SHOE WITH IMPROVED STRUCTURE

Abstract

A shoe including an outer sole assembly and an upper. The shoe extends lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and height-wise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end. The shoe further includes a first shell and a reinforcing structure arranged opposite the first shell. The reinforcing structure includes holes on at least a portion of its surface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 15/00139, filed Jan. 23, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a walking or sports shoe that can be used in disciplines such as running on level, hilly, or mountainous terrain, skateboarding, ball sports, cross-country or telemark skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and others.

2. Background Information

Depending upon the intended uses, a shoe such as those of the aforementioned types must have a certain flexibility and damping capability. Flexibility must be understood as an ability to follow certain deformations of the foot of a user. This is intended, for example, to enable good foot rolling movement or tilting of the lower leg in relation to the foot when walking or running. Damping is intended to reduce or even prevent fatigue or injuries that may result from supports or impacts on the ground, or from various stresses.

Thus, it is known to manufacture a shoe comprising an outer sole assembly and an upper. The shoe typically includes at least one flexible shell provided to cover the foot directly or indirectly. The shell is integral with the upper. The shell is associated with a base, such as a lasting sole, to form a footwear element. The lasting sole is integral with an inner sole assembly. The shell of the shoe extends in particular in the area of a lateral side and a medial side, and sometimes also in the area of a substantial portion of the lasting sole. This structure is conventional.

The shell is bonded to the lasting sole using an adhesive layer, for example. The lasting sole, also referred to as the lasting board, is relatively rigid to withstand the lasting process, such as the heat and pressure thereof. The bonding operation is carried out by pulling the shell and pressing it onto the lasting board, knowing that a last is inserted in the footwear element. This is referred to as the traditional shoe lasting assembly. This technique makes it possible to exert sufficient pressure when heating the adhesive in order to manufacture the footwear element.

Alternatively, the footwear element is made, for example, by affixing the shell to the lasting sole by means of stitching. This is referred to as the Strobel assembly. The sole is a flexible, stitchable element referred to as the Strobel sole.

Irrespective of the method used for the manufacture of the shoe, the footwear element is affixed to the outer sole assembly, for example by means of an adhesive layer. In the end, the shoe has a certain flexibility and a certain damping capability.

The shoe must also fulfill various and sometimes contradictory functions, such as protecting the foot from shocks or impacts that may occur during use, ensuring support and/or sufficient tightening of the foot while providing satisfactory comfort, or the like. For this reason, a shoe is typically provided with one or more reinforcing structures.

For example, in order to protect the toes against possible shocks from obstacles, the front end of the shoe comprises a protective toe cap. Such toe cap is often comprised of a layer of synthetic material, arranged opposite the shell in the area of the front end of the shoe. This layer reinforces the shell, by reducing its ability to deform where it extends.

Another example of reinforcing structure is that of an element connecting the base of the footwear element and keepers arranged towards an upper end of the shell. In this case, the reinforcing structure contributes to the tightening of the shoe upper, thereby allowing for a minimum of foot support.

In any case, the reinforcing structure fulfils a specific function that aims to optimize the use of the shoe.

Therefore, it can generally be said that a flexible shoe provided with at least one reinforcing structure according to the prior art is broadly satisfactory. But drawbacks remain, which are observed sometimes during walking, or sometimes during intense sporting activity.

A first drawback is as follows: the known shoe at least partially hinders the rolling movement of the foot, especially for running, due to the presence of one or more reinforcing structures. More specifically, the hindrance occurs at the boundary separating a zone provided with a reinforcing structure and a zone not provided with a reinforcing structure. The flexibility of the upper varies abruptly on both sides of this boundary. It follows that the rolling movement of the foot is not sufficiently smooth, not sufficiently gradual, as it is disturbed in the area of the boundary. It also follows that the transmission of sensory information, supports, impacts, and other stresses is slightly uneven, or slightly inaccurate. In other words, a shoe according to the prior art lacks homogeneity in its behavior.

