PLATE FOR SHOE SOLE, SHOE SOLE, AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING FORCE FEEDBACK EFFICIENCY OF SHOE SOLE

Disclosed are a plate for a shoe sole, a shoe sole, and a method for enhancing force feedback efficiency of a shoe sole. A plate is disposed in a midsole of the shoe sole. The plate comprises a plate body, wherein the plate body is downwardly recessed at a region corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints of a foot to form a recessed structure, and in a cross-section taken along a foot width direction, the recessed structure comprises at least one arcuate shape with an arch opening facing upward. The recessed structure is configured to deform as a forefoot transverse arch compresses during a period from after forefoot ground contact until before toe-off, thereby storing elastic potential energy. The recessed structure is configured to release the stored elastic potential energy during toe-off to provide rebound force feedback to the foot.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/CN2025/092331, filed on Apr. 30, 2025, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410682649.X, filed on May 29, 2024, and Chinese Patent Application No. 202510299563.3, filed on Mar. 13, 2025. All of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of footwear products, and particularly to a plate for a shoe sole, a shoe sole, and a method for enhancing force feedback efficiency of a shoe sole.

BACKGROUND

To enhance the overall performance of athletic shoes, a specially designed plate is typically embedded ingeniously in the shoe sole. This type of plate comes in various forms, such as carbon plates, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plates, and nylon plates. The primary functions of the plate are to increase the support force and stability of the shoe sole, disperse pressure and impact forces during motion, reduce deformation and wear of the shoe sole, and improve the comfort and supportive properties of the shoe sole. Furthermore, utilizing the elasticity and toughness of the plate enables athletes to better control motion direction and force, while improving motion stability, reaction speed, and sense of balance, thereby achieving superior performance during athletic competition.

Currently, such specially designed plates generally adopt a flat plate structure, such as a flat carbon plate. Although this flat carbon plate provides certain support and stability, it exhibits limited energy return performance. The flat carbon plate fails to effectively capture and convert ground reaction forces, resulting in less energy feedback to the wearer and poor force feedback efficiency. In view of this deficiency, the present disclosure was developed.

SUMMARY

To address the above problems, a first objective of the present disclosure is to provide a plate for a shoe sole and a shoe sole that enhance force feedback efficiency during motion by enhancing energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch. A second objective of the present disclosure is to provide a method for enhancing force feedback efficiency of a shoe sole.

To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution provided in the present disclosure is as follows:

    • the present disclosure discloses a plate for a shoe sole, comprising a three-dimensional (3D) structured plate body, wherein the plate body is downwardly recessed at a region corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints of a foot to form a recessed structure, and wherein, in a cross-section taken along a foot width direction, the recessed structure comprises at least one arcuate shape with an arch opening facing upward.

Preferably, a curvature of the recessed structure decreases progressively forward from a central portion thereof, and/or decreases progressively rearward from the central portion thereof. This configuration enables the recessed structure to exhibit a downwardly recessed arc or arcuate shape in a cross-section along a foot length direction. The recessed structure can store energy and release the stored energy during forward swinging of the foot to propel the wearer forward, thereby providing improved thrust during a push-off phase. Additionally, the recessed structure can better guide mechanical transfer of the foot, allowing the wearer to apply force more smoothly during motion, reducing energy loss, and enhancing athletic efficiency.

Preferably, the region corresponding to phalanges of the foot of the plate body is curved upward and forward along a foot length direction. This configuration enhances push-off force generation by the phalanges of the wearer, increases propulsion, reduces energy loss, and achieves improved push-off efficacy.

Preferably, the recessed structure extends forward to completely or partially cover a region corresponding to phalanges of the foot of the plate body, and/or the recessed structure extends rearward to completely or partially cover a region corresponding to metatarsals of the foot of the plate body. Expanding the front-rear coverage range of the recessed structure can, on one hand, increase the force-bearing area of the plate body, thereby enhancing energy storage capacity and further improving energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch; on the other hand, expanding the front-rear coverage range of the recessed structure can also improve athletic comfort.

As an improvement of the present disclosure, the recessed structure comprises a recessed portion and wing supporting portions extending outward from an inner side and an outer side of the recessed portion, respectively. The wing supporting portions can, on one hand, increase the contact area (non-direct contact) between the recessed structure and the foot, providing a certain degree of support and improving stepping comfort of the foot; on the other hand, the wing supporting portions can ensure that the recessed structure expands outward when compressed and deformed, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of elastic potential energy storage during compression and deformation.

Preferably, the wing supporting portions transition gradually outward from the connection points with the recessed portion to a flat state.

Preferably, a width of the recessed portion is 45% to 90% of a width of the recessed structure.

As an improvement of the present disclosure, the plate body defines a stress-relief groove in a region corresponding to a forefoot portion of the foot.

Preferably, the plate body defines at least one stress-relief groove on a medial side of the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot, and/or the plate body defines at least one stress-relief groove on a lateral side of the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot.

Preferably, the stress-relief groove extends inward from an edge of the plate body.

Preferably, a depth of the stress-relief groove extending inward along the foot width direction is one-third of a width of the plate body. This configuration balances overall rigidity and deformation capability of the plate body.

