Shoe

Abstract

A shoe (1A) comprises: an upper (3) having, in a portion corresponding to the ball of the foot of a wearer, a medial foot-side first bulging region (34A) bulging toward the medial foot side; and a sole (2) having a first covering part (22) that covers the medial foot-side first bulging region (34A) by extending from the medial foot-side end part of a body part constituting a ground contact surface (2A). The first covering part (22) is provided with a first auxiliary ground contact surface (2B1) having an inclined surface shape extending continuously from the medial foot-side end part of the ground contact surface (2A), and in a specific cross section orthogonal to the foot length direction, a boundary point (P2) between the ground contact surface (2A) and the first auxiliary ground contact surface (2B1) is located closer to the medial foot side than a boundary point (P1) between the inner surface of an insole (31) and the inner surface of a medial foot-side wall part (32). The first auxiliary ground contact surface (2B1) is configured from a member comprising a rubber material.

Description

Shoe

[0008] ,

[0007] , ,

[0006] , ,

[0001] This disclosure relates to shoes.

[0002] Examples of shoes used in court sports such as tennis include those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-151558 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-151558

[0004] Generally, in court sports, direction-changing movements are frequently performed. In particular, in left-right direction-changing movements, when landing, the foot on the opposite side of the foot that protrudes outward for direction change falls significantly inward toward the inner foot side. When landing in a state of falling significantly inward toward the inner foot side, the inner foot side surface of the upper, which is not originally assumed to be the ground contact surface, comes into contact with the court.

[0005] Therefore, in shoes used for such sports, due to the repeated occurrence of this unintended contact, the inner foot side surface of the upper frequently rubs against the court, resulting in a problem that damage such as tearing occurs in the upper at a relatively early stage.

[0006] In addition, when landing on the inner foot side surface of the upper, which is not assumed to be the ground contact surface, naturally, high grip cannot be obtained, and there is also a problem that smooth start (i.e., kicking out) during left-right direction-changing movements cannot be achieved.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a shoe in which durability is improved and grip during left-right direction-changing movements is improved.

[0008] A shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a sole configured to support the sole of the wearer's foot and an upper configured to cover the circumferential surface of the wearer's foot. The upper is located above the sole and has an insole that covers the upper surface of the sole and an inner foot side wall portion that is erected upward from the inner foot side periphery of the insole. The sole is located below the insole and has a main body portion that constitutes the contact surface when the shoe is placed on a horizontal surface. The main body portion includes a ball of the foot support area that supports the sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer, and an inner foot side first bulge area that bulges toward the inner foot is provided in the inner foot side wall portion at a position that includes the portion corresponding to the ball of the foot support area.

[0009] In a shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sole further has a first covering portion that extends from the medial end of the main body and covers at least a part of the first medial bulge region. The first covering portion is provided with a first auxiliary contact surface that makes contact with the ground when the shoe lands in a tilted position toward the medial side. The first auxiliary contact surface extends continuously from the medial end of the contact surface and has an inclined surface shape that is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface along the width of the foot.

[0010] In a shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure, if an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the length of the foot and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface is defined as the first cross section, the boundary point between the inner surface of the insole and the inner surface of the inner foot side wall in the first cross section is defined as the first specific point, the boundary point between the contact surface and the first auxiliary contact surface in the first cross section is defined as the second specific point, and the point of the first covering portion that protrudes most towards the inner foot in the first cross section is defined as the third specific point, then in at least the first cross section, the first specific point, the second specific point, and the third specific point are located in the order of the first specific point, the second specific point, and the third specific point from the outer foot side to the inner foot side, and in the order of the second specific point, the first specific point, and the third specific point from the bottom side to the top side. Furthermore, in a shoe according to one aspect of the present disclosure, at least the portion of the outer surface of the first covering portion corresponding to the first auxiliary contact surface is made of a rubber material.

[0011] According to this disclosure, it will be possible to provide shoes that offer improved durability and enhanced grip during lateral movement.

[0012] This is a schematic perspective view of a shoe according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic plan view of the shoe shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic side view of the shoe shown in Figure 1, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2. This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of Figure 4. This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining left-right turning movements when using the shoe shown in Figure 1. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 3. This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining left-right turning movements when using the shoe shown in Figure 8. This is a schematic side view of a shoe according to Embodiment 4, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic side view of a shoe according to Embodiment 5, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic plan view of a shoe according to Embodiment 6. This is a schematic side view of a shoe shown in Figure 12, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 12. This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of Figure 14. This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining left-right turning movements when using the shoe shown in Figure 12. This is a schematic side view of a shoe according to Embodiment 7, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 8. This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining left-right direction change movements when using the shoe shown in Figure 18. This is a schematic side view of a shoe according to Embodiment 9, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic side view of a shoe according to Embodiment 10, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe shown in Figure 21. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 11. This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining left-right direction change movements when using the shoe shown in Figure 23. This is a schematic top view of a shoe according to Embodiment 12. This is a schematic bottom view of a shoe shown in Figure 25. This is a schematic side view of a shoe shown in Figure 25, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XXVIII-XXVIII shown in Figures 25 and 26. This is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of Figure 28. This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining left-right direction change movements when using the shoe shown in Figure 25. This is a schematic side view of a shoe according to Embodiment 13, viewed from the inner foot side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 14. This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right turning motion when using the shoes shown in Figure 32.

[0013] 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.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a shoe according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the shoe shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the shoe shown in Figure 1 as seen from the inner foot side, and Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV shown in Figure 2. First, the general configuration of shoe 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the shoe 1A comprises a sole 2 and an upper 3. The sole 2 has a midsole 10, an outsole 20, and a reinforcing member 40, and has a generally flattened shape. The upper 3 mainly consists of an upper body 30, a shoe tongue 37, and shoelaces 39, and has a generally bag-like shape.

[0016] For ease of understanding, in Figures 1 to 3, the outsole 20 is shown in a dark color, and the reinforcing member 40 is shown in a light color. This also applies to some of the drawings referenced in the various embodiments described later (specifically, Figures 10 to 13, 17, 20, 21, 25 to 27, and 31).

[0017] The upper 3 is located above the sole 2, and the shoe 1A is formed by assembling these two parts together. Specifically, the bottom surface of the upper 3 is joined to the top surface of the sole 2 by means of adhesive, for example, so the sole 2 and the upper 3 are assembled together. Here, the bottom surface of the sole 2 constitutes the contact surface 2A, and this contact surface 2A is defined as the part that comes into contact with the horizontal surface when the shoe 1A is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0018] The front-to-back direction X of shoe 1A is defined as the direction that coincides with the length direction of the wearer's foot when wearing shoe 1A. The left-to-right direction Y of shoe 1A is defined as the direction that coincides with the width direction of the wearer's foot when wearing shoe 1A. Furthermore, the up-and-down direction Z of shoe 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 generally perpendicular to the contact surface 2A of the midfoot R2 and rearfoot R3 of shoe 1A, which will be described later.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shoe 1A includes a forefoot R1 configured to primarily support or hold the toes and ball of the wearer's foot along the front-to-back direction X, a midfoot R2 configured to primarily support or hold the arch of the wearer's foot, and a rearfoot R3 configured to primarily support or hold the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0020] The forefoot R1, midfoot R2, and rearfoot R3 are defined, for example, based on the shoe center SC of shoe 1A (see Figure 2), as follows. Here, the shoe center SC is a straight line obtained when a standard wearer with feet of a size that fits shoe 1A wears the shoe, 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 shoe 1A corresponding to the heel center)) is projected onto shoe 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 that are the foremost and rearmost points of shoe 1A in the anterior-posterior direction X 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 L of shoe 1A.

[0021] In other words, if we define the first boundary surface PB1 as a virtual plane that passes through a point 40% of the total length L of the shoe 1A from the anterior end position PF and is perpendicular to the shoe center SC, and define the second boundary surface PB2 as a virtual plane that passes through a point 80% of the total length L of the shoe 1A 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 PB1 along the anterior-posterior direction X, the midfoot R2 corresponds to the portion included between the first boundary surface PB1 and the second boundary surface PB2 along the anterior-posterior direction X, and the rearfoot R3 corresponds to the portion included between the second boundary surface PB2 and the posterior end position PR along the anterior-posterior direction X.

[0022] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in a plan view, the shoe 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 as described above, the sole 2 has a midsole 10, an outsole 20, and a reinforcing member 40. The midsole 10 is located on the upper part of the sole 2, and the outsole 20 is located on the lower part of the sole 2. On the other hand, the reinforcing member 40 is partially located at a predetermined position on the sole 2, and a part of it is interposed, for example, between the midsole 10 and the outsole 20.

[0024] The midsole 10 is positioned continuously from the forefoot R1 through the midfoot R2 to the rearfoot R3. The midsole 10 has a generally flattened, roughly plate-like shape, and is relatively thicker than the outsole 20.

[0025] Referring particularly to Figure 4, the midsole 10 includes an upper surface 11, a lower surface 12, and a circumferential surface 13, of which the upper surface 11 constitutes the top surface of the sole 2 described above. The midsole 10 may be made of a single component or it may be made up of multiple components.

[0026] The upper surface 11 of the midsole 10 has a shape in which its periphery is raised compared to the surrounding area. As a result, a concave portion is provided on the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, and this concave portion serves as the part that receives the upper 3. The upper surface 11 of the midsole 10, excluding the periphery which is the bottom surface of this concave portion, has a smooth curved shape to fit the sole of the wearer's foot.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Examples of suitable resin materials include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyolefin resin, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPA, TPAE), or thermoplastic polyester elastomer. For example, butadiene rubber is a suitable rubber material.

[0029] As a result, the midsole 10 is generally made of a soft material with a low modulus of elasticity. Therefore, the midsole 10 will elastically deform relatively easily when subjected to a compressive load, thereby providing excellent cushioning.

[0030] The outsole 20 is mainly attached to the midsole 10 and has a generally flat, roughly plate-like shape. The outsole 20 has a base portion 21 that covers the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10 and a first extension portion 22 that covers a part of the circumferential surface 13 of the midsole 10, and is configured to be relatively thinner than the midsole 10.

[0031] Referring particularly to Figure 4, the base portion 21 of the outsole 20 includes an upper surface 21a and a lower surface 21b, of which the lower surface 21b defines the contact surface 2A of the sole 2 described above. A tread pattern may be formed on the lower surface 21b of the base portion 21 by forming irregularities to improve grip. The first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20 is formed by extending a predetermined portion of the end of the base portion 21 and includes an inner surface 22a and an outer surface 22b. The upper surface 21a of the base portion 21 and the inner surface 22a of the first extension portion 22 are joined to the lower surface 12 and the circumferential surface 13 of the midsole 10, respectively, by means of an adhesive or the like.