Another drawback is that of comfort. Comfort is not homogeneous, that is, not consistent in various locations of the shoe. Indeed, comfort can be altered in the location where a reinforcing structure extends, particularly during difficult conditions of use such as during mountain races. The alteration of comfort is correlated with the difference in flexibility of the upper, on both sides of the boundary between a zone provided with a reinforcing structure and a zone not provided with a reinforcing structure. It is particularly observed that the boundary between these zones can sometimes form a relatively non-deformable fold, which is likely to be a source of injury to the user.

Another drawback is related to inertia. Each reinforcing structure increases the weight of the shoe, thereby causing additional fatigue for the user.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing, the invention provides an improved shoe.

In particular, the invention facilitates the foot rolling movement in a shoe provided with at least one reinforcing structure. That is to say, the invention makes the foot rolling movement smoother, more gradual. The invention also makes the transmission of sensory information, supports, impacts, and other stresses, smoother and more accurate. In other words, the invention seeks to make the behavior of the shoe more consistent.

The invention also improves the comfort of a shoe, by making comfort more homogeneous, that is to say, almost consistent, or completely consistent, in various locations of the shoe. The invention provides that the foot is wrapped in a more gradual manner.

Furthermore, the invention lightens the structure of the shoe as much as possible, in order to reduce user fatigue.

Towards these ends, the invention provides a shoe comprising an outer sole assembly and an upper, the shoe extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and height-wise from the outer sole assembly to an upper end, the shoe comprising a first shell and further comprising a reinforcing structure arranged opposite the first shell.

The reinforcing structure of a shoe according to the invention has holes on at least a portion of its surface. It will be shown more clearly below that this means in particular that at least one cavity and/or at least one opening is arranged in the reinforcement. Each hole, each cavity, each opening can have any shape, such as that of a slit or otherwise.

For one of the given dimensions of the reinforcement, that is to say, for a given perimeter or for a given thickness thereof, having holes makes the reinforcement lighter. The holes, such as cavities or openings of various shapes, reduce the amount of material required to make the reinforcement.

Due to its structure, the reinforcement is also more flexible, more deformable, for example in the event of an impact against an obstacle, while nevertheless keeping a certain resistance to the compression caused by the impact. As a result, the first shell can also flex in the location where it extends opposite the reinforcing structure. In other words, providing holes in the reinforcing structure increases the surface of the shell that can be deformed in flexion. It can also be said that in the area of a reinforcing structure, the shoe upper is capable of undergoing a reversible recessed deformation, even if such deformation is less than in zones devoid of reinforcing structure. The holes enable the reinforcement to deform more easily, thereby providing more flexibility. Also, the shell can be deformed more smoothly in the area of a boundary between a zone opposite the reinforcing structure and a zone away from the reinforcing structure.

The resulting advantages include a better foot rolling movement, that is to say, a smoother and more gradual rolling movement. The difference in flexural strength between a zone of the upper provided with a reinforcing structure and a zone devoid of reinforcing structure is indeed reduced, compared to what has been observed on a shoe according to the prior art.

As a result of the foot rolling movement, the transmission of sensory information, supports, impacts, and other stresses is also more consistent and/or more accurate for a shoe according to the invention. It can be said that due to the invention, the behavior of the shoe is more precise.

Another advantage provided by the invention is improved comfort. Comfort is more homogeneous, that is to say, almost consistent, or consistent, in various locations of the shoe. In other words, comfort varies little, if at all, from a zone devoid of reinforcing structure to a zone provided with a reinforcing structure. It can be said, for example, that the boundary between two zones of the shell, one opposite the reinforcing structure and the other not opposite the reinforcing structure, remains sufficiently flexible to protect the foot of the user. This means that this boundary is not a source of injuries.

The invention also makes it possible to reduce user fatigue, because the holes, the cavities or the openings of the reinforcing structures lighten the shoe.

