Multi-Surface Golf Shoe Outsole Zones to Reduce Turf Trenching

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional golf shoes often cause turf-trenching and damage to golf course surfaces due to their traction members, which compromises stability and comfort during play.

Innovation Solution

The golf shoe features an outsole with distinct zones of traction members arranged in a non-channeled pattern, utilizing spiral pathways and tile pieces with varying curvatures to minimize turf-trenching while providing high traction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional traction members are used on golf shoes, then traction and stability are improved, but turf-trenching and damage to golf course surfaces occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetractionVSAvoidturf-trenching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is divided into multiple distinct zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different traction member configurations. Each zone serves a specific function: the first zone provides lateral traction, the second zone provides forward/backward traction, and the third zone provides additional lateral traction. This segmentation allows the shoe to provide comprehensive traction while distributing pressure more evenly to reduce turf-trenching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the outsole have different properties tailored to their specific functions. The first zone has traction members oriented for lateral movement, the second zone has traction members for forward/backward movement, and the third zone has traction members for lateral support. This local differentiation optimizes traction in each area while minimizing overall turf damage compared to uniform traction member distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If metal spikes are used for traction, then stability is improved, but damage to putting greens and clubhouse surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameter from metal to plastic for the traction members. Plastic spikes provide sufficient traction and stability for golf play while being less damaging to putting greens and clubhouse surfaces. The material change maintains the functional requirements while eliminating the harmful effects of metal spikes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If non-channeled pattern with spiral pathways is used, then turf-trenching is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturf-trenchingVSAvoidoutsole pattern complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outsole is divided into multiple distinct zones (first zone, second zone, third zone) with different traction member configurations. Each zone serves a specific function: the first zone provides lateral traction, the second zone provides forward/backward traction, and the third zone provides additional lateral traction. This segmentation allows the shoe to provide comprehensive traction while distributing pressure more evenly to reduce turf-trenching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses spiral pathways and curved patterns instead of straight linear channels. The spiral pathways in the second zone create a non-channeled pattern that distributes pressure more evenly across the turf surface, reducing trenching. The curved geometry of the spiral paths provides both functional traction benefits and aesthetic appeal while minimizing surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS20250275603A1Golf shoe having outsole with multi-surface traction zones

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 ACUSHNET CO

AI summary

Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction.