SHOES

Abstract

A sole of a shoe has a plurality of lower protrusions and a plurality of upper protrusions arranged at least at a portion of the sole corresponding to a forefoot of a wearer of the shoe. A support includes a planta rest that is arranged in an internal space surrounded by a shoe upper and bridges between a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a medial side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe to a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot width direction. The planta rest is configured to receive a portion of the planta of the foot of the wearer of the shoe near a base of metatarsal bone and lift the base of metatarsal bone above the sole.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-044967 filed on Mar. 16, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to shoes.

Shoes that allow a wearer to recognize the strengths of pressures transmitted to different portions of the planta have been proposed, for example, by Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491 discloses a shoe including: a sole that entirely supports the planta of a wearer's foot; a plurality of lower protrusions protruding downward from the bottom of the sole toward a road surface and arranged at intervals; and a plurality of upper protrusions protruding upward from the top of the sole toward the planta of the wearer's foot, each of the upper protrusions on the top of the sole being positioned to overlap with an associated one of the lower protrusions. The plurality of lower protrusions and the plurality of upper protrusions are arranged over the entire region of the sole in a bottom view and a plan view.

SUMMARY

In the shoe of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491, a reaction force received from the road surface is transmitted to the lower protrusions, and the reaction force is directly transmitted from the lower protrusions to the planta of the wearer's foot via the upper protrusions. Thus, the wearer can recognize the strengths of pressures transmitted to different portions of the entire planta of the foot.

When the wearer makes a movement, e.g., starts moving or makes a quick turn, a load tends to be applied to a portion of the sole of the shoe corresponding to a forefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, when such a movement is made, it is important to concentrate the pressure transmitted from the lower and upper protrusions on the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

However, since the shoe of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491 includes the plurality of lower protrusions and the plurality of upper protrusions arranged over the entire region of the sole, the pressure transmitted from the lower and upper protrusions is dispersed over the entire planta of the wearer's foot. That is, it is not easy to concentrate the pressure on the forefoot of the wearer's foot with this shoe.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the foregoing background, and an object of the present disclosure is to allow a wearer to feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure on the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the disclosure relates to a shoe. The shoe includes: a sole; a shoe upper that is provided on the sole and covers a foot of a wearer of the shoe; and at least one support provided for the shoe upper. The sole includes: a plurality of lower protrusions arranged at least on a portion of the sole corresponding to a forefoot of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, each of the lower protrusions protruding downward from the sole; and a plurality of upper protrusions arranged at least on the portion of the sole corresponding to the forefoot of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, each of the upper protrusions protruding upward from the sole and vertically overlapping with an associated one of the lower protrusions to form a pair when viewed in section. The support includes a planta rest that is arranged in an internal space surrounded by the shoe upper and brides between a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a medial side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe and a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot width direction. The planta rest is configured to receive a portion of a planta of the foot of the wearer of the shoe near a base of metatarsal bone of the wearer of the shoe, and lift the base of metatarsal bone above the sole.

In the first aspect of the disclosure, each of the lower protrusions vertically overlaps with an associated one of the upper protrusions to form a pair when viewed in section. In this configuration, a reaction force received from the road surface is transmitted to the plurality of lower protrusions, and the reaction force is directly transmitted from the lower protrusions to the planta of the wearer's foot via the upper protrusions. As a result, the wearer can recognize the strengths of pressures transferred to different portions of the planta of the foot. The planta rest of the support is configured to lift the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot above the sole. This configuration causes an upward force to act on the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot, and the base of metatarsal bone floats above the sole. As a result, pressure is less likely to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot. On the other hand, a reaction force against the force that has acted on the planta rest is applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot. That is, a downward force (in the direction of gravity) is applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot as the reaction force. Thus, the weight of the wearer is easily put on the forefoot of the wearer's foot. As a result, the pressure easily concentrates on the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot. In particular, the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot easily receives the pressure from the lower protrusions and the upper protrusions. For this reason, when the wearer makes a movement, e.g., starts moving or makes a quick turn, the pressure transmitted from the lower protrusions and the upper protrusions to the forefoot of the wearer's foot can be made greater than the pressure transmitted to the other portions than the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, in the first aspect of the disclosure, the wearer can feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A second aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the second aspect, the planta rest is configured to be entirely kept away upward from the sole when the shoe is not worn.