[0032] The outsole 20 may be composed of a single component or may be composed of multiple components. Furthermore, the outsole 20 may be continuously positioned from the forefoot R1 through the midfoot R2 to the rearfoot R3, or it may be provided only in the forefoot R1 and rearfoot R3, excluding the midfoot R2, by being divided or otherwise.

[0033] 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 secondary components.

[0034] Suitable rubber materials for the outsole 20 include, for example, vulcanized rubbers such as butadiene rubber (BR), natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), butyl rubber (IIR), and silicone rubber (Si), or thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene-based elastomer (TPS), olefin-based elastomer (TPO), urethane-based elastomer (TPU), polyester-based elastomer (TPEE), polyamide-based elastomer (TPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). These may be used individually or in combination. Preferably, the rubber material contains diene-based rubbers such as butadiene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber, which have particularly excellent abrasion resistance, as its main component, and it is especially preferable that it contains butadiene rubber as its main component.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The reinforcing member 40 is intended to locally increase the rigidity of the sole 2, and is mostly composed of a thin plate-like member. The reinforcing member 40 is joined to the midsole 10 and outsole 20, for example, by adhesive.

[0037] The reinforcing member 40 is made of a material with higher rigidity than the midsole 10, and more preferably a material with higher rigidity than the outsole 20. That is, the reinforcing member 40 has a higher modulus of elasticity and is harder than the midsole 10, and more preferably a higher modulus of elasticity and is harder than the outsole 20.

[0038] The material constituting the reinforcing member 40 is not particularly limited, but suitable materials include non-fiber-reinforced resins made of polymer resins such as urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), amide-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPA), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), as well as fiber-reinforced resins using carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, Dyneema fiber, Zylon fiber, boron fiber, etc. as reinforcing fibers. In addition, the reinforcing member 40 may be made of rubber, or it may be made of the same material as the material constituting the midsole 10, provided that it has higher rigidity than the midsole 10.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1 to 4 and as described above, the upper 3 mainly consists of the upper body 30, the tongue 37, and the shoelaces 39. Of these, the tongue 37 and the shoelaces 39 are both fixed or attached to the upper body 30.

[0040] The upper body 30 has a bag-like shape with an open top end, and in particular, referring to Figure 4, it includes an insole 31, an inner foot side wall portion 32 erected upward from the inner foot side periphery of the insole 31, and an outer foot side wall portion 33 erected upward from the outer foot side periphery of the insole 31. Of these, the insole 31 covers the upper surface 11 of the midsole 10 which constitutes the top surface of the sole 2 described above.

[0041] The insole 31 includes an inner surface 31a and an outer surface 31b. The inner foot side wall portion 32 also includes an inner surface 32a and an outer surface 32b, and the outer foot side wall portion 33 also includes an inner surface 33a and an outer surface 33b. Of these, the space defined by the inner surface 31a of the insole 31, the inner surface 32a of the inner foot side wall portion 32, and the inner surface 33a of the outer foot side wall portion 33 becomes the accommodating space in which the wearer's foot is housed.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, at the upper part of the upper body 30, there are a shoe opening 35 into which the wearer's foot is inserted and removed, and a notch 36 that is provided continuously from the shoe opening 35 and exposes a part of the wearer's instep when worn. Among these, the notch 36 is covered from the inside by the above-mentioned shooter 37. The shooter 37 is fixed to the upper body 30 by, for example, sewing, welding, adhesion, or a combination thereof.

[0043] Although the materials of the upper body 30 and the shooter 37 are not particularly limited, for example, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, non-woven fabrics, synthetic leather, resins, etc. are used. Particularly in shoes where breathability and lightness are required, it is preferable to use a double raschel warp knitted fabric incorporating polyester yarns as the upper body 30 and the shooter 37.

[0044] The shoelace 39 is a string-like member for pulling the peripheries of the notch 36 provided in the upper body 30 closer to each other in the foot width direction and is inserted through a plurality of eyelets 38 provided around the notch 36. By tightening the shoelace 39 when the wearer's foot is inserted into the upper body 30, the upper body 30 can be made to adhere closely to the foot.

[0045] Here, the shoe 1A according to the present embodiment is particularly suitable for court sports such as tennis. During the frequent left-right direction-changing movements in such court sports, the grip is improved and the durability is also improved. Such improvement in grip and durability is mainly achieved by additionally providing the first extension 22 of the outsole 20 at a specific position on the sole 2 and the specific structure of the sole 2 in the part adjacent to the first extension 22. This will be described in detail below.

[0046] FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of FIG. 4, and more specifically, is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the first extension part of the outsole shown in FIG. 4 and its vicinity. Further, FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the left-right direction changing operation when the shoe shown in FIG. 1 is used.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, in the shoe 1A according to the present embodiment, the first extension part 22 of the outsole 20 as the first covering part has a configuration extended from the inner-foot side end part of the main body part of the sole 2, and thereby a predetermined area of the inner-foot side wall part 32 of the upper main body 30 is covered by the first extension part 22. Here, the main body part of the sole 2 is a part including the midsole 10 of the sole 2 and the base part 21 of the outsole 20.

[0048] More specifically, in the shoe 1A according to the present embodiment, the first extension part 22 formed by extending the inner-foot side end part of the base part 21 of the outsole 20 is located across the part near the rear end of the front foot part R1 and the part near the front end of the mid foot part R2. The part where the first extension part 22 is provided includes the position corresponding to the ball of the big toe of the wearer's foot in the shoe 1A.

[0049] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body part of the sole 2 in the part corresponding to the front foot part R1 includes a ball-of-the-big-toe support area Q1 that supports the sole of the part corresponding to the ball of the big toe of the wearer's foot. On the other hand, the inner-foot side peripheral surface of the part corresponding to the ball of the big toe of the wearer's foot has a bulged outer shape compared with its surroundings, and accordingly, at the position including the part corresponding to the ball-of-the-big-toe support area Q1 of the inner-foot side wall part 32 of the upper main body 30, an inner-foot side first bulging area 34A that bulges inward along the left-right direction Y is provided. [[ID=#]]

[0050] The above-described first extension part 22 is positioned so as to cover at least a part of the inner-foot side first bulging area 34A, and thereby the first extension part 22 is located across the part near the rear end of the front foot part R1 and the part near the front end of the mid foot part R2 as described above.

[0051] Here, as shown in Figure 2, the above-mentioned ball of the foot support area Q1 is located at the medial end of the part of the sole 2 that supports the MP joint of the wearer's foot (in the figure, this part is schematically represented by a dashed line indicated by the symbol MP), and is generally included in the range A shown in the figure. That is, the ball of the foot support area Q1 exists between a position 0.2 × L away from the anterior end position PF of the shoe 1A and a position 0.4 × L away from the posterior end position PR along the anterior-posterior direction X, and the first extension 22 is provided so as to be included in at least this range A.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the outsole 20 has a first extension 22 in addition to the base portion 21, so that the sole 2 has a first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 in addition to the contact surface 2A. The first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 is made up of the portion of the outer surface 22b of the first extension 22 that is on the base portion 21 side. More specifically, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 extends continuously from the inner foot side end of the contact surface 2A provided on the base portion 21 and has an inclined surface shape that is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface 2A along the left-right direction Y.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, this first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 is distinct from the contact surface 2A of the shoe 1A during normal standing, and is the part that contacts the ground 100 in place of the contact surface 2A when the shoe 1A lands in a tilted position toward the inward foot. Since this first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 is made up of a part of the outsole 20, it is made of a rubber material, similar to the contact surface 2A.

[0054] Therefore, with this configuration, when changing direction from side to side, if the foot opposite to the foot that is extended outward for the change of direction falls significantly inward upon landing, the aforementioned first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 will make contact with the ground, resulting in high grip performance and enabling smooth movement (i.e., push-off) during changes of direction from side to side.

[0055] Furthermore, even if landings are repeatedly made in a position where the foot is significantly tilted inward, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1, which is made of a highly durable rubber material, will make contact with the ground. As a result, the inner surface of the upper 3 will not make contact with the ground, and damage such as tearing of the upper can be avoided.

[0056] Therefore, by using shoe 1A according to this embodiment, it is possible to create a shoe that offers improved durability and enhanced grip during left-right directional changes.

[0057] Furthermore, in the shoe 1A according to this embodiment, when any cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 is designated as the first cross section, the shoe 1A is configured such that the following conditions are satisfied in the first cross section.

[0058] First, referring to Figure 5, as a premise, the boundary point between the inner surface 31a of the insole 31 and the inner surface 32a of the inner foot side wall portion 32 in the first cross section is defined as the "first specific point P1", the boundary point between the contact surface 2A and the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 in the first cross section is defined as the "second specific point P2", and the point of the first extension portion 22 that protrudes furthest towards the inner foot in the first cross section is defined as the "third specific point P3".

[0059] In this case, in the shoe 1A according to this embodiment, the first to third specific points P1 to P3 are located along the left-right direction Y, from the outer foot side to the inner foot side (i.e., from the right side to the left side in Figure 5), in the order of first specific point P1, second specific point P2, and third specific point P3 (hereinafter referred to as "first condition").

[0060] Furthermore, in this case, in the shoe 1A according to this embodiment, the first to third specific points P1 to P3 are located along the vertical direction Z, from bottom to top (i.e., from bottom to top in Figure 5), in the order of second specific point P2, first specific point P1, and third specific point P3 (hereinafter referred to as "second condition").

[0061] By satisfying these first and second conditions, not only are improvements in durability and grip during lateral changes of direction more effectively achieved compared to cases where these conditions are not met, but stability during landing in a normal standing position can also be ensured.

[0062] In other words, by satisfying the first condition, which states that the second specific point P2 is located on the inner side of the foot compared to the first specific point P1, and the second condition, which states that the second specific point P2 is located below the first specific point P1, the inner side of the wearer's foot is reliably supported by the sole 2 during normal standing, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of so-called wobbling.

[0063] Furthermore, by satisfying the first condition described above, that the third specific point P3 is located on the inner side of the foot compared to the second specific point P2, and the second condition described above, that the third specific point P3 is located above the second specific point P2, it becomes possible to reliably provide the inclined first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 to the upper part of the sole 2, thereby more effectively achieving improved durability and improved grip during lateral directional changes.

[0064] Therefore, by using the shoe 1A according to this embodiment, not only is durability improved and grip during lateral movement improved, but stability during landing in a normal standing position can also be ensured.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, in the shoe 1A according to this embodiment, if the point that protrudes most inward from the first bulging region 34A on the inner foot side in the first cross-section is defined as the "fourth specific point P4", then in the first cross-section, the fourth specific point P4 is located above the third specific point P3. With this configuration, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 with an inclined surface shape is reliably provided up to the upper part of the sole 2, but it does not extend any further up than necessary. This reduces the amount of outsole 20 that constitutes the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1, making it possible to lighten the shoe 1A as a whole.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the upper end position PT1 of the first extension 22 in the first cross-section only needs to be located above the fourth specific point P4, from the viewpoint of reliably covering the first bulging region 34A on the inner foot side as described above, and the upper end position PT1 may be as far as the middle of the inner foot side wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, as shown in the figure.

