion 47 that constitutes the upper portion 3, and an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower end peripheral edge of the side wall portion 47 (i.e., the lower end peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2. The extended portion 45 includes a side cover portion 45A that covers the side surface 13 of the midsole 10, and an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1E so as to overlap the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10.

[0221] In the footwear 1E according to this embodiment, an overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is interposed between the midsole 10 and the outsole 20, and this overlapping portion 45B functions as a joining element, thereby joining the midsole 10, which is a first component constituting a part of the sole portion 2, and the outsole 20, which is a second component constituting a part of the sole portion 2.

[0222] More specifically, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 extends inward from the lower end of the side cover portion 45A, which extends from the lower end periphery of the upper portion 3, and overlaps with the lower surface 12, which is the bonding surface of the midsole 10.

[0223] In this embodiment, the midsole 10 is positioned over the entire area of ​​the footwear 1E when viewed from above, and the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to overlap the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10. Furthermore, the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is positioned to cover the entire upper surface 21 of the outsole 20.

[0224] Furthermore, in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, and in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the upper surface 21 of the outsole 20, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the upper surface 21 of the outsole 20.

[0225] Therefore, the fixing filaments 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B function as joining elements that connect the midsole 10 and the outsole 20. This makes it possible to join the midsole 10 and the outsole 20 using the fiber structure 40 without having to separately join them using adhesive or the like.

[0226] In addition, in the footwear 1E according to this embodiment, the fixing filament 41A included in the side cover portion 45A is fixed to the side surface 13 of the midsole 10 in the portion that contacts the side surface 13 of the midsole 10.

[0227] Therefore, by using the footwear 1E according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the filaments 41 that constitute the fiber structure 40 as joining elements, making it easier to manufacture footwear compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0228] Furthermore, when the configuration described in this embodiment is adopted, not only does the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 function as a bonding element to the midsole 10, but the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 also functions as a bonding element to the midsole 10. Therefore, the bonding area of ​​the fiber structure 40 to the midsole 10 is increased, and the bonding strength is improved.

[0229] Furthermore, if a configuration like that of this embodiment is adopted, the upper part 3 will be made up solely of the filament 41, eliminating the need to provide a separate upper body. This reduces the number of parts, thus simplifying manufacturing.

[0230] Furthermore, the footwear 1E described above can be manufactured in the manufacturing method of footwear 1D described in Embodiment 4 above, by fixing the midsole 10 to the last in advance prior to supplying the filaments 41 to the last. In this way, by fixing the midsole 10 to the last in advance, the filaments 41 are supplied not only to the exposed surface of the last but also to the exposed surface of the midsole 10. Subsequently, the fixing filaments contained in the filaments 41 solidify, allowing the fiber structure 40 to be formed and bonded to the midsole 10.

[0231] Alternatively, footwear 1E can also be manufactured in the manufacturing method of footwear 1D described in Embodiment 4 above, by inserting a midsole into a molded fiber structure 40 having a bag-like shape, pressing it against the bottom of the fiber structure 40 from the inside, locally heating the bottom of the fiber structure 40 to soften or melt it, and then solidifying it.

[0232] (Embodiment 6) Figure 36 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 6, viewed from the outer foot side, and Figure 37 is a schematic bottom view of the footwear shown in Figure 36. The footwear 1F according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 36 and 37. The footwear 1F according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1E according to Embodiment 5 described above only in that it does not have an outsole 20.

[0233] Footwear 1F according to this embodiment, like footwear 1E according to embodiment 5 described above, also eliminates the need to equip the footwear with an upper body by constructing the upper portion solely from filaments, thereby simplifying manufacturing. In addition, footwear 1F according to this embodiment further replaces the outsole with filaments, thereby simplifying manufacturing even more.

[0234] As shown in Figures 36 and 37, in the footwear 1F according to this embodiment, the fiber structure 40 has a side wall portion 47 that constitutes the upper portion 3, and an extended portion 45 that extends from the lower end peripheral edge of the side wall portion 47 (i.e., the lower end peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2. The extended portion 45 includes a side cover portion 45A that covers the side surface 13 of the midsole 10, and an overlapping portion 45B that extends toward the inside of the footwear 1F so as to overlap the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10.

[0235] Here, the midsole 10 is located across the entire area of ​​the footwear 1F when viewed from above, and the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40 is located so as to overlap the entire area of ​​the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10. The overlapping portion 45B that covers the entire area of ​​the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 constitutes the lowest part of the sole portion 2, and the contact surface is formed by this overlapping portion 45B.

[0236] Furthermore, in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the overlapping portion 45B that contacts the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, and in the portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the side cover portion 45A that contacts the side surface 13 of the midsole 10, the fixing filament 41A is fixed to the side surface 13 of the midsole 10. As a result, the fixing filament 41A included in the extended portion 45 functions as a joining element that connects the fiber structure 40 itself and the midsole 10, eliminating the need to join them separately using adhesive or the like.

[0237] Here, the filaments 41 included in the overlapping portion 45B that covers the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 are preferably made of highly abrasion-resistant filaments. By configuring it in this way, the abrasion resistance of the contact surface is increased, making the footwear 1F durable.

[0238] Furthermore, the filaments 41 included in the overlapping portion 45B that covers the entire lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 are preferably made of high-grip filaments. This configuration enhances the grip of the contact surface, resulting in footwear 1F that is less prone to slipping.

[0239] Therefore, by using the footwear 1F according to this embodiment, it becomes possible to use the filaments 41 that constitute the fiber structure 40 as joining elements, making it easier to manufacture footwear compared to conventional footwear equipped with a fiber structure.

[0240] Furthermore, if a configuration like that of this embodiment is adopted, the upper part 3 will be made up solely of the filament 41, eliminating the need to provide a separate upper body. This reduces the number of parts, thus simplifying manufacturing.

[0241] In addition, if a configuration like that of this embodiment is adopted, the outsole is replaced by the filament 41, which simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts.