Preferably, the stress-relief groove is located in the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot of the plate body and/or in the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot of the plate body.

Preferably, the stress-relief groove is linear, V-shaped, or arcuate.

Preferably, a width of the stress-relief groove is 1 mm to 5 mm.

As an improvement of the present disclosure, a thickness of the recessed structure is greater than a thickness of other portions of the plate body.

Preferably, the recessed structure has a maximum thickness in a region corresponding to the second metatarsal to the third metatarsal of the foot. This configuration enables the recessed structure to withstand greater pressure, thereby improving service life and safety of the plate.

Preferably, the thickness of the recessed structure decreases progressively from the second metatarsal toward the first metatarsal, and decreases progressively from the third metatarsal toward the fifth metatarsal. This configuration optimizes stress distribution, thereby making the overall structure of the recessed structure more rational and efficient, and reduces the overall weight of the plate body while maintaining the strength and stability of the recessed structure.

Preferably, the thickness of the recessed structure can be selected to be 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

The present disclosure further discloses a shoe sole using the above-mentioned plate, wherein the shoe sole comprises a midsole and the above-mentioned plate embedded in the midsole.

Further, a maximum depth of the recessed structure is 38% to 86% of a thickness of the midsole.

Further, the maximum depth of the recessed structure is 10 mm to 30 mm, and the thickness of the midsole is 13 mm to 35 mm.

Further, a distance between the recessed structure and an upper surface of the midsole is 7% to 30% of the thickness of the midsole, and a distance between the recessed structure and a lower surface of the midsole is 7% to 30% of the thickness of the midsole. This configuration ensures full utilization of rebound performance of the plate without excessively restricting cushioning and rebound performance of the midsole or compromising wearing comfort of the shoe sole.

The present disclosure discloses a method for enhancing force feedback efficiency of a shoe sole using the above-mentioned plate. The method comprises: providing the above-mentioned plate in the shoe sole. The recessed structure of the plate is configured to deform as a forefoot transverse arch compresses during a period from after forefoot ground contact until before toe-off, thereby storing elastic potential energy. The recessed structure is configured to release the stored elastic potential energy during toe-off to provide rebound force feedback to the foot.

Using the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present disclosure are as follows:

    • (1) The plate body of the present disclosure is downwardly recessed at least in the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot to form a recessed structure. The arch opening of the recessed structure faces upward, opposite to the downward-facing arch opening of the forefoot transverse arch. During motion, when the forefoot transverse arch is compressed downward due to body weight and push-off forces, the recessed structure can deform and be compressed synchronously to absorb and disperse the applied forces, thereby achieving the effects of supporting the forefoot transverse arch, cushioning shock, and reducing pressure on the forefoot transverse arch. Simultaneously, through deformation of the recessed structure in the vertical direction, namely the thickness direction, the recessed structure can generate additional rebound feedback, thereby achieving utilization of energy at the metatarsophalangeal joints, enhancing energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch, and improving the overall force feedback efficiency of the shoe sole.
    • (2) The plate body of the present disclosure defines a stress-relief groove. The stress-relief groove can interrupt the transmission of forces across the entire plate body during foot landing. On one hand, the stress-relief groove concentrates the applied force on the metatarsophalangeal joint area of the forefoot and compresses the plate body to generate deformation; on the other hand, the stress-relief groove can maintain the flexible bending performance of the shoe sole, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the shoe.
    • (3) The recessed structure of the present disclosure has a thickness greater than that of other portions of the plate body. Increasing the thickness of the recessed structure can enhance the stiffness of the recessed structure, enhance the stress-bearing capacity of the recessed structure, enable the recessed structure to store more elastic potential energy, and also improve functional persistence and structural durability.
    • (4) In the shoe sole of the present disclosure, the maximum depth of the recessed structure is 38% to 86% of the thickness of the midsole. This configuration enables the shoe to provide sufficient support and stability while maintaining lightness and flexibility, ensures that the rebound performance of the plate is fully exerted, and thereby enhances running efficiency and speed.
    • (5) According to the present disclosure, a plate is disposed in a midsole of the shoe sole. The recessed structure of the plate is configured to deform as a forefoot transverse arch compresses during a period from after forefoot ground contact until before toe-off, thereby storing elastic potential energy. The recessed structure is configured to release the stored elastic potential energy during toe-off to provide rebound force feedback to the foot. This configuration achieves utilization of energy at the metatarsophalangeal joints, enhances energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch, and improves the overall force feedback efficiency of the shoe sole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a plate according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating operating principles of the plate according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a plate according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a plate according to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a plate according to Embodiment 2.

FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of FIG. 14.

FIGS. 16 to 19 are schematic top views of plates according to other preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a foot length direction of a plate according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view along a foot width direction of a region corresponding to metatarsals of a foot of a plate body according to Embodiment 3.

FIG. 22 is a schematic top view of a midsole according to Embodiment 4.

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 14.

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 14.

FIG. 25 is a clustered column chart of step length for experimental and comparative examples according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 26 is a clustered column chart of step time for experimental and comparative examples according to Embodiment 5.