[0067] (Embodiment 2) Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe according to Embodiment 2. The shoe 1B according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 7. The only difference between the shoe 1B according to this embodiment and the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above is the configuration of the first covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0068] In the shoe 1A according to the above-described embodiment 1, the first covering portion, which extends from the inner foot side end of the main body of the sole 2 and is configured to cover the first bulging region 34A on the inner foot side of the upper 3, was described using an example where it is composed only of a part of the outsole 20 of the sole 2 (i.e., the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20). However, in the shoe 1B according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the first covering portion is composed of a part of the outsole 20 of the sole 2 (i.e., the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20) and a part of the midsole 10 (i.e., the extension portion 14 of the midsole 10).

[0069] In other words, in the shoe 1B according to this embodiment, the first bulging region 34A on the inner foot side of the upper 3 is covered by the extended portion 14 of the midsole 10 so as to be in contact with it, and furthermore, the extended portion 14 of the midsole 10 is covered by the first extended portion 22 of the outsole 20.

[0070] Even with this configuration, as in the first embodiment described above, the shoe can be made with improved durability and improved grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, because the first covering portion includes the midsole 10, not only can the shoe 1B be made cushioned in that portion, but the amount of outsole 20 used can be reduced, resulting in further weight reduction.

[0071] (Embodiment 3) Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 3, and Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right direction change operation when using the shoe shown in Figure 8. Hereinafter, the shoe 1C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that the shoe 1C according to this embodiment differs from the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above only in the configuration of the first covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0072] In the shoe 1A according to the above-described embodiment 1, the first covering portion, which extends from the inner foot side end of the main body of the sole 2 and is configured to cover the first bulging region 34A on the inner foot side of the upper 3, was described using an example where it is composed only of a part of the outsole 20 of the sole 2 (i.e., the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20). However, in the shoe 1C according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the first covering portion is composed of a part of the outsole 20 of the sole 2 (i.e., the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20) and the first soft member 50A.

[0073] In other words, in the shoe 1C according to this embodiment, the first soft member 50A is arranged to cover the portion of the circumferential surface 13 located on the medial side of the midsole 10 that corresponds to the ball of the foot support area Q1 (see Figure 2, etc.), and the first extension 22 of the outsole 20 is provided so as to cover this first soft member 50A.

[0074] Here, the first soft member 50A can be any material that is softer and more easily compressible than the midsole 10 and outsole 20. Alternatively, the first soft member may be replaced with a void in that portion.

[0075] Even with this configuration, as in the first embodiment described above, the shoe can be made with improved durability and improved grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, even when landing occurs when the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 makes contact with the ground during left-right directional changes, the first soft member 50A compresses and deforms more significantly, increasing the contact area and resulting in higher grip. This allows for smoother starting of movement (i.e., push-off) during left-right directional changes, and thus more reliably achieved. In addition, adopting this configuration makes it possible to reduce the amount of outsole 20 used, resulting in further weight reduction.

[0076] (Embodiment 4) Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the shoe according to Embodiment 4, as seen from the inner foot side. The shoe 1D according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 10. The only difference between the shoe 1D according to this embodiment and the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above is the shape of the first covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, in the shoe 1D according to this embodiment, a first groove 22c extending in the vertical direction is provided on the outer surface 22b of the first extension 22 of the outsole 20, which is a first covering portion provided on the sole 2. Preferably, this first groove 22c reaches the lower surface 21b of the base portion 21 of the outsole 20.

[0078] Even with this configuration, the shoe can be made with improved durability and grip during left-right directional changes, similar to the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, while providing the outsole 20 to cover the medial side wall portion 32 of the portion corresponding to the medial side first bulging region 34A of the upper 3 may hinder the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot, this configuration makes it less likely for the flexion movement of the MP joint of the wearer's foot to be hindered, resulting in a shoe that can more easily follow the movement of the foot.

[0079] (Embodiment 5) Figure 11 is a schematic side view of the shoe according to Embodiment 5, as seen from the inner foot side. The shoe 1E according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 11. The only difference between the shoe 1E according to this embodiment and the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above is the shape of the first covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, in the shoe 1E according to this embodiment, the first extension 22 of the outsole 20, which serves as a first covering portion provided on the sole 2, is further extended to reach the eyelet 38 provided on the upper body 30.

[0081] Even with this configuration, as in the first embodiment described above, the shoe can be made with improved durability and improved grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, since the first extension 22 of the outsole 20, which is made of a rubber material, can be provided to a higher part of the sole 2, durability can be further improved.

[0082] (Embodiment 6) Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of the shoe according to Embodiment 6, and Figure 13 is a schematic side view of the shoe shown in Figure 12 as seen from the inner foot side. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XIV-XIV shown in Figure 12. First, the general configuration of the shoe 1F according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Note that the shoe 1F according to this embodiment differs from the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above only in that the sole 2 is provided with a second covering in addition to a first covering on the sole 2.

[0083] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, the outsole 20 has a base portion 21 that covers the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, a first extension portion 22 that covers a part of the circumferential surface 13 of the midsole 10, and a second extension portion 23 that covers another part of the circumferential surface 13 of the midsole 10. Referring particularly to Figure 14, the second extension portion 23 is formed by extending a predetermined portion of the end of the base portion 21, and includes an inner surface 23a and an outer surface 23b.

[0084] Figure 15 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of Figure 14, and more specifically, an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the second extension of the outsole shown in Figure 14 and its vicinity. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right turning motion when using the shoes shown in Figure 12.

[0085] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, the second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which serves as the second covering portion, is configured to extend from the inner foot side end of the main body portion of the sole 2, thereby covering a predetermined area of ​​the inner foot side wall portion 32 of the upper body 30 with the second extension 23.

[0086] More specifically, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, a second extension 23, formed by extending the medial foot end of the base portion 21 of the outsole 20, is positioned to straddle the portion near the rear end of the midfoot portion R2 and the portion near the front end of the rearfoot portion R3. The portion on which this second extension 23 is provided includes the part of the shoe 1A that corresponds to the heel portion of the wearer's foot.

[0087] More specifically, as shown in Figure 12, the main body of the sole 2 in the portion corresponding to the rear end of the midfoot R2 and the front end of the rearfoot R3 includes a heel support region Q2 that supports the sole of the foot in the portion corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot. On the other hand, the inner foot circumferential surface (i.e., the medial ankle portion) in the portion corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot has a bulging outer shape compared to its surroundings. Accordingly, the medial foot second bulging region 34B is provided in the medial foot side wall portion 32 of the upper body 30 at a position including the portion corresponding to the heel support region Q2, bulging inwards toward the medial foot along the left-right direction Y.

[0088] The second extension 23 described above is positioned to cover at least a portion of the medial foot side second bulge region 34B, and as a result, the second extension 23 is positioned to straddle the portion near the posterior end of the midfoot R2 and the portion near the anterior end of the hindfoot R3, as described above.

[0089] Here, as shown in Figure 12, the heel support area Q2 described above is generally included in the range B shown in the figure. That is, the heel support area Q2 is located between a position 0.7 × L away from the front end position PF of the shoe 1F and a position 0.9 × L away from the rear end position PR along the front-to-back direction X, and the second extension 23 is provided so as to be included in at least this range B.

[0090] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the outsole 20 has a second extension 23 in addition to the base portion 21 and the first extension 22, so that the sole 2 is provided with a second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 in addition to the contact surface 2A and the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1. The second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is formed by the portion of the outer surface 23b of the second extension 23 that is on the base portion 21 side. More specifically, the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 extends continuously from the inner foot side end of the contact surface 2A provided on the base portion 21 and has an inclined surface shape that is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface 2A along the left-right direction Y.

[0091] As shown in Figure 16, this second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is distinct from the contact surface 2A of the shoe 1F during normal standing, and is the part that contacts the ground 100 together with the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 in place of the contact surface 2A when the shoe 1F lands with the foot tilted inward. Since this second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is made up of a part of the outsole 20, it is made of a rubber material, just like the contact surface 2A and the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0092] Therefore, with this configuration, when changing direction from side to side, if the foot opposite to the foot that is extended outward for the change of direction falls significantly inward upon landing, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 mentioned above will make contact with the ground, resulting in high grip performance and enabling smooth movement (i.e., push-off) when changing direction from side to side.

[0093] Furthermore, even if landings are repeatedly made in a position where the foot is significantly tilted inward, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2, which are made of a highly durable rubber material, will make contact with the ground. As a result, the inner surface of the upper 3 will not make contact with the ground, and damage such as tearing of the upper can be avoided.

[0094] Therefore, by using the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, it is possible to create a shoe that improves durability and grip during left-right directional changes.

[0095] Furthermore, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, when any cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and passing through the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is designated as the second cross-section, the shoe 1F is configured such that the following conditions are satisfied in the second cross-section.

[0096] First, referring to Figure 15, as a premise, the boundary point between the inner surface 31a of the insole 31 and the inner surface 32a of the inner foot side wall portion 32 in the second cross-section is designated as the "fifth specific point P5", the boundary point between the contact surface 2A and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 in the second cross-section is designated as the "sixth specific point P6", and the point of the second extension portion 23 that protrudes furthest towards the inner foot in the second cross-section is designated as the "seventh specific point P7".

[0097] In this case, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, the fifth to seventh specific points P5 to P7 are located along the left-right direction Y, from the outer foot side to the inner foot side (i.e., from the right side to the left side in Figure 15), in the order of fifth specific point P5, sixth specific point P6, and seventh specific point P7 (hereinafter referred to as the "third condition").

[0098] Furthermore, in this case, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, the fifth to seventh specific points P5 to P7 are located along the vertical direction Z, from bottom to top (i.e., from bottom to top in Figure 15), in the order of sixth specific point P6, fifth specific point P5, and seventh specific point P7 (hereinafter referred to as "fourth condition").

[0099] By satisfying these third and fourth conditions, not only are improvements in durability and grip during lateral changes of direction more effectively achieved compared to cases where these conditions are not met, but stability during landing in a normal standing position can also be ensured.

[0100] In other words, by satisfying the third condition above, that the sixth specific point P6 is located on the inner side of the foot compared to the fifth specific point P5, and the fourth condition above, that the sixth specific point P6 is located below the fifth specific point P5, the inner side of the wearer's foot is reliably supported by the sole 2 during normal standing, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of so-called wobbling.

