CN113795170A

CN113795170A - Sole structure of high-heeled shoes

Info

Publication number: CN113795170A
Application number: CN202080026776.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·奥尔森
Original assignee: Crystal Shoes Co ltd
Current assignee: Crystal Shoes Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-02-15
Filing date: 2020-02-14
Publication date: 2021-12-14
Also published as: WO2020165411A1; EP3923761A1; GB2581380A; US20220125161A1; GB201902102D0

Abstract

A sole structure (10) for a high-heeled shoe (60) includes at least a first skeletal sole (11) formed of a composite material, such as a carbon fiber material. The skeletal sole (11) has a lasting margin (15) defined around its periphery and adapted to receive an edge of an upper (61) when incorporated into a high-heeled shoe (60). The skeletal sole (11) is further shaped to define one or more recesses (16) substantially centrally therein. When incorporated into a high-heeled shoe (60), the enhanced strength, rigidity, and flexibility of the sole structure (10) allows for the use of a range of interchangeable heel structures (30, 40, 50) having different heel heights.

Description

Sole structure of high-heeled shoes

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sole structure for a high-heeled shoe, and to a high-heeled shoe made from such a sole structure. In particular, the present invention relates to sole structures formed from composite materials to provide increased strength, but with reduced sole structure thickness.

Background

In this specification, the term "high-heeled shoe" is intended to refer to any type of high heel structure having a heel height in excess of 25 millimeters, although it is generally envisaged that preferred embodiments of high-heeled shoes according to the invention will have a heel height in the range of 60 millimeters to 100 millimeters.

Conventional high-heeled shoes are constructed with a sole structure that includes a structural sole component having a flat forefoot region, a raised heel region, and an arch region that rises from the forefoot region to the heel region. The upper is typically attached (lasted) to the sole element, with the outsole attached to the underside of the sole element. The heel structure is secured to the heel area, generally by a central screw and additional side screws. Metal shanks are often incorporated into the sole structure to impart sufficient strength and rigidity to the footwear to be able to withstand the weight of the wearer. However, this actually increases the thickness of the sole structure, thereby reducing the amount of space available for cushioning.

Disclosure of Invention

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a sole structure for a high-heeled shoe with increased strength that does not require the inclusion of a metal shank, thereby enabling the thickness of the sole structure to be reduced. The space provided by the reduced thickness of the sole structure may then be used to provide increased cushioning, thereby improving comfort. It is another object of the present invention to provide a sole structure having enhanced stiffness and flexibility characteristics that are tailored to different regions of the sole structure. These characteristics, combined with the increased strength, make it possible to combine a single sole structure with a range of different heel heights.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sole structure for a high-heeled shoe, comprising at least a first skeletal sole formed of a composite material, the first skeletal sole having a lasting margin defined about a periphery thereof and adapted to receive an edge of an upper, and wherein the skeletal sole is further shaped to define one or more recesses substantially centrally therein. The composite material is preferably or comprises a carbon fibre material.

The sole structure may include a second, similar skeletal sole arranged to underlie the first skeletal sole. Thus, the first skeletal sole forms an insole and the second skeletal sole forms a midsole. The second skeletal sole preferably has a shape complementary to the shape of the first skeletal sole and is adapted to engage therewith.

The first skeletal sole preferably includes a substantially flat forefoot region at a first end thereof, a raised heel region at a second end thereof, and an arch region extending therebetween and rising from the forefoot region to the heel region. Preferably, the second frame sole includes at least a heel region corresponding to the heel region of the first frame sole. Preferably, the second skeletal sole may further include an arch region corresponding to the arch region of the first skeletal sole, and optionally, further include a forefoot region corresponding to the forefoot region of the first skeletal sole. In embodiments where the second skeletal sole includes only the heel region or only the heel and arch regions, the remainder of the midsole structure may be made of conventional materials, such as leather, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), or rubber.

The recess is preferably formed at least in the arch region and extends generally longitudinally of the first frame sole. The or at least one skeletal sole is preferably further shaped to define one or more stiffening ribs substantially centrally therein. As with the recess, the rib is preferably formed at least in the arch region and extends generally longitudinally of the skeletal sole. The height of the ribs is preferably substantially equal to the depth of the one or more recesses.