FIG. 27 is a stacked column chart of support time and aerial time percentages for experimental and comparative examples according to Embodiment 5.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

In the following description, directional terms that are used to indicate orientation, including foot length direction, foot width direction, anterior, posterior, medial side, and lateral side, are observed from the wearer's perspective. “Anterior” refers to the toe direction of the foot; “posterior” refers to the heel direction of the foot; “medial side” refers to the inner side of the foot along the foot width direction (the first toe side of the foot); “lateral side” refers to the outer side of the foot along the foot width direction (the fifth toe side of the foot).

The foot includes a forefoot, a midfoot, and a rearfoot. Based on functional anatomical analysis of the foot during motion, the forefoot contains two critical structures: the forefoot transverse arch and the metatarsophalangeal joints. The forefoot transverse arch is formed by the first to fifth metatarsal heads. During walking, running, jumping, and changing direction, the forefoot transverse arch serves as a major load-bearing and force-transmission region of the human body. The metatarsophalangeal joints are formed by articulations between the five metatarsal heads and the bases of the corresponding proximal phalanges. For rapid plantar flexion motions of the foot for push-off such as running and jumping, the final movement necessarily occurs at the metatarsophalangeal joints. Relevant research indicates that during the braking phase of motion, the forefoot transverse arch sustains and absorbs impact from ground reaction forces; during the push-off phase of motion, forces generated by the hip, knee, and ankle can be transferred to the region of the forefoot transverse arch and released in this region, propelling the body to push off the ground.

Most existing shoe soles focus solely on the support and stability performance of the sole and power generation from the forefoot, with little research conducted on technologies related to utilizing energy at the metatarsophalangeal joints through the materials and structures of athletic shoes to enhance energy release in the forefoot transverse arch. The present disclosure conducts research on this gap, resulting in a plate, a shoe sole, and a shoe that utilize energy from the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot to improve energy release in the forefoot transverse arch, and a method for enhancing the force feedback efficiency of the shoe sole.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 shows a plate for the left foot. A plate for the right foot has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the plate for the left foot and is not illustrated.

The plate can be manufactured from a fiber-reinforced resin, such as a T700 carbon plate or a T800 carbon plate. Examples of fibers that can be used for the fiber-reinforced resin are carbon fibers, glass fibers, aramid fibers, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers, modified polyphenylene ether fibers, boron fibers, and other such fibers.

FIG. 3 illustrates the positional relationship between the plate according to this embodiment and the wearer's foot. The plate according to this embodiment is a full-length plate. In other embodiments, the plate can also be a local carbon plate covering only the metatarsophalangeal joints or a half-length carbon plate. In this embodiment, the plate covers the entire sole of the foot from the toes to the heel and comprises a plate body 1 having a three-dimensional (3D) structure. The plate body 1 includes: a region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot; a region corresponding to the midfoot of the foot 14; and a region corresponding to the rearfoot of the foot 15. Specifically, the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot is further subdivided into a region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11 and a region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13 as a whole. Since the metatarsophalangeal joints are formed by the metatarsal heads and the bases of the proximal phalanges, the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12 of the plate body 1 is located at the junction between the region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11 and the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13, and partially overlaps both regions.

The region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot of the plate body 1 is the region that coincides with the wearer's forefoot in the thickness direction of the plate body 1. Correspondingly, the region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11, the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12, the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13, the region corresponding to the midfoot of the foot 14, and the region corresponding to the rearfoot of the foot 15 of the plate body 1 are regions that respectively coincide with the wearer's phalanges, metatarsophalangeal joints, metatarsals, midfoot, and rearfoot.

In this embodiment, the plate body 1 is downwardly recessed at the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12 to form a recessed structure 2, and in a cross-section taken along a foot width direction, the recessed structure 2 comprises one arcuate shape with an arch opening facing upward.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the foot width direction of the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12 of the plate body 1. The dotted lines represent the five metatarsals of the foot. The forefoot transverse arch is formed by the first to fifth metatarsal heads. Under non-load-bearing conditions, the first and fifth metatarsal heads contact the ground via soft tissues, while the second to fourth metatarsal heads lift off the ground, with the second metatarsal head being the highest above the ground. The centerline illustrates the morphology of the forefoot transverse arch, which in the foot width direction presents as an arcuate shape with its arch opening facing downward. In contrast, the recessed structure 2 of the present disclosure has an upward-facing arch opening and is arranged opposite to the forefoot transverse arch. During motion, when the forefoot transverse arch is compressed downward due to body weight and push-off forces, the recessed structure 2 deforms and is compressed synchronously to absorb and disperse the applied forces, thereby achieving the effects of supporting the forefoot transverse arch, cushioning shock, and reducing pressure on the forefoot transverse arch.

