A modular shoe insole

Abstract

An insole for a shoe is provided wherein the insole comprises a recess configured to receive and retain a posting to adjust an angle of at least a portion of the insole. A posting for insertion into the insole is also provided, comprising a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are angled relative to each other and are each configured to be received by the recess of the insole such that the angle of the exposed surface of the posting is configured to be variable relative to the insole based on the surface received by the receiving portion.

Description

[0001] A modular shoe insole

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an insole for a shoe and postings for insertion into said insole.

[0004] Background

[0005] Shoe insoles, also known as footbeds or inserts, are removable layers placed inside shoes to enhance comfort, support, and, in some cases, address foot conditions or improve shoe fit. However, commercially available shoe insoles are not tailored to individuals and therefore the extent of support they can offer for specific foot conditions is limited.

[0006] Orthotic posting involves adding wedges or posts to orthotic devices, such as shoe insoles, to correct foot alignment with an aim to improve gait, posture, and / or stability, ultimately relieving pain and enhancing foot function. This is often performed by trained professionals, such as clinicians and / or podiatrists.

[0007] However, current orthotic postings rely on adhering said wedges or posts to insoles. The resulting insole is bulky, often limiting the types and style of shoe it can be worn in. Current techniques also result in varied and imprecise placement of said wedges or posts. Incorrect or imprecise placement can cause pain and / or injury if incorrectly managed.

[0008] Furthermore, the adhered postings also typically have a relatively short usable life due to wear. In many cases, the adhered interface between the insole and wedge or post can be a point of weakness, leading to failure of the orthotic device.

[0009] There is therefore a need to provide an improved orthotic device for adjusting and correcting foot alignment according to a user’s specific needs.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] Aspects of the invention are as set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the invention may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.An aspect of the invention relates to an insole for a shoe. The insole comprises a receiving portion configured to receive and retain a posting to adjust an angle of at least a portion of the insole, wherein the receiving portion comprises a recess.

[0012] This may be advantageous to provide an improved orthotic device which is configured to be tailored and adjusted according to a user’s specific needs.

[0013] By providing a recess for receiving and retaining a posting, the resulting insole may have a reduced cross section whilst still allowing a posting to adjust a posting angle of the insole, therefore reducing the bulk of the insole I orthotic device. This may advantageously allow the insole to be used with a wider range and style of shoes.

[0014] The recess also determines and controls the placement of said postings. This reduces the risk of incorrect or imprecise posting placement.

[0015] Furthermore, the provision of a recess may reduce the stresses experienced at the interface between the insole and posting. This may in turn result in an improved useable life of the insole compared to those with wedges or posts adhered to an external surface.

[0016] The receiving portion may be configured to receive and retain the posting in both a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the angle of the posting is different for the first configuration and the second configuration. This may be advantageous to allow a single posting to be used to adjust the insole to two different posting angles. This may also allow clinicians and / or users to adjust or experiment with different posting angles for a wearer with a single insole.

[0017] In some examples, the first configuration may be configured to provide a lateral posting, and the second configuration may be configured to provide a medial posting. Alternatively, the first and second configurations may be configured to provide posting angles in the same direction (i.e. both medial and / or both lateral postings).

[0018] The insole may comprise a first surface configured to support a foot of a user; and a secondsurface, opposing the first surface. The receiving portion may be provided on the second surface.

[0019] In some examples, the recess may be substantially circular, for example wherein the posting is disc shaped. However the skilled person will understand that this is not intended to be limiting and that other geometries may be used. For example, the recess may alternatively be substantially rectangular, or wedge-shape, wherein a corresponding posting may be wedge shaped.

[0020] The recess may be configured to retain a posting therein by way of a press fit.

[0021] The recess may comprise a plurality of engagement structures configured to engage with and retain the posting within the recess. For example, the plurality of engagement structures may be arranged around a peripheral surface of the recess. In some examples, the recess may comprise a plurality of teeth arranged around the perimeter of the recess.

[0022] Alternatively, or in addition to the plurality of engagement structures, the recess may comprise at least one engagement member. The one or more engagement members are arranged within the recess and are configured to extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recess (e.g. wherein the longitudinal axis of the recess is parallel to the depth of the recess). Said one or more engagement members may be configured to penetrate the posting to retain the posting within the recess. A distal end of the engagement member may be tapered in order to assist in penetrating the posting. The distal end of the engagement member may also comprise a shoulder to promote the engagement member being retained within the posting. For example, the distal end of the engagement member may comprise an arrowhead, comprising a tapered end and a retaining shoulder portion.