It can more generally be said that the invention provides an improved shoe, compared to existing shoes from the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be carried out, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a shoe according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective front view of the shoe of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a subassembly comprising a shell, a reinforcing structure, and a fitting (or cover);

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-section, in an exploded view, along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, in a case in which the first footwear element is affixed to the sole assembly;

FIG. 6 is a partial enlargement of the shoe according to of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, for a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of a shoe according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective rear view of the shoe according to FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective front view of the shoe according to FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The first embodiment to be described relates, for example, to a shoe for walking or running on level, hilly, or mountainous terrain. However, the invention is applicable to other disciplines such as those mentioned above. The term “shoe” is used here for convenience, but is not intended to limit the scope of the invention from what would be encompassed by the use of the term “footwear” or “article of footwear.”

The first embodiment is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, a walking or running shoe 1 is provided to receive the foot of the user. The shoe 1 comprises an outer sole assembly 2 and an upper 3 arranged on the sole assembly. The shoe extends lengthwise along a longitudinal direction L, between a rear end or heel 4 and a front end or tip 5, and widthwise along a transverse direction W, between a lateral side 6 and a medial side 7.

As shown, the upper 3 includes a lower portion 10 configured to surround the foot. Alternatively, the upper can also include an upper portion configured to surround the ankle of the user, and possibly the lower leg.

According to the first embodiment described herein, the shoe 1 extends height-wise from the bottom of the outer sole assembly 2 up to the top of the upper end 12, that is to say, to the free end of the lower portion 10 or of the upper 3.

The shoe 1 is structured to enable good foot rolling movement during walking, as well as transmission of sensory information and impulses for supports or landings. This is why the outer sole assembly 2 and the upper 3 are relatively flexible. Such foot rolling movement relates, for example, to the bending of the shoe in an area corresponding to the flexing at the ball of the foot, that is, at the metatarsal-phalangeal joint as the heel of the user is raised.

The shoe 1 further comprises a first tightening device 15, or first upper-tightener, configured to reversibly tighten the upper 3. This device 15 is not described in detail here as it is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the tightening device 15 can include keepers 16 positioned on the upper, as well as a lace or linkage 17 extending through the keepers. Alternatively, still in the scope of the invention, the shoe 1 can be configured so as to omit a tightening device. In addition, the upper 3 can be selectively provided that is continuous from the lateral side 6 to the medial side 7 or, alternatively, the upper can be configured that is discontinuous from the lateral side 6 to the medial side 7.

As shown in particular in exploded view of FIG. 2, the shoe 1 includes, successively from the outer sole assembly 2, a first footwear element 18, a reinforcing structure 19, and a fitting 20. The making and implementation of these elements in the shoe are addressed in stages throughout the following description.

The footwear element 18 will first be described. The footwear element includes a first shell 21 and a first base 22. It will be shown better later, and in a non-limiting fashion, that the first base 22 here is a lasting sole, generally simply referred to as the lasting board. The first shell 21 is configured to cover the foot of the user. The shell 21 extends lengthwise from a rear end 24 to a front end 25, widthwise between a lateral side 26 and medial side 27, and height-wise from the base 22 to an upper end 32.

The reinforcing structure 19, or reinforcement, which is described in greater detail below, is arranged opposite the first shell 21. More specifically, and in a non-limiting manner, the reinforcing structure 19 here is affixed to the first shell 21 in the area of the front end 25 thereof, and so as to at least partially cover such end. It can be said more simply that the reinforcing structure 19 covers the first shell 21, although it does not extend over the entire surface of the shell 21. The reinforcing structure 19 is therefore located outside of the shell 21. Nevertheless, an alternative construction can be provided, for which the reinforcing structure is located within the first shell 21.

According to the invention, the reinforcing structure 19 has holes 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 on at least a portion of its surface. For one of the given dimensions of the reinforcement, that is to say, particularly for a given perimeter or for a given thickness thereof, having holes makes the reinforcement lighter. The holes, such as cavities or openings of various shapes, including those having open peripheries to form slots, for example, reduce the amount of material required to make the reinforcement.

