Soccer shoe component or insert made of one material and/or a composite and/or laminate of one or more materials for enhancing the performance of the soccer shoe

Abstract

An insert for soccer shoes absorbs and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The insert may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The insert is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The insert preferably extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extends longitudinally as well from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/409,383 and 60/409,386 both filed on Sep. 11, 2002, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of performance enhancing shoe components or inserts for use in conjunction with various types of foot-ware. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of performance enhancing shoe components or inserts which absorb and store energy of local loads and forces, through elastic deformation, and then return the energy to the shoe wearer, or to an object struck by a shoe, in useful form as the load is removed.

2. General Background of the Invention

There is a high demand for athletic equipment which enhances the performance of athletes. At all levels of athletic competition, small improvements in performance can be the difference between success and failure. At the highest levels of athletics, the difference of a few tenths or hundredths of a second is all that separates the elite athlete from the ordinary. For this reason, equipment which improves performance even slightly, will be desired in high demand. The newer materials used in tennis racket construction or golf club shafts are examples of equipment which improves performance by absorbing and storing energy, then returns this energy in a useful form as the load is removed.

This high demand for performance enhancing athletic equipment includes the art of athletic shoes and shoe components. Most recent improvements in athletic shoes or athletic shoe components have been made for aesthetic reasons or for comfort or to reduce weight. Few changes in athletic shoes or their components have been for meaningful increases in athletic performance. Present athletic shoes and their components fail to provide an energy return to the wearer. Neither do they absorb energy and return energy to a ball or object struck by the shoe.

3. Description of Prior Art

Athletic shoes typically comprise a fabric, leather or synthetic upper, an outsole including a treaded or cleated lower surface, and a midsole positioned between the outsole and the foot of the wearer. There may also be an insole positioned between the outsole and the foot of the wearer. If the shoe is not manufactured with an insole, a wearer may add an insole or replace the midsole with an insole.

The midsole of a conventional athletic shoe is generally formed from a flexible, resilient, relatively soft material in order to absorb shock that results from impact of the shoe with the ground. A typical outsole is made of a higher density, tougher, more rigid material in order to protect the shoe from degradation and to support the foot. The outsole must also be flexible in order to facilitate ease of movement of the foot during certain athletic motions.

The following U.S. Patents are incorporated herein by reference:

U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,454,662, 4,506,460, 5,203,793, 5,452,526, 5,572,804, 5,695,850 5,960,566, 6,120,880, 6,205,683, 6,485,661.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,804 discloses an inner sole for an athletic shoe that can have many degrees of stiffness, by the application of multiple inserts into the sole.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,526 discloses a soccer shoe with an outsole stiffener; the stiffening inserts are molded into the outer sole.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,120,880 and 5,694,850 disclose placing inserts into various portions of the insole of an athletic shoe to enhance performance.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,683 discloses placing a torsional insert within the inner sole of an athletic shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,454,662 of 1984 issued to Stubblefield adds stiffening components to the arch and heel portions of the shoe. The present invention adds flexible components to just the front or to the front and outside edges of the shoe. The present invention may provide some measure of arch support, but little or no heel support. The shoe/sole/insert of an embodiment of the present invention will have a shape, location and function significantly different than the stiffening components in this patent.