[0023] In some examples, a recess may be located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the user’s heel, and is configured to receive and retain a heel posting. This may be advantageous for correcting or supporting a user’s rear foot positioning in order to improve foot function, gait, and / or pronation.Alternatively or in addition, a recess may be located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the medial portion of a user’s forefoot, and is configured to receive a medial forefoot posting. This may be advantageous for correcting or supporting a user’s forefoot positioning in order to improve foot function, gait, and / or pronation.

[0024] The insole may comprise a first layer configured to support a foot of a user; and a second layer comprising the receiving portion, wherein the second layer is harder than the first layer. This may be advantageous to provide a softer first layer to improve comfort and wearability of the insole, whilst also providing a more rigid second layer to support the posting and improve durability and lifetime of the insole. The more rigid second layer may also allow a thinner cross section to be achieved for the same or improved load bearing properties of the insole. This may therefore enable a slimmer insole, reducing the overall thickness of the orthotic device.

[0025] The second layer may be located such that, in use, it extends from the hindfoot to the midfoot. This may be advantageous to provide the benefits of providing a more rigid layer to support the recess and posting, whilst also providing a relatively thin insole in the region of the forefoot due to the second layer not extending the entire length of the insole. In addition, this may also provide advantages to the user by improving proprioception in the region of the forefoot without the more rigid second layer extending the entire length of the insole.

[0026] By way of example, the first layer may comprise ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The second layer may comprise polypropylene (PP) or nylon. However, the skilled person will understand that these materials are merely for illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Other polymers and / or other materials may be used.

[0027] The insole may further comprise support portion (such as a pad) located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the metatarsal portion of a user’s foot, wherein the support portion is configured to be removable. This may be advantageous to provide support in the metatarsal region of a user’s foot. The support portion may comprise five sections, wherein each of the five sections is configured to be independently removable from the insole. Each section may be configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal boneand / or a phalanx bone of a user’s foot in use. Each section can then be removed independently to offload that corresponding area, for example to provide relief from excessive pressure, corn, callus, and / or other requirement.

[0028] The insole may further be configured to reversibly couple to a metatarsal dome, for example wherein the first surface of the insole may be configured to reversibly couple to said metatarsal dome.

[0029] In another aspect of the invention, an orthotic posting is provided for insertion into the insole of the preceding aspect. The posting comprises a first surface and a second opposing surface, wherein the first surface and the second surface are angled relative to each other.

[0030] Each of the first surface and the second surface are configured to be received by a receiving portion of an insole such that the angle of the posting relative to the insole is configured to be variable based on the surface received by the receiving portion. This may be advantageous to allow a single posting to provide at least two different posting angles. This may be particularly advantageous to allow clinicians and / or users to adjust or experiment with different posting angles for a single insole.

[0031] In some examples, the posting may be configured to provide two different posting angles, for example when the posting is configured to be transitioned between the two different posting angles by flipping the posting 180 degrees (e.g. wherein the axis of rotation is between the first and second surfaces). However, the skilled person will understand that the posting may be configured to provide more than two different posting angles. For example, the posting may be configured to be transitioned between a plurality of posting angles by (i) rotating the posting according to an axis of rotation perpendicular to one of the first and second surfaces, and / or (ii) flipping the posting 180 degrees according to an axis of rotation between the first and second surfaces. For example, the posting may be configured to provide four posting angles, wherein the posting is configured to be transitioned between the four posting angles by (i) rotating the posting 180 degrees according to an axis of rotation perpendicular to one of the first and second surfaces, and / or (ii) flipping the posting 180 degrees according to an axis of rotation between thefirst and second surfaces.

[0032] In some examples, the first surface is configured to provide a lateral posting when received by a receiving portion in an insole, and the second surface is configured to provide a medial posting when received by the receiving portion in the insole. Alternatively, the first and second surface may be configured to provide different posting angles in the same direction (i.e. both medial and / or both lateral postings).

[0033] In some examples, the posting may be a heel posting or a medial forefoot posting. However, the skilled person will understand that these examples are not intended to be limiting and that other postings may be used.