Referring to FIG. 9, the upper convex arc in the figure represents the forefoot transverse arch, and the lower concave arc in the figure represents the recessed structure 2. During motion, after the forefoot makes ground contact, the recessed structure 2 begins to be compressed. When maximum pressure is reached, the recessed structure 2 is compressed to its maximum deformation, converting part of the ground reaction force into elastic potential energy stored in the recessed structure 2. As the forefoot starts pushing off the ground, the pressure applied by the foot to the recessed structure 2 gradually decreases. The recessed structure 2 gradually returns to its original shape, releasing the stored elastic potential energy to provide rebound feedback to the foot. By the time of toe-off, the recessed structure 2 returns to its original shape. It should be understood that the enhanced energy return efficiency can be achieved as long as the medial and lateral sides of the recessed structure 2 (i.e., the first toe side and fifth toe side) are contacted and depressed first. Therefore, provided that the recessed structure 2 maintains a lower center and higher sides, the cross-section of the recessed structure 2 along the foot width direction can also comprise two or more arcuate shapes, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

It is evident that, through deformation of the recessed structure 2 in the vertical direction, namely the thickness direction, the recessed structure 2 can generate additional rebound feedback, thereby achieving utilization of energy at the metatarsophalangeal joints, enhancing energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch, and improving the overall force feedback efficiency of the shoe sole.

Additionally, the plate of the present disclosure also achieves the following technical effects:

    • 1. Dynamic fit and improved wearing comfort: The force feedback function dynamically adjusts the support and cushioning of the sole by sensing the pressure distribution during foot movement, thereby enabling the shoe to better conform to the foot shape, reducing friction, and minimizing discomfort.
    • 2. Reduction of sports injuries: The force feedback function is capable of monitoring in real-time and adjusting the absorption and rebound of impact forces by the sole, thereby reducing excessive load on joints and muscles, and thus lowering the risk of sports injuries.
    • 3. Optimization of gait: By providing feedback on the pressure distribution of the foot, the force feedback function assists in correcting poor gait, such as overpronation or supination, promotes a natural gait, and reduces the negative effects of long-term exercise on the body.
    • 4. Enhancement of athletic efficiency: High-quality force feedback enables efficient storage and release of energy, leading to minimized energy loss, improved athletic performance, and reduced fatigue.
    • 5. Prevention of chronic injuries: By continuously optimizing gait and reducing impact, the force feedback function facilitates the prevention of chronic injuries caused by long-term improper exercise, such as plantar fasciitis and knee arthritis.
    • 6. Promotion of recovery: Some force feedback systems are further capable of providing massage or micro-vibrations after exercise, thereby promoting blood circulation and accelerating muscle recovery.

The force feedback function of the plate not only enhances the comfort of athletic shoes but also significantly improves exercise health by optimizing gait, reducing injuries, and enhancing efficiency.

The specific range of the recessed structure 2 can be adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the recessed structure 2 extends forward to partially or completely cover a region corresponding to phalanges of the foot 11 of the plate body 1, and the recessed structure 2 extends rearward to partially or completely cover a region corresponding to metatarsals of the foot 13 of the plate body 1. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the recessed structure 2 of the plate body 1 extends forward to partially cover the region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11 of the plate body 1, and the recessed structure 2 of the plate body 1 extends rearward to completely cover the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13 of the plate body 1. Expanding the front-rear coverage range of the recessed structure 2 can, on one hand, increase the force-bearing area of the plate body 1, thereby enhancing energy storage capacity and further improving energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch; on the other hand, expanding the front-rear coverage range of the recessed structure 2 can also improve athletic comfort.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, the recessed structure 2 of this embodiment extends forward to completely cover the region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11 of the plate body 1 and extends rearward to completely cover the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13 of the plate body 1. That is, the recessed structure 2 of this embodiment is formed by an overall downward depression in the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot of the plate body 1.

In combination with FIGS. 2 to 8, the curvature of the recessed structure 2 of this embodiment decreases progressively forward from a central portion thereof, and decreases progressively rearward from the central portion thereof. This configuration enables the recessed structure 2 to exhibit a downwardly recessed arc or arcuate shape in a cross-section along a foot length direction, which is conducive to improving the deformation capability of the recessed structure 2. This enhances the lever effect on the metatarsophalangeal joint and matches the gait, improving the fluidity, comfort, and efficiency during running or walking.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, in this embodiment, the region corresponding to phalanges of the foot 11 of the plate body 1 is curved upward and forward along a foot length direction. This configuration enhances push-off force generation by the phalanges of the wearer, increases propulsion, reduces energy loss, and achieves improved push-off efficacy. The upward and forward curvature of the region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11 of the plate body 1, in combination with the downwardly recessed shape of the recessed structure 2 in the foot length direction, causes the bottom of the plate to assume a generally shovel-shaped configuration along the foot length direction. This configuration is capable of reducing bending of the metatarsophalangeal joint in the foot length direction, thereby decreasing energy loss during movement, enhancing push-off impulse, increasing forward propulsive force, and ensuring stability and efficiency throughout the transition from foot strike to push-off.

In other preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the region corresponding to the phalanges of the foot 11 of the plate body 1 may also be parallel to the horizontal plane.

