Running Shoe Sole With Localized Stiff-Foam Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shoe soles, particularly in running shoes, lack high traction and durability while compromising on comfort and performance due to high rigidity and stiffness from supporting elements like shank elements and torsion systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a ground-contacting support element made of a stiffer foam material, distinct from the midsole, which provides enhanced traction, durability, and cushioning, with features like ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA) or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), and reinforcement with fibers, designed to extend across key foot regions for improved stability and energy return.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If supporting elements like shank elements and torsion systems are added to improve stability and performance, then stability and performance are improved, but rigidity and stiffness increase excessively leading to poor comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a stiffer foam material specifically in the ground-contacting support element areas where stability is needed, while the midsole maintains its softer, more comfortable characteristics. This localized reinforcement provides stability without excessively increasing overall rigidity and stiffness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining a stiffer foam material for the ground-contacting support element with the midsole material, creating a multi-material sole structure that simultaneously provides both stability and comfort through material composition rather than structural reinforcement alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional outsole materials like rubber are used to provide durability and traction, then traction and durability are improved, but weight increases and comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidsole weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the material properties of the ground-contacting support element to use a stiffer foam material that provides enhanced durability and traction while maintaining lower weight compared to traditional rubber outsoles. The stiffness parameter is increased to achieve the desired performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a stiffer foam material is used in the ground-contacting support element to improve stability and durability, then stability and durability are improved, but the sole becomes less compliant affecting comfort

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the sole into distinct functional regions: a midsole portion for comfort and cushioning, and a ground-contacting support element portion for stability and durability. Each segment uses material properties optimized for its specific function, with the ground-contacting element using stiffer foam material while the midsole maintains softer characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the stiffer foam material specifically in the ground-contacting support element areas where durability and stability are needed, while the midsole maintains its softer, more compliant characteristics for comfort. This localized application of stiffer material provides durability without compromising overall comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enhances stability, reduces the risk of ankle injuries, improves comfort and performance by distributing forces effectively, providing customized support and cushioning, and extends the shoe's lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

distributing forces effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce distribution:

Implementation Method 2

providing customized support and cushioning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCushioning: Damping

Implementation Method 3

energy return

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

stiffer than a midsole material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRigidity:

Implementation Method 5

durability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrength:

Data Source

PatentUS20250331602A1Sole for a Running Shoe

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 ADIDAS AG

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a sole for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe such as a running shoe, comprising (a) a midsole, and (b) at least one ground-contacting support element comprising a foam material and being distinct from the midsole, (c) wherein the foam material of the at least one ground-contacting support element is stiffer than a midsole material.