In the second aspect of the disclosure, the pressure is not easily transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot, while the pressure is easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, the wearer can feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A third aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the third aspect, the planta rest is made of an elastically deformable material.

In the third aspect of the disclosure, the planta rest can be elastically deformed so that the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot floats above the sole. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Thus, the wearer can feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A fourth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the fourth aspect, the planta rest is made of a material having a thickness of 3.0 mm or less.

In the fourth aspect of the disclosure, discomfort in the wearer's foot due to the planta rest is reduced. This can make the wearer unaware of the presence of the planta rest. As a result, this configuration does not block the wearer from feeling the sensation of pressure transmitted from the lower and upper protrusions to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A fifth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the fifth aspect, the planta rest is arranged at a portion of the sole corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe.

In the fifth aspect of the disclosure, an upward force generated by the planta rest can directly act on the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, the wearer can feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A sixth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the sixth aspect, the support includes a plurality of supports. The plurality of supports are arranged such that the planta rests of the plurality of supports sandwich a portion of the sole corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot length direction.

In the sixth aspect of the disclosure, the planta rests of the plurality of supports can lift the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot above the sole. Thus, an upward force acts on the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot. This configuration causes the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot to float above the sole. As a result, the wearer can feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A seventh aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the seventh aspect, the shoe further includes an adjuster provided for the shoe upper. The support further includes a pair of connections provided at both ends of the planta rest. At least one of the pair of connections is configured to be connected to the adjuster.

In the seventh aspect of the disclosure, when the adjuster is appropriately adjusted and fastened, the planta rest can be easily stabilized at a predetermined position in the internal space surrounded by the shoe upper. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit the pressure from the lower protrusions and the upper protrusions to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

An eighth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect. In the eighth aspect, the support further includes a pair of connections provided at both ends of the planta rest. The pair of connections are configured to intersect with, or be fixed to, the positions of the shoe upper corresponding to the medial side and the lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe. A position of intersection or fixation between the pair of connections and the shoe upper is away upward from a lowermost portion of an upper surface of the sole by 10 mm or more.

In the eighth aspect of the disclosure, a portion of the planta of the foot corresponding to the position of the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot can be lifted above the sole by the planta rest regardless of the height of the arch portion of the wearer's foot. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit the pressure from the lower protrusions and the upper protrusions to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosure allows the wearer to feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a shoe according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the shoe of the first embodiment together with a skeletal structure of a wearer's foot as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a sole and a planta rest together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the sole and a support together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from the medial side.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the sole and the support together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a shoe according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the shoe of the second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a sole and a planta rest according to the second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from above.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the sole and a support according to the second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from the medial side.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the sole and the support according to the second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a shoe according to a first variation.

FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a shoe according to a second variation.

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a shoe according to a third variation.

FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating a cross-sectional structure of a shoe according to a fourth variation.

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a shoe according to a fifth variation as viewed from the lateral side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The following description of the embodiments is merely exemplary in nature, and is not intended to limit the scope, applications, or use of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an entire shoe 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. A pair of shoes 1 may be used, for example, as athletic shoes for running and various sports, sneakers for daily use, or rehabilitation shoes.

The drawings illustrate a left shoe 1 only as an example. Since the right shoe is symmetrical to the left shoe, only the left shoe will be described in the following description, and the description of the right shoe will be omitted herein.

In the following description, the expressions “above,” “upward,” “on a/the top of,” “below,” and “downward,” represent the vertical positional relationship between respective components of the shoe 1. The expressions “front,” “fore,” “forward,” “rear,” and “hind” represent the positional relationship in a foot length direction (front-rear direction) between respective components of the shoe 1. The expressions “medial side” and “lateral side” represent the positional relationship in a foot width direction between respective components of the shoe 1. The term “arch portion of the foot” indicates both of arch portions on the medial and lateral sides of a wearer's foot f Further, the term “midfoot M” refers to a portion of the wearer's foot f ranging from a base of metatarsal bone MTa (proximal head of the metatarsal bone) to rear ends of navicular bone NB and cuboid bone CB in the foot length direction (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

(Sole)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe 1 includes a sole 2. In this embodiment, the sole 2 includes an outsole 3 and a midsole 4.

