SHOE

Abstract

Provided is a shoe including: a shoe sole member that includes a front member arranged on a front side of the shoe and a rear member arranged on a rear side of the shoe; and an interlocking member that interlocks the front member and the rear member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-143785, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a shoe that can be used for, for example, both the left and right foot.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, there have been known a pair of shoes composed of two shoes having different shapes from each other respectively for the left foot and the right foot. General shoes of this type are designed to conform to the shapes of the left and right foot.

On the other hand, there has been known a shoe that is used for both the left and right foot or used irrespective of the individual variation in the shape of the foot. An example known as the shoe of this type is a shoe designed to have a large internal space to allow the wearers with different foot sizes and shapes to wear the shoe.

An example known as such a shoe is a shoe designed to be worn with no need to change the shoe even if either left or right foot is put on the shoe by mistake (e.g., Patent Literature 1).

The shoe described in Patent Literature 1 is formed to have an asymmetry outline. In the shoe described in Patent Literature 1, a heel cup that is a reinforcement material for covering the wearer's heel has a relatively large area to cover the foot from the heel to the position close to the arch. Such a configuration enables wearing even when, for example, the shoes are worn by the wearer with the left and right foot replaced with each other.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• • Patent Literature 1: JP 3068797 U

SUMMARY

The shoe in one embodiment is characterized by including: a shoe sole member that includes a front member arranged on a front side of the shoe and a rear member arranged on a rear side of the shoe, and an interlocking member that interlocks the front member and the rear member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the appearance of an example of a shoe according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view schematically showing specific examples of a shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from a shoe sole side.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a connection body in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3B is a schematic sectional view of an example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along a plane perpendicular to a left-right direction.

FIG. 3C is a schematic sectional view of an example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along a plane perpendicular to a front-rear direction (cross section taken along the line S-S in FIG. 3B).

FIG. 3D is a schematic perspective view of another example of the connection body in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3E is a schematic sectional view of the other example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 3F is a schematic sectional view of the other example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (cross section taken along the line T-T in FIG. 3E).

FIG. 3G is a schematic perspective view of still another example of the connection body in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3H is a schematic sectional view of still another example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 3I(a) is a schematic sectional view of still another example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (cross section taken along the line U-U in FIG. 3H).

FIG. 3I(b) is a schematic sectional view of yet another example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of each example of the connection body in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 5B is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 5C is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 5D is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 5E is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 5F is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 5G is a schematic view showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 6A is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 6B is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 6C is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 6D is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 7A is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 7B is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 7C is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 7D is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 7E is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 7F is a schematic sectional view of a specific example of the shoe sole member in the first embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view schematically showing an example of sheet fabric that forms an upper and has a negative Poisson's ratio.

FIG. 9A is a schematic view showing the appearance of an example of a shoe according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a schematic view showing the appearance of another example of the shoe according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a schematic view schematically showing the appearance of specific examples of a shoe sole member according to the second embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view of each of various examples of a plate-shaped material in the second embodiment, taken along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (taken along the line V-V in FIG. 10A).

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the appearance of an example of a shoe according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12A is a schematic view schematically showing a specific example of a shoe sole member in the third embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 12B is a schematic view schematically showing the appearance of a specific example of the shoe sole member according to the third embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing the appearance of an example of a shoe according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a schematic perspective view of an example of an insole in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a schematic perspective view of another example of the insole in the fourth embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 14C is schematic view schematically showing a specific example of the insole in the fourth embodiment as viewed from the shoe sole side.

FIG. 15A is a schematic sectional view of the insole shown in FIG. 14C, taken along the line P-P in FIG. 14C.

FIG. 15B is a schematic sectional view of the insole shown in FIG. 14C, taken along the line Q-Q in FIG. 14C.

FIG. 16 is a schematic sectional view of the insole shown in FIG. 14C, taken along the line Q-Q in FIG. 14C, showing a state of change of the arch shape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a shoe will be described with reference to the drawings. The description herein will be given on one shoe to be worn by one of the left and right foot (either one) unless otherwise noted.

As shown in each of the Figures, for example, FIG. 1 and FIG. 9A, a shoe (100, 100′, etc.) according to the embodiment includes a shoe sole member 10 that includes a front member 11 arranged on a front side of the shoe and a rear member 12 arranged on a rear side of the shoe, and an interlock member 20 that interlocks the front member 11 and the rear member 12. In the shoe of each embodiment configured above, the front member 11 and the rear member 12 are interlocked with each other by the interlocking member 20, so that it is possible to change the relative position of the front member 11 and the rear member 12 while interlocking the front member 11 with the rear member 12. Accordingly, the relative position of the front member 11 supporting a toe part of a foot of a wearer and the rear member 12 supporting a heel part thereof, when the wearer worn the shoe, can be changed, for example, in a left-right direction. For example, the shoe sole member 10 can be deformed to change the direction of a toe end (i.e., toe end direction) of the front member 11. Thus, the shoe of each embodiment configured above can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

The shoe of each embodiment includes at least the shoe sole member 10 and an upper 50 extending upward from a peripheral part of the shoe sole member 10 as shown in, for example, FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, the shoe according to each of the above embodiments will be described in detail by taking a first embodiment to a fourth embodiment as example. Note that the Figures showing the first embodiment may be denoted by “I”. Similarly, the Figures for the second embodiment to the fourth embodiment may be denoted by “II”, “III”, and “IV”, respectively.

Each of the Figures in the drawings is a schematic view and does not necessarily reflect the ratio of the lengths in the vertical direction, the left-right direction, and the front-rear direction, of the actual product. In this description, a direction in which the toe of the wearer in wearing the shoe is directed will be referred to as a front direction, and the opposite direction will be referred to as a rear direction. Also, a direction in which the foot sole of the wearer in wearing the shoe and standing position faces the ground will be referred to as a downward direction, and the opposite direction will be referred to as an upward direction. Further, a width direction of the foot may be referred to as the left-right direction. In each of the Figures, the front-rear direction may be denoted by x (i.e., the side to which an arrow is directed represents the front side). Also, the left-right direction (i.e., width direction) may be denoted by y (i.e., arrows are respectively directed to both of the left and right sides). Also, the vertical direction may be denoted by z (i.e., the side to which an arrow is directed represents the upper side).

First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1, the shoe 100A of the first embodiment includes the interlocking member 20 that interlocks the front member 11 and the rear member 12. In the first embodiment, the interlocking member 20 includes a connection body 21 that connects the front member 11 and the rear member 12 separated from each other in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the relative position of the front member 11 and the rear member 12 separated (i.e., separately provided) from each other can be changed through the connection body 21, for example, in the left-right direction. Also, deformation to allow the front member 11 to be twisted relative to the rear member 12 around the connection body 21 as a rotation axis is enabled. Accordingly, the shoe can be sufficiently deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

The shoe sole member 10 can further include an intermediate member 13 arranged between the front member 11 and the rear member 12. The intermediate member 13 is separated from each of the front member 11 and the rear member 12. The front member 11 and intermediate member 13, which are located adjacent to each other, can be located at a distance from each other, or can be partly in contact with each other. The rear member 12 and intermediate member 13, which are located adjacent to each other, can be located at a distance from each other, or can partly in contact with each other. On the other hand, the shoe sole member 10 can be configured such that it does not include the intermediate member 13, and the front member 11 and the rear member 12 are adjacent to each other, while being located at a distance from each other in the front-rear direction. The adjacent front member 11 and rear member 12 can be located at a distance from each other or can be partly in contact with each other.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 2(a), the shoe sole member 10 can be configured such that it includes the front member 11 and the rear member 12 that are adjacent to each other, while being separated from each other in the front-rear direction (specifically, for example, being located at a distant from each other), and the connection body 21 connects the front member 11 and the rear member 12.

On the other hand, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2(b), the shoe sole member 10 can include the front member 11, the rear member 12, and one intermediate member 13 arranged between the front member 11 and the rear member 12, in which the connection body 21 includes a rod body 211 that passes through the intermediate member 13 to allow the connection body 21 to connect the front member 11 and the rear member 12.

Also as shown, for example, in FIG. 2(c) and FIG. 2(d), the shoe sole member 10 can include a plurality of intermediate members 13 arranged between the front member 11 and the rear member 12. The number of the intermediate members 13 can be, for example, two. The two intermediate members 13 can be aligned with each other in the left-right direction or can be aligned with each other in the front-rear direction. As shown, for example, in FIG. 2(c), the rod body 211 can be arranged between the two intermediate members 13 aligned in the left-right direction (i.e., width direction). Also as shown, for example, in FIG. 2(d), the connection body 21 can connect the front member 11 and the rear member 12, while the rod body 211 passes through the two intermediate members 13 aligned in the front-rear direction.