The or each skeletal sole may be formed from one or more layers of composite material. The number of layers of composite material may be varied along the length of the skeletal sole to control the stiffness or flexibility of different regions of the skeletal sole. In particular, the forefoot region of the first skeletal sole may be formed from fewer layers of composite material than the arch region, and the arch region may be formed from fewer layers of composite material than the heel region. This allows the flexibility of the boundary between the forefoot region and the arch region to be controlled while still maintaining the strength and rigidity of the arch region. This flexibility of the boundary is important to enable the sole structure of the present invention to be used with a range of different heel heights, as this requires the sole structure to bend to adopt a corresponding range of different angles between the forefoot region and the arch region.

The formation of a sole structure as described above provides increased strength as compared to conventional sole structures, while also enabling a reduction in the thickness of the sole structure. This in turn frees up space within the shoe, allowing additional cushioning to be incorporated, thus also improving wearer comfort.

Accordingly, the sole structure preferably further comprises a footbed arranged to cover the at least one skeletal sole, the footbed being formed of a cushioning material. In a preferred embodiment, the footbed will overlie the first skeletal sole (insole), which in turn overlies the second skeletal sole (midsole).

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is also provided a high-heeled shoe forming a sole structure as hereinbefore described. The increased strength of the sole structure eliminates the need to include a metal shank in the shoe structure as is standard in conventional high-heeled shoe manufacture.

A high-heeled shoe in accordance with the second aspect of the invention preferably comprises a sole structure, an upper, an outsole and a heel structure as described above. In such embodiments, the depth of the recess of the sole structure is preferably substantially equal to the thickness of the upper.

In a preferred embodiment of the high-heeled shoe according to the second aspect of the invention, the heel structure is removable. The heel structure may preferably be interchangeable with one or more alternative heel structures, including a range of heel structures of different heights. For example, the sole structure may be used with a range of interchangeable heel structures having heights of 60-70 millimeters, 80 millimeters, and 90-100 millimeters.

This interchangeable arrangement is achieved by the enhanced strength of the sole structure according to the first aspect of the invention, as well as the increased rigidity of the arch region and the increased flexibility of the forefoot region. In contrast, conventional sole structures for high-heeled shoes generally lack the combination of strength, rigidity, and flexibility needed to withstand the different loads and stresses associated with different angles at which the sole structure is positioned when combined with heel structures of different heights.

It will be appreciated that a single sole structure according to the first aspect of the invention can be interchangeably engaged with each of a range of heel structures as described above without changing the configuration of the sole structure. Thus, a high-heeled shoe according to the second aspect of the invention may have a range of such interchangeable heel structures intended to be interchanged by the wearer when required.

Alternatively, it is envisaged that the sole structure according to the first aspect of the invention may be provided as an integral part to a shoe manufacturer for incorporation into a high-heeled shoe according to the second aspect of the invention. Accordingly, manufacturers may utilize the same configuration of sole structures to form a range of high-heeled shoes of different heights.

The interchangeable attachment of the heel structure to the sole structure may preferably be achieved by providing a heel pin secured to and projecting from the first skeleton sole, and by providing a corresponding recess formed in a heel insert provided in the heel structure, said recess being adapted to receive said heel pin in a removable engagement. Examples of suitable heel engagement mechanisms are described in the inventor's EP3,122,199.

The outer sole is preferably formed to have a shape complementary to the shape of the sole structure and adapted to engage therewith. That is, the outsole may be formed with ribs and recesses on its top surface that complement the undersides of the ribs and recesses present on the lower surface of the sole structure.

Drawings

For a more clear understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a sole structure according to a first aspect of the present invention;

figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a sole structure according to the first aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a midsole for a sole structure in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention;

figure 4 shows an exploded side view of a sole structure according to a first aspect of the present invention in combination with a heel structure of a first height for use in a first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe according to a second aspect of the present invention;

figure 5 shows an exploded side view of a sole structure according to a first aspect of the present invention in combination with a heel structure of a second height for use in a first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe according to a second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side view of a sole structure in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention in combination with a heel structure of a third height for use in a first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

figure 7 shows a side view of a sole structure according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with a heel structure for use in a second embodiment of a high-heeled shoe according to the second aspect of the invention;

figure 8 shows a side view of a sole structure according to the first aspect of the invention in combination with a heel structure for use in a third embodiment of a high-heeled shoe according to the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of the heel region of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the arch region of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the forefoot region of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a heel region of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the arch region of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; and

figure 16 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of the forefoot region of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe according to the second aspect of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring initially to figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of a sole structure, indicated generally at 10, according to a first aspect of the present invention, for a high-heeled shoe according to a second aspect of the present invention. Sole structure 10 includes a first frame sole 11, also referred to herein as an insole.