[0242] (Related Embodiment) Figure 38 is a schematic side view of the footwear relating to the related embodiment, viewed from the outer foot side, and Figure 39 is a schematic bottom view of the footwear shown in Figure 38. The footwear 1G relating to the related embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 38 and 39. The footwear 1G relating to this related embodiment differs from the footwear 1F relating to Embodiment 6 described above only in that it does not have a midsole 10.

[0243] Footwear 1G according to this related embodiment, like footwear 1F according to embodiment 6 described above, also eliminates the need to equip the footwear with an upper body by constructing the upper portion solely from filaments, thereby simplifying manufacturing. Furthermore, the outsole is also replaced with filaments, further simplifying manufacturing. In addition, footwear 1G according to this related embodiment further replaces the midsole with filaments, thereby simplifying manufacturing even more.

[0244] As shown in Figures 38 and 39, in the footwear 1G according to this related embodiment, the fiber structure 40 has a side wall portion 47 that constitutes the upper portion 3, and a bottom portion 49 that extends from the lower end peripheral edge of the side wall portion 47 (i.e., the lower end peripheral edge of the upper portion 3) toward the sole portion 2. The bottom portion 49 has an upper surface 49a and a lower surface 49b, of which the lower surface 49b constitutes the contact surface.

[0245] Here, the bottom portion 49 is constructed to be significantly thicker than the side wall portion 47 by overlapping multiple layers of filaments 41. If the filaments 41 constituting the bottom portion 49 are made of soft filaments with a low Young's modulus, the bottom portion 49 can be made to have excellent cushioning properties. Furthermore, if hollow filaments or foamed filaments are used as the filaments 41 constituting the bottom portion 49, the weight of that portion can be reduced, and the overall weight of the footwear can be reduced.

[0246] Furthermore, it is preferable that the filaments 41 in the portion constituting the contact surface of the bottom 49 are made of highly abrasion-resistant filaments. This configuration enhances the abrasion resistance of the contact surface, resulting in durable footwear 1G. It is also preferable that the filaments 41 in the portion constituting the contact surface of the bottom 49 are made of highly grippy filaments. This configuration enhances the grip of the contact surface, resulting in footwear 1G that suppresses the occurrence of slippage.

[0247] (Embodiment 7) Figure 40 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 7 as seen from the outer foot side, and Figures 41 and 42 are schematic cross-sectional views of the footwear shown in Figure 40, respectively. Of these, Figure 42 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XLII-XLII shown in Figure 40. Figure 43 is a schematic perspective view of the midsole provided by the footwear shown in Figure 40. The footwear 1H according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 40 to 43. Note that the footwear 1H according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above in the configuration of the midsole 10.

[0248] In Figure 42, for the sake of ease of understanding, the detailed shape of the fiber structure 40 at the rear end of the footwear 1H, which would normally be shown in the figure, has been omitted. This also applies to Figures 44 to 46, which will be discussed later.

[0249] As with the footwear 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above, when the upper part is constructed solely from filaments, the bending and compressive rigidity of the filament fiber structure is generally low, raising concerns about poor durability, fit, and stability of the foot during walking and running. Of these, fit is known to consist of static fit, which is the fit during low-intensity exercise such as when the wearer is stationary or walking at a slow speed, and dynamic fit, which is the fit during high-intensity exercise such as when the wearer is walking or running at a high speed. It is desirable to improve both of these.

[0250] In this regard, the footwear 1H according to this embodiment has been improved in particular in the rear foot portion R3, which is the part that supports and holds the heel of the wearer's foot, in order to improve durability, fit, and the function of ensuring heel stability when landing.

[0251] As shown in Figures 40 to 43, in the footwear 1H according to this embodiment, the midsole 10 has a heel reinforcement portion 15A. The heel reinforcement portion 15A consists of a wall-like portion erected upward from the periphery of the part of the midsole 10 that supports the heel of the wearer's foot. The heel reinforcement portion 15A extends continuously from the part of the midsole 10 that supports the sole of the wearer's foot. That is, the heel reinforcement portion 15A is configured as part of the midsole 10, and as such, the heel reinforcement portion 15A is made of a foam material such as resin or rubber.

[0252] The heel reinforcement portion 15A includes a rear end side wall portion 15a located at the rear end of the midsole 10, an inner foot side wall portion 15b located at the medial end of the midsole 10, straddling the rear end of the midfoot portion R2 and the rearfoot portion R3, and an outer foot side wall portion 15c located at the outer end of the midsole 10, straddling the rear end of the midfoot portion R2 and the rearfoot portion R3. These rear end side wall portion 15a, the medial foot side wall portion 15b, and the outer foot side wall portion 15c extend continuously along the periphery of the midsole 10, so that the heel reinforcement portion 15A has a substantially U-shaped curved plate shape that can surround the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0253] The side surface of the heel reinforcement portion 15A corresponds to a part of the side surface of the midsole 10. The outer surface of the side surface of this heel reinforcement portion 15A is covered by a side cover portion 45A, which is part of the extended portion 45 of the fiber structure 40. The portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the side cover portion 45A that contacts the side surface of the heel reinforcement portion 15A is fixed to the side surface of the heel reinforcement portion 15A. In this way, the heel reinforcement portion 15A and the fiber structure 40 that covers it are joined to each other.

[0254] In this way, by providing a heel reinforcement portion 15A of the midsole 10, made of foam material, in addition to the fibrous structure 40 made of filaments 41, in the part of the upper portion 3 that contacts the circumferential surface of the heel of the wearer's foot, the rigidity of that part is improved, and as a result, durability is improved. In other words, the heel reinforcement portion 15A functions as a reinforcement portion of the upper portion 3.