In the first embodiment, the flexural rigidity of the connection body 21 can be greater in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. In other words, the force required to bend the connection body 21 can be greater in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. Further, in other words, bending of the connection body 21 can be more suppressed in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the change of the relative position between the front member 11 and the rear member 12 is more likely to occur in the left-right direction than in the vertical direction. In other words, deformation of the shoe sole member 10 is more suppressed in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. Accordingly, the shoe sole member 10 can be deformed in the left-right direction, while being suppressed from bending in the left-right direction. Therefore, with the above configuration, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to bending of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed.

The connection body 21 includes one or two or more rod bodies 211 extending in the front-rear direction. As shown, for example, in FIG. 3A, FIG. 3D, and FIG. 3G, the connection body 21 includes one or two or more rod bodies 211 extending in the front-rear direction, and two support bodies 212 allowing each of the rod bodies 211 to be sandwiched therebetween to support the one or two or more rod bodies 212 from both sides in the front-rear direction. Each of the support bodies 212 has a plate-shaped insertion part 212a that is inserted into the front member 11 or the rear member 12, and a joint part 212b that joins the insertion part 212a and the rod body 211 between the insertion part 212a and the rod body 211.

The insertion of the insertion parts 212a of the two support bodies 212 into the front member 11 and the rear member 12 of the connection body 21 allows, for example, the front member 11 and the rear member 12 to be interlocked with each other. One side surface of the joint part 212b of one of the support bodies 212, on which the insertion part 212a is arranged, is arranged, for example, along an end surface on the rear side of the front member 11. One side surface of the joint part 212b of the other one of the support bodies 212, on which the insertion part 212a is arranged, is arranged, for example, along an end surface on the front side of the rear member 12.

The shape of the rod body 211 is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, a cylindrical shape having a cylindrical axis extending in the front-rear direction, a semi-cylindrical shape formed by dividing such a cylinder in half along the cylindrical axis, an elliptic cylindrical shape having the cylindrical axis extending in the front-rear direction, a semi-elliptic cylindrical shape formed by dividing such an elliptic cylinder in half along the cylindrical axis, or an angular column shape having a polygonal shape in cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The angular column shape includes a triangular column shape elongated in the front-rear direction, a rectangular parallelepiped shape elongated in the front-rear direction, a polygonal column shape elongated in the front-rear direction and having a pentagonal or more polygonal shape in cross section.

When the connection body 21 includes a plurality of rod bodies 211 extending in the front-rear direction, each of the rod bodies 211 can have the aforementioned shapes. All the rod bodies 211 can have the same shape as described above, or one or more of the rod bodies 211 and the other one(s) can have different shapes from each other.

When the connection body 21 includes one rod body 211, a cross section of the rod body 211 along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction can have an elongated shape in the vertical direction. In other words, the cross section can be longer in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the flexural rigidity of the connection body 21 can be greater in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. When the connection body 21 includes a plurality of rod bodies 211, at least one rod body 211 can have the aforementioned shapes.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C, the connection body 21 can include the rod body 211 formed to have an ellipse shaped cross section along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (i.e., cross section along the line S-S in FIG. 3B), which is elongated in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3C). Such a rod body 211 has an ellipse shaped cross section elongated in the vertical direction, and configured to have a central part in the front-rear direction having the smallest size, from which the size gradually increases toward both ends in the front-rear direction. Specifically, in the cross section of the rod body 211 along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction passing through the center of the rod body 211 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B, the upper edge and the lower edge are respectively formed by two parabolas with their peaks facing each other. In other words, the upper edge of the cross section forms a parabola convex downward and the lower edge of the cross section forms a parabola convex upward.

On the other hand, in the cross section of the rod body 211 along the plane perpendicular to the left-right direction passing through the center of the rod body 211 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3D to FIG. 3F, the connection body 21 can be configured to have the upper edge of the cross section forming a straight line and the lower edge of the cross section forming a parabola convex upward. The rod body 211 of the connection body 21 has an ellipse shaped cross section along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction (i.e., cross section along the line T-T in FIG. 3E), which is elongated in the vertical direction, and configured to have a central part in the front-rear direction having the smallest size, from which the size gradually increases toward both ends in the front-rear direction. Nevertheless, the height of the topmost part of the rod body 211 is constant along the front-rear direction (see FIG. 3F). The connection body 21 can be configured to have the connection body 21 itself arranged upside down, as shown in FIG. 3E.

The connection body 21 can include a plurality of rod bodies 211 extending in the front-rear direction as shown, for example, in FIG. 3G and FIG. 3H. In such a plurality of connection bodies 21, a plurality of rod bodies 211 having, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape are aligned on the left and right sides as shown in FIG. 3I(a) (i.e., cross section taken along the line U-U in FIG. 3H). The connection body 21 can include two rod bodies 211 each having a shape formed by dividing an elliptic cylinder in half as shown, for example, in FIG. 3I(b). Specifically, each of the rod bodies 211 can have a shape of a half of an elliptic cylinder (i.e., semi-elliptic cylindrical shape), which is obtained by cutting an elliptic cylinder having a cylindrical axis extending in the front-rear direction along the plane passing through both of the longitudinal axis of the ellipse on the top and the longitudinal axis of the ellipse on the bottom. Two rod bodies 211 in a semi-elliptic cylindrical shape can be arranged with their cross sections (flat surfaces) facing each other.

The connection body 21 can include two or more rod bodies 211 extending in the front-rear direction, and the number of vertically-arranged rod bodies 211 can be larger than the number of laterally-arranged rod bodies 211.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 4(a), two rod bodies 211 can be aligned in the vertical direction. With this configuration, the flexural rigidity of the connection body 21 can be greater in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. The two rod bodies 211 can have the same shape or can have different shapes from each other.

The connection body 21 can include three or more rod bodies 211 extending in the front-rear direction, and a polygon with its vertices formed by the rod bodies 211 has an elongated shape in the vertical direction in a cross section of the rod bodies 211 cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c), three rod bodies can be arranged to form vertices of a triangle when viewed from one side in the front-rear direction. Further, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4(d), four rod bodies can be arranged to form four vertices of a rectangle. As described above, a plurality of rod bodies can be arranged to form vertices of a polygon elongated in the vertical direction. When the plurality of rod bodies are arranged to have the aforementioned polygon longer in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction, the flexural rigidity of the connection body 21 can be greater in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction. The plurality of rod bodies 211 can have the same shape or can have different shapes from each other.

When the shoe sole member 10 is viewed from the bottom side in the first embodiment, a part of the shoe sole member 10 that is a separate member from the front member 11 and located adjacent to the front member 11 can have a shape bulging forward. For example, the rear member 12 adjacent to the front member 11 can have a shape bulging forward as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, or the intermediate member 13 adjacent to the front member 11 can have a shape bulging forward as shown in FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D.

In each of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G, the Figure (a) on the left side represents the shoe 100A before being worn by the wearer, and the Figure (b) on the right side represents the shoe 100A during it is worn, in which the shoe sole member 10 is deformed to conform to the shape of the foot. In each of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G, the connection body is not shown.

The front member 11 can be formed, when viewed from the bottom side, to have the rear edge projecting rearward in an arc-shaped curve. In this case, the apex of the portion projecting in an arc-shaped curve in the front member 11 can abut against the apex of the bulging portion of the intermediate member 13 or the bulging portion of the rear member 12. This configuration allows the front member 11 to move in the left-right direction while rolling on the peripheral edge of the bulging portion, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5C. In other words, the toe end direction of the front member 11 can be changed, while the abutting point at which a part of the intermediate member 13 or a part of the rear member 12 are in abutting with a part of the front member 11 is kept changing. Such a motion of the front member 11 enables the shoe 100A to be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

On the other hand, the front member 11 can be formed, when viewed from the bottom side, to have the rear edge recessed forward in an arc-shaped curve. In this case, the arc-shaped curve of the front member 11 can be formed along the peripheral edge of the bulging portion of the intermediate member 13 or the bulging portion of the rear member 12. With this configuration, the bulging peripheral edge of the intermediate member 13 or the rear member 12 is fitted into the concave edge on the rear side of the front member 11, as shown in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5D. Since the concave rear edge on the rear side of the front member 11 can move along the peripheral edge of the bulging portion, the toe end direction of the front member 11 can be changed. The motion of the front member 11 enables the shoe 100A to be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

In the first embodiment, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5E and FIG. 5F, the front member 11 can be configured to have the rear edge projecting rearward in an arc-shaped curve, and have the front edge of the intermediate member 13 or the rear member 12 recessed rearward in an arc-shaped curve. When the rear member 12 is formed as described above, the peripheral edge of the projecting portion of the front member 11 is fitted into the concave front edge of the rear member 12 as shown in FIG. 5. Since the projecting edge on the rear side of the front member 11 can move along the peripheral edge of the concave portion, the toe end direction of the front member 11 can be changed. Such a motion of the front member 11 enables the shoe 100A to be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot. When the intermediate member 13 is formed as described above, the peripheral edge of the projecting portion of the front member 11 is fitted into the concave edge on the front side of the intermediate member 13, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5F. Since the projecting rear edge of the front member 11 can move along the peripheral edge of the concave portion, the toe end direction of the front member 11 can be changed. The intermediate member 13 can also move in the same manner as above when it is formed to have the rear edge projecting rearward in an arc-shaped curve. The motions of the front member 11 and the intermediate member 13 as described above enable the shoe 100A to be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

Also in the first embodiment, the front member 11 can be formed to have the rear edge projecting rearward in an arc-shaped curve, and the front edge of the rear member 12 adjacent to the front member 11 extends straight in the left-right direction, when viewed from the bottom side, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5G. With this configuration, the front member 11 can move in the left-right direction while rolling on the aforementioned straight edge, as shown in FIG. 5G. In other words, the toe end direction of the front member 11 can be changed, while the abutting point at which a part of the rear member 12 is in abutting with a part of the front member 11 is kept changing. Such a motion of the front member 11 enables the shoe 100A to be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

When the shoe sole member 10 does not include the intermediate member 13 in the first embodiment, a part of a rear portion of the front member 11 and a part of a front portion of the rear member 12 can be vertically arranged, while being separated from each other. With this configuration, the part arranged on the lower side can support the part arranged on the upper side, while being in abutment with the part arranged on the upper side. Specifically, the part arranged on the upper side can be supported by the part arranged on the lower side when the wearer wears the shoe 100A. Accordingly, the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A can be suppressed. Thus, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction is suppressed.

On the other hand, when the shoe sole member 10 includes the intermediate member 13 provided to be separated from each of the front member 11 and the rear member 12, it can be configured such that a part of the rear portion of the front member 11 and a part of a front portion of the intermediate member 13 are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other, and a part of the front portion of the rear member 12 and a part of a rear portion of the intermediate member 13 are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7F. With this configuration, as described above, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed. Note that the connection bodies are not shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D and FIG. 7A to FIG. 7F.

In the state where the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, and the rear member 12 each have a part vertically arranged to each other as described above, it is sufficient if there are overlapping portions when viewed from one side in the vertical direction. Specifically, the aforementioned vertically arranged state includes not only the state where the surface facing upward and the surface facing downward are opposed to each other (e.g., FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D) but also the state where parts of the two members are arranged to be overlapped with each other in the vertical direction, while a part of the surface facing diagonally upward in one member and a part of the surface facing diagonally downward in the other member are opposed to each other (e.g., FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D).

In the state where the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, and the rear member 12 respectively have parts vertically arranged to each other as described above, the front member 11 and the intermediate member 13 can be separated from each other with a first boundary f that is interposed therebetween and passes through the shoe sole member 10 from one side to the other side in the vertical direction, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D. Also, the rear member 12 and the intermediate member 13 can be separated from each other with a second boundary r that is interposed therebetween and passes through the shoe sole member 10 from one side to the other side in the vertical direction. One of the uppermost part and the lowermost part of the first boundary f can be arranged more forward or rearward than the remaining part, and one of the uppermost part and the lowermost part of the second boundary r can be arranged more forward or rearward than the remaining part.

Hereinafter, the specific forms of the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, and the rear member 12, in which their parts are vertically arranged to each other, will be orderly described.

In the shoe sole member 10 as shown, for example, in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6C, a part of the rear portion of the front member 11 is arranged on the upper side of a part of the front portion of the intermediate member 13, and a part of the front portion of the rear member 12 is arranged on the upper side of a part of the rear portion of the intermediate member 13.

In such a state, the shoe sole 10 when viewed from one side in the width direction can be such that the uppermost part of the first boundary f is arranged on the rear side of the lowermost part of the first boundary f, and the uppermost part of the second boundary r is arranged on the front side of the lowermost part of the second boundary r, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6A. Specifically, the first boundary f can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the front side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a straight line. Also, the second boundary r can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the rear side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a straight line. In this case, the intermediate member 13 is formed into a trapezoidal shape with an upper base and a lower base longer than the upper base, when viewed from one side in the width direction.

When the shoe sole member 10 is viewed from one side in the width direction, the first boundary f can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the front side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a curve, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6C. Also, the second boundary r can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the rear side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a curve. In this case, the first boundary f is formed with a curve expanding forward and diagonally upward, and the second boundary r is formed with a curve expanding rearward and diagonally upward.

On the other hand, the shoe sole member 10 can be configured such that a part of the rear portion of the front member 11 is arranged on the lower side of a part of the front portion of the intermediate member 13, and a part of the front portion of the rear member 12 is arranged on the lower side of a part of the rear portion of the intermediate member 13, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6B and FIG. 6D.

In such a state, when the shoe sole 10 is viewed from one side in the width direction, the uppermost part of the first boundary f is arranged on the front side of the lowermost part of the first boundary f, and the uppermost part of the second boundary r is arranged on the rear side of the lowermost part of the second boundary r, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6B. Specifically, the first boundary f can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the rear side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a straight line. Also, the second boundary r can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the front side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a straight line. In this case, the intermediate member 13 is formed into a trapezoidal shape with an upper base and a lower base shorter than the upper base, when viewed from one side in the width direction.

When the shoe sole member 10 is viewed from one side in the width direction, the first boundary f can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the rear side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a curve, as shown, for example, in FIG. 6D. Also, the second boundary r can be formed with the uppermost part and the lowermost part on the front side of the uppermost part being connected to each other by a curve. In this case, the first boundary f is formed with a curve expanding rearward and diagonally upward, and the second boundary r is formed with a curve expanding forward and diagonally upward.

Each of the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, and the rear member 12 can have a layered structure with an upper layer and a lower layer stacked thereon.

In the intermediate member 13 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7A, both edges in the front-rear direction of the lower layer respectively extend more forward and rearward than both edges in the front-rear direction of the upper layer. In the front member 11, the rear edge of the upper layer can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the lower layer. In the rear member 12, the front edge of the upper layer can extend more forward than the front edge of the lower layer. Further, the rear end of the upper layer of the front member 11 and the front end of the upper layer of the rear member 12 can be arranged respectively over the both extending ends of the lower layer in the intermediate member 13.

On the other hand, in the intermediate member 13 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7B, both edges in the front-rear direction of the upper layer respectively extend more forward and rearward than both edges in the front-rear direction of the lower layer. In the front member 11, the rear edge of the lower layer can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the upper layer. In the rear member 12, the front edge of the lower layer can extend more forward than the front edge of the upper layer. Further, the rear end of the lower layer of the front member 11 and the front end of the lower layer of the rear member 12 can be arranged respectively below the both extending ends of the upper layer in the intermediate member 13.

Also, in the intermediate member 13 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7C, the rear edge of the lower layer can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the upper layer, while the front edge of the upper layer can extend more forward than the front edge of the lower layer. In the front member 11, the rear edge of the lower layer can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the upper layer. In the rear member 12, the front edge of the upper layer can extend more forward than the front edge of the lower layer. Further, the rear end of the lower layer of the front member 11 is arranged below an extending end of the upper layer in the intermediate member 13, and the front end of the upper layer of the rear member 12 is arranged over an extending end of the lower layer in the intermediate member 13.

Further, in the intermediate member 13 as shown, for example, in FIG. 7D, the rear edge of the upper layer can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the lower layer, and the front edge of the lower layer can extend more forward than the front edge of the upper layer. In the front member 11, the rear edge of the upper layer can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the lower layer. In the rear member 12, the front edge of the lower layer can extend more forward than the front edge of the upper layer. Further, the front end of the lower layer of the rear member 12 can be arranged below an extending end of the upper layer in the intermediate member 13, and the rear end of the upper layer of the front member 11 can be arranged over an extending end of the lower layer in the intermediate member 13.

According to the above configurations shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction is suppressed.

In the above examples, the intermediate member 13 is arranged to form both of a part of the upper surface and a part of the lower surface of the shoe sole member 10. However, the arrangement of the intermediate member 13 is not limited to such examples. As shown, for example, in FIG. 7E, the intermediate member 13 can be arranged to form only a part of the upper surface of the shoe sole member 10, while not forming a part of the lower surface. Specifically, in the shoe sole member 10 having a two-layer structure, it can be configured such that the rear edge of the lower layer of the front member 11 extends more rearward than the rear edge of the upper layer, the front edge of the lower layer of the rear member 12 extends more forward than the front edge of the upper layer, and the intermediate member 13 (having a thickness less than each of the front member 11 and the rear member 12) can be arranged over both of an extending end of the lower layer in the front member 11 and an extending end of the lower layer in the rear member 12. On the other hand, the intermediate member 13 can be arranged to form only a part of the lower surface of the shoe sole member 10, while not forming a part of the upper surface (not shown). Also, with this configuration, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed.