Insole 11 is formed from a layered composite material containing carbon fibers and has a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 23. The insole includes a generally planar forefoot region 12, a raised heel region 13, and an arch region 14 extending therebetween and rising from forefoot region 12 to heel region 13. Insole 11 is provided with a lasting margin 15 about its periphery that is adapted to receive an upper edge (not shown in fig. 1) when sole structure 10 is coupled to a high-heeled shoe, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to fig. 9-12.

Insole 11 is configured with a central recess 16 formed in a top surface 22 of insole 11 and a rib 17 upstanding from surface 22. The embodiment of the insole 11 shown in figure 1 has a single recess 16 and a pair of ribs 17 generally parallel thereto, but many different arrangements of recesses 16 and ribs 17 may be used in other embodiments. The recesses and ribs serve to increase the strength and rigidity of the insole 11, particularly in the arch region 14 and heel region 13, which means that no metal handles are necessary when manufacturing high-heeled shoes.

The heel region 13 is provided with a mounting point 18 for a heel pin (not shown in figure 1), as will be described in more detail below with reference to figures 4 to 6. The thickness of insole 11 around mounting point 18 is greater than the thickness around heel region 13 by adding additional layers of composite material. The mounting points 18 may also be used to secure standard high heeled structures as will be described below with reference to figures 9 and 12.

The degree of flexibility and rigidity of insole 11 can be controlled by layering of the composite carbon fiber material. In particular, it is desirable that the arch region 14 be formed of more layers of composite carbon fiber material than the forefoot region 12. A boundary region 19 is thus defined between the arch region 14 and the forefoot region 12, in which boundary region 19 the number of material layers is reduced, so that the thickness of the insole 11 tapers towards the forefoot region 12. Thereby maintaining the strength and rigidity of arch region 14 while allowing insole 11 to be flexible in border area 19, which is important for sole structure 10 utilizing heel structures (not shown in fig. 1) having a range of different heights, as will be described in greater detail below with reference to fig. 4-6.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a second embodiment of a sole structure, generally designated 20, according to the first aspect of the invention, further including a similar second skeletal sole 21, also referred to herein as a midsole. Midsole 21 is of a construction similar to that of insole 11, is formed from a layered carbon fiber composite material, has a top surface 22 and a bottom surface 23, and includes a raised heel region 13, an arch region 14, lasting margins 15, ribs 17, heel pin mounting points 18, and border regions 19, all as described above with respect to insole 11. The particular example of the second frame sole 21 shown in fig. 2 lacks the forefoot region 12 and the recess 16 in its top surface 22, but it should be understood that these features may be present in other embodiments of the second frame sole 21.

Midsole 21 is adapted to be positioned beneath and engage insole 11. To this end, although not visible in fig. 2, the bottom surface 23 of the insole 11 follows the contour of the top surface 22, so that recesses (not visible in fig. 2) are effectively formed in the bottom surface 23 of the insole 11, corresponding to the location of the ribs 17 in its top surface 22. Thus, when insole 11 covers midsole 21, ribs 17 on top surface 22 of midsole 21 engage recesses in the bottom surface of insole 11. When engaged in this arrangement, midsole 21 and insole 11 effectively function as a single sole structure component 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of a midsole 24 for use in the sole structure 20 of FIG. 2 is illustrated. In this embodiment, carbon fiber composite second frame sole 21 includes only heel region 13. The remainder of midsole 24 is thus made of conventional materials, such as leather, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), or rubber.

Referring now to fig. 4-6, a sole structure 20 according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown, as described above with reference to fig. 2, in combination with a series of

heel structures

30, 40, 50 of different heights used in a first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe according to a second aspect of the present invention. Note that in the example of sole structure 20 shown in fig. 4-6, midsole 21 has forefoot region 12, unlike the example shown in fig. 2.

A heel pin 31 formed of titanium, stainless steel, hardened steel alloy, or other high tensile strength material is secured to heel pin mounting point 18 on sole structure 20 by low profile screws (not shown in fig. 4-6). The heel pin 31 extends from a nut 32 (complementary in shape to the heel pin mounting point 18) to a pointed end 33 at its lower end. The heel pin 31 is further provided with a spring-loaded plunger element 34, the operation of which is described in EP3,122,199 of the inventor. The heel pin 31 as described above is intended to be permanently secured to the sole structure 20. A series of

heel structures

30, 40, 50 of different heights may then be removably and interchangeably engaged with the heel pin 31.