There are numerous articles of footwear in the prior art in which inserts and shoe components are present in order to provide comfort, stability or support for the foot. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,506,460 of 1985 issued to Rudy describes moderators and stabilizers located under the forefoot and heel. The purpose of these moderators and stabilizers is to cushion shock forces, provide improved support, control and stability, store energy and return energy to the wearer. These moderators and stabilizers are located under and vertically alongside the forefoot and heel of the wearer. The present invention's primary location will be the toe of the shoe with little or nothing supporting the heel and forefoot. The shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention will primarily be horizontally flat or slightly curved with little or no vertical element alongside the forefoot and heel. The shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention can differ in shape and location within the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,526 of 1995 issued to Collins describes a two-part stiffener, the first portion of which stiffens the waist or shank of the outsole; and the second portion both stiffens and provides resiliency to the forepart of the of the outsole. The purpose of this two-part stiffener is to provide physical properties which are selected for the appropriate use of the shoe and to provide comfort to the wearer. These stiffeners operate to stiffen the shank or waist of the outsole and a fore part of the outsole in response to transverse flexure of the user's foot at the ball of the foot. These stiffeners are relatively complex in shape and located in various places throughout the outsole and arranged in a manner to resist flexure about the longitudinal axis of the shoe. The shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention will provide resilience primarily in response to vertical flexure of the user's foot at the toe, or even in front of the toe, and to a lesser extent, in response to some transverse flexure only at the outside edge of the foot. The shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention will have relatively simple shapes with a location farther forward and whose function is not lateral support, but a vertical return to its original shape.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,804 issued to Skaja et al. in 1996 details method of construction of shoe midsole components from a flexible high polymer resin. These shoe sole components are formed from two sheets of thermoplastic resin, with each sheet consisting of different materials having different properties and containing varying shapes and sizes of support members. These support members comprise inwardly directed indentations in each sheet of the thermoplastic resin which must be precisely aligned with the matching indentation. The shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention will not be restricted to only the midsole, nor will it consist of a plurality of shaped protrusions scattered throughout the midsole component material. The present invention can preferably be a thin, flat or slightly curved object consisting of a single or very few individual sizes and shapes extending to the front and side edges of the shoe outsole or midsole or inserted insole. Only if the present invention is hollow will it be important to more precisely match various protrusions or indentations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,850 issued to Crow in 1997 is a performance shoe component consisting of 1,4-polybutadiene and a natural or synthetic rubber. This shoe component is most advantageously placed beneath the ball of the foot. The purpose of that location is to improve the wearer's ability to leap higher or run faster or provide cushioning. The shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention will be most advantageously placed under and possibly beyond the front edges and outside edges of the shoe. This location is intended to maximize the absorption of energy and to return a portion of this energy to the object struck.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,960,566 issued to Brown in 1999 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,661 issued to Brown in 2002 both consist of a composite material orthotic insert configured to enhance control over the motions of the foot within the shoe. The stated purpose of the insert is to control the movements of certain joints of the foot during walking and running. This orthotic insert is positioned under the heel and forefoot. The shape and position of the insert and its purpose in the aforementioned patent is clearly distinguishable from the shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,880 issued to Crow in 2000 is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,850. The characteristics which distinguish the present invention from this patent are the same as those outlined above.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,205,683 issued to Clark et al. in 2001 is for an insole board which includes a shock diffusion plate located under the heel and midfoot. The location, shape and purpose of the shoe/sole/insert of embodiments of the present invention are clearly distinguishable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The prior art does not anticipate the basic concepts of the present invention. The present invention will absorb and store energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The present invention, incidentally, may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The present invention is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts.

The present invention can comprise essentially a light-weight flat, or slightly curved, thin unitary object made of a flexible material or materials, which can be integrated into a shoe's outsole and/or midsole and/or insole. The object may extend from the heel or arch of the foot to or beyond the toes of the foot. The object may even curve over the toe, producing a cap, which extends beyond and over the top of the toes. The object may take various shapes dependent upon the wearer's preferences and intended use.

The intent of the present invention is to provide shoe components which impart energy into the object struck. It is a feature of some embodiments of the present invention that it be placed as far forward and/or laterally as reasonable, in order that the ability to effectively use the shoe for purposes other than striking the object, is not significantly compromised.

The intent of the shoe component of the present invention is that a struck object travel faster and/or further than would be possible without this shoe component. Placing the present invention at the farthest end of the arc of the kicking leg and foot would consequently enable the maximum amount of absorption of energy by the component of the present invention. The more energy absorbed, the more energy would be available to transfer to the struck object.

The present invention may also provide more comfort to the wearer. Energy absorbed by the present invention will decrease the energy absorbed by the bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons of the toes, leg and foot. This would reduce physical fatigue and/or pain. Using the present invention's energy return characteristics may also increase the ability of the wearer to jump higher, or to run faster by increasing the wearer's stride length. These shoe components may improve athletic performance in a variety of athletic endeavors.

The material or materials used in the manufacture and the shape or shapes of the present invention and the location of the present invention within the shoe may be varied depending upon the wearer's intended use. Specific applications may include increased comfort and foot stability, better motion control, an increase in energy efficiency, a decrease in fatigue and risk of injury and many other desired advantages.

The primary material for the components of the present invention will preferably be graphite and carbon, with more graphite than carbon. A ratio of 10% carbon to 90% graphite will be stiffer than a ratio of 20% carbon to 80% graphite. The graphite fibers may be unidirectional, on a bias or woven. The present invention may be 100% carbon or 100% graphite, or some combination of the two; this material(s) may be laminated or combined with another material or other materials. There may be no graphite or carbon in the components of the present invention, but one or both of these are the primary materials used in the shafts of modern golf clubs and tennis rackets. The technology which has been recently been employed to increase the distance a golf ball travels when struck with the newer golf clubs; or the increase in velocity of a tennis ball struck by the newer tennis rackets, is a technology which can be used with the present invention. Other materials used in tennis rackets include kevlar, fiberglass and titanium. Golf club shafts are usually graphite or metal. The graphite, titanium and metal may be alloys. The components of the present invention can be made of the material or combinations of materials, whether in composite or laminate form, used in the construction of newer models of tennis rackets and golf club shafts.

