Golf Shoe Midfoot Strap Support for Lateral Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf shoes fail to provide adequate lateral support at the critical midfoot region, leading to instability during golf swings and weight transfer, which can affect the quality and efficacy of a golfer's performance.
Innovation Solution
A midfoot support system comprising a lateral and medial strap configuration with an adjustable closure system, where the lateral strap is fixed to the sole and medial side of the shoe, and the medial strap is slidably engaged through the lateral strap, allowing for tension adjustment to secure the foot against the lateral side, enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lateral support is provided along the full length of the foot, then lateral stability is improved, but foot flexibility and natural movement are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the lateral support function into two segments: a rigid support structure at the midfoot region and a flexible upper material at the forefoot region. This segmentation allows the midfoot to receive rigid lateral support while the forefoot maintains flexibility for natural movement and bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: a rigid support structure is placed specifically at the midfoot region where lateral stability is critical, while the forefoot region uses flexible upper material to allow natural foot movement. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shoe is made rigid to provide stability during swing, then lateral support is improved, but foot flexion during walking and crouching is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is segmented into a rigid midfoot support structure and a flexible forefoot upper material. This allows the shoe to provide stability during the swing while permitting necessary flexion during walking and crouching activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the rigid midfoot support provides stability when needed, while the flexible upper material allows movement and adaptation during different golfing actions such as walking and crouching.
3Device complexity
If a simple strap configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but foot stabilization and movement prevention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The strap system is segmented into multiple functional components: a lateral strap with rigid support structure, a medial strap, and an adjustable closure system. This segmentation provides comprehensive foot stabilization while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral strap includes a rigid support structure that creates asymmetrical support, drawing the lateral side of the foot against the lateral side of the shoe. This asymmetrical configuration enhances foot stabilization and movement prevention beyond what a simple symmetrical strap could achieve.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf shoe with a midfoot support system including a lateral strap extending from underfoot and over the midfoot region and a medial strap extending from underfoot inside the upper over the midfoot region. The medial strap extends outwardly from the upper material and is slidably engaged through the free end of the lateral strap. The free end of the medial strap may be engaged with an adjustable closure system to cinch the lateral and medial straps tightly around the midfoot. In some examples, the lateral strap includes a rigid support structure. The midfoot support system allows the foot to be stabilized within the shoe reducing movement of the foot within the shoe. This additional stability and prevention of movement as helpful during the golf swing and shot taking.