[0255] Furthermore, in this configuration, the portion of the upper 3 that contacts the circumferential surface of the wearer's heel is made up of the heel reinforcement portion 15A of the midsole 10, which is made of foam material. The heel reinforcement portion 15A of the midsole 10, which is made of foam material, is a soft material that has excellent cushioning properties, although it is more rigid than the fiber structure 40 made of filaments 41. Therefore, in this configuration, the feel against the foot is improved compared to when the portion of the upper 3 that contacts the circumferential surface of the wearer's heel is made of the fiber structure 40 made of filaments 41. Moreover, as the heel reinforcement portion 15A is sandwiched and compressed between the fiber structure 40 and the wearer's foot, the unevenness of the surface of the wearer's foot is absorbed by the heel reinforcement portion 15A, thus improving static fit.

[0256] Furthermore, foam materials such as resin and rubber generally have higher bending and compressive rigidity than fibrous structures made of filaments. Therefore, the bending and compressive rigidity of the heel reinforcement portion 15A made of foam material is higher than that of the fibrous structure 40 covering it. Consequently, by adopting the above configuration, dynamic fit is improved compared to when the heel reinforcement portion 15A is not provided, and the function of ensuring heel stability during landing is also improved. In particular, the improved function of ensuring heel stability during landing makes it possible to suppress lateral movement of the heel, thus enabling efficient walking and running that makes it easier to obtain forward propulsion.

[0257] Here, it is preferable that the density of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 covering the heel reinforcement portion 15A is higher than the density of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 other than the portion covering the heel reinforcement portion 15A. Furthermore, it is preferable that the thickness of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 covering the heel reinforcement portion 15A is greater than the thickness of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 other than the portion covering the heel reinforcement portion 15A. Moreover, it is preferable that the tensile stiffness of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 covering the heel reinforcement portion 15A is higher than the tensile stiffness of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 other than the portion covering the heel reinforcement portion 15A.

[0258] If the fiber structure 40 is configured to satisfy some or all of these conditions, in conjunction with the provision of the heel reinforcement portion 15A, not only will the dynamic fit be further improved and the function of ensuring heel stability during landing be enhanced, but durability will also be further improved.

[0259] In general footwear, separate components, such as heel counters and ankle sponges, made of materials different from the upper body which is made of a fibrous structure, are attached to the upper body to improve durability, fit, and heel stability during landing. However, the above configuration may be adopted, and these separate components may be omitted. Omitting these separate components reduces the number of parts, making it possible to produce footwear that is easier to manufacture and less expensive.

[0260] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 42, in the footwear 1H according to this embodiment, bulging portions 15b1 and 15c1 are provided in the heel reinforcement portion 15A in the parts corresponding to the recesses below the inner and outer ankles of the wearer's foot, respectively, and which bulge out toward the internal space SP. As shown in the figure, these bulging portions 15b1 and 15c1 can be constructed, for example, by making the thickness t of that part of the heel reinforcement portion 15A thicker than the surrounding thickness. This configuration will further improve the fit.

[0261] In this embodiment, the heel reinforcement portion 15A was described as being configured as part of the midsole 10. However, the heel reinforcement portion 15A may be made of a separate part made of a different material from the midsole 10 and assembled to the fiber structure 40 made of filaments 41 or the midsole 10. Also, in this embodiment, the heel reinforcement portion 15A was described as being configured to have a substantially U-shaped curved plate shape. However, the heel reinforcement portion 15A may be configured to have a shape that does not include the rear end side wall portion 15a, the medial foot side wall portion 15b, and the outer foot side wall portion 15c described above.

[0262] (Modifications 15 to 17) Figures 44 to 46 are schematic cross-sectional views of footwear according to the modifications 15 to 17, respectively. Hereinafter, footwear 1H1 to 1H3 according to the modifications 15 to 17 based on the above-described embodiment 7 will be described with reference to Figures 44 to 46. Note that footwear 1H1 to 1H3 according to the modifications 15 to 17 differ from footwear 1H according to the above-described embodiment 7 in that they are equipped with either the outer reinforcing portion 61 or the inner reinforcing portion 62, which will be described later.

[0263] As shown in Figure 44, the footwear 1H1 according to the 15th modified example is equipped with an outer reinforcing portion 61 as an additional reinforcing portion. The outer reinforcing portion 61 is provided on the outer surface of the portion that covers the heel reinforcing portion 15A of the side cover portion 45A, which is part of the extended portion 45 of the fiber structure 40, and consists of a layered or membrane-like portion that covers the outer surface. This outer reinforcing portion 61 has a tensile rigidity higher than the tensile rigidity of the side cover portion 45A made of the fiber structure 40.

[0264] The outer reinforcing portion 61, consisting of layered or film-like parts, can be formed, for example, by attaching a sheet-like, high-tensile-rigidity member to the outer surface of the side cover portion 45A using an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the outer reinforcing portion 61, consisting of layered or film-like parts, can also be formed, for example, by applying a liquid material that hardens to become a high-tensile-rigidity member to the outer surface of the side cover portion 45A while the filaments 41 are attached to the wrist during the manufacturing of the fiber structure 40, and then hardening it.

[0265] As shown in Figure 45, the footwear 1H2 according to the 16th modified example also includes an outer reinforcing portion 61 as an additional reinforcing portion. The outer reinforcing portion 61 is positioned to cover not only the outer surface of the portion that covers the heel reinforcing portion 15A of the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40, but also the outer surface of the overlapping portion 45B of the fiber structure 40.

[0266] As shown in Figure 46, the footwear 1H3 according to the 17th modified example is equipped with an inner reinforcing portion 62 as an additional reinforcing portion. The inner reinforcing portion 62 is provided on the inner surface of the portion that covers the heel reinforcing portion 15A of the side cover portion 45A, which is part of the extended portion 45 of the fiber structure 40, and consists of a layered or membrane-like portion that covers the inner surface. This inner reinforcing portion 62 has a tensile rigidity higher than the tensile rigidity of the side cover portion 45A made of the fiber structure 40.