[0034] In some examples, the posting is configured to be substantially disc shaped. However the skilled person will understand that this is not intended to be limiting and that other geometries may be used. For example, the posting may alternatively be substantially rectangular, or wedge-shape.

[0035] The posting may also comprise a plurality of engagement structures configured to engage with a recess in the insole, optionally wherein the recess in the insole comprises corresponding engagement structures. For example, the plurality of engagement structures may be arranged around a peripheral surface of the posting. In some examples, the posting may comprise a plurality of teeth arranged around its perimeter.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, a kit is provided comprising the insole of the first aspect of the invention, and at least one posting of the second aspect. The kit may optionally further comprise a metatarsal dome.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an insole for a shoe, comprising five support portions, wherein the five support portions are located such that, in use, each support portion is configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal bone and / or a phalanx bone of a user’s foot, and wherein each of the five support portions is configured to be independently removable from the insole. This may be advantageous as each portion can then be removed independently to offload the corresponding area, for example toprovide relief from excessive pressure, corn, callus, and / or other requirement in use.

[0038] In some examples, each support portion may be located such that, in use, it is configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal head of the user’s foot.

[0039] Drawings

[0040] Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a bottom view of a pair of insoles according to the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 2A shows a rear view of a right-footed insole, such as the right-footed insole shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2B shows the inner side view of the right-footed insole of Fig. 2A. Fig. 2C shows an upper perspective view of the right-footed insole of Figs. 2A and 2B.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a rear portion of an insole, for example suitable for use with an insole of Fig. 1.

[0044] Fig. 4A shows an upper perspective view of an upper layer of a left-footed insole, for example suitable for use with an insole of Fig. 1. Fig. 4B shows the inner side view of the left-footed upper layer of Fig. 4A. Fig. 4C shows a bottom perspective view of the leftfooted upper layer of Figs. 4A and 4B.

[0045] Fig. 5A is a top view of an example posting disc, for example suitable for use with an insole of Fig. 1 and Figs. 2A to 2C. Fig. 5B shows a first side view of the posting disc of Fig. 5A. Fig. 5C shows a second side view (opposite to the first side view) of the posting disc of Figs. 5A and 5B. Fig. 5D shows a rear view of the posting disc of Figs. 5A-C in a first configuration. Fig. 5E shows a rear view of the posting disc of Figs. 5A-D in a second configuration, wherein the second configuration shows the posting rotated 180 degrees relative to the first configuration of Fig. 5D.

[0046] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of an example posting wedge, for example suitable for use with an insole of Fig. 1 and Figs. 2A to 2C. Fig. 6B shows a top view of the posting of Fig.6A. Fig. 6C shows a side view of the posting of Figs. 6A and 6B. Fig. 6D shows an end view of the posting of Figs. 6A-C.

[0047] Specific description

[0048] Embodiments of the claims relate to an insole for a shoe and postings for insertion into said insole.

[0049] It will be appreciated from the discussion above that the embodiments shown in the Figures are merely exemplary, and include features which may be generalised, removed or replaced as described herein and as set out in the claims.

[0050] The term “posting” is used to refer to an orthotic posting, post, or wedge. Said posting is an element that has one or more angled surfaces that can be used to adjust the angle of at least a portion of an insole, for example to support or correct foot alignment, positioning, and / or function when the insole is in use.

[0051] A lateral posting refers to a posting configured to raise a portion of the lateral side of a user’s foot. For example, a lateral rear foot posting (or heel posting) may provide a slope on the lateral side of the heel of an orthotic device, wherein the slope declines laterally from the lateral heel side to the foot’s sagittal plane. A lateral posting may be used, for example, to correct or reduce inversion of the foot.

[0052] A medial posting refers to a posting configured to raise a portion of the medial side of a user’s foot, for example a medial rear foot posting (or heel posting) may provide a slope on the medial side of the heel of an orthotic device, wherein the slope declines laterally from the medial heel side to the foot’s sagittal plane. A medial posting may be used, for example, to correct or reduce eversion of the foot.

[0053] Fig. 1 shows an underside view of a pair of insoles 100 according to the present invention. The pair of insoles 100 comprise a right-footed insole 100A and a left-footed insole 100B.

[0054] Each insole 100A and 100B comprises a rear portion 102. The rear portion 102 is configured to be arranged underneath the hindfoot and midfoot of a user in use. Anexample rear portion 102 is shown in more detail in Fig. 3. Preferably, the rear portion 102 is made from a semi-flexible or semi-rigid material or polymer, such as nylon or polypropylene.