In the above examples, the shoe sole member 10 including the intermediate member 13 was described in detail. In the shoe sole member 10 without the intermediate member 13, however, a part of the rear portion of the front member 11 and a part of the front portion of the rear member 12 can be vertically arranged, while being separated from each other. As shown, for example, in FIG. 7F, the rear edge of the upper layer in the front member 11 can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the lower layer, and the front edge of the lower layer in the rear member 12 can extend more forward than the front edge of the upper layer. Further, the rear end of the upper layer of the front member 11 can be arranged over an extending end of the lower layer in the rear member 12. Also, the rear edge of the lower layer in the front member 11 can extend more rearward than the rear edge of the upper layer, and the front edge of the upper layer in the rear member 12 can extend more forward than the front edge of the lower layer. Further, the front end of the upper layer of the rear member 12 can be arranged over an extending end of the lower layer in the front member 11 (not shown). Also, according to the above configuration, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed.

In the shoe sole member 10 shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D, the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, and the rear member 12 each have a two-layer structure, but the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, or the rear member 12 may not necessarily have a layered structure. For example, the first boundary f and the second boundary r can be formed in the shoe sole member 10 as shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D, while the front member 11, the intermediate member 13, and the rear member 12 each have a single layer structure.

In the shoe 100A of the first embodiment, an outer edge shape of each of the front member 11 and the rear member 12 can be symmetrical. Specifically, an outer edge shape of each of the front member 11 and the rear member 12 when viewed from the bottom side can be symmetrical relative to a centerline passing through the center in the width direction and extending in the front-rear direction. Such a configuration enables the shoe 100 of the first embodiment to be worn for both the left and right foot.

The shoe 100A of the first embodiment further includes the upper 50. At least a part of the upper 50 that is arranged over the central part in the front-rear direction of the shoe sole member can be made of a fabric that reduces the area when a force is applied in an in-plane direction. When the position of the front member 11 relative to the rear member 12 is changed, for example, in the left-right direction by wearing of the shoe 100A by the wearer, the upper 50 may be deformed due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10. At this time, a force is applied in the in-plane direction or an out-of-plane direction to a part of the upper 50 arranged over the central part of the shoe sole member. When the position of the front member 11 is changed to have the toe end direction directed, for example, to the left side, the left side surface in the central part of the upper receives the force in the in-plane direction. When the aforementioned part of the upper 50 is made of a fabric that can reduce the area upon application of a force in the in-plane direction, wrinkles can be suppressed and buckling deformation can be suppressed, even when receiving the force in the in-plane direction.

Examples of the aforementioned fabric include a net fabric, an accordion fabric, a scaly fabric, a foam fabric made of rubber, elastomer or a resin, and a sheet fabric having a negative Poisson's ratio.

The net fabric can have, for example, a mesh structure or a chain-like structure (e.g., structure such as a hauberk) in which a number of rings are connected to each other along a plurality of plane directions. The fabric having such a structure can reduce the area by allowing the size of each mesh to become smaller or allowing the distance between the centers of each adjacent rings to become shorter when receiving the force in the in-plane direction. The accordion fabric can have, for example, a structure in which a mountain fold and a valley fold are repeated along one direction in a plane direction. The fabric having such a structure can reduce the area by allowing the distance between each adjacent mountain fold and valley fold when receiving the force in the in-plane direction. The scaly fabric can have, for example, a structure that includes a plurality of plates aligned in at least one direction in the plane direction and aligned in the same thickness direction, in which the end of one panel of each adjacent two panels overlap with the end of the other panel. The fabric having such a structure can reduce the area of fabric by increasing the area of the overlapping portions when receiving the force in the in-plane direction. The foam fabric has a number of voids inside the fabric. In other words, a number of air cells are formed inside the foam fabric. The fabric having such a structure can reduce the area by reducing the total volume of the voids (air cells) when receiving the force in the in-plane direction. As the sheet material having a negative Poisson's ratio, for example, the fabric as described below can be adopted. The sheet material having a negative Poisson's ratio can reduce the area when receiving the force in the in-plane direction.

Examples of the sheet material having a negative Poisson's ratio include a fabric having a structure such as a honeycomb structure or a foam structure. The sheet material having a negative Poisson's ratio can have a specific mesh structure as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. Specifically, such a specific mesh structure is a structure including a number of meshes each having a shape formed by two trapezoids abutting against each other at their upper bases. More specifically, as shown, for example, in FIG. 8, a number of meshes 501, each having a shape formed by two trapezoids abutting against each other at their short sides (i.e., upper bases) out of two sides in parallel in a trapezoid, are formed in a certain arrangement. In other words, a number of meshes 501 (hereinafter also referred to as the certain-shaped meshes) having a shape, in which two sides facing each other in a rectangle are bent inside, are formed. More specifically, the direction in which the certain-shaped meshes 501 are aligned (shown in FIG. 8 by a bidirectional arrow) is a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the short sides in trapezoid (i.e., non-bent sides in rectangle) extend. In the specific mesh structure, a plurality of certain-shaped meshes 501 are aligned in one direction to form one row, and a plurality of rows are stacked in a direction orthogonal to the alignment direction of the meshes 501. The certain-shaped meshes 501 in one row and the certain-shaped meshes 501 in each adjacent row are arranged to be displaced from each other by a half pitch along the alignment direction.

The sheet fabric having a negative Poisson's ratio can be formed only by the aforementioned fabric having a structure including the certain-shaped meshes 501, or alternatively, can have a layered structure composed of the aforementioned fabric having the certain-shaped meshes 501 and another fabric. The aforementioned fabric having a structure including the certain-shaped meshes 501 can be formed by, for example, a material having a rigidity such as an artificial leather or a urethane resin.

When the sheet fabric having a negative Poisson's ratio has a layered structure, another fabric can be layered on only one side of the aforementioned fabric having a structure including the certain-shaped meshes 501. On the other hand, the aforementioned fabric having a structure including the certain-shaped meshes 501 can be sandwiched between two or more of other fabrics. As the other fabrics, for example, a fabric made of a material having a lower rigidity than the material for the aforementioned fabric having a structure including the certain-shaped shapes 501 can be adopted. Examples of such fabrics include a mesh fabric and a high stretch fabric. It is preferable that the other fabrics be less likely to block the shape change of the aforementioned fabric having a structure including the certain-shaped meshes 501.

At least a part of the upper 50 can be made of a fabric that is configured not only to reduce the area when the force is applied in the in-plane direction but also to increase the area when the force is applied in the out-of-plane direction. For example, when the shoe sole member 10 is deformed to allow the toe end direction to be directed to the left side, the right side surface in the central part of the upper 50 receives the force in the out-of-plane direction (i.e., is stretched). Thus, it is preferable that the fabric not only can reduce the area to conform to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 but also can increase the area (i.e., is stretchable in the plane direction). Examples of such a fabric include the fabrics described above as examples.

In the shoe 100A of the first embodiment, since the front member 11 and the rear member 12 are separated from each other, the shoe sole member 10 can be deformed to change the toe end direction of the front member 11. Also, since the front member 11 and the rear member 12 are connected by the connection body 21, deformation to allow the front member 11 to be twisted relative to the rear member 12 with the connection body 21 serving as a rotation axis is enabled. Accordingly, the shoe 100A of the first embodiment can be sufficiently deformed to conform to the shape of the foot. There are variations and individual differences in the shape of foot. As described above, the shoe 100A of the first embodiment when worn by the wearer with a foot in various shapes can be deformed, for example, to change the toe end direction of the front member 11. In other words, the shoe 100A of the first embodiment can be appropriately deformed to conform to curves of the foot of each individual. In particular, when the shoe sole member 10 of the shoe 100A of the first embodiment includes the intermediate member 13, the shoe sole member 10 can be appropriately deformed to conform to the shape of the foot of each individual or the shape of the left or right foot. Accordingly, fitting properties when the shoe is worn can be good.