Due to its structure, the reinforcement 19 is also more flexible, more deformable, for example in the event of an impact against an obstacle, while nevertheless keeping a certain resistance to the compression caused by the impact. As a result, the first shell can also flex in the location where it extends opposite the reinforcing structure. In other words, having holes arranged in the reinforcing structure increases the surface of the shell that can be deformed in flexion. It can further be said that in the area of a reinforcing structure, the shoe upper is configured to be capable of undergoing reversible flexural deformation. Such deformation can be a recess, even if such deformation is less than in zones devoid of reinforcing structure. Also, the shell can be deformed more smoothly, in the area of a boundary between a zone opposite the reinforcing structure and a zone away from the reinforcing structure.

This enables better foot rolling movement, that is to say, a smoother and more gradual rolling movement. The difference in flexural strength between a zone of the upper provided with a reinforcing structure and a zone devoid of reinforcing structure is indeed reduced, compared to what has been observed on a shoe according to the prior art.

As a result of the rolling movement of the foot, the transmissions of sensory information, supports, impacts, and other stresses is also smoother and/or more accurate for a shoe according to the invention. It can be said that, due to the invention, the behavior of the shoe is more precise.

The invention also provides improved comfort. Comfort is more uniform or homogeneous, that is to say, consistent or substantially consistent, in various locations of the shoe. In other words, comfort varies little, if at all, from a zone devoid of reinforcing structure to a zone provided with a reinforcing structure. It can be said, for example, that the boundary between two zones of the shell, one opposite the reinforcing structure and the other not opposite the reinforcing structure, remains sufficiently flexible to protect the user's foot. This means that this boundary is not a source of injury.

The invention also makes it possible to reduce user fatigue, because the holes, the cavities, or the openings of the reinforcing structures lighten the shoe.

Still according to the first embodiment, and in a non-limiting manner, the reinforcing structure 19, or reinforcement, comprises an arc-shaped toe cap 39, the toe cap 39 having a lateral arm 46 and a medial arm 47 connected to one another by a front bridge 48, the toe cap 39 extending height-wise between a lower edge 49 and an upper edge 50, the toe cap 39 extending lengthwise between the front bridge 48 and the lateral end 51 of the lateral arm 46, on the one hand, and between the front bridge 48 and the medial end 52 of the medial arm 47, on the other hand. Here, the lateral 51 and medial 52 ends are free, in the sense that they constitute the rear boundaries of the toe cap 39. As explained below, this is not always the case. In this arc-shaped configuration, however, the toe cap 39 reinforces the front end 25 of the first shell 21. It can also be said that the toe cap 39 reinforces the front end 5 of the shoe 1. The reinforcing effect is balanced by the presence of the holes 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, which provides a certain flexibility to the shell 21 and, therefore, to the upper 3. This advantageously results in a better user's perception of the contacts with the ground or an obstacle, of sensory information, or the like, which occur in the area of the toes. The greater flexibility of the shoe in the area of the toe cap 39 also enables a smoother rolling movement of the forefoot. This increases the stability of the supports on the ground and reduces user fatigue.

In a non-limiting manner, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the holes 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 of the reinforcing structure 19 at least partly are slots or slits, hereinafter “slits” for convenience. In fact, for the first embodiment of the invention, the holes 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 of the toe cap 39 at least partly are slits. Such slits extend through the reinforcing structure. However, as described below, the holes may not extend through the reinforcing structure, and thus can constitute a thinning of the reinforcing structure. The slits have edges that come closer to or move apart from one another when the shoe is deformed in relation to the foot during use. This means that the width of each slit can vary during use of the shoe. It follows that the reinforcing structure 19, namely the toe cap 39, has a variable geometry. The volume demarcated by the toe cap can decrease, which corresponds to a narrowing of the slits, and then reassume its original dimensions, or even increase, which corresponds to a widening of the slits. These variations in volume of the toe cap 39 provide gradual deformations of the first shell 21 for greater foot comfort.