[0055] The rear portion 102 comprises a first recess 104. The first recess 104 is located such that, in use, it is configured to be arranged underneath the user’s hindfoot. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the first recess 104 is located such that in use it is configured to be arranged underneath the user’s heel (e.g. calcaneum bone). In this example, the first recess 104 is provided by a moulded sink portion within the rear portion 102.

[0056] In the example shown, the first recess 104 has a substantially circular shape. The first recess 104 also comprises a plurality of castellations 306 arranged around its peripheral edge.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 1, the first recess 104 is configured to receive and retain a heel posting 106. The castellations 306 arranged around the edge of the first recess 104 are configured to act as engagement structures to engage with and retain the heel posting 106.

[0058] Optionally, the first recess 104 may further comprise an engagement member which extends from within the recess 104 substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (i.e. depth) of the recess 104 (not shown). The distal end of the engagement member, opposite to the innermost recess surface 104 may comprise a tapered arrowhead to assist in penetrating and retaining the heel posting 106, in addition to the castellations 306. Preferably, the engagement member does not extend beyond the depth of the first recess 104.

[0059] Figs. 5A to 5E illustrate an example heel posting 106, suitable for insertion into the first recess 104 of the rear portion 102. The heel posting 106 has a substantially spherical cross-section, and comprises two opposing faces, 502 and 504. The depth of the heel posting 106 is relatively small compared to the diameter of the two opposing faces, 502 and 504, such that the posting is disc shaped. Preferably, the heel posting 106 is made from a semi-flexible material or polymer, such as nylon or polypropylene.

[0060] The first and second faces 502 and 504 are angled relative to one another. As such, theheel posting 106 varies in thickness across the diameter in one direction, extending from a thick edge 510 to a tapered edge 508.

[0061] The heel posting 106 also comprises a plurality of castellations 506 arranged around the circumference. The castellations 506 are configured to act as engagement structures to engage with the castellations 306 of the first recess 104 to retain the heel posting 106 therein.

[0062] In the configuration shown in Figs. 5D and 5E, the heel posting 106 is arranged to show the castellations 506 being aligned substantially vertically, for example to be received by the castellations 306 of the first recess 104. In the configuration shown in Fig. 5D, the first surface 502 is arranged facing upwards configured to be received by the first recess 104. In this configuration, the angle 514A between the horizontal and the uppermost surface 502 is 4 degrees, and the angle 516A between the horizontal and the lowermost surface 504 is 6 degrees. When the posting is inserted into a left insole in the configuration shown in Fig. 5D, the castellations 306 of the first recess 104 and the castellations 506 of the heel posting 106 engage and cause the overall posting angle of the insole to be 6 degrees lifted at the medial edge.

[0063] In the configuration shown in Fig. 5E, the first surface 502 is arranged facing downwards, and the second surface 504 is arranged facing upwards configured to be received by the first recess 104. In this configuration, the angle 514B between the horizontal and the uppermost surface 504 is 6 degrees, and the angle 516B between the horizontal and the lowermost surface 502 is 4 degrees. When the posting is inserted into a left insole in the configuration shown in Fig. 5E, the castellations 306 of the first recess 104 and the castellations 506 of the heel posting 106 engage and cause the overall posting angle of the insole to be 4 degrees lifted at the lateral edge.

[0064] Whilst the heel posting 106 shown in Figs. 5A to 5E is configured to give rise to a posting angle of 4 or 6 degrees, the skilled person will understand that this combination of posting angles is not intended to be limiting. Indeed, any other combination of different posting angles may be employed by adjusting the relative angles between the first and second surfaces 502 and 504 of the heel posting 106. Merely by way of non-limiting example, thedifferent posting angles may be any of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 degrees.

[0065] In use, different posting degree angles are achieved using the same heel posting disc 106 by removing the disc, flipping it 180 degrees and reinserting it into the first recess 104. Accordingly, this may vary the posting degree angle based on whether the wearer requires a medial or lateral posting. Alternatively, the heel posting disc 106 can be removed to provide the insole 100 with a neutral posting angle, or the posting disc 106 can be replaced with an alternative heel posting disc, for example but not limited to a posting disc having a posting angle of 1 , 2, 3, 5, 7 or 8 degrees, depending on requirements for the wearer.