Also in the shoe 100A of the first embodiment, since the flexural rigidity of the connection body 21 is larger in the vertical direction than in the left-right direction, the bending deformation in the vertical direction of the shoe sole member 10 including the front member 11 and the rear member 12 can be further suppressed compared with the deformation to change the toe end direction of the front member 11. Thus, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the deformation of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed. Thus, the aforementioned fitting properties can be good. In the shoe 100A of the first embodiment, the shoe sole member 10 further includes the intermediate member 13. Thereby, bending of the shoe sole member 10 upward and downward between the front member 11 and the rear member 12 can be suppressed by the intermediate member 13. Accordingly, the aforementioned fitting properties can be better. The front member 11 can be formed, when viewed from the bottom side, to have the rear edge projecting rearward in an arc-shaped curve. In this case, the portion projecting in an arc-shaped curve in the front member 11 and the bulged portion of the intermediate member 13 or the bulged portion of the rear member 12 can be arranged with their apexes abutting against each other. This configuration allows the front member 11 to move while rolling on a peripheral edge of the bulged portion, thereby the shoe sole member 10 can be easily deformed to change the toe end direction of the front member 11. The front member 11 can be formed, when viewed from the bottom side, to have the rear edge recessed forward in an arc-shaped curve. In this case, the arc-shaped curve of the front member 11 is arranged along the peripheral edge of the bulged portion of the intermediate member 13 or the bulged portion of the rear member 12, and thus, the peripheral edge of the intermediate member 13 or the rear member 12 is fitted into the recessed rear edge of the front member 11. The recessed rear edge of the front member 11 moves along the peripheral edge of the bulged portion, thereby the toe end direction of the front member 11 can be more easily changed. In the shoe 100A of the first embodiment, a part of the rear portion of the front member 11 and a part of the front portion of the rear member 12 can be vertically arranged, while being separated from each other. Alternatively, a part of the rear portion of the front member 11 and a part of the front portion of the intermediate member 13 are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other, and a part of the front portion of the rear member 12 and a part of a rear portion of the intermediate member 13 are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other. With this configuration, the part that is arranged on the upper side can be supported by the part that is arranged on the lower side. Accordingly, the shoe 100A can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the bending of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed. Accordingly, the aforementioned fitting properties can be better.

Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail. Any description already provided for the first embodiment will not be repeated for the second embodiment. Any matters not specifically mentioned in the second embodiment can be the same as in the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

In the shoe 100B of the second embodiment, the interlocking member 20 has a plate-shaped material 22 that is arranged along the bottom surface of the shoe sole member 10 and connects the front member 11 and the rear member 12. As shown, for example, in FIG. 9A, the plate-shaped material 22 is arranged to cover a part of the front member 11 and a part of the rear member 12 from below. For example, a front portion 221 of the plate-shaped material 22 is in contact with the lower surface of the rear portion of the front member 11, and a rear portion 222 of the plate-shaped material 22 is in contact with the lower surface of the front portion of the rear member 12. With this configuration, the bending deformation in the vertical direction of the shoe sole member 10 including the front member 11 and the rear member 12 is suppressed by the plate-shaped material 22. Thus, the shoe 100B can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to the bending of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100B is suppressed. Also, twisting deformation of the front member 11 relative to the rear member 12 with a virtual line serving as a rotation axis can be suppressed by the plate-shaped material 22, in which the virtual line extends in the front-rear direction passing through the center in the width direction of the shoe sole member 10.

As shown in FIG. 9B, when the shoe sole member 10 includes the intermediate member 13, the plate-shaped material 22 covers a part of the front member 11 and a part of the rear member 12 from below, while straddling the intermediate member 13 from below.

As shown in FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, the front portion 221 of the plate-shaped material 22 can cover a part of the side surface of the front member 11 and a part of the surface of a lower portion of the upper 50. Also, the rear portion 222 of the plate-shaped material 22 can cover a part of the side surface of the rear member 12 and a part of the surface of the lower portion of the upper 50. In this manner, the plate-shaped material 22 can have a three-dimensional shape like a partly bent flat plate.

The plate-shaped material 22 is bonded to at least a part of the bottom surface or the side surface of the front member 11 and a part of the bottom surface or the side surface of the rear member 12 to interlock the front member 11 with the rear member 12.

The plate-shaped material 22 can be partly cut in the thickness direction. In other words, a hole or holes can be formed to extend in the thickness direction of a part of the plate-shaped material 22. With this configuration, the plate-shaped material 22 becomes lighter by the formed hole(s), and thus the lightweight the shoe 100B can be achieved.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 10A, the plate-shaped material 22 can include the front portion 221 that covers a part of the bottom surface of the front member 11, the rear portion 222 that covers a part of the bottom surface of the rear member 12, and a plurality of band-shaped portions 22 that connect the front portion 221 and the rear portion 222. A space between each adjacent band-shaped portions 223 in the width direction serves as the hole described above. In other words, the plurality of band-shaped portions 223 together form a shape like a partly cutout plate-shaped portion, which connects the front portion and the rear portion.

Other than the aforementioned holes, a rib 223a can be formed in the plate-shaped material 22. For example, the rib 223a can be formed on the outer surface of the front portion 221, the outer surface of the rear portion 222, or the surface of the band-shaped portion 223, of the plate-shaped material 22.

In the band-shaped portion 223 of the plate-shaped material 22, ribs 223a as shown, for example, in FIG. 10B, can be formed. These ribs 223a extend along the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped portions 223. The ribs 223a can be formed by a part of the upper surface of each of the band-shaped portions 223 projecting, as shown, for example, in FIG. 10B(a). The projecting part of each of the ribs 223a has a semi-circular shape when each of the band-shaped portions 223 is viewed from a cross section cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each of the ribs 223a projects upward from the central part in the width direction of each of the band-shaped portions 223. Also, the ribs 223 can be formed by the upper surface of the band-shaped portions 223 partly projecting, as shown, for example in FIG. 10B(b). The projecting part of each of the ribs 223a has a rectangular shape when each of the band-shaped portions 223 is viewed from a cross section cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each of the ribs 223a projects upward from the central part in the width direction of each of the band-shaped portions 223. Also, the ribs 223 can be formed by the upper surface of the band-shaped portions 223 partly projecting, as shown, for example in FIG. 10B(c). The projecting part of each of the ribs 223a has, for example, a rectangular shape when each of the band-shaped portions 223 is viewed from a cross section cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each of the ribs 223a projects upward from each of both ends in the width direction of each of the band-shaped portions 223. Also, the ribs 223 can be formed only in the band-shaped portions 223 arranged on both sides in the left-right direction, as shown, for example in FIG. 10B(d). The projecting part of each of the ribs 223a has, for example, a rectangular shape when each of the band-shaped portions 223 is viewed from a cross section cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The ribs 223a respectively project upward from the left end of the band-shaped portion 223 on the leftmost side and the right end of the band-shaped portion 223 on the rightmost side.

The plate-shaped material 22 has a thickness of, for example, 1 mm or more and 8 mm or less. The thickness of the plate-shaped material 22 can be uniform or can vary depending on the portion.

In FIG. 10A, the rear edge of the front member 11, the front edge of the rear member 12, and the front and rear edges of the intermediate member 13 each are formed in a straight line when viewed from the bottom side. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the rear edge of the front member 11, the front edge of the rear member 12, and the front and rear edges of the intermediate member 13 each can have any of the shapes as shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G described in the first embodiment.

In FIG. 9A, the boundary between the front member 11 and the rear member 12 is formed to extend vertically straight when viewed from one side in the left-right direction. In FIG. 9B, the boundary between the front member 11 and the intermediate member 13 is formed to extend vertically straight, and the boundary between the rear member 12 and the intermediate member 13 is formed to extend vertically straight. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the arrangements of the front member 11, the rear member 12, and the intermediate member 13 can be the arrangements as shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 7F described in the first embodiment.

In the shoe 100B of the second embodiment, a part of the front member 11 and a part of the rear member 12 are supported by the plate-shaped material 22, while the front member 11 and the rear member 12 are separated from each other. Thus, the shoe sole member 10 can be deformed to change the toe end direction of the front member 11. Furthermore, bending of the shoe sole member 10 upward and downward between the front member 11 and the rear member 12, and twisting deformation of the front member 11 and the rear member 12 relative to each other with the virtual line extending in the front-rear direction, which serves as a rotation axis, can be suppressed by the plate-shaped material 22. Accordingly, the shoe can be sufficiently deformed to conform to the shape of the foot. Also, fitting properties when the shoe is worn can be good.

The shoe 100B of the second embodiment can further include the same configurations as the shoe 100 of the first embodiment described above. The shoe 100B of the second embodiment can further include, for example, the connection body 21 described above as the interlocking member 20 in addition to the plate-shaped material 22.

Next, the third embodiment will be described in detail. Any description already provided for the first embodiment and the second embodiment will not be repeated for the third embodiment. Any matters not specifically mentioned in the third embodiment can be the same as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

In the shoe 100C of the third embodiment, as shown, for example, in FIG. 11, FIG. 12A, and FIG. 12B, the interlocking member 20 includes an interconnection member 23 that is integrally molded with the front member 11 and the rear member 12 to connect the front member 11 and the rear member 12. In other words, the front member 11 and the rear member 12 are interlocked by the interconnection member 23. The minimum width of the interconnection member 23 is smaller than the rear end width of the front member 11 and the front end width of the rear member 12. The interlocking of the front member 11 and the rear member 12 by the interconnection member 23 having the narrow portion as described above can change the relative position of the front member 11 and the rear member 12, for example, in the left-right direction, via the connection body 21 in the same manner as the first embodiment. Also, twisting deformation of the front member 11 relative to the rear member 12 with the narrow portion of the interconnection member 23 serving as a rotation axis is enabled. Accordingly, the shoe 100C of the third embodiment can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot.