Referring to FIG. 6, the recessed structure 2 of this embodiment comprises a recessed portion 21 located centrally in the foot width direction and wing supporting portions 22 extending outward from an inner side and an outer side of the recessed portion 21, respectively. The wing supporting portions can, on one hand, increase the contact area (non-direct contact) between the recessed structure 2 and the foot, providing a certain degree of support and improving stepping comfort of the foot; on the other hand, the wing supporting portions can ensure that the recessed structure 2 expands outward when compressed and deformed, thereby maintaining the effectiveness of elastic potential energy storage during compression and deformation.

The recessed portion 21 is smoothly transitioned and connected to the wing supporting portions 22 on both the inner and outer sides to reduce stress concentration at the junctions between the recessed portion 21 and the wing supporting portions 22 and to enhance the structural strength of the recessed structure 2. The wing supporting portions 22 are configured to be capable of extending outward from the junctions between the wing supporting portions 22 and the recessed portion 21 either in an arc or in a straight line. The wing supporting portions 22 preferably transition outward gradually to become parallel to the horizontal plane or to curve slightly upward relative to the horizontal plane, thereby improving wearing comfort.

In this embodiment, the width L of the recessed portion 21 is 45% to 90% of the width S of the recessed structure 2, with a preferred range of 50% to 70%.

Given an unchanged depth of the recessed structure 2, a smaller L/S ratio will result in a steeper curvature of the recessed structure 2, greater stiffness, and less deformation under the same pressure. This solution is suited for individuals subject to larger impact forces, such as adults. Conversely, a larger L/S ratio will result in a gentler curvature of the recessed structure 2, less stiffness, and greater deformation under the same pressure. This solution is suited for individuals subject to smaller impact forces, such as children.

It is to be understood that in other preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the wing supporting portions 22 may be omitted from the recessed structure 2.

Embodiment 2

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, this embodiment improves upon Embodiment 1. The plate body 1 of this embodiment defines two stress-relief grooves 3 in the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot. The two stress-relief grooves 3 are respectively located on the inner side and the outer side of the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13 of the plate body 1. Each of the stress-relief grooves 3 extends inward from an edge of the plate body 1.

The number and position of the stress-relief grooves 3 can be adjusted according to actual needs. As shown in FIG. 16, four stress-relief grooves 3 are formed in the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot of the plate body 1. As shown in FIG. 17, the stress-relief grooves 3 are located in a central portion of the plate body 1. As shown in FIG. 18, the stress-relief grooves 3 are provided in a region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12 of the plate body 1. Certainly, the stress-relief grooves 3 can also be provided at a junction between the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12 of the plate body 1 and the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13, or extend across both regions, such as extending inward from the edge of the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13 of the plate body 1 into the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12.

The stress-relief groove 3 can interrupt the transmission of forces across the entire plate body during foot landing. On one hand, the stress-relief groove 3 concentrates the applied force on the metatarsophalangeal joint area of the forefoot and compresses the plate body to generate deformation; on the other hand, the stress-relief groove 3 can maintain the flexible bending performance of the shoe sole, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the shoe.

To balance the overall rigidity and deformation capability of the plate body 1, a depth b of inward extension of the stress-relief groove 3 in the foot width direction (which is the orthogonal projection of the stress-relief groove 3 in the foot width direction) preferably is one-third of a width c of the plate body 1.

The shape of the stress-relief groove 3 is not limited, such as the linear shape of this embodiment, the V-shape shown in FIG. 18, the arcuate shape shown in FIG. 19, etc.

A width d of the stress-relief groove 3 is preferably 1 mm to 5 mm.

Embodiment 3

This embodiment modifies Embodiment 1 by specifying thickness parameters for the plate body 1. As specifically shown in FIG. 20, a thickness e of the recessed structure 2 is greater than a thickness of other portions of the plate body 1.

Increasing the thickness of the recessed structure 2 can enhance the stiffness of the recessed structure 2, enhance the stress-bearing capacity of the recessed structure 2, and enable the recessed structure 2 to store more elastic potential energy.

The thickness of the recessed structure 2 can be selected to be 1.0 mm to 1.8 mm, preferably 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm.

Thickness distribution across the plate body 1 may follow the following exemplary schemes along the foot length direction:

{circle around (1)} Front end of the plate body 1: 1.0 mm; maximum thickness zone of the recessed structure 2: 1.2 mm; rear portion of the plate body 1: 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm.

    • {circle around (2)} Front end of the plate body 1: 1.5 mm; maximum thickness zone of the recessed structure 2: 1.8 mm; rear portion of the plate body 1: 1.2 mm.
    • {circle around (3)} Front end of the plate body 1: 1.2 mm; maximum thickness zone of the recessed structure 2: 1.5 mm; rear portion of the plate body 1: 1.0 mm.