[0101] Furthermore, by satisfying the third condition above, that the seventh specific point P7 is located on the inner side of the foot compared to the sixth specific point P6, and the fourth condition above, that the seventh specific point P7 is located above the sixth specific point P6, it becomes possible to reliably provide the inclined second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 to the upper part of the sole 2, thereby more effectively achieving improved durability and improved grip during lateral directional changes.

[0102] Therefore, by using the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, not only is durability improved and grip during lateral movement improved, but stability during landing in a normal standing position can also be ensured.

[0103] As shown in Figure 15, in the shoe 1F according to this embodiment, if the point that protrudes most inward from the second bulging region 34B on the inner foot side in the second cross-section is defined as the "eighth specific point P8", then in the second cross-section, the eighth specific point P8 is located above the seventh specific point P7. With this configuration, the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 with an inclined surface shape is reliably provided to the upper part of the sole 2, but it does not extend further up than necessary. This reduces the amount of outsole 20 that constitutes the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2, making it possible to reduce the overall weight of the shoe 1F.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the upper end position PT2 of the second extension 23 in the second cross-section only needs to be located above the eighth specific point P8, from the viewpoint of reliably covering the inner foot side second bulging region 34B described above, and the upper end position PT2 may extend to an intermediate position on the inner foot side wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, as shown in the figure.

[0105] (Embodiment 7) Figure 17 is a schematic side view of the shoe according to Embodiment 7, as seen from the inner foot side. The shoe 1G according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 17. The only difference between the shoe 1G according to this embodiment and the shoe 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above is the shape of the first cover portion and the shape of the second cover portion provided on the sole 2.

[0106] As shown in Figure 17, in the shoe 1G according to this embodiment, the first extension 22 of the outsole 20, which is a first covering portion provided on the sole 2, is further extended to reach the eyelet 38 provided on the upper body 30, and the second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which is a second covering portion provided on the sole 2, is further extended to reach the opening 35 provided on the upper body 30.

[0107] Even with this configuration, similar to the embodiment 6 described above, the shoe can be made with improved durability and improved grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, since the first extension 22 and second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which is made of rubber material, can be provided to the upper part of the sole 2, durability can be further improved.

[0108] (Embodiment 8) Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 8, and Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right direction change operation when using the shoe shown in Figure 18. Hereinafter, the shoe 1H according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Note that the shoe 1H according to this embodiment differs from the shoe 1F according to Embodiment 6 described above only in the configuration of the second covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0109] In the shoe 1F according to the above-described embodiment 6, the second covering portion, which extends from the inner foot side end of the main body of the sole 2 and is configured to cover the inner foot side second bulging region 34B of the upper 3, was described as being composed of a part of the outsole 20 (i.e., the second extension 23 of the outsole 20) and a part of the midsole 10 of the sole 2. However, in the shoe 1H according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, the second covering portion is composed of a part of the outsole 20 (i.e., the second extension 23 of the outsole 20) and a part of the midsole 10 and a second soft member 50B.

[0110] In other words, in the shoe 1H according to this embodiment, the second soft member 50B is arranged to cover the portion of the circumferential surface 13 located on the inner side of the midsole 10 that corresponds to the heel support area Q2 (see Figure 12, etc.), and the second extension 23 of the outsole 20 is provided to cover this second soft member 50B.

[0111] Here, the second soft member 50B can be any material that is softer and more easily compressible than the midsole 10 and outsole 20. Alternatively, the portion may be constructed with a void instead of a soft member.

[0112] Even with this configuration, similar to the sixth embodiment described above, the shoe can be made with improved durability and enhanced grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, when landing occurs when the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 makes contact with the ground during left-right directional changes, the second soft member 50B compresses and deforms more significantly, increasing the contact area and resulting in higher grip. This allows for smoother starting (i.e., push-off) during left-right directional changes, making it even more reliable. In addition, adopting this configuration allows for a reduction in the amount of outsole 20 and midsole 10 used, resulting in further weight reduction.

[0113] (Embodiment 9) Figure 20 is a schematic side view of the shoe according to Embodiment 9, as seen from the inner foot side. The shoe 1I according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 20. The only difference between the shoe 1I according to this embodiment and the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above is the configuration of the first covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0114] As shown in Figure 20, in the shoe 1I according to this embodiment, the size of the first extension 22 of the outsole 20, which serves as the first covering portion provided on the sole 2, is different from that of the shoe 1A according to the first embodiment described above. Specifically, the area of ​​the portion of the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 corresponding to the first covering portion that is located above the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 is smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 corresponding to the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0115] In the following explanation, for the sake of ease of understanding, the portion of the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 located above the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 will be referred to as the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1. In other words, in the shoe 1I according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 is smaller than the area of ​​the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0116] The second boundary portion 25, which is the boundary between the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1, is defined by a ridge line formed on the outer surface 22b of the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20, which serves as the first covering portion. In this embodiment, this ridge line corresponds to a line obtained by connecting all of the third specific points P3 (see Figure 5) in the first cross section described above, which is an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0117] In this way, by making the area of ​​the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 smaller than the area of ​​the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1, even if the wearer's ankle tilts more than expected during lateral changes of direction, causing not only the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 but also the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 to make contact with the ground, the relatively smaller size of the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 prevents excessive gripping. Therefore, this configuration not only enables smooth changes of direction but also contributes to preventing foot injuries to the wearer.

[0118] Furthermore, in the shoe 1I according to this embodiment, in order to improve the grip of the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1, a plurality of second grooves 22d are provided on the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 in the portion corresponding to the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1. Preferably, these second grooves 22d have an inclined shape that slopes upward as they move toward the front side (i.e., the toe side) along the front-rear direction X, as shown in the figure.

[0119] By configuring it in this way, the direction of extension of the second groove 22d is positioned to be approximately parallel to the sliding direction of the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 that is in contact with the ground during left-right direction change operations, thereby making it possible to obtain higher grip performance.

[0120] On the other hand, in the shoe 1I according to this embodiment, the area of ​​the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 is set to be smaller than the area of ​​the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 in order to suppress the excessive gripping described above. Conversely, the larger the area of ​​the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1, the less the exposed area of ​​the upper body 30 becomes, thus improving the durability of the shoe as a whole.

[0121] Therefore, in the shoe 1I according to this embodiment, while the upper body 30 is configured to be covered by the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1, a plurality of third grooves 22e are provided on the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 in the portion corresponding to the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1, with the aim of reducing the portion of the outer surface 22b that can function as a contact surface. Preferably, these third grooves 22e have a shape that extends parallel to the contact surface 2A along the front-to-back direction X.

[0122] By configuring it in this way, the extending direction of the third groove 22e is positioned to intersect with the sliding direction of the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 that is in contact with the ground during left-right direction change operations, thereby preventing excessive grip from being exerted.

[0123] (Embodiment 10) Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the shoe according to Embodiment 10 as seen from the inner foot side, and Figure 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the shoe shown in Figure 21. The shoe 1J according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 21 and 22. The only difference between the shoe 1J according to this embodiment and the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above is the configuration of the outsole 20.

[0124] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, in the shoe 1J according to this embodiment, a fourth groove 22f is provided along the first boundary portion 24, which is the boundary between the main body portion and the first covering portion of the sole 2. More specifically, the fourth groove 22f is located on the outer surface of the outsole 20 and extends along the boundary between the base portion 21 and the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20. This fourth groove 22f is formed in the portion of the sole 2 that corresponds to at least the medial foot side first bulging region 34A of the upper 3.

[0125] Furthermore, the first boundary portion 24 described above, which is the boundary between the main body portion of the sole 2 and the first covering portion, where the fourth groove 22f is provided, is defined by a ridge line formed on the outer surface of the outsole 20. In this embodiment, this ridge line corresponds to a line obtained by connecting all of the second specific points P2 (see Figure 5) in the first cross section described above, which is an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, in the shoe 1J according to this embodiment, a fifth groove 22g is provided along a second boundary portion 25, which is the boundary between the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 of the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 corresponding to the first covering portion and the portion of the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 corresponding to the first covering portion that is located above the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1. More specifically, the fifth groove 22g is located on the outer surface of the outsole 20 and is formed in the portion of the sole 2 that corresponds to at least the first bulging region 34A on the medial side of the upper 3.

[0127] Herein, in order to facilitate understanding, the portion of the outer surface 22b of the outsole 20 located above the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 will be referred to as the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 for convenience, as in the case of Embodiment 9 described above. That is, in the shoe 1J according to this embodiment, a fifth groove 22g is provided along the boundary between the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1.

[0128] Furthermore, the second boundary portion 25, which is the boundary between the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the third auxiliary contact surface 2C1 where the fifth groove 22g is provided, is defined by a ridge line formed on the outer surface 22b of the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20, which serves as the first covering portion. In this embodiment as well, similar to the case of embodiment 9 described above, this ridge line corresponds to a line obtained by connecting all of the third specific points P3 (see Figure 5) in the first cross section described above, which is an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0129] As described above, in the shoe 1J according to this embodiment, a pair of grooves, a fourth groove 22f and a fifth groove 22g, are provided along the upper and lower ends of the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 on the sole 2. With this configuration, the outsole 20 becomes more flexible at the positions where these fourth groove 22f and fifth groove 22g are provided, so that the entire first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 makes firm contact with the ground during left and right direction changes. Therefore, by using the shoe 1J according to this embodiment, even higher grip performance can be obtained, and smoother starting movements (i.e., push-offs) during left and right direction changes can be achieved more reliably.

[0130] In this embodiment, the example described was one in which both the fourth groove 22f and the fifth groove 22g are provided on the outsole 20. However, it is also possible to provide only one of these grooves on the outsole 20.

[0131] (Embodiment 11) Figure 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 11, and Figure 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right direction change operation when using the shoe shown in Figure 23. Hereinafter, the shoe 1K according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Note that the shoe 1K according to this embodiment differs from the shoe 1B according to Embodiment 2 described above only in the configuration of the first covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0132] As shown in Figure 23, in the shoe 1K according to this embodiment, a first easily deformable portion, the first void portion 51A, is provided at a predetermined position inside the midsole 10 in the portion covered by the first extension portion 22 of the outsole 20, which is the first covering portion. This first void portion 51A is formed in the portion of the sole 2 that corresponds to the first bulging region 34A on the medial side of the upper 3. As shown in the figure, the first void portion 51A has a parallelogram shape in cross-section and has an inclined shape that slopes downward (i.e., toward the contact surface 2A) as it moves from the medial side to the lateral side.

[0133] In other words, in the shoe 1K according to this embodiment, the midsole 10 has a first void 51A in the portion of the inner foot side corresponding to the ball of the foot support area Q1 (see Figure 2, etc.), and the first extension 22 of the outsole 20 is provided so as to cover the portion of the midsole 10 in which the first void 51A is provided.