The minimum width of the interconnection member 23 can be a half or less, or can be 30% or less, of the rear end part of the front member 11, for example. Similarly, the minimum width of the interconnection member 23 can be a half or less, or can be 30% or less, of the front end part of the rear member 12, for example.

The minimum width of the interconnection member 23 can be, for example, 30 mm or less, can be 25 mm or less, or can be 20 mm or less. The minimum width of interconnection member 23 can be, for example, 4 mm or more, can be 6 mm or more, or can be 8 mm or more.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 12A, the connecting part of the interconnection member 23 and the front member 11 reduces the width as it advances from the front member 11 toward the interconnection member 23 when viewed from the bottom side. In other words, the connecting part drastically reduces the width from the front member 11 toward the interconnection member 23. Similarly, the connecting part of the interconnection member 23 and the rear member 12 also reduces the width as it advances from the rear member 12 toward the interconnection member 23.

Since the interconnection member 23 is integrally molded with the front member 11 and the rear member 12, the thickness of the interconnection member 23 (i.e., length in the vertical direction) can be the same as the thickness of the front member 11 or the rear member 12. On the other hand, the thickness of the interconnection member 23 (i.e., length in the vertical direction) can be different from the thickness of the front member 11 or the rear member 12. In other words, the thickness of the shoe sole member 10 in the third embodiment can be uniform and can vary depending on the portion.

In the shoe 100C of the third embodiment, the interconnection member 23 can include extension parts 232 extending in the width direction between the front member 11 and the rear member 12. By the interconnection member 23 that includes the extension parts 232, the wearer's foot can be suppressed from sinking between the front member 11 and the rear member 12.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 12A, the extension parts 232 extend from a minimum-width part (denoted by 231) of the interconnection member 23 elongated in the front-rear direction toward both of the left and right directions. The number of the extension parts 232 extending in one direction of the left and right directions can be one, or can be two or more. The widths (i.e., lengths in the front-rear direction) of a plurality of extension parts 232 extending in one direction of the left and right directions can be all the same, or can be different from each other. The width (i.e., length in the front-rear direction) of each of the extension parts 232 can be increased or can be decreased as it advances toward one direction of the left and right directions. On the other hand, each of the extension parts 232 can extend with a constant width.

In the shoe 100C of the third embodiment, the extension parts 232 each can have a plate shape as shown, for example, in FIG. 12B. In other words, the length in the front-rear direction of each of the extension part 232 can be substantially equal to the length of the interconnection member 23 extending from the minimum-width part toward one of the left and right directions.

The interlocking member 20 can include a reinforcing member attached to the interconnection member 23. In other words, the reinforcing member elongated in the front-rear direction can be attached to the interconnection member 23 along the minimum-width part 231 of the interconnection member 23 in order to enhance the strength between the front member 11 and the rear member 12. In the interlocking member 20, the flexural rigidity of the minimum-width part 231 of the interconnection member 23 with the reinforcing member attached thereto is greater than the minimum-width part 231 lacking the reinforcing member. By the interconnection member 23 to which the reinforcing member is attached, the front member 11 and the rear member 12 can be more tightly interlocked with each other.

The reinforcing member can be attached to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the minimum-width part 231 in the interconnection member 23. With this configuration, bending of the shoe sole member 10 upward and downward at the minimum-width part 231 of the interconnection member 23 can be suppressed.

The shoe 100C of the third embodiment includes the interconnection member 23 integrally molded with the front member 11 and the rear member 12 to connect the front member 11 and the rear member 12, in which the minimum width of the interconnection member 23 is narrow as described above. In the shoe 100C of the third embodiment, the front member 11, the interconnection member 23, and the rear member 12 are integrally molded, while the interconnection member 23 is sandwiched between the front member 11 and the rear member 12. Therefore, the shoe sole member 10 is easily deformed in the left-right direction and in the vertical direction at the minimum-width part 231 having a low rigidity of the interconnection member 23. Also, the front member 11 is easily twisted relative to the rear member 12 with the minimum-width part 231 of the interconnection member 23 serving as a rotation axis. The shoe sole member 10 also can be deformed to change the toe end direction of the front member 11. Accordingly, the shoe 100C of the third embodiment can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot. Accordingly, the aforementioned fitting properties when the shoe is worn can be good. The shoe 100C of the third embodiment can include the reinforcing member attached to the minimum-width part 231 of the interconnection member 23 as described above. With this configuration, the toe end direction of the front member 11 of the shoe sole member 10 can be changed, while bending of the shoe sole member 10 upward and downward is suppressed. Accordingly, the shoe 100C can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while sinking of the wearer's foot between the front member 11 and the rear member 12 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the aforementioned fitting properties when the shoe is worn can be good.

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described in detail. Any description already provided for the first embodiment to the third embodiment will not be repeated for the fourth embodiment. Any matters not specifically mentioned in the fourth embodiment can be the same as in the first embodiment to the third embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

In the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment, the interlocking member 20 includes a sheet-shaped insole 24 as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14A. The insole 24 includes at least a sheet-shaped insole body 240. The insole 24 is arranged on the lower part in the internal space of the shoe 100D, that is, arranged on the upper side of the shoe sole member 10. Apart of the front portion of the insole 24 is in contact with the upper surface of the front member 11 of the shoe sole member 10. Also, a part of the rear portion of the insole 24 is in contact with the upper surface of the rear member 12 of the shoe sole member 10. With this configuration, the insole 24 interlocks the front member 11 and the rear member 12 that are separated (i.e., respectively separate members) from each other in the shoe sole member 10. In addition to the insole 24 that interlocks the front member 11 and the rear member 12, the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment includes the connection body 21 that connects the front member 11 and the rear member 12 as described in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the shoe sole member 10 can be deformed in the left-right direction, while bending of the shoe sole member 10 upward and downward is suppressed by both of the insole 24 and the connection body 21. Therefore, the shoe 100D can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, while uncomfortable feeling imparted to the foot sole due to bending of the shoe sole member 10 in the vertical direction during the wearing of the shoe 100A is suppressed. Accordingly, the aforementioned fitting properties when the shoe is worn can be good.

The shape of the insole 24 when viewed from one side in the thickness direction is similar to the shape of the shoe sole member 10 when viewed from the bottom side, but the size of the insole 24 is slightly smaller than the size of the shoe sole member 10. In the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment, the insole 24 can have a symmetrical shape as shown in each of FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C. In other words, the insole 24 can have a line symmetrical shape relative to a straight line passing through the center in the width direction and extending in the front-rear direction. With this configuration, the insole 24 can be used for both the left and right foot.

In the internal space of the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment, the peripheral edge of the insole 24 is in contact with the inner surface of the shoe 100D. Therefore, the insole 24 is restricted from moving in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction in the internal space of the shoe 100D. During the wearing of the shoe 100D, the insole 24 is sandwiched between the wearer's foot and the shoe sole member 10. Accordingly, the insole 24 is also restricted from moving in the vertical direction.

In the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment, the insole 24 has a metatarsus portion 241 projectedly curved upward in an arch shape as shown, for example, in FIG. 15A. The rigidity of a central portion 242 in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241 can be higher than both side portions in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241.

In the insole 24, for example, the central portion 242 in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241 can be harder than both sides in the width direction of the central portion 242 (schematically shown in FIG. 14B). The central portion 242 being harder has a higher rigidity than the both side portions in the width direction of the central portion 242. Thereby, the central portion 242 is suppressed from stretching. For example, the central portion 242 can be hard by being formed with a larger thickness than the surrounding portion.

On the other hand, the insole 24 can include a non-stretchable reinforcing sheet 243 arranged at least in the central portion 242 in the width direction of the arch-shaped metatarsus portion 241 (see FIG. 14C). The reinforcing sheet 243 is inflexible against a tensile force in the front-rear direction. Apart of the reinforcing sheet 243 can be adhered to the insole body 240, or the entire area of one surface of the reinforcing sheet 243 can be adhered to the insole body 240. The central portion 242 of the insole 24 including the reinforcing sheet 243 is suppressed from stretching. The reinforcing sheet 243 can be arranged along the lower surface of the insole 24, or can be arranged along the upper surface of the insole 24. The reinforcing sheet 243 will be specifically described later.