Referring to FIG. 21, FIG. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the foot width direction of the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot 13 of plate body 1. The dotted lines represent the five metatarsals of the foot. The first to fifth metatarsals are arranged sequentially from the medial (first metatarsal side) to the lateral (fifth metatarsal side). The forefoot transverse arch is formed by the first to fifth metatarsal heads. In the forefoot transverse arch, the first and fifth metatarsal heads contact the ground via soft tissues, while the second to fourth metatarsal heads lift off the ground, with the second metatarsal head being the highest above the ground. Maximum thickness zone of the recessed structure 2 in this embodiment corresponds to the second and third metatarsal regions. When recessed structure 2 is subjected to external forces, the maximum thickness zone constitutes a stress concentration region. Increasing thickness in this specific zone enhances overall structural strength of the recessed structure 2, enabling the recessed structure 2 to withstand greater pressure, thereby improving service life and safety of the plate. Increased thickness at maximum thickness zone of the recessed structure 2 facilitates superior energy storage during loading and rapid energy release during toe-off, thus enhancing energy release in region of the forefoot transverse arch. Therefore, thickness is maximized at the region corresponding to the second metatarsal to the third metatarsal of the foot 16 of the recessed structure 2.

The thickness e of the recessed structure 2 decreases progressively from the second metatarsal toward the first metatarsal, and decreases progressively from the third metatarsal toward the fifth metatarsal. When the recessed structure 2 is compressed, stress distributes along the arcuate cross-sectional profile of the recessed structure 2 in the foot width direction. Progressive thickness reduction from the maximum thickness zone of the recessed structure 2 toward its medial and lateral sides optimizes stress distribution, improving the overall structural rationality and efficiency of the recessed structure 2. This overall progressive thickness reduction design of the recessed structure 2 enhances rebound performance and enables the medial and lateral sides of the recessed structure 2 to rebound more effectively, release stored energy, and transfer energy more efficiently to the foot to improve foot rebound feedback.

Moreover, progressive thickness reduction from maximum thickness zone toward both sides maintains strength and stability of the recessed structure 2 while reducing overall plate weight.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 22 shows a sole for the left foot. A sole for the right foot has a shape that is bilaterally symmetrical to the sole for the left foot and is not illustrated.

As shown in FIGS. 22 to 24, the sole of this embodiment comprises a midsole 4 and a plate embedded in the midsole 4. The plate is the plate according to any one of the preceding Embodiments 1 to 3.

The sole of this embodiment may be manufactured using a conventional “sandwich-type” midsole process. In this process, the midsole 4 comprises an upper midsole 4, the plate, and a lower midsole 4. The lower surface of the upper midsole 4 is adapted to the shape of the upper surface of the plate. The upper surface of the lower midsole 4 is adapted to the shape of the lower surface of the plate. The upper midsole 4, the plate, and the lower midsole 4 are bonded together using adhesive. Additionally, an integrated midsole process may also be employed, under which the plate is directly bonded to the midsole 4 during the foaming process of the midsole 4, thereby reducing the influence of adhesive on the material properties of the midsole 4 associated with the conventional “sandwich-type” midsole process, and benefiting the enhancement of the overall performance and stability of the sole.

The materials for the midsole 4 are diverse. Common midsole 4 materials currently available on the market include EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and PEBA (polyether block amide), among others. The performance of the midsole 4 depends not only on the material itself but also on the foaming process, such as the supercritical foaming process. The foaming process serves to form minute pores within the material through chemical reactions or physical methods, thereby improving the rebound resilience and cushioning effect of the material and enhancing the overall performance of the sole.

The proportional relationship between the depth of the recessed structure 2 of the plate and the thickness of the midsole 4 exerts an important influence on the performance and wearing experience of the sole. If the depth of the recessed structure 2 is excessively deep while the midsole 4 is excessively thin, this condition is likely to cause the foot to experience excessive impact and discomfort. If the midsole 4 is excessively thick while the depth of the recessed structure 2 is excessively shallow, this condition may weaken the support and stability of the shoe. The depth of the recessed structure 2 of the plate and the thickness of the midsole 4 require synergistic interaction to fully exploit the performance of the plate and the midsole 4 material.

Referring to FIG. 23, the maximum depth h of the recessed structure 2 in this embodiment is 38% to 86% of the thickness a of the midsole 4. A reasonable proportional relationship between the depth of the recessed portion 2 and the thickness of the midsole 4 enables the shoe to provide sufficient support and stability while maintaining lightness and flexibility, ensuring that the rebound performance of the plate is fully exerted, and thereby enhances running efficiency and speed.

The maximum depth h of the recessed structure 2 is 10 mm to 30 mm. The thickness a of the midsole 4 is 13 mm to 35 mm, preferably 18 mm to 35 mm.

Furthermore, the placement position of the plate also significantly influences the performance and comfort of the sole. In cases where the distance between the recessed structure 2 and the upper surface of the midsole 4 is too large, the deformation capability of the recessed structure 2 can be weakened, and the rebound force originating from the plate can be absorbed by the upper midsole portion, thereby reducing the rebound performance of the plate. In cases where the distance between the recessed structure 2 and the upper surface of the midsole 4 is too small, the structure may be incapable of providing sufficient cushioning effect, and the rigid texture of the plate might be directly transmitted to the sole of the foot, resulting in poor wearing comfort.

A moderate distance between the recessed structure 2 and the upper surface of the midsole 4 is capable of ensuring the plate rebounds sufficiently during bending while simultaneously providing adequate cushioning effect, reducing impact on the foot during movement and enhancing exercise comfort.