[0134] With this configuration, similar to the second embodiment described above, the shoe can be made more durable and have improved grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, even when landing occurs when the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 makes contact with the ground during left-right directional changes, the midsole 10 around the portion where the first gap 51A is provided compresses and deforms more significantly, increasing the contact area and resulting in higher grip. This allows for smoother starting (i.e., push-off) during left-right directional changes, making it even more reliable. In addition, adopting this configuration allows for a reduction in the amount of outsole 20 and midsole 10 used, resulting in further weight reduction.

[0135] In this embodiment, the first easily deformable portion was described as being provided by forming a first void 51A inside the midsole 10 in the portion covered by the first extension 22 of the outsole 20. However, instead, a soft member having a similar shape may be embedded in the portion, and this soft member may constitute the first easily deformable portion. Any soft member that is softer than the midsole 10 and outsole 20 and easily compressible can be used as the soft member. Even in this configuration, the same effect as when the first void 51A is provided in the portion can be obtained.

[0136] Here, whether or not a first easily deformable section is provided inside the midsole can be confirmed, for example, by measuring the rigidity of the midsole, preparing a separate midsole with the same external shape and material as the said midsole, measuring the rigidity of this prepared midsole using the same measurement method, and determining the difference between them. Note that the first easily deformable section may be provided by methods other than those described above, such as providing a soft member or a void.

[0137] (Embodiment 12) Figure 25 is a schematic plan view of the shoe according to Embodiment 12, and Figure 26 is a schematic bottom view of the shoe shown in Figure 25. Figure 27 is a schematic side view of the shoe shown in Figure 25 as seen from the inner foot side, and Figure 28 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line XXVIII-XXVIII shown in Figures 25 and 26. First, the general configuration of the shoe 1L according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 28. Note that the shoe 1L according to this embodiment differs from the shoe 1A according to Embodiment 1 described above only in that the sole 2 is provided with a second covering in addition to a first covering.

[0138] As shown in Figures 25 to 28, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the outsole 20 has a base portion 21 that covers the lower surface 12 of the midsole 10, a first extension portion 22 that covers a part of the circumferential surface 13 of the midsole 10, and a second extension portion 23 that covers another part of the circumferential surface 13 of the midsole 10. Referring particularly to Figure 28, the second extension portion 23 is formed by extending a predetermined portion of the end of the base portion 21, and includes an inner surface 23a and an outer surface 23b.

[0139] Figure 29 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of Figure 28, and more specifically, an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the second extension of the outsole shown in Figure 28 and its vicinity. Figure 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right turning motion when using the shoe shown in Figure 25.

[0140] As shown in Figures 25 to 29, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which serves as the second covering portion, is configured to extend from the inner foot side end of the main body portion of the sole 2, thereby covering a predetermined area of ​​the inner foot side wall portion 32 of the upper body 30 with the second extension 23.

[0141] More specifically, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, a second extension 23, formed by extending the medial foot end of the base portion 21 of the outsole 20, is positioned to reach from the center of the midfoot portion R2 in the anterior-posterior direction X to the center of the rearfoot portion R3 in the anterior-posterior direction X. The portion of the shoe 1L provided with this second extension 23 includes a position corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot.

[0142] More specifically, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, the main body of the sole 2 in the portion corresponding to the rear end of the midfoot R2 and the front end of the rearfoot R3 includes a heel support region Q2 that supports the sole of the foot in the portion corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot. On the other hand, the medial side circumferential surface of the foot in the portion corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot (i.e., the medial ankle portion) has a bulging outer shape compared to its surroundings. Accordingly, a second medial bulge region 34B is provided in the medial side wall portion 32 of the upper body 30, in the position including the portion corresponding to the heel support region Q2, which bulges toward the medial side along the left-right direction Y.

[0143] The second extension 23 described above is positioned to cover at least a portion of the medial foot side second bulge region 34B, and as a result, the second extension 23 is positioned to reach from the center of the midfoot R2 in the anterior-posterior direction X to the center of the hindfoot R3 in the anterior-posterior direction X, as described above.

[0144] Here, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, the heel support area Q2 described above is generally included in the range C shown in the figures. That is, the heel support area Q2 is located between a position 0.5 × L away from the front end position PF of the shoe 1L and a position 0.9 × L away from the rear end position PR along the front-to-back direction X, and the second extension 23 is provided so as to be included in at least this range C.

[0145] As shown in Figures 25 to 28, the outsole 20 has a second extension 23 in addition to the base portion 21 and the first extension 22, so that the sole 2 is provided with a second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 in addition to the contact surface 2A and the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1. The second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is formed by the portion of the outer surface 23b of the second extension 23 that is on the base portion 21 side. More specifically, the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 extends continuously from the inner foot side end of the contact surface 2A provided on the base portion 21 and has an inclined surface shape that is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface 2A along the left-right direction Y.

[0146] As shown in Figure 30, this second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is distinct from the contact surface 2A of the shoe 1L during normal standing, and is the part that contacts the ground 100 together with the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 in place of the contact surface 2A when the shoe 1L lands in a tilted position toward the inward foot. Since this second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is made up of a part of the outsole 20, it is made of a rubber material, similar to the contact surface 2A and the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1.

[0147] Therefore, with this configuration, when changing direction from side to side, if the foot opposite to the foot that is extended outward for the change of direction falls significantly inward upon landing, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 mentioned above will make contact with the ground, resulting in high grip performance and enabling smooth movement (i.e., push-off) when changing direction from side to side.

[0148] Furthermore, even if landings are repeatedly made in a position where the foot is significantly tilted inward, the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2, which are made of a highly durable rubber material, will make contact with the ground. As a result, the inner surface of the upper 3 will not make contact with the ground, and damage such as tearing of the upper can be avoided.

[0149] Therefore, by using the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, it is possible to create a shoe that improves durability and grip during left-right directional changes.

[0150] Furthermore, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, when any cross-section perpendicular to the front-to-back direction X and passing through the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 is designated as the second cross-section, the shoe 1L is configured such that the following conditions are satisfied in the second cross-section.

[0151] First, referring to Figure 29, as a premise, the boundary point between the inner surface 31a of the insole 31 and the inner surface 32a of the inner foot side wall portion 32 in the second cross-section is designated as the "fifth specific point P5", the boundary point between the contact surface 2A and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 in the second cross-section is designated as the "sixth specific point P6", and the point of the second extension portion 23 that protrudes furthest towards the inner foot in the second cross-section is designated as the "seventh specific point P7".

[0152] In this case, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the fifth to seventh specific points P5 to P7 are located along the left-right direction Y, from the outer foot side to the inner foot side (i.e., from the right side to the left side in Figure 29), in the order of fifth specific point P5, sixth specific point P6, and seventh specific point P7 (hereinafter referred to as the "third condition").

[0153] Furthermore, in this case, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the fifth to seventh specific points P5 to P7 are located along the vertical direction Z, from bottom to top (i.e., from bottom to top in Figure 29), in the order of sixth specific point P6, fifth specific point P5, and seventh specific point P7 (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth condition").

[0154] By satisfying these third and fourth conditions, not only are improvements in durability and grip during lateral changes of direction more effectively achieved compared to cases where these conditions are not met, but stability during landing in a normal standing position can also be ensured.

[0155] In other words, by satisfying the third condition above, that the sixth specific point P6 is located on the inner side of the foot compared to the fifth specific point P5, and the fourth condition above, that the sixth specific point P6 is located below the fifth specific point P5, the inner side of the wearer's foot is reliably supported by the sole 2 during normal standing, thereby effectively suppressing the occurrence of so-called wobbling.

[0156] Furthermore, by satisfying the third condition above, that the seventh specific point P7 is located on the inner side of the foot compared to the sixth specific point P6, and the fourth condition above, that the seventh specific point P7 is located above the sixth specific point P6, it becomes possible to reliably provide the inclined second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 to the upper part of the sole 2, thereby more effectively achieving improved durability and improved grip during lateral directional changes.

[0157] Therefore, by using the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, not only can durability and grip during lateral movement be improved, but the shoe can also ensure stability when landing in a normal standing position.

[0158] In this embodiment, with reference to Figures 25 and 26, if the point that protrudes most inward toward the foot from the second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which is the second covering portion of the sole 2, is defined as the "ninth specific point P9", then the shoe 1L is configured such that the ninth specific point P9 lies between a position 0.6 × L away from the front end position PF of the shoe 1L and a position 0.7 × L away from the rear end position PR along the front-to-back direction X. That is, the ninth specific point P9 is included in the range D shown in the figure.

[0159] By configuring the shoe in this way, the shoe 1L can easily deform to follow the twisting motion that occurs in the heel-side portion of the wearer's foot compared to the ball of the big toe during lateral changes in direction (so-called inward twisting of the foot). As a result, the wearer's foot movement during such lateral changes is less likely to be hindered, and consequently, a smoother start to movement (i.e., push-off) during lateral changes in direction can be achieved even more reliably.

[0160] This ninth specific point corresponds to the point that protrudes most towards the inner foot among the seventh specific points mentioned above (see Figure 29). Figures 28 to 30 above illustrate the cross-section of the second cross-section that includes this ninth specific point, and these cross-sections shown in Figures 28 to 30 correspond to the third cross-section.

[0161] Furthermore, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, referring to Figures 25 to 27, if the point that protrudes furthest inward from the first extension 22 of the outsole 20, which is the first covering portion of the sole 2, is defined as the "10th specific point P10," and the boundary point between the contact surface 2A and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 in the third cross-section described above is defined as the "11th specific point P11," then the shoe 1L is configured to satisfy the following conditions. Note that the 10th specific point P10 corresponds to the point that protrudes furthest inward from the third specific point P3 (see Figure 5) described above, and the 11th specific point corresponds to the point that protrudes furthest inward from the sixth specific point P6 described above (see Figure 29).

[0162] As shown in Figure 25, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the ninth specific point P9 is located further inward than the tenth specific point P10. In other words, the ninth and tenth specific points P9 and P10 are located in the order of tenth specific point P10 and ninth specific point P9 along the left-right direction Y, from the outer foot side to the inner foot side (i.e., from left to right in Figure 25) (hereinafter referred to as "fifth condition"). That is, the ninth specific point P9 is located further inward than the tenth specific point P10 by a distance D1 shown in the figure.

[0163] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 26, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the 11th specific point P11 is located further inward than the 10th specific point P10. In other words, the 10th and 11th specific points P10 and P11 are located in the order of 10th specific point P10 and 11th specific point P11 along the left-right direction Y, from the outer foot side to the inner foot side (i.e., from the right side to the left side in Figure 26) (hereinafter referred to as "the sixth condition"). That is, the 11th specific point P11 is located further inward than the 10th specific point P10 by a distance D2 shown in the figure.