The outsole 3 is made of a hard elastic member having greater hardness than the midsole 4. Specifically, non-limiting suitable examples of the material for the outsole 3 include thermoplastic resins such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU), and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber. The outsole 3 preferably has hardness of, for example, 50 A to 80 A on the Asker A scale.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the midsole 4 is laminated on the top of the outsole 3 with, for example, an adhesive. The midsole 4 is made of a soft elastic material having lower rigidity than the outsole 3. Specifically, non-limiting examples of the material suitable for the midsole 4 include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and foams thereof, thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU) and foams thereof, and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber and foams thereof. The midsole 4 preferably has hardness of, for example, 15 C to 65 C on the Asker C scale.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the periphery of an upper surface of the midsole 4 is formed into a peripheral portion 5 that supports the periphery of the planta of the wearer's foot f Further, the midsole 4 has, between a portion of the peripheral portion 5 on the medial side and a portion of the peripheral portion 5 on the lateral side, a bottomed recess 6 dented downward from an upper surface of the peripheral portion 5 when viewed in section. Although not shown, the recess 6 extends in the foot length direction to correspond to a position of the wearer's foot f from the toe to the heel in plan view.

(Lower Protrusions and Upper Protrusions)

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sole 2 has a plurality of lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and a plurality of upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . In the present embodiment, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are arranged on the sole 2 to correspond to the entire planta of the wearer's foot f. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are not shown.

The lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , are provided on a lower surface of the outsole 3. Specifically, each lower protrusion 7 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the outsole 3 in the normal direction of the lower surface (i.e., protrudes opposite to the midsole 4). Each lower protrusion 7 has, for example, a substantially hemispherical lower end portion. In the present embodiment, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , are formed to have different thicknesses and lengths.

The upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are provided in the recess 6 of the midsole 4. Specifically, each upper protrusion 8 protrudes upward from a bottom surface of the recess 6 in the normal direction of the bottom surface (i.e., protrudes opposite to the outsole 3). Each upper protrusion 8 has, for example, a substantially hemispherical upper end portion. The upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are formed to have different thicknesses and lengths.

Each upper protrusion 8 is arranged immediately above an associated one of the lower protrusions 7 when viewed in section. That is, each of the lower protrusions 7 vertically overlaps with an associated one of the upper protrusions 8 to form a pair when viewed in section.

(Upper)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2, the shoe 1 has a shoe upper 10 that covers the wearer's foot f. Specifically, the shoe upper 10 is suitably made of knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, artificial leather, natural leather, or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the shoe upper 10 is fixed to the peripheral portion 5 of the midsole 4 with an adhesive or the like. A portion of the shoe upper 10 positioned above the midsole 4 is configured as an insole 10a against which the planta of the wearer's foot f abuts.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an ankle opening 11 through which the wearer's foot f is inserted into the shoe is provided at the top of the shoe upper 10. An opening 12 that communicates with the ankle opening 11 and extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the top of the shoe upper 10. An eyestay 13 is provided around the opening 12. A tongue 15 that covers or uncovers the opening 12 is provided at a front edge of the opening 12.

The eyestay 13 is made of, for example, artificial leather. The eyestay 13 is arranged at a portion of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to the instep of the wearer's foot f The eyestay 13 is fixed to the shoe upper 10 by sewing or the like. A plurality of eyelet holes 14, 14, . . . , are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction in left and right edge portions of the eyestay 13. In FIG. 6, the eyestay 13 and the eyelet holes 14 are not shown.

The shoe upper 10 is provided with a shoelace 16 (adjuster). The shoelace 16 can be inserted into the eyelet holes 14, 14, . . . , positioned at the left and right edge portions of the eyestay 13. When both ends of the shoelace 16 at the ankle opening 11 are fastened, the shoe upper 10 can be fitted around the instep of the wearer's foot.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the shoe upper 10 is provided with insertion holes 17 that receive connections 21 of a support 20 which will be described later. Each insertion hole 17 is formed, for example, in a substantially elliptical shape in a side view, and penetrates the shoe upper 10. The insertion holes 17 are respectively arranged on the medial side and lateral side of the shoe upper 10. The insertion holes 17 are arranged near a portion of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer in a side view.