The slits 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 at least partly open out in the area of the upper edge 50 of the toe cap 39. The slits therefore open out in the area of the edge of the toe cap 39 that is closest to the upper end 12 of the shoe 1, that is to say, also in the area of the edge of the toe cap that is farthest from the sole assembly 2. Consequently, the uppermost portion of the toe cap, closest to the upper end 12, is the most capable of deformation. As a result, the flexibility of the upper 3, or the flexibility of the shell 21, decreases from the upper end 12 to the sole assembly 2, that is, from the upper end 12 to the base 22. The decrease in flexibility is progressive, which optimizes the perception of sensory information by the user.

For example, the slits 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 at least partly are curved. This limits or even completely prevents the formation of folds in the area of the first shell 21 when the upper flexes. Therefore, the shell 21 has a smoother surface during rolling movement of the foot, which greatly reduces the risk of injury. Indeed, a fold may cause discomfort because it stiffens the shell.

Still according to the first embodiment, the lateral arm 46 of the toe cap 39 has slits 33, 34, 35, and the medial arm 47 of the toe cap 39 has slits 36, 37, 38. Here, the slits are distributed in equal number on the lateral side 6 and the medial side 7 of the shoe. The lateral side 6 has three slits 33, 34, 35 and the medial side 7 has three slits 36, 37, 38. This enables the sides 6, 7 to deform in a similar manner, for a better transverse balance in the transmission of forces, the perception of sensory information, or the like. The accuracy of the supports only gets better. The slits are six in number in the illustrated embodiment, but this number is merely exemplary. The invention encompasses embodiments in which the toe cap 39 has less than six slits or more than six slits.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe 1 includes a fitting 20, previously mentioned above, which at least partially covers the reinforcement 19, or reinforcing structure, and at least partially covers the first shell 21. It follows, as a corollary, that a subdivision of the reinforcing structure, or the entire reinforcing structure, is sandwiched between the first shell 21 and the fitting 20. This has the advantage of further improving the gradual variation in bending of the upper 3 from the upper end 12 to the sole assembly 2. As a non-limiting example, the fitting 20 is comprised of a film of synthetic material. It can be a film of polyurethane, polyamide, or any equivalent material. The film thickness is less than 0.5 millimeters, and films having a thickness less than 0.1 millimeters yield very good results.

With respect to its extent, the fitting 20, in a non-limiting manner, is present almost everywhere on the shoe 1. The fitting extends lengthwise from a rear end 54 to a front end 55, widthwise between a lateral side 56 and a medial side 57, and height-wise from a base 58 to an upper end 59. The rear end 54, the front end 55, the lateral side 56, the medial side 57, the base 58, and the upper end 59 of the fitting are in the area of the rear end 4, the front end 5, the lateral side 6, the medial side 7, the sole assembly 2, and the upper end 12, respectively, of the shoe 1. The fitting can fulfill protective functions for protecting the first shell 21, decorative functions, or the like, as described below.

Finally, with respect to its structure, the upper 3 comprises the first shell 21, a significant portion of the reinforcing structure 19, and a significant portion of the fitting 20. The assembly of these elements to one another is schematically shown in FIG. 3. In a non-limiting manner, the first shell 21, the toe cap or reinforcing structure 19, and the fitting 20 are initially planar elements, that is to say, they extend in two dimensions. The elements are superposed and then affixed to one another by any suitable technique, such as gluing, stitching, or the like. Once joined, the elements constitute a subassembly that makes it possible to move further in the manufacture of the shoe 1, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, FIG. 4 shows that the aforementioned subassembly has been shaped in three dimensions and its shape is maintained by the lasting board 22 by means of the stitching 60, for example. Although not required for the invention, the illustrated embodiment of the shoe 1 includes an insole 61. It follows, then, that the shoe 1 includes an inner sole assembly 62, which includes the lasting board or base 22 and, where appropriate, the insole 61. This improves the hygienic qualities of the shoe.