The present invention includes a performance enhancing shoe component for a soccer shoe, the soccer shoe comprising a shoe upper and at least a sole secured to the upper such that a wearer's foot is positioned within the upper and above the sole, which incorporates one or more preformed objects embedded in an outsole body, or which constitutes the entire outsole; the component of the present invention will operate to deflect, without permanent deformation, in response to an applied load creating a deflecting stress and then to return to its original shape upon removal of the applied load causing the deflecting stress, the component of the present invention operating to absorb, redistribute and store the energy of localized loads applied thereto through deflection and, by returning to its original shape, to return energy to the wearer and/or to an object struck by the shoe in such manner so as to impart to the struck object applying the load some portion of the energy produced by the applied load; the component can be made of one type of material or of a composite of one or more type of materials. For example, the component can be made of a laminate of one or more type of materials. The performance enhancing shoe component can have one or more shapes in one or more locations within the outsole shoe component depending upon the particular performance enhancing characteristics desired by the wearer.

The present invention includes a performance enhancing soccer shoe component for a soccer shoe which comprises a shoe upper and at least two soles, one of which is the outsole secured to the upper and a midsole which is located between the wearer's foot and the outsole. This midsole can incorporate one or more preformed objects embedded in the midsole material, or the component can constitutes the entire midsole, and it also operates to deflect, without permanent deformation. This midsole can be added as part of the manufacturing process of the new shoe. This performance enhancing shoe component can include a midsole made of one type of material; alternatively, the midsole can be a composite of one or more type of materials—in such a case, it could be made of a laminate of one or more type of materials. The component can have one or more shapes in one or more locations within the midsole depending upon the particular performance enhancing characteristics desired by the wearer.

The present invention includes a performance enhancing soccer shoe insert which can be placed between the outsole and/or midsole and the wearer's foot. This inserted insole can contain one or more preformed objects embedded in the insole material, or the insert can constitute the entire insole, and it also operates in a manner consistent with previously described embodiments of the invention. This “after market” inserted insole can be added after the shoe has been manufactured and sold. The insole can be made of one type of material, or it can be made of a composite of one or more type of materials, in which case it could be made of a laminate of one or more type of materials. The components in the insole can have one or more shapes in one or more locations within the shoe insert depending upon the particular performance characteristics desired by the wearer.

The present invention also includes a soccer shoe including the component or the insert of any embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top or bottom view of a midsole or inserted insole illustrating an embodiment of the present invention as the entire outsole midsole or insole;

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are top or bottom views of the outsole/midsole/insole insert illustrating alternative embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross section of a toe of a soccer shoe showing the shoe and an embodiment of the present invention located within the shoe outsole;

FIG. 12 is a cross section of the heel of a shoe and an embodiment of the present invention located within the outsole;

FIG. 13 is a cross section of a toe of a shoe showing an embodiment of the present invention of the present invention located within the midsole of the shoe; and

FIG. 14 is a cross section of the heel of a shoe showing an embodiment of the present invention located within the midsole of the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The athletic shoe shown for illustrative purposes is a soccer shoe even though the present invention may be used in other types of athletic or any other type of shoe. The soccer shoe shown in FIG. 1 is of generally conventional form. The shoe 1 has an upper 2 made of leather or similar material, with a tongue 3 and laces 4. The shoe FIG. 1 has an outsole 5 and a midsole 6 either or both of which may incorporate an embodiment of the present invention. The outsole 5 also incorporates molded or screw threaded studs or cleats 8 which come in contact with the ground when the shoe 1 is worn.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a shoe midsole 6 with an illustration of a component 7 of an embodiment of the present invention. This midsole 6 is worn between the foot and the outsole 5. The material 10 surrounding the shoe midsole of an embodiment of the present invention may consist of air, gas, foam rubber or other cushioning material.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a shoe outsole 5 illustrating a component 17 of an embodiment of the present invention embedded in the outsole 5.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a shoe insole insert 9 including a component 27 of an embodiment of the present invention. Insert 9 can be inserted in an otherwise standard soccer shoe after the shoe is manufactured and purchased.