(Support)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the shoe 1 includes a support 20 provided for the shoe upper 10. The support 20 is arranged above the sole 2. The support 20 is arranged substantially at the center of the shoe upper 10 in the foot length direction. Specifically, the support 20 is arranged near the portion of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer. The support 20 includes a pair of connections 21, 21 and a planta rest 22. In FIG. 6, only the planta rest 22 is hatched with dots in order to distinguish the planta rest 22 from the connections 21.

Each connection 21 is formed, for example, in a substantially band shape. The connections 21 are respectively provided at ends of the planta rest 22. The connections 21, 21 are formed integrally with the planta rest 22. Examples of the material of the connections 21 include knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, artificial leather, natural leather, or the like.

In this embodiment, the connections 21 are configured to intersect with the shoe upper 10. Specifically, the connections 21 can be respectively inserted into the insertion holes 17 on the medial and lateral sides (see FIGS. 2 and 6). A position of intersection between the respective connections 21 and the shoe upper 10 (i.e., the position of the respective insertion holes 17) is preferably away upward from the lowermost portion of the upper surface of the sole 2 by 10 mm or more. Note that the “lowermost portion of the upper surface of the sole 2” referred herein means the apex of the shortest one of the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , formed on the upper surface of the sole 2.

An end of each connection 21 is connectable to the shoelace 16 (adjuster). For example, a substantially round hole 23 is formed in the end of each connection 21, so that the connections 21 and the shoelace 16 are connected together when the shoelace 16 is inserted into the holes 23 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 6).

Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, the planta rest 22 is formed in a substantially band shape. The planta rest 22 is preferably formed as thin as possible. Specifically, the planta rest 22 is made of a material having a thickness of 3.0 mm or less. In this embodiment, examples of the material of the planta rest 22 include materials that are not elastically deformed, such as knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, artificial leather, and natural leather.

The planta rest 22 of the present embodiment is arranged at a portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer. The connections 21, 21 make the planta rest 22 bridge between a position of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to the medial side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe and a position of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to the lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in the foot width direction (see FIG. 6). In this state, the planta rest 22 can receive the planta of the foot near the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer. The planta rest 22 is configured to lift the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer above the sole 2.

When the shoe 1 is not worn by the wearer (hereinafter referred to as an “unworn state”), the planta rest 22 of the present embodiment is kept away upward from the sole 2. Specifically, the support 20 is configured such that in the unworn state, the planta rest 22 entirely floats above the sole 2, using two points of intersection between the connections 21 and the shoe upper 10 as fulcrums.

Advantages of First Embodiment

In the shoe 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the lower protrusions 7 vertically overlaps with an associated one of the upper protrusions 8 to form a pair when viewed in section. In this configuration, a reaction force received from the road surface is transmitted to the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the reaction force is directly transmitted from the lower protrusions 7 to the planta of the foot f via the upper protrusions 8. As a result, the wearer can recognize the strengths of pressures transferred to different portions of the planta of the foot.

The planta rest 22 of the support 20 is configured to lift the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer above the sole 2. This configuration causes an upward force (see the upward arrows shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) to act on the base of metatarsal bone MTa, and the base of metatarsal bone MTa floats above the sole 2. As a result, pressure is less likely to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa. On the other hand, a reaction force against the force that has acted on the planta rest 22 is applied to the forefoot F of the wearer. That is, a downward force (in the direction of gravity) is applied to the forefoot F of the wearer as the reaction force (see the downward arrows shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). Thus, the weight of the wearer is easily put on the forefoot F of the wearer. As a result, the pressure easily concentrates on the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer. In particular, the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer easily receives the pressure from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . For this reason, when the wearer makes a movement, e.g., starts moving and/or makes a quick turn, the pressure transmitted from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , to the forefoot F of the wearer can be made greater than the pressure transmitted to the other portions than the forefoot F. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the first embodiment allows the wearer to feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, in the shoe 1 of the first embodiment, when the shoe 1 is in the unworn state, the planta rest 22 is entirely kept away upward from the sole 2. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer. Therefore, the wearer can feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

The planta rest 22 is made of a material having a thickness of 3.0 mm or less. Thus, discomfort in the wearer's foot f due to the planta rest 22 is reduced. This can make the wearer unaware of the presence of the planta rest 22. As a result, this configuration does not block the wearer from feeling the sensation of pressure transmitted to the forefoot F of the wearer from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . .

Since the planta rest 22 is arranged at the portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer, the upward force generated by the planta rest 22 can directly act on the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer. Therefore, the wearer can feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

The connections 21 of the support 20 are connectable to the shoelace 16 (adjuster). Thus, when the shoelace 16 is appropriately adjusted and fastened, the planta rest 22 can be easily stabilized at a predetermined position in the internal space surrounded by the shoe upper 10. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately transmit the pressure from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, the position of intersection between the connections 21 and the shoe upper 10 is away upward from the lowermost portion of the upper surface of the sole 2 by 10 mm or more. Therefore, a portion of the planta of the wearer's foot corresponding to the position of the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer can be lifted above the sole 2 by the planta rest 22 regardless of the height of the arch portion of the wearer. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately transmit the pressure from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate a shoe 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the number and positions of the supports 20 are different from those in the first embodiment. Note that the other configurations of the shoe 1 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the shoe 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference characters are used to designate the same elements as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, and detailed description thereof is omitted herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, the shoe 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) supports 20, 20. The supports 20, 20 are arranged such that their planta rests 22 sandwich the portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer in the foot length direction.

Specifically, the forward one of the planta rests 22 in the foot length direction is arranged to correspond to a portion of the sole 2 forward of the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer's foot f On the other hand, the rearward one of the planta rests 22 in the foot length direction is arranged at a portion of the sole 2 mainly corresponding to the navicular bone NB and cuboid bone CB of the wearer's foot f.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the planta rests 22 of the two supports 20 can lift the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer above the sole 2. As a result, an upward force acts on the base of metatarsal bone MTa (see the upward arrows shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). This causes the base of metatarsal bone MTa to float above the sole 2. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the second embodiment also allows the wearer to feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer in the same manner as the shoe of the first embodiment.

First Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments that the planta rest 22 is entirely kept away upward from the sole 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, according to a first variation shown in FIG. 12, the planta rest 22 may be partially fixed to the sole 2. Specifically, in this variation, only a substantial center portion of the planta rest 22 in the foot width direction is fixed to the insole 10a of the shoe upper 10. That is, the ends on the medial side and lateral side of the planta rest 22 are not fixed to the insole 10a.

Also in this variation, for example, when the shoelace 16 (adjuster) is appropriately fastened, the ends in the foot width direction of the planta rest 22 can be kept away upward from the sole 2 via the respective connections 21. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the first variation, too, allows the wearer to feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Second Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments that the planta rest 22 may be made of materials that are not elastically deformed, such as knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather, artificial leather, or natural leather. However, the material of the planta rest 22 is not limited to such materials. For example, according to a second variation shown in FIG. 13, the planta rest 22 may be made of an elastically deformable material. Examples of the elastically deformable material include resin materials such as thermosetting polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and styrene elastomers, rubber materials, and stretchable textile materials.

In this variation, the planta rest 22 can be elastically deformed so that the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer floats above the sole 2. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the second variation, too, allows the wearer to feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer in the same manner as the shoe of the first embodiment.

Third Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments and the second variation that the connections 21 are arranged to intersect with the shoe upper 10, and the ends of the connections 21 are connected to the shoelace 16 (adjuster). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, according to a third variation shown in FIG. 14, the ends of the connections 21 on the medial side and the lateral side may be fixed to an inner surface of the shoe upper 10. Specifically, in the shoe 1 of this variation, the ends of the connections 21 are not connected to the shoelace 16 (adjuster). In this variation, too, the position of the planta rest 22 can be stabilized in the internal space surrounded by the shoe upper 10. As a result, the pressure is appropriately transmitted to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, a position of fixation between the connections 21 and the shoe upper 10 is preferably away upward from the sole 2 by 10 mm or more. Therefore, a portion of the planta of the foot corresponding to the position of the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer can be lifted above the sole 2 by the planta rest 22 regardless of the height of the arch portion of the wearer.