As also shown in FIG. 4, and in a non-limiting manner, the outer sole assembly 2 includes a plurality of layers, such as, for example, a wear layer 63 configured to contact the ground, and a damping layer 64 interposed between the wear layer 63 and the first footwear element 18. The wear layer 63 can comprise rubber and/or any abrasion-resistant material. The damping layer 64 comprises an absorbent material, such as a shock-absorbent material such as ethyl vinyl acetate foam (EVA) or any equivalent. The outer sole assembly 2 can comprise a single layer or two layers or, alternatively, three or more layers, as well as portions of layers.

Still according to the first embodiment, the outer sole assembly 2 has a lip 65 in the area of junction with the first footwear element 18, in order to increase the surface of contact with the footwear element. Here, the lip extends from the damping layer 64. The lip 65 is continuous and follows the periphery of the outer sole assembly 2. Alternatively, the lip can be structured to be segmented or discontinuous. However, a continuous lip increases the useful surface for adhesively affixing the sole assembly 2 to the first footwear element 18. This affixation is shown in FIG. 5. It is clearly shown that the lip 65 extends partially opposite the upper 3, that is to say, also partially opposite the first shell 21, the fitting 20, or the reinforcing structure 19.

The finished shoe 1 is shown in an enlarged partial view in FIG. 6. This is intended in particular to better reflect the role of the fitting 20. As has already been shown, the fitting 20 partially covers the toe cap 19 and partially covers the first shell 21. In a non-limiting manner, the constituent film of the fitting 20 is transparent or translucent. This makes it possible, for example, to visually check the quality of the assembly of the reinforcing structure 19 with the first shell 21, in particular with respect to its hold over time. This also provides a particular aesthetic effect to the shoe 1, an effect which can be advantageous.

Other embodiments of the invention are presented below with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. For reasons of convenience, mainly the differences from the first embodiment are highlighted.

The second embodiment according to FIG. 7 features a shoe 1, including an outer sole assembly 2 and an upper 3, which comprises a first shell 21, a first reinforcing structure 19, and a fitting 20. Here again, the reinforcing structure 19 is an arc-shaped toe cap 39 with a lateral arm 46, a medial arm 47 not visible in FIG. 7, and a front bridge 48. The toe cap 39 extends height-wise between a lower edge 49 and an upper edge 50.

Specific to the second embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 7, is the distribution of holes arranged in the reinforcement 19, or reinforcing structure. In a non-limiting manner, at least some of the holes are slits 71, 72, 73, 74 arranged away from the contour of the toe cap 39. This means that these slits do not open out in the area of the contour of the toe cap, by remaining separated from the lower edge 49 and upper edge 50. The slits here have different sizes, in particular different lengths. This makes it possible to provide flexibility in each zone of the toe cap. Although there are four holes, or slits, in this case, for example, other embodiments may have a number of holes smaller or greater than four.

The third embodiment according to FIGS. 8 to 10 also features a shoe 1, including an outer sole assembly 2 and an upper 3 that includes a first shell 21, a first reinforcing structure 19, and a fitting 20.

Specific to the third embodiment is that which relates in particular to the reinforcement 19, or reinforcing structure. In general, the reinforcing structure 19 includes a lateral wall 86 and a medial wall 87. In a non-limiting manner, each wall 86, 87 covers the first shell, in the sense that it is arranged outside of the latter. Here again, an alternative construction is that for which each wall is arranged within the first shell, but the external arrangement brings more comfort.

Similar to what has been shown for the toe cap 39, the lateral wall 86 has holes 88, and the medial wall has holes 89. This is also designed to modify the flexibility of the walls, and therefore the flexibility of the lateral 6 and medial 7 sides of the upper 3 of the shoe. The holes have different sizes, and various forms, such as triangles, or the like.

In the spirit of what has been described above, keepers 16 are arranged in the area of the lateral wall 86 of the reinforcing structure, and keepers 16 are arranged in the area of the medial wall 87 of the reinforcing structure. This enables the foot to be wrapped more consistently and more comfortably, because tightening is more gradual.