[0267] The inner reinforcement portion 62, which consists of layered or film-like parts, can be formed, for example, by attaching a sheet-like, high-tensile-rigidity member to the side surface, which is the outer surface of the heel reinforcement portion 15A, using an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the inner reinforcement portion 62, which consists of layered or film-like parts, can also be formed, for example, by applying a liquid material that hardens to become a high-tensile-rigidity member to the side surface of the heel reinforcement portion 15A and allowing it to harden. In this way, if the inner reinforcement portion 62 is provided in advance on the side surface of the heel reinforcement portion 15A of the midsole 10, and the fibrous structure 40 is formed by fixing filaments 41 to the side surface of the midsole 10 including the inner reinforcement portion 62 so as to cover it, the filaments 41 will be fixed not only to the side surface of the midsole 10 but also to the outer surface of the inner reinforcement portion 62, and as a result the inner reinforcement portion 62 will be provided on the inner surface of the portion of the side cover portion 45A that covers the heel reinforcement portion 15A.

[0268] With footwear 1H1 to 1H3 according to these 15th to 17th modifications, in conjunction with the provision of the heel reinforcement portion 15A, not only is further improvement in dynamic fit and the function of ensuring heel stability during landing achieved, but further improvement in durability is also achieved. Although not shown in the illustration here, both an outer reinforcement portion 61 and an inner reinforcement portion 62 may be provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the portion of the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 that covers the heel reinforcement portion 15A.

[0269] (Embodiment 8) Figure 47 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 8 as seen from the outer foot side, and Figure 48 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the footwear shown in Figure 47. The footwear 1I according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 47 and 48. Note that the footwear 1I according to this embodiment differs from the footwear 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above in the configuration of the midsole 10.

[0270] As with the footwear 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above, when the upper part is constructed solely from filaments, the tensile rigidity of the filament fiber structure is generally low, raising concerns about poor durability, fit, and stability of the foot during walking and running. Of these, fit is known to consist of static fit, which is the fit during low-intensity exercise such as when the wearer is stationary or walking at a slow speed, and dynamic fit, which is the fit during high-intensity exercise such as when the wearer is walking or running at a high speed. It is desirable to improve both of these.

[0271] In this regard, the footwear 1I according to this embodiment has been improved, particularly in the front end of the forefoot portion R1, which is the part that supports and holds the wearer's toes, to improve durability, fit, and the function of ensuring toe stability when lifting off the ground.

[0272] As shown in Figures 47 and 48, in the footwear 1I according to this embodiment, the midsole 10 has a toe reinforcement portion 15B. The toe reinforcement portion 15B consists of a wall-like portion that is erected upward from the periphery of the part of the midsole 10 that supports the toes of the wearer's foot. The toe reinforcement portion 15B extends continuously from the part of the midsole 10 that supports the sole of the wearer's foot. That is, the toe reinforcement portion 15B is configured as part of the midsole 10, and as such, the toe reinforcement portion 15B is made of a foam material such as resin or rubber.

[0273] The toe reinforcement portion 15B includes a front end side wall portion 15d located at the front end of the midsole 10. The front end side wall portion 15d extends continuously along the periphery of the midsole 10, so that the toe reinforcement portion 15B has a roughly C-shaped curved plate shape that can surround the toes of the wearer's foot.

[0274] The side surface of the toe reinforcement portion 15B corresponds to a part of the side surface of the midsole 10. The outer surface of the side surface of this toe reinforcement portion 15B is covered by a side cover portion 45A, which is part of the extended portion 45 of the fiber structure 40. The portion of the fixing filament 41A included in the side cover portion 45A that contacts the side surface of the toe reinforcement portion 15B is fixed to the side surface of the toe reinforcement portion 15B. In this way, the toe reinforcement portion 15B and the fiber structure 40 that covers it are joined together.

[0275] In this way, by providing a toe reinforcement portion 15B of the midsole 10, made of foam material, in addition to the fibrous structure 40 made of filaments 41, in the part of the upper 3 that comes into contact with the circumferential surface of the wearer's toes, the rigidity of that part is improved, resulting in improved durability. In other words, the toe reinforcement portion 15B functions as a reinforcement portion of the upper 3.

[0276] Furthermore, in this configuration, the portion of the upper 3 that contacts the circumferential surface of the wearer's toes is made up of the toe reinforcement portion 15B of the midsole 10, which is made of foam material. The toe reinforcement portion 15B of the midsole 10, which is made of foam material, is a soft material that is highly rigid but has excellent cushioning properties compared to the fiber structure 40 made of filaments 41. Therefore, in this configuration, the comfort against the foot is improved compared to when the portion of the upper 3 that contacts the circumferential surface of the wearer's toes is made up solely of the fiber structure 40 made of filaments 41. Moreover, as the toe reinforcement portion 15B is sandwiched and compressed between the fiber structure 40 and the wearer's foot, the unevenness of the surface of the wearer's foot is absorbed by the toe reinforcement portion 15B, thus improving static fit.

[0277] Furthermore, foam materials such as resin and rubber generally have higher tensile rigidity than fibrous structures made of filaments. Therefore, the tensile rigidity of the toe reinforcement portion 15B made of foam material is higher than that of the fibrous structure 40 covering it. Consequently, by adopting the above configuration, dynamic fit is improved compared to when the toe reinforcement portion 15B is not provided, and the function of ensuring toe stability when lifting off the ground is also improved. In particular, the improved function of ensuring toe stability when lifting off the ground makes it possible to suppress fore-and-aft wobble, thus enabling efficient walking and running that makes it easier to obtain forward propulsion.

[0278] Here, it is preferable that the density of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 covering the toe reinforcement portion 15B is higher than the density of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 other than the portion covering the toe reinforcement portion 15B. Furthermore, it is preferable that the thickness of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 covering the toe reinforcement portion 15B is greater than the thickness of the filaments 41 contained in the fiber structure 40 other than the portion covering the toe reinforcement portion 15B.