Referring first to FIG. 4, the engagement of sole structure 20 with a first heel structure, generally indicated at 30, is shown, corresponding to a heel height of 60-70 millimeters. The heel structure 30 includes a heel contour 35 that constitutes an externally visible portion of the heel structure 30. The top end of the heel profile 35 receives a heel insert 36, while a stem 37 extends through the body of the heel profile 35 and holds in place a cap 38 (not shown) having upstanding pegs that engage complementary holes (not shown) located at the bottom of the stem 37.

The heel pin 31 engages with the heel insert 36 with an interference fit; the plunger 34 engages with a recess (not shown in fig. 4) in the heel insert 36 to increase safety. The heel pin tip 33 also has an interference fit with a machined hole (not shown in fig. 4) in the top of the shaft 37. The rod 37 is critical to achieving the desired structural strength. Loads during gait are transferred from sole structure 20 to rod 37 via heel pin 31. Proper engagement of the heel pin tip 33 with the shaft 37 is essential to avoid breakage of the heel contour 35.

As can be seen from fig. 4, in order for the heel structure 30 to assume its normal configuration for a first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe, the rod 37 is arranged vertically, as indicated by line a, and the heel pin 31 must engage the heel insert 36 at an angle deviating from the vertical, as indicated by line b. That is, an angle x between a horizontal line c taken from below sole structure 20 and a line of approach b of heel pin 31 is greater than 90 °. The line of approach b and the angle x are determined by the shape and structure of the heel contour 35 and the orientation of the heel insert 36 therein.

As can be seen in fig. 4, in order to engage the heel pin 31 with the heel contour 35 with the correct line of approach b, the sole structure must be effectively rotated from the horizontal line c about a rotation point d at or near the border area 19, so that the forefoot region 12 is raised relative thereto. However, in use, as shown at e, the wearer's weight will push forefoot region 12 back to horizontal line c, causing them to rotate about point of rotation d and causing sole structure 20 to bend at boundary region 19.

The rod 37 preferably has a non-circular cross-section so as to be rotationally positionable with reference to its cross-section such that the angle of the machined hole in the rod 37 matches the angle of the heel pin 31 at that particular heel height during placement of the rod 37 in the heel structure 30.

Referring now to fig. 5, the engagement of sole structure 20 with a second heel structure, generally indicated at 40, is shown, corresponding to a heel height of 80 millimeters. The second heel structure 40 includes a heel contour 45 and has a heel insert 36, a shaft 37, and a cap 38, as described above with reference to fig. 4. Engagement of the heel pin 31 with the heel structure 40 is also in the same manner as described above with reference to fig. 4.

However, in view of the increased height of the second heel structure 40 relative to the first heel structure 30 described above with reference to fig. 4, the heel insert 36 is oriented differently in the heel contour 45. Since the heel contour 45 is presented in its normal configuration for use in the first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe, i.e., the rod 37 is arranged vertically, as shown by line a, the heel pin 31 is now presented to engage the heel insert 36 at an angle approaching angle b that is substantially aligned with the vertical. That is, an angle x between a horizontal line c taken from below sole structure 20 and a line of approach b of heel pin 31 is substantially 90 °. Forefoot region 12 is thus generally horizontally disposed, and sole structure 20 is effectively in a neutral configuration with substantially no flexion.

The rod 37 preferably has a non-circular cross-section, or the heel pin 31 may engage directly in a machined hole at the center of the rod 37, which does not require any rotational positioning.

Referring now to fig. 6, the engagement of sole structure 20 with a third heel structure, generally indicated at 50, is shown, corresponding to a heel height of 100 millimeters. The third heel structure 50 includes a heel contour 55 and has a heel insert 36, a shaft 37, and a cap 38, as described above with reference to fig. 4. Engagement of the heel pin 31 with the heel structure 50 is also in the same manner as described above with reference to fig. 4.

However, in view of the further increased height of the third heel structure 50 relative to the first and

second heel structures

30, 40 described above with reference to fig. 4 and 5, the heel insert 36 is again oriented differently in the heel contour 55. Since the heel contour 55 is presented in its normal configuration for use in the first embodiment of a high-heeled shoe, i.e., with the rod 37 arranged vertically, as shown by line a, the heel pin 31 is now presented to engage the heel insert 36 at an angle off the vertical approaching angle b, but in the opposite direction to that described above with reference to fig. 4. That is, the angle x between a horizontal line c taken from below the sole structure 20 and the line of approach b of the heel pin 31 is now less than 90 °.