The reinforcing structure 19 also comprises a rear bridge 90 connecting the lateral wall 86 to the medial wall 87. Thus, the rear bridge 90 acts as a stiffener for the shoe, for better support of the heel of the foot.

In a non-limiting manner, the toe cap 39, the lateral wall 86, and the medial wall 87 form a unitary element, that is, a one-piece element. More broadly, the toe cap 39, the lateral wall 86, the rear bridge 90, and the medial wall 87 form a unitary element. This facilitates the manufacture of the reinforcing structure 19. In this spirit, for example, the reinforcing structure is made of a synthetic material, such as polyurethane, polyamide, or any equivalent material.

In any case, the invention is made from materials and according to implementation techniques known to one with ordinary skill in the art.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all technical equivalents that fall within the scope of the claims that follow.

In particular, various arrangements may be provided for the reinforcing structure, or for the fitting.

For example, in the embodiments discussed and shown, the holes completely extend through the reinforcing structure. This means that the holes have a depth that is equal to the thickness of the reinforcing structure. Alternatively, embodiments may be provided for which one or more holes, or all of the holes, have a depth that is less than the thickness of the reinforcing structure. The holes recess the reinforcing structure without extending therethrough. In this case, they may be visible and open out on the side of the fitting, or they may be invisible and open out on the side of the first shell.

This corresponds to the spirit of the invention, as the objective is to weaken the reinforcing structure so as to enable an amount of flexing of the upper in the area of the structure, despite the presence of this structure. In this sense, the invention goes against a preconception.

One can also provide making the holes in the reinforcing structure, and filling them totally or partially with a softer material than the constituent material of the reinforcing structure.

In any case, the reinforcing structure has one or more zones for which the mechanical strength is reduced, compared to other zones of the structure.

Lastly, at least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising:

an outer sole assembly; and

an upper;

a length extending from a rear end to a front end; a width extending from a lateral side to a medial side; and a height extending from a bottom of the outer sole assembly to an upper end of the upper;

the upper comprising: a first shell; a reinforcement positioned opposite the first shell; on at least a portion of a surface of the reinforcement having holes.

2. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein:

the reinforcement comprises an arc-shaped toe cap;

the toe cap comprises; a lateral arm; a medial arm; and a front bridge connecting the lateral arm to the medial arm; the toe cap extending height-wise between a lower edge and an upper edge; the toe cap extending lengthwise between the front bridge and the lateral end of the lateral arm, and lengthwise between the front bridge and the medial end of the medial arm.

3. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein:

at least a plurality of the holes of the reinforcement are slits.

4. A shoe according to claim 2, wherein:

at least a plurality of the holes of the reinforcement are slits.

5. A shoe according to claim 4, wherein:

each of the plurality of the slits at least partly open out in an area of the upper edge of the toe cap.

6. A shoe according to claim 3, wherein:

the slits at least partly are curved.

7. A shoe according to claim 4, wherein:

the slits at least partly are curved.

8. A shoe according to claim 4, wherein:

the lateral arm of the toe cap has slits; and

the medial arm of the toe cap has slits.

9. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein:

the reinforcement comprises a lateral wall (86) and a medial wall.

10. A shoe according to claim 9, wherein:

the lateral wall has holes; and

the medial wall has holes.

11. A shoe according to claim 9, wherein:

keepers are arranged in the lateral wall; and

keepers are arranged in the medial wall.

12. A shoe according to claim 9, wherein:

the reinforcement further comprises a rear bridge connecting the lateral wall to the medial wall.

13. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein:

the reinforcement covers the first shell.

14. A shoe according to claim 9, wherein:

the toe cap, the lateral wall, and the medial wall form a unitary element.

15. A shoe according to claim 1, wherein:

the reinforcement is comprised of a synthetic material.

16. A shoe according to claim 1, further comprising:

a fitting at least partially covering the reinforcement and at least partially covering the first shell.

17. A shoe according to claim 16, wherein:

the fitting is comprised of a film of synthetic material.