FIG. 5 is both a top or bottom view of an outsole 15, a midsole 16, or an inserted insole 19 illustrating an embodiment of the present invention where the entire outsole 15, midsole 16 or insole 19 is made of stiff material of the present invention.

FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are top or bottom views of the outsole/midsole/insole insert illustrating alternative embodiments of the present invention, namely components 37, 47, 57, 67, and 77, respectively, with material 10 surrounding them or, when these components are embedded in the outsole, any standard commercially available outsole material is used in place of material 10.

FIG. 11 is a cross section of the toe of shoe 1 showing the shoe upper 2 and component 7 of an embodiment of the present invention (or any other component shown in FIGS. 2-10) located within the shoe outsole 5.

FIG. 12 is a cross section of the heel of the shoe 1 and component 7 of an embodiment of the present invention (or any other component shown in FIGS. 2-10) located within the shoe outsole 5.

FIG. 13 is a cross section of the toe of a shoe 1 showing component 7 of an embodiment of the present invention (or any other component shown in FIGS. 2-10) of the present invention of the present invention located within the midsole 6 of the shoe.

FIG. 14 is a cross section of the heel of the shoe 1 showing component 7 of an embodiment of the present invention (or any other component shown in FIGS. 2-10) within the midsole 6 of the shoe.

FIGS. 13 and 14 may also be used to illustrate a cross section of an embodiment of the present invention located within an insole inserted into the shoe.

In the drawings the shoe sole/insert of the present invention is shown in striped lines whether located in the outsole, midsole, or as part of an inserted insole. The components of the present invention can be manufactured into the outsole and/or the midsole. If the component is manufactured into the outsole, the material may be a color different from the outsole. This different color would be desirable to distinguish the shoe from shoes without the components of the present invention in the outsole. The insert of an embodiment of the present invention may also be incorporated into an innersole, which is inserted into the shoe at some point after the manufacture of the other components of the shoe.

The shoe sole/insert of an embodiment of the present invention can be made of one material, or of a combination of natural and/or man-made materials. The choice of material or combination of materials, the shape of the materials, and the location of the component within the shoe can be determined by the wearer's desire to optimize specific performance enhancing characteristics of the shoe. The primary specific characteristic of the shoe sole/insert of the present invention is to efficiently return energy that would be wasted without the shoe sole/insert of the present invention. In response to an applied load, such as kicking a ball or striking the ground, the shoe sole/insert of the present invention will temporarily deform. Upon removal of the applied load, or a progressive reduction of the applied load, the shoe sole/insert of the present invention will return to its original shape. This absorption of energy and the return of otherwise wasted energy to the wearer and/or to the object struck by the shoe of the wearer is the essential performance enhancing characteristic of the present invention. Other applications of the present invention may include lighter weight, more comfort, less fatigue, more stability, less injury risk, better foot control, better foot support, or even better outward appearance of the shoe.

The shoe sole/insert of an embodiment of the present invention should have a relatively high tensile strength. The material or materials should also be elastic and have a strong tendency to return to an unstressed state once it is free from the stress of impact. The material or materials should also possess good fatigue resistance so that it will withstand repeated cycles of deforming when stressed and rebounding when the stress is removed. The material or materials may be a composite or be laminated in order to achieve desired combinations of the specific applications of the shoe. The material should have a modulus of elasticity of at least 250,000 psi. Typical materials are high modulus plastics such as polycarbonate materials (modulus of 300,000), ABS injected molded plastic, fiberglass composites (modulus of 3,000,000), graphite composites (modulus of 9,000,000), carbon composites, and various types of steel.

The shoe sole/insert of the present invention should be lightweight and thin. The thickness may be constant or may vary depending upon the desires and the intended use of the wearer. The cross sectional thickness of the present invention will vary, dependent upon the material used and the wearer's desires, but the thickness is preferably in the range of 0.005 inch to 0.10 inch. The shoe sole/insert of the present invention may also be hollow. The shoe sole/insert of the present invention may extend the length of the foot, it may be shorter or longer than the foot, or extend beyond or over the heel and/or toes of the foot. The shoe sole/insert of the present invention may be flat or round and/or any shape or combination of shapes, the surface may be flat, curved, grooved or corrugated. The shoe sole/insert of the present invention may consist of one or more parts, which may be connected or function independent of each other.

The shoe sole/insert of an embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into the outsole and/or midsole and/or insole during the manufacturing process. The manufacturer may also leave a pocket or space in the outsole and/or midsole and/or insole for a separately manufactured component of the present invention. This would allow individual choice of a variety of materials or shapes in the wearer's discretion. The same shoe may then be able to accommodate a broad range of stiffer or more flexible shapes so that the wearer can snap the desired component into the pocket or space, then remove it at will, and snap in another variant of the component as desired.