[0279] If the fiber structure 40 is configured to satisfy one or both of these conditions, in conjunction with the provision of the toe reinforcement portion 15B, not only will the dynamic fit be further improved and the function of ensuring toe stability during takeoff be enhanced, but durability will also be further improved.

[0280] In general footwear, a separate component called a toe box, made of a different material from the upper body which is made of a fibrous structure, is attached to the upper body to improve durability, fit, and toe stability during lift-off. In this regard, the above configuration may be adopted and this separate component may be omitted. If the separate component is omitted, the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in footwear that is easier to manufacture and has a lower cost.

[0281] In this embodiment, the toe reinforcement portion 15B was described as an example of being configured as part of the midsole 10. However, the toe reinforcement portion 15B may be made of a separate part made of a different material from the midsole 10 and assembled to the fiber structure 40 made of filaments 41 or the midsole 10. Also, in this embodiment, the toe reinforcement portion 15B was described as being configured to have a substantially C-shaped curved plate shape. However, it may be configured in other shapes.

[0282] Furthermore, although a detailed explanation is omitted here, an outer reinforcing portion 61 and / or an inner reinforcing portion 62, as described in the above-described embodiment 7, may be provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the portion of the side cover portion 45A of the fiber structure 40 that covers the toe reinforcing portion 15B.

[0283] (Embodiment 9) Figure 49 is a schematic side view of the footwear according to Embodiment 9, viewed from the outer foot side. The footwear 1J according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 49. Note that the footwear 1J according to this embodiment differs in the configuration of the upper part 3 compared to the footwear 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above.

[0284] As shown in Figure 49, in the footwear 1J according to this embodiment, the fiber structure 40 has a notch 48b in the part corresponding to the instep of the wearer's foot, and a reinforcing part 63 is provided in the area adjacent to this notch 48b. The reinforcing part 63 is provided on the outer surface of the fiber structure 40 and consists of a layered or membrane-like portion that covers the outer surface. A lace-through part 63a is provided in this reinforcing part 63. The lace-through part 63a is a part through which shoelaces (not shown) are inserted.

[0285] The reinforcing portion 63, which consists of layered or film-like parts, can be formed, for example, by attaching a sheet-like member to the outer surface of the fiber structure 40 using an adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the reinforcing portion 63, which consists of layered or film-like parts, can also be formed, for example, by applying a liquid material that hardens to become a member with high tensile rigidity to the outer surface of the fiber structure 40 while the filaments 41 are attached to the wrist during the manufacturing of the fiber structure 40, and then hardening it.

[0286] This configuration makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the area near the notch 48a of the fiber structure 40 to which the shoelaces are attached. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, a reinforcing effect is obtained on the part of the upper 3, which consists only of the fiber structure 40, to which the shoelaces are attached, resulting in footwear that improves durability while also enhancing the fit.

[0287] (Summary of Disclosures in Embodiments 1 to 9 and Their Variations) The characteristic configurations disclosed in Embodiments 1 to 9 and their variations described above can be summarized as follows.

[0288] [Note 1] Footwear having an internal space into which the wearer's foot can be inserted, comprising: a sole portion configured to cover the sole of the wearer's foot; and an upper portion configured to cover the circumferential surface of the wearer's foot, wherein the upper portion is provided with one or more filaments constituting at least a part of the upper portion, and the one or more filaments include fixing filaments that are joined to a first component constituting at least a part of the sole portion, the fixing filaments having an extended portion extending from the lower end periphery of the upper portion toward the sole portion, the extended portion including an overlapping portion that extends toward the inside of the footwear so as to overlap at least a part of the upper or lower surface which is the surface to be joined of the first component, and the fixing filaments are joined to the first component by the fixing filaments of the portion constituting the overlapping portion being fixed to the surface to be joined.

[0289] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 1 above, the fixing filament that constitutes at least a part of the upper portion functions as a joining element that connects the components constituting the upper portion and the components constituting the sole portion. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, it becomes unnecessary to provide a separate joining means for joining these components together, and thus footwear can be manufactured more easily compared to conventional footwear that incorporates filaments as components.

[0290] [Note 2] The footwear according to Note 1, wherein the fixing filaments are partially overlapped and fixed at their intersections, so that a fiber structure consisting of a laminated filament structure having a substantially mesh-like shape is provided on the footwear by at least the fixing filaments.

[0291] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 2 above, the fibrous structure including the fixing filaments as a bonding element will have a mesh-like shape, which increases the bonding area and makes it possible to increase the bonding strength between the components constituting the upper part and the components constituting the sole part.

[0292] [Note 3] The footwear according to Note 2, wherein the fiber structure further includes one or more additional filaments made of a different material from the fixing filament, and the fixing filament is partially overlapped with the additional filament and fixed to the additional filament at its intersection, so that the fiber structure is composed of the fixing filament and the additional filament.

[0293] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 3 above, it becomes possible to include filaments with various properties in the fiber structure, thereby enabling the addition of various functions to footwear.

[0294] [Note 4] The footwear according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first component has thickness in the vertical direction and is located over the entire area of ​​the footwear when the footwear is viewed in plan, and the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap at least the peripheral edge of the upper surface which is the surface to be joined of the first component.

[0295] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 4 above, joining will be performed at least at the peripheral areas where delamination is likely to occur between the components to be joined, thus resulting in footwear with superior durability.

[0296] [Note 5] The footwear according to Note 4, wherein the overlapping portion extends from the portion of the overlapping portion that is positioned to overlap the peripheral portion, and further extends toward at least one of the following: the portion of the upper surface of the first component that supports the toes of the wearer's foot, the portion of the upper surface of the first component that supports the arch of the wearer's foot, and the portion of the upper surface of the first component that supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0297] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 5 above, the bonding strength is increased, especially in areas prone to peeling, resulting in footwear with superior durability.