[0164] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 27, in the shoe 1L according to this embodiment, the ninth specific point P9 is located above the tenth specific point P10 in the vertical direction. In other words, the ninth and tenth specific points P9 and P10 are located along the vertical direction Z, from bottom to top (i.e., from bottom to top in Figure 27), in the order of tenth specific point P10, then ninth specific point P9 (hereinafter referred to as "the seventh condition"). That is, the ninth specific point P9 is located above the tenth specific point P10 by a distance D3 shown in the figure.

[0165] By satisfying at least one of these fifth to seventh conditions, when both the first auxiliary contact surface 2B1 and the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 are in contact with the ground during left-right turning movements, the heel side of the wearer's foot will be positioned higher than the toe side (i.e., the wearer's foot will be guided into a toe-down posture), thereby achieving further improvement in grip during left-right turning movements and even smoother initial movement (i.e., push-off) during left-right turning movements.

[0166] Furthermore, by fulfilling the sixth condition mentioned above, it becomes possible to increase the contact area of ​​the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 during left-right turning movements, thereby ensuring greater stability of the ground contact surface 2B2 and contributing to the prevention of foot injuries to the wearer.

[0167] (Embodiment 13) Figure 31 is a schematic side view of the shoe according to Embodiment 13, as seen from the inner foot side. The shoe 1M according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 31. The only difference between the shoe 1M according to this embodiment and the shoe 1L according to Embodiment 12 described above is the configuration of the second covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0168] As shown in Figure 31, in the shoe 1M according to this embodiment, a plurality of sixth grooves 23d and a plurality of seventh grooves 23e are provided in the second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which is a second covering portion provided on the sole 2. Hereinafter, in order to facilitate understanding, the portion of the outer surface 23b of the outsole 20 located above the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 will be referred to as the fourth auxiliary contact surface 2C2 for convenience.

[0169] Furthermore, the third boundary portion 26, which is the boundary between the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 and the fourth auxiliary contact surface 2C2, is defined by a ridge line formed on the outer surface 23b of the second extension portion 23 of the outsole 20, which serves as the second covering portion. In this embodiment, this ridge line corresponds to a line obtained by connecting all of the seventh specific point P7 (see Figure 29) in the second cross section described above, which is an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the front-rear direction X and passing through the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2.

[0170] In the shoe 1M according to this embodiment, in order to improve the grip of the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2, a plurality of sixth grooves 23d are provided on the outer surface 23b of the outsole 20 in the portion corresponding to the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2. Preferably, these sixth grooves 23d have an inclined shape that slopes upward as they move toward the front side (i.e., the toe side) along the front-rear direction X, as shown in the figure.

[0171] By configuring it in this way, the extending direction of the sixth groove 23d is positioned approximately parallel to the sliding direction of the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 that contacts the ground during left-right direction change operations, thereby enabling higher grip performance.

[0172] On the other hand, in the shoe 1M according to this embodiment, in order to suppress the excessive grip that may occur when the wearer's ankle tilts more than expected during left-right turning movements, causing not only the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 but also the fourth auxiliary contact surface 2C2 to make contact with the ground, and to improve the overall durability of the shoe 1M by reducing the exposed area of ​​the upper body 30, the shoe is configured so that a wider area of ​​the upper body 30 is covered by the fourth auxiliary contact surface 2C2, while reducing the portion of the outer surface 23b that can function as a contact surface. To achieve this, a plurality of seventh grooves 23e are provided on the outer surface 23b of the outsole 20 corresponding to the fourth auxiliary contact surface 2C2. Preferably, these seventh grooves 23e have a shape that extends parallel to the contact surface 2A along the front-rear direction X.

[0173] By configuring it in this way, the extension direction of the seventh groove 23e is positioned to intersect with the sliding direction of the fourth auxiliary contact surface 2C2 that is in contact with the ground during left-right direction change operations, thereby preventing excessive grip from being exerted.

[0174] Therefore, by using the shoe 1M according to this embodiment, it is possible to create a shoe that offers further improvements in durability and grip during left-right directional changes.

[0175] (Embodiment 14) Figure 32 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a shoe according to Embodiment 14, and Figure 33 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the left-right direction change operation when using the shoe shown in Figure 32. Hereinafter, the shoe 1N according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 32 and 33. Note that the shoe 1N according to this embodiment differs from the shoe 1L according to Embodiment 12 described above only in the configuration of the second covering portion provided on the sole 2.

[0176] As shown in Figure 32, in the shoe 1N according to this embodiment, a second void 51B is provided at a predetermined position inside the midsole 10 in the portion covered by the second extension 23 of the outsole 20, which serves as the second covering portion. This second void 51B is formed in the portion of the sole 2 that corresponds to at least the second bulging region 34B on the medial side of the upper 3. As shown in the figure, the second void 51B has a parallelogram shape in cross-section and has an inclined shape that slopes downward (i.e., toward the contact surface 2A) as it moves from the medial side to the lateral side.

[0177] In other words, in the shoe 1N according to this embodiment, the midsole 10 has a second void 51B in the portion of the inner foot side corresponding to the heel support area Q2 (see Figures 25 and 26, etc.), and the second extension 23 of the outsole 20 is provided so as to cover the portion of the midsole 10 in which the second void 51B is provided.

[0178] With this configuration, similar to the embodiment 12 described above, the shoe can be made more durable and have improved grip during left-right directional changes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 33, even when landing occurs when the second auxiliary contact surface 2B2 makes contact with the ground during left-right directional changes, the midsole 10 around the portion where the second gap 51B is provided compresses and deforms more significantly, increasing the contact area and resulting in higher grip. This allows for smoother starting of movement (i.e., push-off) during left-right directional changes, and thus more reliably achieved. In addition, adopting this configuration makes it possible to reduce the amount of outsole 20 and midsole 10 used, resulting in further weight reduction.

[0179] In this embodiment, the second easily deformable portion was described as being provided by forming a second void 51B inside the midsole 10 in the portion covered by the second extension 23 of the outsole 20. However, instead, a soft member having a similar shape may be embedded in the portion, and this soft member may constitute the second easily deformable portion. Any soft member that is softer than the midsole 10 and outsole 20 and easily compressible can be used as the soft member. Even in this configuration, the same effect as when the second void 51B is provided in the portion can be obtained.

[0180] Here, whether or not a second easily deformable section is provided inside the midsole can be confirmed, for example, by measuring the rigidity of the midsole, preparing a separate midsole with the same external shape and material as the said midsole, measuring the rigidity of this prepared midsole using the same measurement method, and calculating the difference between them. The second easily deformable section may also be provided by methods other than those described above, such as providing a soft member or a void.

[0181] (Summary of Disclosures in Embodiments 1 to 14) The characteristic configurations disclosed in Embodiments 1 to 14 described above can be summarized as follows.

[0182] [Note 1] A shoe comprising a sole configured to support the sole of the wearer's foot, and an upper located above the sole and configured to cover the circumference of the wearer's foot, wherein the upper has an insole that covers the top surface of the sole and an inner foot side wall portion erected upward from the inner foot side periphery of the insole, the sole has a main body portion located below the insole and forming the contact surface when the shoe is placed on a horizontal surface, the main body portion includes a ball of the foot support area that supports the sole of the foot in the area corresponding to the ball of the wearer's big toe, the inner foot side first bulge area that bulges inward is provided at the position of the inner foot side wall portion that includes the part corresponding to the ball of the foot support area, the sole further has a first covering portion that extends from the inner foot side end of the main body portion and covers at least a part of the inner foot side first bulge area, and the first covering portion is provided with a first auxiliary contact surface that makes contact when the shoe lands in a tilted state toward the inward foot. The first auxiliary contact surface extends continuously from the inner foot side end of the contact surface and has an inclined surface shape that is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface along the width of the foot, and an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the length of the foot and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface is defined as the first cross section, the boundary point between the inner surface of the insole and the inner surface of the inner foot side wall in the first cross section is defined as the first specific point, the boundary point between the contact surface and the first auxiliary contact surface in the first cross section is defined as the second specific point, and the point of the first covering portion that protrudes furthest towards the inner foot in the first cross section is defined as the third specific point, and at least in the first cross section, the first specific point, the second specific point and the third specific point are located in the order of the first specific point, the second specific point and the third specific point from the outer foot side to the inner foot side, and in the order of the second specific point, the first specific point and the third specific point from the bottom side to the top side. A shoe in which at least the portion of the outer surface of the first covering portion that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface is made of a rubber material.

[0183] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 1 above, when changing direction from side to side, if the foot opposite to the foot that is extended outward for the change of direction falls sharply inward upon landing, the first auxiliary contact surface, made of a highly durable rubber material, will make contact with the ground. Therefore, the shoe can be made with improved durability and improved grip during changes of direction from side to side.

[0184] [Note 2] The shoe according to Note 1, wherein, when the point that protrudes most inward from the first bulging region on the medial foot side in the first cross-section is defined as the fourth specific point, the fourth specific point is located above the third specific point in at least the first cross-section.

[0185] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 2 above, it becomes possible to improve durability and grip during lateral movement, while also reducing the amount of rubber material used to lighten the shoe.

[0186] [Note 3] The shoe according to Note 1 or 2, wherein the area of ​​the portion of the outer surface of the first covering that is located above the first auxiliary contact surface is smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the outer surface of the first covering that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface.

[0187] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 3 above, it becomes possible to suppress excessive grip even when the wearer's ankle tilts more than expected during lateral changes of direction.

[0188] [Note 4] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein a first groove extending in the vertical direction is provided on the outer surface of the first covering portion.

[0189] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 4 above, it is possible to create a shoe that is easy to follow the movement of the foot while improving durability and grip during lateral changes of direction.

[0190] [Note 5] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 4, wherein a second groove is provided on the outer surface of the first covering portion that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface, and which extends upward along the length of the foot towards the toe.

[0191] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 5 above, the grip performance when the first auxiliary contact surface is in contact with the ground can be further improved.

[0192] [Note 6] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 5, wherein a third groove is provided on the outer surface of the first covering portion above, located above the first auxiliary contact surface, and extending parallel to the contact surface along the length of the foot.

[0193] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 6 above, it becomes possible to suppress excessive grip even when the wearer's ankle tilts more than expected during lateral changes of direction.

[0194] [Note 7] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 6, wherein, when the boundary between the main body and the first covering is defined as the first boundary, a fourth groove extending along the first boundary is provided in at least the portion of the first boundary corresponding to the first bulging region on the inner foot side.

[0195] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 7 above, the first cover portion becomes more flexible at the lower end of the first auxiliary contact surface, so that the entire first auxiliary contact surface makes secure contact with the ground during left and right direction changes, resulting in higher grip performance.