Fourth Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments and the second variation that the connections 21 are arranged to intersect with the shoe upper 10, and the ends of the connections 21 are connected to the shoelace 16 (adjuster). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, according to a fourth variation shown in FIG. 15, the end of only one of the connections 21 (the connection 21 located on the medial side in the illustrated example) may be fixed to the inner surface of the shoe upper 10. Specifically, the support 20 of this variation is configured such that the planta rest 22 entirely floats above the sole 2, using two points, i.e., a point of intersection between the connection 21 on the lateral side and the shoe upper 10 and a point of fixation between the connection 21 on the medial side and the shoe upper 10, as fulcrums. In this configuration, too, the position of the planta rest 22 can be stabilized in the internal space surrounded by the shoe upper 10. As a result, the pressure is appropriately transmitted to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Fifth Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments that the shoelace 16 serves as the adjuster, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, according to a fifth variation shown in FIG. 16, a belt 31 and an annular portion 32 provided on the top of the shoe upper 10 may serve as the adjuster. The annular portion 32 has, for example, a D-shaped through hole, in which the belt 31 can be inserted. In the shoe 1 of the fifth variation, the opening 12, the eyestay 13, the eyelet holes 14, 14, . . . , and the tongue 15 according to the first embodiment may not be provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, an end portion of the connection 21 is folded back in the longitudinal direction of the connection 21 to be formed into a substantially ring-shaped holding portion 24. The holding portion 24 is connected, within the ring shape thereof, to the annular portion 32. In this state, the belt 31 and the annular portion 32 function as the adjuster, just like the shoelace 16 shown in the above-described embodiments. The adjuster may be comprised of any one of the eyelet holes 14, the belt 31, or the annular portion 32.

Other Embodiments

It has been described in the above embodiments and variations that the sole 2 includes the outsole 3 and the midsole 4, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sole 2 may be comprised of the outsole 3.

Further, it has been described in the above embodiments and variations that the plurality of lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the plurality of upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are arranged on the sole 2 over the entire region of the planta of the wearer's foot f, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , may not be arranged at portions of the sole 2 corresponding to the midfoot M and hindfoot H of the wearer. Alternatively, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , may be absent only from the portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the midfoot M of the wearer. In short, the advantages of the above-described embodiments and variations can be provided as long as the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are arranged at least on a portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, it has been described in the above embodiments and variations that the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , are formed to have different thicknesses and lengths, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. That is, the lower protrusions 7 may be formed to have the same thickness and length. The same applies to the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . .

In addition, it has been described in the above embodiments and variations that the support 20 includes the connections 21 formed in a substantially band shape, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the connection 21 may be formed in a substantially thread shape (not shown). In this configuration, the substantially thread-shaped connection 21 may be connected to the adjuster such as the shoelace 16. Alternatively, the substantially thread-shaped connection 21 may be fixed to the inner surface of the shoe upper 10.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure is industrially applicable to, for example, athletic shoes for running and various sports, sneakers for daily use, and rehabilitation shoes.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising:

a sole;

a shoe upper that is provided on the sole and covers a foot of a wearer of the shoe; and

at least one support provided for the shoe upper, wherein

the sole includes: a plurality of lower protrusions arranged at least on a portion of the sole corresponding to a forefoot of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, each of the lower protrusions protruding downward from the sole; and a plurality of upper protrusions arranged at least on the portion of the sole corresponding to the forefoot of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, each of the upper protrusions protruding upward from the sole and vertically overlapping with an associated one of the lower protrusions to form a pair when viewed in section,

the support includes a planta rest that is arranged in an internal space surrounded by the shoe upper and brides between a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a medial side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe and a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot width direction, and

the planta rest is configured to receive a portion of a planta of the foot of the wearer of the shoe near a base of metatarsal bone of the wearer of the shoe, and lift the base of metatarsal bone above the sole.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein

the planta rest is configured to be entirely kept away upward from the sole when the shoe is not worn.

3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein

the planta rest is made of an elastically deformable material.

4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein

the planta rest is made of a material having a thickness of 3.0 mm or less.

5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein

the planta rest is arranged at a portion of the sole corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe.

6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein

the support includes a plurality of supports, and

the plurality of supports are arranged such that the planta rests of the plurality of supports sandwich a portion of the sole corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot length direction.

7. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising:

an adjuster provided for the shoe upper, wherein

the support further includes a pair of connections provided at both ends of the planta rest, and

at least one of the pair of connections is configured to be connected to the adjuster.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein

the support further includes a pair of connections provided at both ends of the planta rest, and

the pair of connections are configured to intersect with, or be fixed to, the positions of the shoe upper corresponding to the medial side and the lateral side-of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, and

a position of intersection or fixation between the pair of connections and the shoe upper is away upward from a lowermost portion of an upper surface of the sole by 10 mm or more.