[0298] [Note 6] The footwear according to Note 4 or 5, wherein the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap the entire upper surface of the first component.

[0299] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 6 above, joining can be performed over the entire area between the components to be joined, resulting in footwear with particularly excellent durability.

[0300] [Note 7] The footwear according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein the overlapping portion includes an MP joint corresponding region that is arranged to overlap the portion of the upper surface of the first component that supports the MP joint of the wearer's foot, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding region extends in the left-right direction which is substantially the same as the width direction of the wearer's foot.

[0301] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 7 above, the direction of extension of the fixing filament coincides with the direction of extension of the MP joint of the wearer's foot, thus preventing the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot from being hindered by the overlapping portion.

[0302] [Note 8] The footwear according to Note 7, wherein the fixing filament of the portion constituting the MP joint area has a substantially arc shape that is curved so as to protrude forward in the anterior-posterior direction, which is the direction that matches the length of the wearer's foot.

[0303] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 8 above, the direction in which the fixing filament extends and the direction in which the MP joint of the wearer's foot extends will almost perfectly coincide, thus more reliably preventing the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot from being hindered by the overlapping portion.

[0304] [Note 9] Footwear as described in any of Notes 4 to 8, wherein the first component is a midsole.

[0305] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 9 above, it becomes possible to easily join the upper part and the midsole that constitutes the sole part, thereby making the manufacturing of footwear easier.

[0306] [Note 10] The footwear according to any one of Notes 4 to 9, wherein the overlapping portion is positioned to further overlap the lower surface of the second component which constitutes at least a part of the sole portion, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the overlapping portion is fixed to the lower surface of the second component, thereby joining the fixing filament to the second component.

[0307] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 10 above, not only can the components constituting the upper part and the components constituting the sole part be easily joined, but by interposing a fixing filament as a joining element between the two components constituting the sole part, the joining between these two components constituting the sole part can also be performed simultaneously by the fixing filament. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, footwear can be manufactured even more easily compared to conventional footwear that incorporates filaments as components.

[0308] [Note 11] The footwear described in Note 10, wherein the second component is an insole.

[0309] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 11 above, it becomes possible to easily join the upper part and the insole that constitutes the sole part, thereby making the manufacturing of footwear easier.

[0310] [Note 12] The footwear according to Note 10, wherein the second component is a bag-shaped upper body having an opening into which the wearer's foot can be inserted, a peripheral wall portion that constitutes a part of the upper portion by forming at least the innermost part of the upper portion, and a bottom wall portion that constitutes a part of the sole portion by closing the lower end of the peripheral wall portion, and the fixing filament includes a cover portion that covers the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the cover portion is fixed to the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion, thereby joining the fixing filament to the upper body.

[0311] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 12 above, it becomes possible to easily join the upper part and the upper body, which has a bottom wall that constitutes the sole, thus making the manufacture of footwear easier.

[0312] [Note 13] The footwear according to any one of Notes 1 to 12, wherein the upper portion is composed solely of the filaments described above.

[0313] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 13 above, the upper part is made of a single component, making it possible to create footwear that is even easier to manufacture.

[0314] [Note 14] The footwear according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first component has thickness in the vertical direction and is located over the entire area of ​​the footwear when the footwear is viewed in plan, the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap at least the peripheral edge of the lower surface which is the joined surface of the first component, the extended portion further has a side cover portion that covers the side surface of the first component, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the side cover portion is fixed to the side surface of the first component.

[0315] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 14 above, bonding will be performed at least at the peripheral areas where delamination is likely to occur between the components to be joined, resulting in footwear with superior durability. Furthermore, by adopting the above configuration, bonding will also be performed on the sides of the components constituting the sole to be joined to the upper, thereby improving the bonding strength.

[0316] [Note 15] The footwear according to Note 14, wherein the overlapping portion extends from the portion of the overlapping portion that is positioned to overlap the peripheral portion, and further extends toward at least one of the following: the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the toes of the wearer's foot, the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the arch of the wearer's foot, and the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0317] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 15 above, the bonding strength is increased, especially in areas prone to peeling, resulting in footwear with superior durability.

[0318] [Note 16] The footwear according to Note 14 or 15, wherein the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap the entire area of ​​the lower surface of the first component.

[0319] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 16 above, joining can be performed over the entire area between the components to be joined, resulting in footwear with particularly excellent durability.

[0320] [Note 17] The footwear according to any one of Notes 14 to 16, wherein the overlapping portion includes an MP joint corresponding region that is positioned to overlap the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the MP joint of the wearer's foot, and the fixing filaments of the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding region extend in the left-right direction which is substantially consistent with the width direction of the wearer's foot.

[0321] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 17 above, the direction of extension of the fixing filament coincides with the direction of extension of the MP joint of the wearer's foot, thus preventing the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot from being hindered by the overlapping portion.

[0322] [Note 18] The footwear according to Note 17, wherein the fixing filament of the portion constituting the MP joint area has a substantially arc shape that is curved so as to protrude forward in the anterior-posterior direction, which is the direction that matches the length of the wearer's foot.

[0323] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 18 above, the direction in which the fixing filament extends and the direction in which the MP joint of the wearer's foot extends will almost perfectly coincide, thus more reliably preventing the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot from being hindered by the overlapping portion.

[0324] [Note 19] The footwear according to any one of Notes 14 to 18, wherein the first component has a wall-shaped heel reinforcement portion erected upward from the periphery of the portion of the first component that supports the heel of the wearer's foot, and at least a part of the side surface of the heel reinforcement portion is covered by the side cover portion.

[0325] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 19 above, improvements in durability and fit can be achieved in the rearfoot portion, which is the part that supports and holds the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0326] [Note 20] The footwear described in Note 19, wherein the bending rigidity of the heel reinforcement portion is higher than that of the side cover portion.

[0327] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 20 above, improvements in durability and fit, as well as an improvement in the function of ensuring heel stability during landing, will be achieved.