As can be seen in fig. 6, in order to engage heel pin 31 with heel contour 55 with the correct line of approach b, sole structure 20 must again effectively rotate from horizontal line c about a point of rotation d at or near boundary region 19, but in a direction opposite to that described above with reference to fig. 4, such that forefoot region 12 is now depressed relative thereto. In use, however, forefoot region 12 will be pushed back to horizontal line c, rotating them about rotation point d and causing sole structure 20 to flex at boundary region 19 by impact with the ground, as indicated by arrow e.

The rod 37 preferably has a non-circular cross-section so as to be rotationally positionable with reference to its cross-section. During placement of the shaft 37 in the heel structure 50, the angle of the machined hole matches the angle of the heel pin 31 at that particular heel height.

Referring now to fig. 7, the engagement of sole structure 20 with heel structure 80 in a second embodiment for a high-heeled shoe is shown, wherein rod 37 is aligned with heel pin 31. The heel structure 70 shown in fig. 7 corresponds to a heel height of 95 millimeters.

The heel pin 31 preferably engages directly in a machined hole at the center of the rod 37. Shaft 37 preferably has one or more non-circular side surfaces such that it may be positioned within heel structure 70 in a rotated position with its bottom surface parallel to the ground and mated during placement of shaft 37 in heel structure 70.

Referring now to fig. 8, the engagement of sole structure 20 with heel structure 80 in a third embodiment for a high-heeled shoe is shown, where rod 37 is disposed at an angle to the vertical, the same angle as heel pin 31. The heel structure 80 shown in fig. 8 corresponds to a heel height of 100 millimeters.

The rod 37 may in principle be arranged at any angle in order to have more versatility in designing the heel structure, but the machined hole in the rod 37 for engaging the heel pin 31 must always follow the angle of the heel pin 31.

The shaft 37 preferably has a non-circular cross-section such that it may be rotatably positioned within the heel structure 80. This enables the angle of the bottom surface of the shaft 37 parallel to the ground to be matched during placement of the shaft 37 in the heel structure 80. The angle of the machined hole also matches the angle of the heel pin 31 at that particular heel height during placement of the rod 37 in the heel structure 80. Referring now to figures 9 to 12, there is shown a high-heeled shoe, generally indicated at 60, in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. Shoe 60 is formed around sole structure 10 and further includes an upper 61, an outsole 62, and a heel structure 70 secured by screws 41. For ease of reference, a high-heeled shoe 60 having a first embodiment of a sole structure 10 as described above with reference to fig. 1 is shown in fig. 9-12, with only a first skeletal sole (insole) 11, and with a standard heel structure 70, rather than the interchangeable heel structures described above with reference to fig. 4-6, although it will be appreciated that the features of the high-heeled shoe 60 described below with reference to fig. 9-12 are also applicable to other sole structures and heel structure combinations.

Referring to fig. 12, the increased strength of sole structure 10 enables shoe 60 to be constructed using a single screw 41 that passes through mounting point 18 and into heel structure 70. Additional peripheral screws may also be used if desired.

As best shown in fig. 10, upper 61 is secured to bottom surface 23 of insole 11 by being received in lasting margin 15. The depth of lasting margin 15 is substantially equal to the thickness of upper 61 so as to present a substantially flush surface for attaching outsole 62. Upper 61 is secured to insole 11 in heel region 13 by gluing, with adhesive applied directly to bottom surface 23 of insole 11 and to upper 61 before and/or during the lasting process. The upper 61 is further secured to the insole 11 by means of nails 42. The outsole 62 has a central rib 63, the central rib 63 being adapted to be received in a recess formed in the bottom surface 23 of the insole 11, the recess corresponding to the location of the central rib 17 on the top surface 22 of the insole 11.

The skeletal sole 11 formed of a carbon fiber composite material enables the thickness of the sole structure 10 to be reduced without compromising strength or rigidity, and further avoids the need to incorporate a metal stem into the high-heeled shoe 60. This frees up space within footwear 60 for inclusion of a footbed 65 to be formed on top of sole structure 10.

Footbed 65 is formed of a cushioning material and may be configured to have a greater thickness than the cushioning provided in conventional high-heeled shoes, allowing for the additional space provided by reducing the thickness of sole structure 10. This greatly improves the comfort of the wearer.

The footbed 65 may include an insert 66 of a material suitable to provide further enhanced cushioning, additional wear resistance, or other desired characteristics. These may be provided in particular in the region of the forefoot 12 and heel 13, as shown in fig. 9, 11 and 12.

