Spring-Flexible Shoe Rear for Easy Entry and Heel Support

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing easy-entry shoes with spring elements are costly to manufacture and uncomfortable due to rigid structures around the heel, failing to provide a simplified and inexpensive solution for easy shoe entry without bending down.

Innovation Solution

A shoe design featuring a shoe upper with a rear part reinforced by firm materials and a center portion made of flexible material, incorporating a spring element attached between the top and bottom portions to facilitate easy entry and secure the foot without requiring manual bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid and stable shoe construction is used, then structural support and stability are improved, but ease of entry and flexibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshoe structural stabilityVSAvoidease of entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid toe box and forefoot section for stability, and a flexible rear section with spring elements for ease of entry. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rear portion of the shoe incorporates dynamic spring elements that allow the shoe to flex and adapt during entry and wear. The spring-loaded heel counter and flexible quarter panels enable the shoe to deform during entry then return to its stable shape during wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a flexible and easy-entry shoe construction is used, then ease of entry is improved, but structural support and stability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of entryVSAvoidshoe structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The shoe is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid toe box and forefoot section for stability, and a flexible rear section with spring elements for ease of entry. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the shoe have different flexibility characteristics: the toe box and forefoot maintain rigid quality for stability, while the quarter panels and heel counter incorporate spring elements for flexibility during entry. Each local area has the quality needed for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If traditional stiff shoe designs are used, then formal appearance and structural integrity are improved, but comfort and adaptability to foot movement are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadaptability to foot movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rear portion of the shoe incorporates dynamic spring elements that allow the shoe to flex and adapt during entry and wear. The spring-loaded heel counter and flexible quarter panels enable the shoe to deform during entry then return to its stable shape during wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the shoe have different flexibility characteristics: the toe box and forefoot maintain rigid quality for stability, while the quarter panels and heel counter incorporate spring elements for flexibility during entry. Each local area has the quality needed for its specific function.

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 design allows for easy and comfortable shoe entry and removal without bending down, utilizing a flexible center portion and spring element to create space for the foot, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

The rear portion of the shoe including the heel counter and quarter panels is constructed with spring elements that allow the shoe to flex and adapt during entry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The heel counter is spring-loaded to provide support during entry and maintain the shoe's structured shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4240198B1An easy-entry shoe with a spring-flexible rear

Publication Date: 2026.05.13 ORTHOFEET INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A shoe including a sole and a shoe upper, the shoe upper including a shoe opening for entering the shoe, the shoe opening defined by a rear part, a medial part, a lateral part, and a front part, the rear part including a top portion, reinforced by a firm material, an optional bottom portion reinforced by a firm material, a center portion, located between the top portion and the bottom portion, the center portion made of a flexible material, and a spring element. The top part of the spring element being attached to the top portion of the rear part, and the bottom part of the spring element being attached to either the bottom portion of the rear part, or to the sole.