[0328] [Note 21] The footwear according to Note 19 or 20, wherein the heel reinforcement portion is provided with a bulge that protrudes toward the internal space in the portion corresponding to the recess below the inner and outer ankles of the wearer's foot.

[0329] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 21 above, further improvements in fit can be achieved.

[0330] [Note 22] The footwear according to any one of Notes 19 to 21, wherein at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of at least a part of the portion of the side cover that covers the heel reinforcement portion is further provided with a layered or membrane-like additional reinforcement portion having a tensile rigidity higher than that of the side cover portion.

[0331] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 22 above, further improvements in fit and durability can be achieved.

[0332] [Note 23] The footwear according to any one of Notes 14 to 22, wherein the first component has a wall-shaped toe reinforcement portion erected upward from the periphery of the portion of the first component that supports the toes of the wearer's foot, and at least a part of the side surface of the toe reinforcement portion is covered by the side cover portion.

[0333] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 23 above, improvements in durability and fit can be achieved at the front end of the forefoot, which is the part that supports and holds the wearer's toes.

[0334] [Note 24] The footwear described in Note 23, wherein the tensile rigidity of the heel reinforcement portion is higher than that of the side cover portion.

[0335] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 24 above, improvements in durability and fit, as well as an improvement in the function of ensuring toe stability during takeoff, will be achieved.

[0336] [Note 25] Footwear according to any one of Notes 14 to 24, wherein the first component is a midsole or insole.

[0337] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 25 above, it becomes possible to easily join the upper part and the midsole or insole that constitutes the sole part, thereby making the manufacturing of footwear easier.

[0338] [Note 26] The footwear according to any one of Notes 14 to 25, wherein the overlapping portion is arranged to further overlap the upper surface of the second component which constitutes at least a part of the sole portion, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the overlapping portion is fixed to the upper surface of the second component, thereby joining the fixing filament to the second component.

[0339] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 26 above, not only can the components constituting the upper part and the components constituting the sole part be easily joined, but by interposing a fixing filament as a joining element between the two components constituting the sole part, the joining between these two components constituting the sole part can also be performed simultaneously by the fixing filament. Therefore, by adopting this configuration, footwear can be manufactured even more easily compared to conventional footwear that incorporates filaments as components.

[0340] [Note 27] The footwear described in Note 26, wherein the second component is the outsole.

[0341] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 27 above, it becomes possible to easily join the upper part and the outsole that constitutes the sole part, thereby making the manufacturing of footwear easier.

[0342] [Note 28] The footwear according to any one of Notes 14 to 27, wherein the upper portion is composed solely of the filaments described above.

[0343] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 28 above, the upper part is made of a single component, making it possible to create footwear that is even easier to manufacture.

[0344] [Note 29] The footwear according to any one of Notes 1 to 28, wherein a layered or membrane-like reinforcing portion is provided so as to cover at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of at least a part of the upper portion on which the filament is provided.

[0345] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 29 above, durability will be improved.

[0346] (Other Forms, etc.) In the embodiments described above and their modifications, many examples were given and explained in which a midsole was provided as the main component constituting the sole portion. However, the characteristic configuration of this disclosure may also be applied to footwear provided with a thick insole instead of this midsole.

[0347] Furthermore, the specific examples of filament arrangement shown in the embodiments and their variations described above are merely illustrative and can be modified in various ways. In particular, since filaments can be precisely assigned various functions to each part of the footwear, their arrangement can be changed in various ways depending on the intended use of the footwear.

[0348] Furthermore, the characteristic configurations shown in the embodiments described above and their modified forms can be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0349] Thus, the embodiments and their variations disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the description in the claims.

[0350] 1A-1J, 1A1-1A5, 1B1-1B4, 1C1, 1C2, 1D1-1D3, 1H1-1H3 Footwear, 2 Sole, 3 Upper, 3A Innermost, 3B Outermost, 10 Midsole, 11 Top, 12 Bottom, 13 Side, 14 Filament-free area, 15A Heel reinforcement, 15B Toe reinforcement, 15a Rear side wall, 15b Medial side wall, 15b1 Bulge, 15c Outer side wall, 15c1 Bulge, 15d Front side wall, 20 Outsole, 21 Top, 22 Bottom, 23 End face, 30 Upper body, 31 Peripheral wall, 31a Inner surface, 31b Outer surface, 32 Bottom wall, 32a Top surface, 32b Bottom surface, 33 Opening, 34 Notch, 35 Tongue, 36 Lace-up section, 37 Shoelaces, 40 Fiber structure, 41 Filament, 41A Fixing filament, 41B Additional filament, 42, 43 Intersection, 44 Cover section, 45 Extension section, 45A Side cover section, 45A1 High-stretch filament, 45A2, 45A3 Low-stretch filament, 45A4 High-abrasion-resistant filament, 45B Overlap section, 45B1 First extension section, 45B2 Second extension section, 45B3 Third extension section, 45B4 Island-shaped section, 45B5 Small-diameter filament, 45B6 High-grip filament, 46 Striped filament structure section, 47 Side wall section, 47a Inner surface, 47b Outer surface, 48a Opening, 48b Notch, 49 Bottom section, 49a Inner surface, 49b Outer surface, 50 Insole, 61 Outer reinforcement part, 62 Inner reinforcement part, 63 Reinforcement part, 63a Lace-up part, 100 Intermediate assembly, A1 First region, A2 Second region, P1 First boundary surface, P2 Second boundary surface, PF Front end position, PR Rear end position, R1 Forefoot, R2 Midfoot, R3 Rearfoot, SC Shoe center, SP Internal space.

