Heel Stabilizing Sole Structure for Pronation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing footwear sole structures lack effective heel stabilization, leading to potential heel slippage and discomfort during physical activity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a heel stabilizing element, such as a heel clip, which fits around the rear of the shoe to securely engage the heel, providing anatomical fit and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sole structure is used, then the footwear is simple in structure, but heel stabilization is insufficient leading to heel slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The heel stabilizing element is divided into a rear portion that fits around the rear of the shoe and a forward portion that extends toward the midfoot region. This segmentation allows the element to provide heel stabilization while integrating smoothly with the existing sole structure, resolving the contradiction between improved reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heel stabilizing element is positioned within the void of the sole structure, with the rear portion fitting around the rear of the shoe and the forward portion extending into the midfoot region. This nesting approach allows the stabilizing element to be incorporated without significantly increasing overall structural complexity, while still providing enhanced heel stabilization.
2Ease of operation
If no heel stabilizing element is used, then the sole structure remains simple, but heel retention and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heel stabilizing element provides localized enhancement of heel retention and comfort by positioning a rigid rear portion around the heel area, while the forward portion transitions to a more flexible configuration. This local quality approach improves ease of operation regarding heel retention without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire sole structure.
3Reliability
If the heel stabilizing element extends too far forward, then pronation control is improved, but the element may interfere with midfoot flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The heel stabilizing element incorporates a rear portion with rigid geometry for pronation control and a forward portion that can flex and adapt to midfoot movements. This dynamic design allows the element to provide reliable pronation control when needed while maintaining adaptability and flexibility in the midfoot region during natural foot motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A sole structure, having a forefoot region; a mid-foot region; and a heel region; wherein the sole structure includes a midsole including a cushioning element disposed in the heel region and having a top surface, and a heel stabilizing element disposed in the heel region and around a portion of an exterior surface of the midsole, the heel stabilizing element extending from a first end disposed on a medial side of the sole structure to a second end disposed on a lateral side of the sole structure, wherein the first end of the heel stabilizing element is offset from the second end of the heel stabilizing element along a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.