In the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment, the metatarsus portion 241 of the insole 24 having the configuration as described above may have such a configuration that, when a load is applied to either one side in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241 from above, the opposite side of the insole 24 protrudes upward. Specifically, when one of the side portions in the width direction of the central portion 242 of the metatarsus portion 241 is pressed downward, the opposite side portion protrudes upward (see FIG. 16(a)), since the movement of the insole 24 in the internal space of the shoe 100D is restricted as described above, and the central portion 242 is hard or is suppressed from stretching, as described above. On the other hand, when the opposite side portion in the width direction of the central portion 242 is pressed downward, the one side portion protrudes upward for the same reason (see FIG. 16(b)). The arch shape of the plantar arch of the sole of left foot is located close to the right side of the center in the width direction, and that of the sole of the right foot is located close to the left side of the center in the width direction. Accordingly, when the wearer wears the shoe 100D on the left foot, the insole 24 is deformed, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(a). On the other hand, when the wearer wears the shoe 100D on the right foot, the insole 24 is deformed, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(b). By the insole 24 that can be deformed in this way, the shoe 100D can be worn without causing uncomfortable feeling on the foot sole even when the shoe 100D is worn on either left or right foot.

The reinforcing sheet 243 is adhered to the insole body 240 as shown, for example, in FIG. 14C and FIG. 15B, in order to increase the rigidity of the central portion 242 in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241 compared with the rigidity of the both side portions. The reinforcing sheet 243 can be, for example, a non-stretchable fabric. The reinforcing sheet 243 can be attached to the lower surface of the insole body 240 to cover the rearmost portion of the insole body 240, the central portion 242, and the portion to come into contact with the root part of the foot fingers. The reinforcing sheet 243 is not arranged on the both side portions in the metatarsus portion 241. Thus, a central part in the front-rear direction of the reinforcing sheet 243 can have a constricted shape when viewed in the thickness direction. The reinforcing sheet 243 except the constricted part is bonded to the insole body 240 by, for example, an adhesive agent. On the other hand, the constricted part of the reinforcing sheet 243 that is not bonded to the insole body 240 is overlapped with only the central portion 242 in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241. Thus, bending of the insole 24 downward, in particular, bending of the insole 24 downward at the central portion 242 as a bending point, can be suppressed by the constricted part of the reinforcing sheet 243. Thereby, the central portion 242 in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241 has an increased rigidity compared with the rigidity of the both side portions. Accordingly, the arch shape of the insole 24 can be changed to conform to the arch shape of the foot sole as already described with reference to FIG. 16. As the reinforcing sheet 243, a thermoplastic resin film, a woven fabric, or a non-woven fabric can be used, for example.

The arch shape of the insole 24 can be symmetrical. In other words, the arch shape can be a three-dimensional symmetrical shape relative to a straight line passing through the center in the width direction of the insole 24 and extending in the front-rear direction. Also, the central portion 242 in the width direction of the metatarsus portion 241 can be symmetrical. In other words, the central portion 242 having a higher rigidity can be symmetrical relative to the straight line passing through the center in the width direction of the insole 24 and extending in the front-rear direction. The central portion 242 having a higher rigidity can have, for example, a rectangular shape elongated in the front-rear direction when viewed in the thickness direction.

The shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment can include the shoe sole member having a configuration explained in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment. In addition to the insole, the shoe 100D of the fourth embodiment can further include the plate-shaped material or the interconnection member described above as the interlocking member.

In the fourth embodiment, the insole included in the shoe 100D has been described as above, but the present description also encompasses the disclosure of the aforementioned insole itself.

The shoe described in each of the above embodiments can be asymmetrical in appearance when the shoe for one foot is viewed from above. The feature “asymmetrical in the appearance” intends that the design such as pattern or color, or the arrangement of the reinforcing member is asymmetrical relative to a virtual line passing through the center in the width direction and extending in the front-rea direction when the shoe is visually observed. This configuration enables the shoe to be worn by both the left and right foot with no need to identify whether the shoe is for left foot or right foot.

In each of the above embodiments, the description was made in detail on the shoe including the connection body, the plate-shaped material, the interconnection member, or the insole as the interlocking member. However, the shoe of each of the embodiments is not limited to the aforementioned shoe. The shoe of each of the embodiments can include a plurality of connection bodies, plate-shaped materials, interconnection members, or insoles. The shoe(s) of any embodiments can include, for example, the insole and at least one of the connection body and the plate-shaped material. Also, the shoe of any embodiments can include, for example, at least the interconnection member and the insole. Also, the shoe of any embodiments can include, for example, at least the plate-shaped material and the interconnection member.

In each of the above embodiments, the shoe sole member can be, for example, an outsole, or can include both of an outsole and a midsole. The shoe sole member in each of the embodiments can form an entire outsole, or alternatively, can form a part of the outsole. The shoe 100 can include the shoe sole member with its surface exposed on the side surface or the bottom of the shoe 100. On the other hand, the surface of the shoe sole member may not be necessarily exposed on the side surface or the bottom of the shoe 100. One hole or a plurality of holes can be formed in the central portions of the front member, the rear member, and the intermediate member in the thickness direction (i.e., vertical direction).

The thickness of the shoe sole member is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 3 mm or more, or can be 5 mm or more. The thickness of the shoe sole member can be, for example, 50 mm or less, or can be 45 mm or less. The thickness of the shoe sole member can vary depending on the portion.

The shoe sole member is, for example, a crosslinked product of rubber composition. The rubber composition can include styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, or ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), as a rubber component. Also, the rubber composition can further include a filler, a coupling agent, or a crosslinking agent.

The content rate of the rubber component (including styrene-butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, etc.) can be, for example, 60 mass % or more and 90 mass % or less.

The crosslinking agent that can be included in the rubber composition is a compound for accelerating the crosslinking reaction of the rubber component in the rubber composition. Examples of the crosslinking agent include an organic peroxide, and sulfate.

When the shoe of each of the embodiments includes the aforementioned shoe sole member as an outsole and further includes a midsole, the material for the midsole is, for example, rubber, but is not particularly limited. The midsole is formed by, for example, a crosslinked foam product including an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin or an olefin resin as a base, natural leather, artificial leather, a polyester resin such as a polyethylene terephthalate resin, or a polyamide resin. The outsole and the midsole can be bonded by a general adhesive agent including a polyurethane resin.

The rubber composition can further include additional components other than the above described components in a range so as not to impair the effect of the present disclosure. The rubber composition can appropriately include, for example, a hardness adjuster such as a paraffin-based or naphthene-based process oil, a tackifier such as a terpene resin, an anti-aging agent, a processing aid, an inorganic filler, an antimicrobial agent, and a fragrance.

The upper 50 can be, as described above, formed by a fabric that reduces the area when a force in the in-plane direction is applied at least to the portion arranged over the central part in the front-rear direction of the shoe sole member. Such a fabric can form the entire upper 50 or can form a part of the upper 50. General fabrics can be adopted as the fabric of the upper 50.

The shoe of each of the embodiments above is produced by a general method. For example, the shoe sole member is formed by the aforementioned rubber composition, and the upper 50 is attached to the shoe sole member. Thereby, the aforementioned shoe can be produced.

The intended use of the shoe of each of the embodiments above is not particularly limited. The aforementioned shoe can be used, for example, as sport shoe (i.e., various athletic shoes). In addition, the shoe can be used, for example, as a sneaker.

In the conventional general shoes, one shoe (e.g., shoe for left foot) and another shoe (e.g., shoe for right foot) having different shapes from each other make up a pair. However, a person using a prosthetic leg on one foot wears a shoe on only another foot. Further, when the conventional and general shoes are worn and either left or right foot is put on the foot on the opposite side by mistake, there may be a problem that the foot cannot put on the shoe or the wearer cannot walk as usual while wearing the shoe due to the difference in the shape of the left and right foot. Further, since the conventional and general shoes are designed to conform to a standard foot shape, similar problem may arise when the shoe is worn by a wearer having a foot in a non-standard shape. In contrast, the shoe of each of the embodiments above can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot as described above, and thus can be used for both the left and right foot or irrespective of the individual variation in the shape of the foot.

Specifically, in the field of the athletic shoes for sports competition using a prosthetic leg, the shoe of each of the embodiments above can be sold as a single shoe usable for either left and right foot. Also, since the shoe of each of the embodiments above can be deformed to conform to the shape of the foot, it can provide a good wearing feeling even for a person who has a foot in a different shape from a typical shape of the foot (e.g., deformed foot).

