CN115251529B - Sole element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sole element for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a midsole and a sole plate, which sole plate has inhomogeneous bending properties, wherein the sole plate is arranged on top of the midsole.

Description

Sole element

The application is a divisional application of Chinese application patent application with the application number 202011015966.4 and the name of sole element, wherein the application date is 9/24/2020.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a sole element, a shoe and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background

The sole is critical to the comfort of wear perceived by the athlete and to achieve optimal performance. An important aspect for both wearing comfort and performance is the stiffness of the sole. For example, at walking or slow running speeds, the athlete may feel a more comfortable flexible sole. However, at high running speeds, harder soles may be advantageous to prevent injury and improve performance for the athlete. Often, developers therefore trade off to provide a sole that is both comfortable, protects the wearer's foot, and achieves optimal performance.

US 2018/0338568A1 discloses a sole structure for an article of footwear that includes a sole plate including a midfoot region and at least one of a forefoot region and a heel region. The sole plate has a wave-like profile at a cross-section of the sole plate. The undulating profile includes a plurality of waves, each wave having a peak and a trough. The sole plate has a ridge corresponding with the peak and trough of each wave and extending longitudinally through the midfoot region, and at least one of the forefoot region and the heel region.

The object of the present invention is to overcome said drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an improved sole for shoes.

Disclosure of Invention

In an embodiment, a sole element for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprises: (a.) midsole and (b.) sole plate having a non-uniform flex characteristic, (c.) wherein the sole plate is disposed on top of the midsole. The non-uniform bending characteristics of the sole plate allow for non-uniform bending of the sole element in one direction so that optimal performance of the wearer of the shoe with the sole element can be achieved. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that the arrangement of the sole plate on top of the midsole, in conjunction with this particular bending characteristic in one direction, relates to an improved manner of providing optimal wearing comfort for the wearer of the shoe. For example, the sole elements of the present invention provide a more comfortable running experience because the sole plate is hard only when needed and there is no discomfort from the sole plate (e.g., during a step off), but is flexible during the landing of the ground and during the transition of the gait cycle of the wearer (e.g., a long runner). Thus, a positive impact on the running economy of the long-distance runner can be achieved without any loss of running comfort.

The heterogeneous bending characteristic may be a bending stiffness that allows the backside of the sole plate to flex. The direction of curvature of the sole element plays an important role in the wearing comfort and performance of the sole (and thus of the shoe). The inventors have found that for very "sensitive (responsive)" running, especially for the above-mentioned kick-off of long runners during the gait cycle, dorsal flexion is an important factor. In addition, it helps to reduce forefoot injuries, as lateral sliding of the forefoot can be avoided.

Note that the terms "buckling (flexion)" and "bending" are used interchangeably in the present application. Furthermore, the term "dorsal flexion (dorsal flexion)" refers to an upward flexion in the area of the sole element. Conversely, the term "plantarflexion (plantar flexion)" refers to a downward curvature in the region of the sole element. Downward is in a direction toward the ground when the shoe with the sole element is worn in its normal configuration. Upward is in the opposite direction, for example toward the sky when the shoe is worn in a normal configuration. Furthermore, it should be understood that the neutral position of two different types of flexion (or bending) is defined by a zero line, which is a horizontal line passing through the elongated extension of the sole element.

In some embodiments, the sole plate may have a first bending stiffness and a second bending stiffness for allowing the back side of the sole plate to flex, wherein the first bending stiffness is lower than the second bending stiffness. In addition, the sole plate may have a first bending stiffness below the first dorsal flexion angle and a second bending stiffness above the first dorsal flexion angle.

All these described embodiments follow the same idea-further optimizing the bending stiffness of the sole element. For example, if the sole plate has a first bending stiffness and a second bending stiffness, both for bending upwards in the toe area of the sole element, wherein the first bending stiffness is lower than the second bending stiffness, the sole element may optimally participate during running, but is prevented from injuring the foot due to excessive bending upwards of the toes.

In an embodiment, the first dorsal flexion angle is in the range of 20 ° -40 °, preferably in the range of 25 ° -35 °, most preferably in the range of 28 ° -32 °. It has been found that the values shown provide a reasonable compromise between the required stiffness (performance for pedalling, particularly when attempting to bend the sole element to an angle) and sufficient flexibility (to provide sufficient wearing comfort during shoe landing). Pedaling here refers to an action in which the runner needs to push his (or her) foot off the ground at each step during running; and landing refers to an action in which a long runner falls on the ground with his (or her) foot at the end of each step.