[0066] Each insole 100A and 100B also comprises an upper layer 108. The upper layer 108 is shaped such that in use it is configured to overlay an inner sole of a shoe. The upper layer 108 is arranged in between the rear portion 102 and a user’s foot in use, preferably wherein the upper layer 108 is configured to be arranged underneath the entirety of the user’s foot.

[0067] The upper layer 108 is made from a softer material than the rear portion 102, for example such as but not limited to polyurethane or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA). This may be advantageous for comfort of the insole.

[0068] The upper layer 108 comprises a first surface 108A and a second, opposite surface 108B. The first surface 108A is configured to be adjacent to the user’s foot; the second surface 108B is configured to be further from the user’s foot, and at least partially adjacent to the rear portion 102. An example upper layer 108 is shown in more detail in Figs. 4A to 4C.

[0069] The second surface 108B comprises a second recess 402. The second recess 402 is located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the medial portion of a user’s forefoot. The second recess 402 is configured to receive and retain a posting 110 for the medial forefoot, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0070] An example medial forefoot posting 110 is shown in more detail in Figs. 6A to 6D. The forefoot posting 110 comprises two opposing faces, 602 and 604. In this example, the posting 110 has a substantially quadrilateral cross-section with one pair of parallel sides. The pair of parallel sides comprises a longer side 612 and a shorter side 614.The first and second faces 602 and 604 are angled relative to one another. As such, the posting 110 varies in thickness between the pair of parallel sides, extending from a thick edge 610 at the short side 614 to a tapered edge 608 at the longer side 612. Preferably, the posting 110 is made from a semi-flexible material or polymer, such as nylon or polypropylene.

[0071] Because of the angled faces 602 and 604, the forefoot posting 110 is configured to be flipped 180 degrees according to an axis of rotation between the angled faces 602 and 604 in order to reverse the respective upper and lower faces 602 and 604 so as to transition the forefoot posting 110 between two different posting angles, in this example either of 2 or 4 degrees. This allows the forefoot posting angle to be adjusted according to the needs of the wearer.

[0072] The forefoot posting 110 is preferably configured to be retained within the second recess 402 be a press or friction fit.

[0073] The second surface 108B of the upper layer 108 also comprises a third recess 404. The third recess 404 is located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the metatarsal area of a user’s foot (e.g., ball of foot). The third recess 404 is configured to receive and retain five pads 112A-E, as shown in Fig. 1. Collectively, the five pad sections 112A-E form a Plantar Metatarsal Pad (PMP) 112. Each pad 112A-E is made from a softer material than the rear portion 102, for example such as but not limited to polyurethane or Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

[0074] Each pad 112A-E is configured to be located under a metatarsal head of the foot in use. Each pad 112A-E is configured to be removed independently from the second surface 108B of the upper layer 108. This may be advantageous to off load that area to provide relief from, for example, excessive pressure, corn, callus or other requirement. In some examples, each pad section 112A-E may comprise an adhesive backing to allow said pad section to reversibly adhere to the second surface 108B of the upper layer 108.

[0075] Optionally, the first surface 108A of the upper layer 108 may comprise a metatarsal dome202. The metatarsal dome 202 comprises an attachment surface and a curved and / or domed surface. The attachment surface may be configured to reversibly attach to the first surface 108. For example wherein the attachment surface may comprise an adhesive layer. Alternatively, the metatarsal dome 202 may comprise a mechanical fastener, for example such as hook fasteners configured for a hook-and-loop coupling with the first surface 108A of the upper layer, such as Velcro™. In such examples, the first surface 108A of the upper layer 108 may comprise a fabric layer configured for a hook-and-loop coupling with the metatarsal dome 202.

[0076] Overall, the insole 100 described above is able to be adapted to provide a degree of correction specifically required by the user in the rear foot, medially or laterally, as well as provide medial forefoot angulation where necessary. In addition, the insole 100 is also configured to off load pressures in the forefoot area, as required.

[0077] In the context of the present disclosure other examples and variations of the apparatus and methods described herein will be apparent to a person of skill in the art.

[0078] Embodiments are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0079] 1. An insole for a shoe, comprising:

[0080] a receiving portion configured to receive and retain a posting to adjust an angle of at least a portion of the insole;

[0081] wherein the receiving portion comprises a recess.