The distance between the recessed structure 2 and the upper surface of the midsole 4 is 7% to 30% of the thickness of the midsole 4, and the distance between the recessed structure 2 and the lower surface of the midsole 4 is 7% to 30% of the thickness of the midsole 4. This ratio ensures full utilization of rebound performance of the plate without excessively restricting cushioning and rebound performance of the midsole or compromising wearing comfort of the shoe sole. Preferably, the recessed structure 2 is centrally positioned in the thickness direction of the midsole 4. This central placement contributes to dispersing impact forces generated during movement, assists in reducing wear on the midsole 4 material, and consequently extends the service life of the shoe.

Performance testing has been conducted on the sole of this embodiment. The plate shape used in the test was identical to the shape shown in FIG. 12, and the thickness of the recessed structure was consistent with the thickness of the remaining plate body at other locations.

Functional Verification Metrics: Under the assumption that other factors remain constant, the mechanical propulsion performance of the sole was evaluated based on support time and aerial time measured during movement while wearing the sole. Generally, at the same speed, a shorter support time indicates less active force application time, which signifies greater efficiency. Better mechanical propulsion performance results in a faster stride frequency and a longer step length.

Specifically, the support time is defined as the duration from foot ground contact to toe-off. The aerial time is defined as the duration from toe-off to contact of the other foot. The unit for both support time and aerial time is milliseconds.

Experimental data are as follows:

Experimental Example 1: h = 13 mm, a = 17 mm. Running Speed 15 km/h 20 km/h 25 km/h Support Time Experimental 0.193 0.158 0.133 Example 1 Comparative 0.196 0.161 0.135 Example Aerial Time Experimental 0.200 0.200 0.177 Example 1 Comparative 0.202 0.202 0.181 Example Experimental Example 2: h = 5 mm, a = 13 mm. Running Speed 15 km/h 20 km/h 25 km/h Support Time Experimental 0.194 0.150 0.133 Example 2 Comparative 0.195 0.151 0.134 Example Aerial Time Experimental 0.200 0.200 0.201 Example 2 Comparative 0.201 0.202 0.202 Example Experimental Example 3: h = 30 mm, a = 35 mm. Running Speed 15 km/h 20 km/h 25 km/h Support Time Experimental 0.191 0.148 0.131 Example 3 Comparative 0.195 0.151 0.134 Example Aerial Time Experimental 0.190 0.180 0.161 Example 3 Comparative 0.201 0.202 0.182 Example

Embodiment 5

The shoe of this embodiment incorporates the sole described in Embodiment 4, and thus possesses the same advantages as those described above. The shoe can be suitable for use as a running shoe, a rope-skipping shoe, a basketball shoe, or for other purposes, with its specific application being unrestricted.

In the test, the shoe of this embodiment was designated as an experimental example (with the width S of the recessed structure 2=100 mm, maximum depth h=13 mm, width L of the recessed portion 21=55 mm, and thickness a of the midsole 4=17 mm; the tested plate shape was identical to the shape shown in FIG. 12, with the thickness of the recessed structure being consistent with the thickness of the remaining plate body at other locations). A conventional flat carbon plate shoe (wherein the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot 12 of the plate lacks the recessed structure 2) was designated as a comparative example. Tests were performed wearing the experimental example and the comparative example during various sports activities, yielding the following test results:

(1) Running

Data were collected from 16 individuals, and the average value across all 16 individuals was calculated. When calculated at a running speed of 20 km/h, the total completion time for a full marathon was reduced by 167.117 s.

The calculation basis is as follows:

Running Steps per distance per second second (steps Full (1 s/total per second × marathon Total step step time) step length) (42 km) time (s) (steps/s) (m) time (s) Experimental 0.358 2.793 5.438 7723.783 Example Comparative 0.363 2.755 5.323 7890.900 Example

Experimental data for the experimental example and the comparative example at different running speeds are as follows:

15 km/h 20 km/h 25 km/h Step Experimental 1.64 1.95 2.03 length Example (m) Comparative 1.66 1.93 2.02 Example Step Experimental 0.393 0.358 0.310 time (s) Example Comparative 0.394 0.363 0.315 Example Support Experimental 49.07 44.2 42.96 time Example ratio (%) Comparative 51.34 55.74 57.43 Example Aerial Experimental 50.93 55.80 57.04 time Example ratio (%) Comparative 48.66 44.26 42.57 Example

FIGS. 25 to 27 are graphical representations corresponding to the aforementioned table. With reference to the table and FIG. 25, at medium speed, the experimental example exhibited a step length greater than that of the comparative example by 2 cm (0.76%). With reference to the table and FIG. 26, at high speed, the step time was reduced by 0.005 s (1.62%) for the experimental example compared to the comparative example. With reference to the table and FIG. 27, as the running speed increased, the proportion of the support phase for the experimental example decreased, while the proportion of the aerial phase increased. This trend indicates that the test athletes exhibited a faster stride frequency and a longer stride length, required less time to cover the same distance, and demonstrated stronger propulsion performance with the experimental example.

(2) Basketball

A vertical reach test was conducted. The experimental example yielded a single-leg jump height improvement of 2 cm and a double-leg jump height improvement of 4 cm compared to the comparative example.