[0196] [Note 8] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 7, wherein, when the boundary between the outer surface of the first covering portion that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface and the portion located above the first auxiliary contact surface is defined as the second boundary portion, at least the portion of the second boundary portion that corresponds to the first bulging region on the inner foot side is provided with a fifth groove extending along the second boundary portion.

[0197] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 8 above, the first cover portion becomes more flexible at the upper end of the first auxiliary contact surface, so that the entire first auxiliary contact surface makes secure contact with the ground during left and right direction changes, resulting in higher grip performance.

[0198] [Note 9] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 8, wherein the main body includes a midsole made of foam material and an outsole made of rubber material that covers the lower surface of the midsole, and the outsole extends from the inner foot end of the main body, so that the first covering portion is made up of the outsole, and the portion of the outer surface of the first covering portion that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface is made up of the outsole.

[0199] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 9 above, even when using a typical sole structure in which the sole is composed of a midsole and an outsole, improvements in durability and grip during lateral movement can be achieved.

[0200] [Note 10] The shoe according to Note 9, wherein the first covering portion further includes a first soft member made of a material softer than the midsole and the outsole, the first soft member covers the portion of the circumferential surface located on the medial side of the midsole that corresponds to the ball of the foot support area, and is covered by the outsole portion that constitutes the first covering portion.

[0201] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 10 above, the first soft member undergoes significant compression deformation during left-right direction changes, increasing the contact area and thus providing higher grip.

[0202] [Note 11] The shoe according to Note 9, wherein a first easily deformable portion is provided inside the portion of the midsole that constitutes the first covering portion and is covered by the outsole, the portion that is more easily deformed than the surrounding area.

[0203] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 11 above, the midsole of the part corresponding to the first covering portion undergoes greater compression deformation during left-right directional changes, thereby increasing the contact area and resulting in higher grip performance.

[0204] [Note 12] The shoe according to Note 11, wherein the first easily deformable part is made of a material softer than the midsole, or is made of a void.

[0205] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 12 above, the first easily deformable portion can be easily provided inside the midsole.

[0206] [Note 13] The shoe according to any one of Notes 1 to 12, wherein a grommet is provided in the portion of the inner side wall of the foot that covers the wearer's instep, and the first covering portion reaches the grommet.

[0207] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 13 above, it is possible to create shoes with further improved durability.

[0208] [Note 14] The main body includes a heel support region that supports the sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the wearer's heel, and a second medial bulge region that bulges toward the medial side is provided at a position in the medial side wall portion that includes the portion corresponding to the heel support region, and the sole further has a second covering portion that extends from the medial end of the main body portion and covers at least a part of the second medial bulge region, and the second covering portion is provided with a second auxiliary contact surface that makes contact when the shoe lands in a tilted position toward the medial side, and the second auxiliary contact surface extends continuously from the medial end of the contact surface and has an inclined surface shape that is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface along the width direction of the foot, A shoe according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein, when an arbitrary cross-section perpendicular to the length of the foot and passing through the second auxiliary contact surface is defined as the second cross-section, the boundary point between the inner surface of the insole and the inner surface of the inner foot side wall in the second cross-section is defined as the fifth specific point, the boundary point between the contact surface and the second auxiliary contact surface in the second cross-section is defined as the sixth specific point, and the point of the second covering portion that protrudes most towards the inner foot in the second cross-section is defined as the seventh specific point, in which case, in at least the second cross-section, the fifth specific point, the sixth specific point and the seventh specific point are located in the order of the fifth specific point, the sixth specific point and the seventh specific point from the outer foot side to the inner foot side, and at least the portion of the outer surface of the second covering portion corresponding to the second auxiliary contact surface is made of a rubber material.

[0209] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 14 above, when changing direction from side to side, if the foot opposite to the foot that is extended outward for the change of direction falls significantly inward upon landing, the first and second auxiliary contact surfaces, which are made of a highly durable rubber material, will make contact with the ground. Therefore, it is possible to create a shoe that improves durability and grip during changes of direction from side to side.

[0210] [Note 15] The shoe according to Note 14, wherein in at least the second cross-section, the fifth specific point, the sixth specific point, and the seventh specific point are located in the order of the sixth specific point, the fifth specific point, and the seventh specific point from bottom to top.

[0211] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 15 above, not only can the effects of improved durability and enhanced grip during lateral movement be more effectively achieved, but stability during landing in a normal standing position can also be ensured.

[0212] [Note 16] The shoe according to Note 15, wherein, when the point that protrudes most inward from the second bulging region on the medial foot side in the second cross-section is defined as the eighth specific point, the eighth specific point is located above the seventh specific point in at least the second cross-section.

[0213] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 16 above, it becomes possible to improve durability and grip during lateral movement, while also reducing the amount of rubber material used to lighten the shoe.

[0214] [Note 17] The shoe according to any one of Notes 14 to 16, wherein, when L is the distance between the front end position and the rear end position of the shoe in the length direction of the foot, and the area of ​​the shoe is defined by dividing the shoe with a virtual plane perpendicular to the length direction of the foot, the second covering portion is provided in the area sandwiched between a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.5 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position and a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.9 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position.

[0215] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 17 above, when changing direction from side to side, if the foot opposite to the foot that is extended outward for the change of direction falls significantly inward upon landing, the first and second auxiliary contact surfaces, which are made of a highly durable rubber material, will make contact with the ground. As a result, the shoe can be made with improved durability and improved grip during changes of direction from side to side.

[0216] [Note 18] The shoe according to Note 17, wherein, when the point of the second covering portion that protrudes most inward toward the foot is designated as the ninth specific point, the ninth specific point is located within the area sandwiched between a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.6 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position and a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.7 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position.

[0217] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 18 above, the shoe can easily deform to follow the twisting motion that occurs in the heel-side portion of the wearer's foot, rather than the ball of the big toe, during left-right directional changes, thereby enabling smoother movement during left-right directional changes.

[0218] [Note 19] The shoe described in Note 18, wherein, when the point of the first covering portion that protrudes most inward toward the foot is designated as the 10th specified point, the 9th specified point is located even further inward toward the foot than the 10th specified point.

[0219] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 19 above, when both the first and second auxiliary contact surfaces are in contact with the ground during left-right turning movements, the heel side of the wearer's foot will be positioned higher than the toe side, thereby further improving grip during left-right turning movements.

[0220] [Note 20] The shoe described in Note 19, wherein the ninth specified point is located above the tenth specified point in the vertical direction.

[0221] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 20 above, when both the first and second auxiliary contact surfaces are in contact with the ground during left-right turning movements, the heel side of the wearer's foot will be positioned higher than the toe side, thereby further improving grip during left-right turning movements.

[0222] [Note 21] The shoe according to either Note 19 or 20, wherein the third cross section is perpendicular to the length of the foot and passes through the ninth specified point, and the boundary point between the contact surface and the second auxiliary contact surface in the third cross section is the eleventh specified point, and the eleventh specified point is located further inward than the tenth specified point.

[0223] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 21 above, when both the first and second auxiliary contact surfaces are in contact with the ground during left-right turning movements, the heel side of the wearer's foot is positioned higher than the toe side. This further improves grip during left-right turning movements, and the increased contact area of ​​the second auxiliary contact surface enhances stability when the foot is on the ground.

[0224] [Note 22] The shoe according to any one of Notes 14 to 21, wherein a sixth groove is provided on the outer surface of the second covering portion that corresponds to the second auxiliary contact surface, and which extends upward along the length of the foot toward the toe.

[0225] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 22 above, the second cover portion becomes more flexible at the lower end of the second auxiliary contact surface, so that the entire second auxiliary contact surface makes secure contact with the ground during left and right direction changes, resulting in higher grip performance.

[0226] [Note 23] The shoe according to any one of Notes 14 to 22, wherein a seventh groove is provided on the outer surface of the second covering portion that is located above the second auxiliary contact surface, extending parallel to the contact surface along the length of the foot.

[0227] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 23 above, the second cover portion becomes more flexible at the upper end of the second auxiliary contact surface, so that the entire second auxiliary contact surface makes secure contact with the ground during left and right direction changes, resulting in higher grip performance.

[0228] [Note 24] The shoe according to any one of Notes 14 to 23, wherein the main body includes a midsole made of foam material and an outsole made of rubber material that covers the lower surface of the midsole, and the outsole extends from the inner foot end of the main body so that the second covering portion is made of the outsole, and the portion of the outer surface of the second covering portion that corresponds to the second auxiliary contact surface is made of the outsole.

[0229] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 24 above, even when using a typical sole structure in which the sole is composed of a midsole and an outsole, improvements in durability and grip during lateral movement can be achieved.

[0230] [Note 25] The shoe according to Note 24, wherein the second covering portion further includes a second soft member made of a material softer than the midsole and the outsole, the second soft member covers the portion of the circumferential surface located on the medial side of the midsole that corresponds to the heel support region, and is covered by the portion of the outsole that constitutes the second covering portion.

[0231] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 25 above, the second soft member undergoes significant compression deformation during left-right direction changes, increasing the contact area and thus providing higher grip.

[0232] [Note 26] The shoe according to Note 24, wherein a first easily deformable portion is provided inside the portion of the midsole that constitutes the second covering portion and is covered by the outsole, which is more easily deformed than the surrounding area.

[0233] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 26 above, the midsole of the part corresponding to the second covering portion undergoes greater compression deformation during left-right directional changes, increasing the contact area and thus providing higher grip.

[0234] [Note 27] The shoe as described in Note 26, wherein the second easily deformable part is made of a material softer than the midsole, or is made of a void.

[0235] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 27 above, a second easily deformable portion can be easily provided inside the midsole.

[0236] [Note 28] The shoe according to any one of Notes 14 to 27, wherein the second covering portion reaches the opening located at the upper end of the inner foot side wall portion.

[0237] By adopting the configuration described in Appendix 28 above, it is possible to create shoes with further improved durability.

[0238] (Other Forms, etc.) In embodiments 1 to 5 and 9 to 11 described above, the shoe is described using an example in which the outsole of the part constituting the first cover is made of a single material. In embodiments 6 to 8 and 12 to 14 described above, the shoe is described using an example in which the outsole of the part constituting the first cover and the outsole of the part constituting the second cover are each made of a single material. However, the outsole of the part constituting the first cover and / or the outsole of the part constituting the second cover do not necessarily have to be made of a single material, and may be made by dividing it into multiple materials. In that case, it is preferable that these divided multiple materials are arranged adjacent to each other so as to be continuous. By configuring it in this way, it becomes possible to provide the first cover and / or the second cover on the upper without gaps to the required extent.

[0239] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 5 and 9 to 11 described above, shoes with only a first covering portion on the sole were used as examples for explanation, while in embodiments 6 to 8 and 12 to 14 described above, shoes with both a first and a second covering portion on the sole were used as examples for explanation. However, contrary to these, shoes may also be provided with only a second covering portion on the sole without a first covering portion. Even in such a configuration, shoes can be made that offer improved durability and improved grip during lateral movement.