While the foregoing description has referred particularly to soles for soccer shoes (and is preferably used with soccer shoes), the invention is also applicable to articles of footwear, whether athletic footwear or not, and both with and without studs. For example, the invention can be applied to casual or dress shoes, to tennis shoes and training shoes.

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A performance enhancing shoe component for a soccer shoe, the soccer shoe comprising a shoe upper and at least a sole secured to the upper such that a wearer's foot is positioned within the upper and above the sole, the shoe having a front and a periphery of the front, a middle, a back, and a heel;

the component comprising one or more preformed objects embedded in an outsole body, or the component constituting the entire outsole body, the component causing a soccer shoe in which the component forms a part to operate to deflect, without permanent deformation, in response to an applied load creating a deflecting stress and then to return to its original shape upon removal of the applied load causing the deflecting stress, the component operating to absorb, redistribute and store the energy of localized loads applied thereto through deflection and, by returning to its original shape, to return energy to an object struck by the shoe in such manner so as to impart to the struck object applying the load some portion of the energy produced by the applied load;

the component extending around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extending longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe.

2. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 1, wherein the component extends to proximate the heel of the shoe.

3. The performance enhancing shoe component of claims 1, wherein the component is made of only one type of material.

4. The performance enhancing shoe component of claims 1, wherein the component is made of a composite of one or more types of material.

5. The performance enhancing shoe component of claims 1, wherein the component is made of a laminate of one or more types of material.

6. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 1, wherein the component has one or more shapes in one or more locations within the outsole body depending upon the particular performance enhancing characteristics desired by the wearer.

7. A performance enhancing shoe component for a soccer shoe, the soccer shoe comprising a shoe upper, a sole secured to the upper such that a wearer's foot is positioned within the upper and above the sole, and a midsole which is located between the wearer's foot and the sole, the shoe having a front and a periphery of the front, a middle, a back, and a heel;

the component including one or more preformed objects embedded in the midsole, or the component comprising the midsole, the component causing a soccer shoe in which the component forms a part to operate to deflect, without permanent deformation, in response to an applied load creating a deflecting stress and then to return to its original shape upon removal of the applied load causing the deflecting stress, the component operating to absorb, redistribute and store the energy of localized loads applied thereto through deflection and, by returning to its original shape, to return energy to an object struck by the shoe in such manner so as to impart to the struck object applying the load some portion of the energy produced by the applied load;

the component extending around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extending longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe.

8. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 7, wherein the component extends to proximate the heel of the shoe.

9. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 7, wherein the component is added as part of the manufacturing process of a new shoe.

10. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 7, wherein the component is made of only one type of material.

11. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 7, wherein the component is made of a composite of one or more types of material.

12. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 7, wherein the component is made of a laminate of one or more types of material.

13. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 7, wherein the component has one or more shapes in one or more locations within the outsole body depending upon the particular performance enhancing characteristics desired by the wearer.

14. A performance enhancing shoe insert for a soccer shoe,

the soccer shoe comprising a shoe upper and at least a sole secured to the upper such that periphery of the front, a middle, a back, and a heel;

the insert comprising one or more preformed objects embedded in an insole, or the component constituting the entire insole, the insert causing a soccer shoe in which the insert forms a part to operate to deflect, without permanent deformation, in response to an applied load creating a deflecting stress and then to return to its original shape upon removal of the applied load causing the deflecting stress, the insert operating to absorb, redistribute and store the energy of localized loads applied thereto through deflection and, by returning to its original shape, to return energy to an object struck by the shoe in such manner so as to impart to the struck object applying the load some portion of the energy produced by the applied load;

the insert extending around the periphery of the front of the shoe and extending longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe.

15. The performance enhancing shoe insert of claim 14, wherein the insert extends to proximate the heel of the shoe.

16. The performance enhancing shoe insert of claim 14, wherein the insert is added after the shoe has been manufactured and sold.

17. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 14, wherein the component is made of only one type of material.

18. The performance enhancing shoe component of 14, wherein the component is made of a composite of one or more types of material.

19. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 14, wherein the component is made of a laminate of one or more types of material.

20. The performance enhancing shoe component of claim 14, wherein the component has one or more shapes in one or more locations within the outsole body depending upon the particular performance enhancing characteristics desired by the wearer.

21. A soccer shoe including the insert of claim 1.

22. A soccer shoe including the component of claim 1.

23. (canceled)