(3) Standing Long Jump

Tests were performed wearing shoes of the experimental example and the comparative example for standing long jump tests. The dorsiflexion angle of the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint was collected. A larger dorsiflexion angle indicates that more negative work is performed, which signifies greater energy loss. A smaller dorsiflexion angle indicates that less negative work is performed, which signifies less energy loss, thereby demonstrating more efficient utilization of impact force.

The tests resulted in a dorsiflexion angle of 13.4° for the experimental example and 18.6° for the comparative example. This result means that the experimental example enabled energy savings of 27.9%.

Data acquisition performed via a Vicon motion capture system showed that the standing long jump performance of the experimental example improved by 5 cm compared to that of the comparative example.

Embodiment 6

This embodiment discloses a method for enhancing force feedback efficiency of a shoe sole. The method comprises providing the plate according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3 in the midsole 4 of the shoe sole. As shown in FIG. 9, the recessed structure 2 of the plate is configured to deform as a forefoot transverse arch compresses during a period from after forefoot ground contact until before toe-off, thereby storing elastic potential energy. The recessed structure 2 is configured to release the stored elastic potential energy during toe-off to provide rebound force feedback to the foot. This configuration achieves utilization of energy at the metatarsophalangeal joints, enhances energy release in the region of the forefoot transverse arch, and improves the overall force feedback efficiency of the shoe sole.

Although the present disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art shall understand that various changes in both form and detail may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims, and that all such changes shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A plate for a shoe sole, comprising: a plate body, wherein the plate body is downwardly recessed at a region corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints of a foot to form a recessed structure, and wherein, in a cross-section taken along a foot width direction, the recessed structure comprises at least one arcuate shape with an arch opening facing upward.

2. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein a curvature of the recessed structure decreases progressively forward from a central portion thereof, and/or decreases progressively rearward from the central portion thereof.

3. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the recessed structure extends forward to completely or partially cover a region corresponding to phalanges of the foot of the plate body, and/or wherein the recessed structure extends rearward to completely or partially cover a region corresponding to metatarsals of the foot of the plate body.

4. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the region corresponding to phalanges of the foot of the plate body is curved upward and forward along a foot length direction.

5. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the recessed structure comprises: a recessed portion; and wing supporting portions extending outward from an inner side and an outer side of the recessed portion, respectively.

6. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 5, wherein a width of the recessed portion is 45% to 90% of a width of the recessed structure.

7. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein the plate body defines a stress-relief groove in a region corresponding to a forefoot portion of the foot.

8. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 7, wherein the plate body defines at least one stress-relief groove on a medial side of the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot, and/or the plate body defines at least one stress-relief groove on a lateral side of the region corresponding to the forefoot portion of the foot; and wherein the stress-relief groove extends inward from an edge of the plate body.

9. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 8, wherein a depth of the stress-relief groove extending inward along the foot width direction is one-third of a width of the plate body.

10. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 7, wherein the stress-relief groove is located in the region corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot of the plate body and/or in the region corresponding to the metatarsals of the foot of the plate body.

11. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the recessed structure is greater than a thickness of other portions of the plate body.

12. The plate for a shoe sole according to claim 11, wherein the recessed structure has a maximum thickness in a region corresponding to the second metatarsal to the third metatarsal of the foot; and wherein the thickness of the recessed structure decreases progressively from the second metatarsal toward the first metatarsal, and decreases progressively from the third metatarsal toward the fifth metatarsal.

13. A shoe sole, comprising: a midsole; and the plate according to claim 1 embedded in the midsole; wherein the plate comprises a plate body that is downwardly recessed at a region corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints of a foot to form a recessed structure, wherein, in a cross-section taken along a foot width direction, the recessed structure comprises at least one arcuate shape with an arch opening facing upward; and wherein a maximum depth of the recessed structure is 38% to 86% of a thickness of the midsole.

14. The shoe sole according to claim 13, wherein the maximum depth of the recessed structure is 10 mm to 30 mm, and the thickness of the midsole is 13 mm to 35 mm.

15. A method for enhancing force feedback efficiency of a shoe sole, comprising: providing the plate according to claim 1 in a midsole of the shoe sole; wherein the plate comprises a plate body that is downwardly recessed at a region corresponding to metatarsophalangeal joints of a foot to form a recessed structure, and wherein, in a cross-section taken along a foot width direction, the recessed structure comprises at least one arcuate shape with an arch opening facing upward; and

the recessed structure is configured to deform as a forefoot transverse arch compresses during a period from after forefoot ground contact until before toe-off, thereby storing elastic potential energy; and the recessed structure is configured to release the stored elastic potential energy during toe-off to provide rebound force feedback to the foot.
Patent History
Publication number: 20260223986
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 30, 2026
Publication Date: Aug 6, 2026
Inventors: Shutao WEI (Quanzhou), Chenbin XIE (Quanzhou), Huilian DAI (Quanzhou), Tao ZHOU (Quanzhou, Fujian), Xinyu GUO (Quanzhou)
Application Number: 19/633,960
Classifications
International Classification: A43B 13/18 (20060101); A43B 5/06 (20220101);