[0240] Furthermore, in the embodiments 1 to 14 described above, shoes in which a reinforcing member is provided on the sole were used as examples for explanation. However, it is not always necessary to provide a reinforcing member on the sole, and instead of or in addition to this, various cushioning materials and rebound materials may be provided on the sole.

[0241] Furthermore, while the embodiments 1 to 14 described above have primarily illustrated and explained shoes suitable for court sports such as tennis, the characteristic configurations of this disclosure may be added to shoes used for other purposes.

[0242] Furthermore, the characteristic configurations shown in Embodiments 1 to 14 described above can be combined with each other without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0243] Thus, the embodiments 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.

[0244] 1A-1N Boot, 2 Sole, 2A Ground Surface, 2B1 First Auxiliary Ground Surface, 2B2 Second Auxiliary Ground Surface, 2C1 Third Auxiliary Ground Surface, 2C2 Fourth Auxiliary Ground Surface, 3 Apparel, 10 Mid Sole, 11 Top, 12 Bottom, 13 Peripheral, 14 Extension, 20 Outer Sole, 21 Base, 21a Top, 21b Bottom, 22 First Extension, 22a Inner Surface, 22b Outer Surface, 22c First Groove, 22d Second Groove, 22e Third Groove, 22f Fourth Groove, 22g Fifth Groove, 23 Second Extension, 23a Inner Surface, 23b Outer Surface, 23d Sixth Groove, 23e Seventh Groove, 24 First Boundary, 25 26. Second boundary section, 36. Third boundary section, 30. Apparel body, 31. Midsole, 31a. Inner surface, 31b. Outer surface, 32. Inner foot sidewall, 32a. Inner surface, 32b. Outer surface, 33. Outer foot sidewall, 33a. Inner surface, 33b. Outer surface, 34A. First bulge area on the inner foot side, 34B. Second bulge area on the inner foot side, 35. Shoe edge, 36. Cutting edge, 37. Shoe tan, 38. Hatme, 39. Shoelace, 40. Reinforcing material, 50A. First soft material, 50B. Second soft material, 51A. First gap, 51B. Second gap, 100. Ground, PF. Front end position, PR. Rear lateral end position, PB1 first boundary surface, PB2 second boundary surface, PT1, PT2 upper end position, P1 first specific point, P2 second specific point, P3 third specific point, P4 fourth specific point, P5 fifth specific point, P6 sixth specific point, P7 seventh specific point, P8 eighth specific point, P9 ninth specific point, P10 tenth specific point, P11 eleventh specific point, Q1 big toe ball support area, Q2 heel support area, R1 forefoot, R2 midfoot, R3 hindfoot, SC Schuter.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising a sole configured to support the sole of the wearer's foot, and an upper located above the sole and configured to cover the circumferential surface of the wearer's foot, wherein the upper has an insole covering the upper surface of the sole and an inner foot side wall portion erected upward from the inner foot side periphery of the insole, the sole has a main body portion located below the insole and forming the contact surface when the shoe is placed on a horizontal surface, the main body portion includes a ball of the foot support area that supports the sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer, the inner foot side first bulge area is provided in the position of the inner foot side wall portion that includes the portion corresponding to the ball of the foot support area, the sole further has a first covering portion that extends from the inner foot side end of the main body portion and covers at least a part of the inner foot side first bulge area, and the first covering portion is provided with a first auxiliary contact surface that makes contact when the shoe lands in a tilted position toward the inner foot, A shoe in which, when an arbitrary cross section perpendicular to the length of the foot and passing through the first auxiliary contact surface is defined as the first cross section, the boundary point between the inner surface of the insole and the inner surface of the inner side wall portion in the first cross section is defined as the first specific point, the boundary point between the contact surface and the first auxiliary contact surface in the first cross section is defined as the second specific point, and the point of the first covering portion that protrudes most towards the inner foot in the first cross section is defined as the third specific point, the first specific point, the second specific point and the third specific point are located in the order of the first specific point, the second specific point and the third specific point from the outer foot side to the inner foot side, and from the bottom side to the top side, and at least the portion of the outer surface of the first covering portion corresponding to the first auxiliary contact surface is made of a rubber material.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein, when the point that protrudes most inward from the first bulging region on the medial foot side in the first cross-section is defined as the fourth specific point, the fourth specific point is located above the third specific point in at least the first cross-section.

3. The shoe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area of ​​the portion of the outer surface of the first cover that is located above the first auxiliary contact surface is smaller than the area of ​​the portion of the outer surface of the first cover that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface.

4. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer surface of the first covering portion is provided with a first groove extending in the vertical direction.

5. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a second groove is provided on the outer surface of the first covering portion that corresponds to the first auxiliary contact surface, and which extends upward along the length of the foot toward the toe.

6. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a third groove is provided on the outer surface of the first covering portion that is located above the first auxiliary contact surface, extending parallel to the contact surface along the length of the foot.

7. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when the boundary between the main body and the first covering is defined as the first boundary, a fourth groove extending along the first boundary is provided in at least the portion of the first boundary corresponding to the first bulging region on the inner foot side.

8. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, when the boundary between the outer surface of the first covering portion and the portion located above the first auxiliary contact surface is defined as the second boundary portion, a fifth groove extending along the second boundary portion is provided in at least the portion of the second boundary portion corresponding to the first bulging region on the inner foot side.

9. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the main body includes a midsole made of foam material and an outsole made of rubber material covering the lower surface of the midsole, and the outsole extends from the inner foot end of the main body so that the first covering portion is made of the outsole, and the portion of the outer surface of the first covering portion corresponding to the first auxiliary contact surface is made of the outsole.

10. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein the first covering portion further includes a first soft member made of a material softer than the midsole and the outsole, the first soft member covers a portion of the circumferential surface located on the medial side of the midsole that corresponds to the ball of the foot support area, and is covered by the portion of the outsole that constitutes the first covering portion.

11. The shoe according to claim 9, wherein a first easily deformable portion is provided inside the portion of the midsole that is covered by the outsole, which is a portion of the midsole that constitutes the first covering portion, and which is more easily deformed than the surrounding area.

12. The shoe according to claim 11, wherein the first easily deformable portion is made of a material softer than the midsole, or is made of a void.

13. The shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein a grommet is provided in the portion of the inner side wall that covers the wearer's instep, and the first covering portion reaches the grommet.

14. The main body includes a heel support region that supports the sole of the foot in a portion corresponding to the wearer's heel, and a second medial bulge region that bulges toward the medial side is provided in the medial side wall portion including the portion corresponding to the heel support region, and the sole further has a second covering portion that extends from the medial end of the main body portion and covers at least a part of the second medial bulge region, and the second covering portion is provided with a second auxiliary contact surface that makes contact when the shoe lands in a tilted position toward the medial side, and the second auxiliary contact surface has an inclined surface shape that extends continuously from the medial end of the contact surface and is located upward as it moves away from the contact surface along the width of the foot, A shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, when an arbitrary cross-section perpendicular to the length of the foot and passing through the second auxiliary contact surface is defined as the second cross-section, the boundary point between the inner surface of the insole and the inner surface of the inner foot side wall in the second cross-section is defined as the fifth specific point, the boundary point between the contact surface and the second auxiliary contact surface in the second cross-section is defined as the sixth specific point, and the point of the second covering portion that protrudes most towards the inner foot in the second cross-section is defined as the seventh specific point, in at least the second cross-section, the fifth specific point, the sixth specific point and the seventh specific point are located in the order of the fifth specific point, the sixth specific point and the seventh specific point from the outer foot side to the inner foot side, and at least the portion of the outer surface of the second covering portion corresponding to the second auxiliary contact surface is made of a rubber material.

15. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein in at least the second cross-section, the fifth specific point, the sixth specific point, and the seventh specific point are located in the order of the sixth specific point, the fifth specific point, and the seventh specific point from bottom to top.

16. The shoe according to claim 15, wherein, when the point that protrudes most inward from the second bulging region on the medial foot side in the second cross-section is defined as the eighth specific point, the eighth specific point is located above the seventh specific point in at least the second cross-section.

17. The shoe according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein, when L is the distance between the front end position and the rear end position of the shoe in the length direction of the foot, and the area of ​​the shoe is defined by dividing the shoe with a virtual plane perpendicular to the length direction of the foot, the second covering portion is provided in the area sandwiched between a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.5 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position and a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.9 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position.

18. The shoe according to claim 17, wherein, when the point of the second covering portion that protrudes most inward toward the foot is designated as the ninth specific point, the ninth specific point is located within an area sandwiched between a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.6 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position and a virtual plane formed at a distance of 0.7 × L from the front end position toward the rear end position.

19. The shoe according to claim 18, wherein, when the point of the first covering portion that protrudes most inward toward the foot is designated as the tenth specific point, the ninth specific point is located even further inward toward the foot than the tenth specific point.

20. The shoe according to claim 19, wherein the ninth specific point is located above the tenth specific point in the vertical direction.

21. The shoe according to claim 19 or 20, wherein a third cross section is defined as a cross section perpendicular to the length of the foot and passing through the ninth specific point, and the boundary point between the contact surface and the second auxiliary contact surface in the third cross section is defined as the eleventh specific point, wherein the eleventh specific point is located further inward than the tenth specific point.

22. The shoe according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein a sixth groove is provided on the outer surface of the second covering portion that corresponds to the second auxiliary contact surface, and which extends upward along the length of the foot toward the toe.

23. The shoe according to any one of claims 14 to 22, wherein a seventh groove is provided on the outer surface of the second covering portion that is located above the second auxiliary contact surface, extending parallel to the contact surface along the length of the foot.

24. The shoe according to any one of claims 14 to 23, wherein the main body includes a midsole made of foam material and an outsole made of rubber material covering the lower surface of the midsole, and the outsole extends from the inner foot end of the main body so that the second covering portion is made of the outsole, and the portion of the outer surface of the second covering portion corresponding to the second auxiliary contact surface is made of the outsole.

25. The shoe according to claim 24, wherein the second covering portion further includes a second soft member made of a material softer than the midsole and the outsole, the second soft member covers a portion of the circumferential surface located on the medial side of the midsole that corresponds to the heel support region, and is covered by the portion of the outsole that constitutes the second covering portion.

26. The shoe according to claim 24, wherein a second easily deformable portion is provided inside the portion of the midsole that constitutes the second covering portion and is covered by the outsole, the second easily deformable portion being more easily deformed than the surrounding portion.

27. The shoe according to claim 26, wherein the second easily deformable portion is made of a material softer than the midsole, or is made of a void.

28. The shoe according to any one of claims 14 to 27, wherein the second covering portion reaches the opening located at the upper end of the inner foot side wall portion.

Images