Further, the shoe of each of the embodiments above can be worn by both the left and right foot with a good feeling of wearing, and thus can be sold as a single shoe usable for both the left and right foot. For example, it becomes possible to sell a shoe usable for both the left and right foot to a person who has the left and right foot having greatly different sizes or shapes from each other. Further, since it is possible to eliminate the necessity to manufacture the shoes designed separately for the left and right foot, the shoe for one foot manufactured with the same design can be applied to both the left and right foot. Therefore, the reduction in the manufacturing process of the shoe and the reduction of the manufacturing cost can be achieved.

The shoe of each the embodiments above can be worn regardless of the left and right foot, and thus can be worn without caring about the left and right shoes by, for example, visually impaired people and pregnant women who have a difficulty in watching their step. The shoe of each of the embodiments above can be used by exchanging the left and right shoes with each other at intervals of certain period. By the thus exchanging of the left and right shoes, it is possible to suppress the progress of uneven abrasion (asymmetric abrasion) in the shoe sole caused by the wearing of the shoe by one foot only.

The shoe of each of the embodiments is described as an example, but is not limited to the example. That is, various forms used in general shoes can be adopted without impairing the effect of the present disclosure.

The matters disclosed herein include the following.

(1)

A shoe including:

• • a shoe sole member that includes a front member arranged on a front side of the shoe and a rear member arranged on a rear side of the shoe: and
  • an interlocking member that interlocks the front member and the rear member.
    (2)

The shoe according to the above (1), in which,

• • when the shoe is viewed from a bottom side, a rear edge of the front member projects rearward in an arc-shaped curve, or
  • the rear edge of the front member is recessed forward in an arc-shaped curve.
    (3)

The shoe according to the above (1) or (2), in which

• • a shape of outer edge of each of the front member and the rear member is symmetrical relative to a centerline passing through a center in a width direction and extending in a front-rear direction.
    (4)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (3), in which

• • the interlocking member includes a connection body that connects the front member and the rear member separated from each other.
    (5)

The shoe according to the above (4), in which

• • the connection body includes one or two or more of rod bodies extending in the front-rear direction, and
  • a cross section when at least one of the rod bodies is cut along the plane perpendicular to the front rear-direction has an elongated shape in a vertical direction.
    (6)

The shoe according to the above (4) or (5), in which

• • a flexural rigidity of the connection body is greater in a vertical direction than in the left-right direction.
    (7)

The shoe according to any one of the above (4) to (6), in which

• • the connection body includes two or more of rod bodies extending in the front-rear direction, and
  • the number of vertically-arranged rod bodies is larger than the number of laterally-arranged rod bodies.
    (8)

The shoe according to any one of the above (4) to (7), in which

• • the connection body includes three or more of rod bodies extending in the front-rear direction, and
  • a polygon with its vertices formed by the rod bodies has an elongated shape in the vertical direction in a cross section of the rod bodies cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.
    (9)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (8), in which

• • the interlocking member has a plate-shaped material that is arranged along a bottom surface of the shoe sole member and connects the front member and the rear member.
    (10)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (9), in which

• • the front member and the rear member are separated from each other, and
  • a part of a rear portion of the front member and a part of a front portion of the rear member are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other.
    (11)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (9), in which

• • the shoe sole member further includes an intermediate member arranged between the front member and the rear member,
  • the intermediate member is configured to separate the front member and the rear member from each other,
  • a part of a rear portion of the front member and a part of a front portion of the intermediate member are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other, and
  • a part of a front portion of the rear member and a part of a rear portion of the intermediate member are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other.
    (12)

The shoe according to any one of the above (9) to (11), in which

• • the interlocking member includes an interconnection member that is integrally molded with the front member and the rear member to connect the front member and the rear member, and
  • a minimum width of the interconnection member is smaller than a rear end width of the front member and a front end width of the rear member.
    (13)

The shoe according to any one of the above (9) to (12), in which

• • the interconnection member includes an extension part extending in the width direction between the front member and the rear member.
    (14)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (13), in which

• • the interlocking member includes an insole.
    (15)

The shoe according to the above (14), in which

• • the insole has a symmetrical shape.
    (16)

The shoe according to the above (14) or (15), in which

• • the insole has a metatarsus portion projectedly curved upward in an arch shape, and
  • the insole is configured such that, when a load is applied to either one side in the width direction of the metatarsus portion from above, the opposite side of the insole protrudes upward.
    (17)

The shoe according to any one of the above (14) to (16), in which

• • the insole has a metatarsus portion projectedly curved upward in an arch shape, and
  • a rigidity of a central part in the width direction of the metatarsus portion is higher in both side portions than in the width direction of the metatarsus portion.
    (18)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (17), further including an upper, in which

• • a portion that is at least a part of the upper and arranged over a central part in the front-rear direction of the shoe sole member is made of a fabric that reduces an area when a force is applied in an in-plane direction.
    (19)

The shoe according to any one of the above (1) to (18), which is asymmetrical in appearance relative to a centerline passing through a center in the width direction and extending in the front-rear direction, when the shoe is viewed from above.

(20)

An insole described in the above fourth embodiment, which is placed over a shoe sole member of a shoe, when in use.

The shoe of the present disclosure is preferably used by, for example, being worn by the wearer on either left or right foot. The shoe of the present disclosure can be preferably used by, for example, being worn on a foot that is not necessarily in a typical shape. The shoe of the present disclosure is preferably used, for example, for the purpose of a sport shoe.

The shoe of this embodiment is as described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above described embodiments, and the design can be appropriately modified within the scope intended by the present disclosure. The operational advantage of the present disclosure is also not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The embodiments disclosed herein should be construed in all respects as illustrative but not limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is not indicated by the foregoing description but by the scope of the claims. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to include all the modifications equivalent in the sense and the scope to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A shoe comprising:

a shoe sole member that comprises a front member arranged on a front side of the shoe and a rear member arranged on a rear side of the shoe: and

an interlocking member that interlocks the front member and the rear member.

2. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein,

when the shoe is viewed from a bottom side, a rear edge of the front member projects rearward in an arc-shaped curve, or

the rear edge of the front member is recessed forward in an arc-shaped curve.

3. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

a shape of outer edge of each of the front member and the rear member is symmetrical relative to a centerline passing through a center in a width direction and extending in a front-rear direction.

4. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the interlocking member comprises a connection body that connects the front member and the rear member separated from each other.

5. The shoe according to claim 4, wherein

the connection body comprises one or two or more of rod bodies extending in the front-rear direction, and

a cross section when at least one of the rod bodies is cut along the plane perpendicular to the front rear-direction has an elongated shape in a vertical direction.

6. The shoe according to claim 4, wherein

a flexural rigidity of the connection body is greater in a vertical direction than in the left-right direction.

7. The shoe according to claim 4, wherein

the connection body comprises two or more of rod bodies extending in the front-rear direction, and

the number of vertically-arranged rod bodies is larger than the number of laterally-arranged rod bodies.

8. The shoe according to claim 4, wherein

the connection body comprises three or more of rod bodies extending in the front-rear direction, and

a polygon with its vertices formed by the rod bodies has an elongated shape in the vertical direction in a cross section of the rod bodies cut along the plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

9. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the interlocking member has a plate-shaped material that is arranged along a bottom surface of the shoe sole member and connects the front member and the rear member.

10. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the front member and the rear member are separated from each other, and

a part of a rear portion of the front member and a part of a front portion of the rear member are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other.

11. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the shoe sole member further comprises an intermediate member arranged between the front member and the rear member,

the intermediate member is configured to separate the front member and the rear member from each other,

a part of a rear portion of the front member and a part of a front portion of the intermediate member are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other, and

a part of a front portion of the rear member and a part of a rear portion of the intermediate member are vertically arranged, while being separated from each other.

12. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the interlocking member comprises an interconnection member that is integrally molded with the front member and the rear member to connect the front member and the rear member, and

a minimum width of the interconnection member is smaller than a rear end width of the front member and a front end width of the rear member.

13. The shoe according to claim 12, wherein

the interconnection member comprises an extension part extending in the width direction between the front member and the rear member.

14. The shoe according to claim 1, wherein

the interlocking member comprises an insole.

15. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein

the insole has a symmetrical shape.

16. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein

the insole has a metatarsus portion projectedly curved upward in an arch shape, and

the insole is configured such that, when a load is applied to either one side in the width direction of the metatarsus portion from above, the opposite side of the insole protrudes upward.

17. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein

the insole has a metatarsus portion projectedly curved upward in an arch shape, and

a rigidity of a central part in the width direction of the metatarsus portion is higher in both side portions than in the width direction of the metatarsus portion.

18. The shoe according to claim 1, further comprising an upper, wherein

a portion that is at least a part of the upper and arranged over a central part in the front-rear direction of the shoe sole member is made of a fabric that reduces an area when a force is applied in an in-plane direction.

19. The shoe according to claim 3, which is asymmetrical in appearance relative to a centerline passing through a center in the width direction and extending in the front-rear direction, when the shoe is viewed from above.