Claims

1. Footwear having an internal space into which a wearer's foot can be inserted, comprising: a sole portion configured to cover the sole of the wearer's foot; and an upper portion configured to cover the circumferential surface of the wearer's foot, wherein the upper portion is provided with one or more filaments constituting at least a part of the upper portion, and the one or more filaments include fixing filaments that are joined to a first component constituting at least a part of the sole portion, the fixing filaments having an extended portion extending from the lower end periphery of the upper portion toward the sole portion, the extended portion including an overlapping portion that extends toward the inside of the footwear so as to overlap at least a part of the upper or lower surface which is the surface to be joined of the first component, and the fixing filaments are joined to the first component by the fixing filaments of the portion constituting the overlapping portion being fixed to the surface to be joined.

2. The footwear according to claim 1, wherein the fixing filaments are partially overlapped and fixed at their intersections, so that the footwear is provided with a fiber structure consisting of a laminated filament structure having a substantially mesh-like shape, at least by the fixing filaments.

3. The footwear according to claim 2, wherein the fiber structure further includes one or more additional filaments made of a different material from the fixing filament, and the fixing filament is partially overlapped with the additional filament and fixed to the additional filament at its intersection, so that the fiber structure is composed of the fixing filament and the additional filament.

4. The footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first component is a member having thickness in the vertical direction and located over the entire area of ​​the footwear when the footwear is viewed in plan, and the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap at least the peripheral edge of the upper surface which is the surface to be joined of the first component.

5. The footwear according to claim 4, wherein the overlapping portion extends from a portion of the overlapping portion that is arranged to overlap the peripheral portion, and further extends toward at least one of the portions of the upper surface of the first component that support the toes of the wearer's foot, the portions of the upper surface of the first component that support the arch of the wearer's foot, and the portions of the upper surface of the first component that support the heel of the wearer's foot.

6. The footwear according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap the entire upper surface of the first component.

7. The footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the overlapping portion includes an MP joint corresponding region positioned to overlap the portion of the upper surface of the first component that supports the MP joint of the wearer's foot, and the fixing filaments of the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding region extend in a left-right direction which substantially coincides with the width direction of the wearer's foot.

8. The footwear according to claim 7, wherein the fixing filament of the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding area has a substantially arc shape that is curved so as to protrude forward in the anterior-posterior direction, which is the direction that matches the length of the wearer's foot.

9. The footwear according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first component is a midsole.

10. The footwear according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the overlapping portion is positioned to further overlap the lower surface of the second component which constitutes at least a part of the sole portion, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the overlapping portion is fixed to the lower surface of the second component, thereby joining the fixing filament to the second component.

11. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the second component is an insole.

12. The footwear according to claim 10, wherein the second component is a bag-shaped upper body having an opening into which the wearer's foot can be inserted, a peripheral wall portion that constitutes a part of the upper portion by forming at least the innermost part of the upper portion, and a bottom wall portion that constitutes a part of the sole portion by closing the lower end of the peripheral wall portion, the fixing filament includes a cover portion that covers the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion, and the fixing filament is joined to the upper body by the fixing filament of the portion constituting the cover portion being fixed to the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion.

13. The footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the upper portion is composed solely of the filament.

14. The footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first component is made of a member having thickness in the vertical direction and located over the entire area of ​​the footwear when the footwear is viewed in plan, the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap at least the peripheral edge of the lower surface which is the joined surface of the first component, the extended portion further has a side cover portion that covers the side surface of the first component, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the side cover portion is fixed to the side surface of the first component.

15. The footwear according to claim 14, wherein the overlapping portion extends from a portion of the overlapping portion that is positioned to overlap the peripheral portion, so as to overlap with at least one of the following: the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the toes of the wearer's foot, the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the arch of the wearer's foot, and the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the heel of the wearer's foot.

16. The footwear according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the overlapping portion is arranged to overlap the entire area of ​​the lower surface of the first component.

17. The footwear according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the overlapping portion includes an MP joint corresponding region positioned to overlap the portion of the lower surface of the first component that supports the MP joint of the wearer's foot, and the fixing filaments of the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding region extend in a left-right direction which substantially coincides with the width direction of the wearer's foot.

18. The footwear according to claim 17, wherein the fixing filament of the portion constituting the MP joint corresponding area has a substantially arc shape that is curved so as to protrude forward in the anterior-posterior direction, which is in a direction that matches the length direction of the wearer's foot.

19. The footwear according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the first component has a wall-shaped heel reinforcement portion erected upward from the periphery of the portion of the first component that supports the heel of the wearer's foot, and at least a part of the side surface of the heel reinforcement portion is covered by the side cover portion.

20. The footwear according to claim 19, wherein the bending rigidity of the heel reinforcement portion is higher than the bending rigidity of the side cover portion.

21. The footwear according to claim 19 or 20, wherein a bulge is provided in the heel reinforcement portion that corresponds to the recess below the medial and lateral ankles of the wearer's foot, respectively, and that bulges toward the internal space.

22. The footwear according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of at least a portion of the side cover portion that covers the heel reinforcement portion is further provided with a layered or membrane-like additional reinforcement portion having a tensile rigidity higher than that of the side cover portion.

23. The footwear according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein the first component has a wall-shaped toe reinforcement portion erected upward from the periphery of the portion of the first component that supports the toes of the wearer's foot, and at least a part of the side surface of the toe reinforcement portion is covered by the side cover portion.

24. The footwear according to claim 23, wherein the tensile rigidity of the heel reinforcement portion is higher than the tensile rigidity of the side cover portion.

25. The footwear according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the first component is a midsole or insole.

26. The footwear according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the overlapping portion is arranged to further overlap the upper surface of the second component which constitutes at least a part of the sole portion, and the fixing filament of the portion constituting the overlapping portion is fixed to the upper surface of the second component, thereby joining the fixing filament to the second component.

27. The footwear according to claim 26, wherein the second component is an outsole.

28. The footwear according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the upper portion is composed solely of the filament.

29. The footwear according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein a layered or membrane-like reinforcing portion is provided so as to cover at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of at least a portion of the upper part on which the filament is provided.

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