Shoe Midsole Cut-Out for Arch Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sports shoes tend to increase the rigidity of the medial side midsole, limiting the fitting feature to the foot's arch portion and causing the arch to sink, which reduces the spring and cushion functions.

Innovation Solution

A shoe design featuring a midsole with a cut-out portion on the medial side, closed at the middle portion in the width direction, to reduce the sinking of the arch part of the foot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the medial surface of the first arch and the second arch is closed to increase rigidity of the medial side portion of the midsole, then rigidity is improved, but the fitting feature of the sole to the arch portion of the foot is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity of the medial side portion of the midsoleVSAvoidfitting feature of the sole to the arch portion of the foot

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The midsole is segmented into multiple regions with different structural characteristics. The medial side portion contains cut-out portions that create localized flexibility zones, while other regions maintain sufficient rigidity. This segmentation allows different parts of the midsole to perform different functions - providing support where needed and flexibility where required for arch adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cut-out portions are strategically positioned in the medial side portion of the midsole to create local flexibility zones. These localized modifications allow the midsole to maintain overall structural integrity and rigidity while providing specific areas of compliance that enable the sole to adapt to the arch portion of the foot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the shoe fits the wearer's foot by tying shoelaces, then fitting is improved, but the arch portion of the foot sinks along the sole and the height of the medial arch is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting of the shoe to the footVSAvoidheight of the medial arch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cut-out portions are pre-formed in the midsole structure before the shoe is worn. This preliminary structural preparation creates built-in support zones that actively counteract the sinking tendency of the arch portion during normal wear, preventing the need for excessive tightening that would otherwise be required to maintain arch height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cut-out portions create structural resistance that opposes the downward sinking force applied to the arch portion of the foot during wear. This preliminary anti-action is built into the midsole structure itself, counterbalancing the natural tendency of the arch to collapse under the tension of lacing and body weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS12324485B2Shoe

Publication Date: 2025.06.10 ASICS CORP

AI summary

The shoe 100 includes the outer sole 10 brought in contact with the road surface, the midsole 20 arranged on the outer sole 10, and the upper 9 covering the foot from the upper side. The midsole 20 includes at the middle foot portion the cut-out portion 21 and the like opened to the outside and closed at the middle portion in the width direction.