Referring now to figures 13 to 16, there is shown an exploded view and a cross-sectional view (when the components are assembled) along the lines a-B, C-D and E-F of a high-heeled shoe 60 according to the second aspect of the present invention. Shoe 60 is formed around sole structure 10 and further includes an upper 61, an outsole 62, and a heel structure 40 having a heel contour 45 secured by screws 41.

As best shown in fig. 14, upper 61 is secured to the bottom surface of insole 11 by being received in lasting margin 15, substantially the same as described in fig. 1. The depth of the recess is substantially equal to the thickness of the upper, presenting a surface flush with the concave surface of the insole 11 for attaching the outsole 62.

As best shown in FIG. 15, a portion of the insole protrudes from the concave surface of the insole, such as heel mounting protrusions 100 and rib protrusions 101. These are not covered by upper 61 and remain exposed after lasting and cutting the excess lasting leather margin.

An additional reinforcing insert 103 made of hard material, at least partially matching the shape of the protruding area not covered by the upper 61, is placed on the underside of the insole 11 and fills the heel-fitting protrusion 100 and the rib protrusions 101 to create a perfectly flush surface for the outer sole 62. In some embodiments of the invention, only the stiffening insert 103 is present in the heel mounting protrusion 100, while in other embodiments the stiffening insert 103 is placed in the rib protrusion 101 of the insole 11.

The reinforcing insert 103 for the heel mounting protrusion 100 enables tightening of the standard heel structure 40 for high-heeled shoes and attachment of the standard outsole 62 for high-heeled shoes without any gap between the bottom surface of the insole 11 and the top surfaces of the heel structure 40 and the outsole 62.

Claims

1. A sole structure for a high-heeled shoe, comprising at least a first skeletal sole formed of a composite material, the first skeletal sole having a lasting margin defined about a periphery thereof and adapted to receive an edge of an upper, and wherein the skeletal sole is further shaped to define one or more recesses generally centrally therein.

2. The sole structure of claim 1, further comprising a second, similar skeletal sole arranged to underlie the first skeletal sole.

3. The sole structure of claim 2, wherein the second skeletal sole has a shape complementary to and adapted to engage the shape of the first skeletal sole.

4. The sole structure of claim 2 or 3, wherein the first skeletal sole constitutes an insole and the second skeletal sole constitutes a midsole.

5. The sole structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first skeletal sole includes a substantially flat forefoot region at a first end thereof, a raised heel region at a second end thereof, and an arch region extending therebetween and rising from the forefoot region to the heel region.

6. A sole structure according to claim 5 when dependent on any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second skeleton sole comprises at least a heel region and optionally an arch region, the heel region and the arch region corresponding to the heel region and the arch region, respectively, of the first skeleton sole.

7. A sole structure according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the recess is formed at least in the arch region and extends generally longitudinally thereof.

8. The sole structure of any of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material is or includes a carbon fiber material.

9. The sole structure of any preceding claim, wherein the or at least one skeletal sole is further shaped to define one or more stiffening ribs substantially centrally therein.

10. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the ribs are formed at least in the arch region and extend generally longitudinally therealong.

11. The sole structure of claim 9 or 10, wherein a height of one or more of the ribs is substantially equal to a depth of one or more of the recesses.

12. A sole structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each skeletal sole is formed from one or more layers of composite material.

13. A sole structure according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the forefoot region is formed from a fewer number of layers of composite material than the arch region.

14. The sole structure of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a footbed disposed to cover the at least one skeletal sole, the footbed being formed of a cushioning material.

15. A high-heeled shoe formed from the sole structure of any one of the preceding claims.

16. The high-heeled shoe of claim 15, wherein said shoe does not include a metal shank.

17. A high-heeled shoe according to claim 15 or 16, comprising a sole structure, an upper, an outsole and a heel structure according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

18. The high-heeled shoe of claim 17, wherein a height of a lasting margin of said sole structure is substantially equal to a thickness of said upper.

19. A high-heeled shoe according to claim 17 or 18, wherein said heel structure is removable.

20. The high-heeled shoe of claim 19, wherein said heel structure is interchangeable with one or more alternative heel structures.

21. The high-heeled shoe of claim 20, wherein said alternative heel structure comprises a series of heel structures of different heights.

22. The high-heeled shoe of any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein said outsole has a shape complementary to and adapted to engage said first skeletal sole.