[0082] 2. The insole of any preceding clause wherein the receiving portion is configured to receive and retain the posting in both a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the angle of the posting is different for the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0083] 3. The insole of any preceding clause comprising:

[0084] a first surface configured to support a foot of a user; and

[0085] a second surface, opposing the first surface, the second surface comprising the receiving portion.4. The insole of any preceding clause wherein the recess is substantially circular, for example wherein the posting is disc shaped.

[0086] 5. The insole of any preceding clause wherein the recess comprises a plurality of engagement structures configured to engage with the posting.

[0087] 6. The insole of clause 5 wherein the plurality of engagement structures are arranged around a peripheral surface of the recess.

[0088] 7. The insole of any preceding clause wherein the recess is configured to retain a posting therein by way of a press fit.

[0089] 8. The insole of any preceding clause wherein the recess comprises at least one engagement member which extends substantially perpendicular to the recess.

[0090] 9. The insole of clause 8 wherein the at least one engagement member is configured to penetrate the posting to retain the posting within the recess.

[0091] 10. The insole of any preceding clause wherein the recess is located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the user’s heel, and is configured to receive and retain a heel posting.

[0092] 11. The insole of any of clauses 1 to 9 wherein the recess is located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the medial portion of a user’s forefoot, and is configured to receive a medial forefoot posting.

[0093] 12. The insole of any of clauses 1 to 10 further comprising a second receiving portion comprising a second recess located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the medial portion of a user’s forefoot, wherein the second recess is configured to receive and retain a medial forefoot posting.

[0094] 13. The insole of any preceding clause comprising:a first layer configured to support a foot of a user; and

[0095] a second layer comprising the receiving portion, wherein the second layer is harder than the first layer.

[0096] 14. The insole of clause 13 wherein the second layer is located such that, in use, it extends from the hindfoot to the midfoot.

[0097] 15. The insole of any preceding clause further comprising a pad located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the metatarsal portion of a user’s foot, wherein the pad is configured to be removable.

[0098] 16. The insole of clause 15 wherein the pad comprises five sections, wherein each of the five sections is configured to be independently removable from the insole.

[0099] 17. The insole of any preceding clause comprising a first surface configured to support a foot of a user, wherein the first surface is configured to reversibly couple to a metatarsal dome.

[0100] 18. A posting for insertion into the insole of any preceding clause, comprising:

[0101] a first surface; and

[0102] a second surface, opposing the first surface;

[0103] wherein the first surface and the second surface are angled relative to each other; and wherein each of the first surface and the second surface are configured to be received by the receiving portion such that the angle of the posting relative to the insole is configured to be variable based on the surface received by the receiving portion.

[0104] 19. The posting of clause 18 wherein the posting is a heel posting.

[0105] 20. The posting of clause 18 wherein the posting is a medial forefoot posting.

[0106] 21. The posting of any of clauses 18 to 20 wherein the first surface is configured to provide a lateral posting, and the second surface is configured to provide a medial posting.22. A kit comprising:

[0107] the insole of any of clauses 1 to 17; and

[0108] at least one posting of any of clauses 18 to 21.

[0109] 23. The kit of clause 22 further comprising a metatarsal dome.

[0110] 24. An insole for a shoe, comprising:

[0111] five support portions, wherein the five support portions are located such that, in use, each support portion is configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal bone and / or a phalanx bone of a user’s foot, and wherein each of the five support portions is configured to be independently removable from the insole.

[0112] 25. The insole of clause 24 wherein each support portion is located such that, in use, it is configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal head of the user’s foot.

[0113] 26. The insole of any of clauses 24 or 25 comprising:

[0114] a first surface configured to be adjacent to a foot of a user; and

[0115] a second surface, opposing the first surface, the second surface comprising the five support portions.

[0116] 27. The insole of clause 26, wherein the second surface comprises a recess located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the metatarsal area of a user’s foot, wherein the recess is configured to receive and retain the five support portions.

[0117] 28. The insole of any of clauses 26 or 27 wherein each support portion comprises an adhesive backing configured to reversibly adhere said support portion to the second surface.

[0118] 29. The insole of any of clauses 24 to 28 comprising:

[0119] a first layer configured to support a foot of a user;

[0120] a second layer, wherein the second layer is harder than the first layer, and wherein the second layer is located such that, in use, it extends from the hindfoot to the midfoot;

[0121] wherein the five support portions are configured to be arranged on the first layer.30. The insole of clause 29 wherein the five support portions are made from a softer material than the second layer.

[0122] 5

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An insole for a shoe, comprising:a receiving portion comprising a recess, wherein the recess is configured to receive and retain a posting to adjust an angle of at least a portion of the insole.

2. The insole of any preceding claim wherein the receiving portion is configured to receive and retain the posting in both a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the angle of the posting is different for the first configuration and the second configuration.

3. The insole of any preceding claim comprising:a first surface configured to support a foot of a user; anda second surface, opposing the first surface, the second surface comprising the receiving portion.

4. The insole of any preceding claim wherein the recess is substantially circular, for example wherein the posting is disc shaped.

5. The insole of any preceding claim wherein the recess comprises a plurality of engagement structures configured to engage with the posting.

6. The insole of claim 5 wherein the plurality of engagement structures are arranged around a peripheral surface of the recess.

7. The insole of any preceding claim wherein the recess is configured to retain a posting therein by way of a press fit.

8. The insole of any preceding claim wherein the recess comprises at least one engagement member which extends substantially perpendicular to the recess.

9. The insole of claim 8 wherein the at least one engagement member is configured to penetrate the posting to retain the posting within the recess.

10. The insole of any preceding claim wherein the recess is located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the user’s heel, and is configured to receive and retain a heel posting.

11. The insole of any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the recess is located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the medial portion of a user’s forefoot, and is configured to receive a medial forefoot posting.

12. The insole of any of claims 1 to 10 further comprising a second receiving portion comprising a second recess located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the medial portion of a user’s forefoot, wherein the second recess is configured to receive and retain a medial forefoot posting.

13. The insole of any preceding claim comprising:a first layer configured to support a foot of a user; anda second layer comprising the receiving portion, wherein the second layer is harder than the first layer.

14. The insole of claim 13 wherein the second layer is located such that, in use, it extends from the hindfoot to the midfoot.

15. The insole of any preceding claim further comprising a pad located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the metatarsal portion of a user’s foot, wherein the pad is configured to be removable.

16. The insole of claim 15 wherein the pad comprises five sections, wherein each of the five sections is configured to be independently removable from the insole.

17. The insole of any preceding claim comprising a first surface configured to support a foot of a user, wherein the first surface is configured to reversibly couple to a metatarsal dome.

18. A posting for insertion into the insole of any preceding claim, comprising:a first surface; anda second surface, opposing the first surface;wherein the first surface and the second surface are angled relative to each other; and wherein each of the first surface and the second surface are configured to be received by the receiving portion such that the angle of the posting relative to the insole is configured to be variable based on the surface received by the receiving portion.

19. The posting of claim 18 wherein the posting is a heel posting.

20. The posting of claim 18 wherein the posting is a medial forefoot posting.

21. The posting of any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the first surface is configured to provide a lateral posting, and the second surface is configured to provide a medial posting.

22. A kit comprising:the insole of any of claims 1 to 17; andat least one posting of any of claims 18 to 21.

23. The kit of claim 22 further comprising a metatarsal dome.

24. An insole for a shoe, comprising:five support portions, wherein the five support portions are located such that, in use, each support portion is configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal bone and / or a phalanx bone of a user’s foot, and wherein each of the five support portions is configured to be independently removable from the insole.

25. The insole of claim 24 wherein each support portion is located such that, in use, it is configured to be arranged underneath a metatarsal head of the user’s foot.

26. The insole of any of claims 24 or 25 comprising:a first surface configured to be adjacent to a foot of a user; anda second surface, opposing the first surface, the second surface comprising thefive support portions.

27. The insole of claim 26, wherein the second surface comprises a recess located such that, in use, it is arranged underneath the metatarsal area of a user’s foot, wherein the recess is configured to receive and retain the five support portions.

28. The insole of any of claims 24 to 27 wherein each support portion comprises an adhesive backing configured to reversibly adhere said support portion to the insole.

29. The insole of any of claims 24 to 28 comprising:a first layer configured to support a foot of a user;a second layer, wherein the second layer is harder than the first layer, and wherein the second layer is located such that, in use, it extends from the hindfoot to the midfoot;wherein the five support portions are configured to be arranged on the first layer.

30. The insole of claim 29 wherein the five support portions are made from a softer material than the second layer.

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