In an embodiment, in the forefoot region of the sole plate, the sole plate is pre-bent, preferably at an angle of between 20 ° -40 ° compared to the above-mentioned horizontal line through the elongate extension of the sole element. In other words, in a resting state without any bending or buckling forces, the forefoot region of the sole plate may be bent upward at an angle (which may be between 20 ° -40 °).

The non-homogeneous bending characteristics may be in the forefoot region of the sole plate, preferably in the metatarsal region of the sole plate, most preferably in the metatarsal joint region of the sole plate. Thus, the bending stiffness of the sole element allowing dorsal flexion can be improved, as on the sole plate this position of the flexion angle is anatomically positioned to meet the optimal needs of long runners. Torsional movement during landing of the shoe may be allowed and energy loss around the metatarsal joints may be avoided.

The sole plate may give a drop (drop) of the heel area to the forefoot area of the sole element in the range of 5-15mm, preferably in the range of about 8-12mm, most preferably in the range of 9-11 mm. The term "drop" as used in the present application is defined as the difference between the height of the sole element at the heel area and the height of the sole element at the forefoot area of the sole element. In other words, it is the offset in height between the heel region of the shoe and the forefoot region of the shoe. This drop of the sole element provides adequate cushioning in the somewhat stiff heel region of the sole element and improved bending stiffness in the forefoot region.

In some embodiments, the sole element includes a first height in the range of 8-17mm, preferably in the range of 10-15mm, most preferably in the range of 11-14mm, at the metatarsal region of the sole element, and/or a second height in the range of 16-26mm, preferably in the range of 18-24mm, most preferably in the range of 19-23mm, at the heel region of the sole element. The inventors herein have recognized that these illustrated values of the height of the sole element below the long runner's foot, above the ground, have a positive impact on efficiency.

The sole plate may include a material having fibers. In addition, the material may include glass. The fiber or fiber composite is lightweight but has exceptionally high strength. In particular, glass or glass fibers are relatively inexpensive and moisture resistant, and have a high strength to weight ratio. In addition, the fibers may generally be processed in a variety of ways.

In some embodiments, the sole element may further include a first reinforcing element. Furthermore, the first stiffening element may be arranged below the sole plate. Furthermore, the first stiffening element may be arranged in the midfoot region of the sole plate. The stiffening element serves to increase the stability of the sole element in selected areas. In addition, embodiments of such stiffening elements may be used as torsion and/or stabilization elements in the midfoot region and provide additional midfoot bending support and increased midfoot bending stiffness. In particular, together with the bending stiffness of the forefoot region due to the sole plate itself described above, an optimal bending ratio of these two regions can be maintained to avoid any damage to the foot, since the midfoot of the shoe should be stiffer than the forefoot.

The first stiffening element may be at least partially surrounded by the midsole. This arrangement of the first stiffening element may provide additional support because the forces generated during running may be evenly distributed over the material of the midsole.

The first reinforcing element may comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane TPU. This material has high wear resistance. In particular in connection with midsoles, which may comprise randomly arranged particles, which may themselves comprise expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, such reinforcing elements may be used advantageously because they may form a chemical bond with the expanded particles that is extremely durable and does not require the additional use of a binder. This makes the manufacture of such sole elements easier, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly.

In some embodiments, the midsole may include a recess adapted to receive a sole plate on top of the midsole. Furthermore, the recess may be further adapted to accommodate a first stiffening element on top of the midsole. In other words, the sole plate together with the stiffening element below the sole plate may be placed in a recess as a cavity, so that both elements may be firmly fixed on top of the midsole. This provides greater stability to the long-distance runner.

The depth of the recess may be in the range 0.8-1.8mm, preferably in the range 1.0-1.6mm, most preferably in the range 1.1-1.5 mm. This embodiment allows the sole plate to rest flush in the midsole. Thus, the long runner does not feel a hard sole plate and does not feel uncomfortable while running.

In some embodiments, the midsole may further include a second reinforcing element. In general, the second stiffening element may also serve as a torsion and/or stabilization element for the midsole element and at the same time serve as an additional cushioning element in conjunction with the cushioning element of the midsole. Furthermore, the second reinforcing element may comprise ethylene vinyl acetate EVA. Such materials are distinguished by high stability, low weight and relatively good cushioning properties.

The second reinforcing element may at least partially encase the cushioning element of the midsole. This enables further stability to be provided to the sole element in the form of a trim. In addition, such a trim, together with the sole plate and the first stiffening element (both placed in the midsole), provides better energy return, adequate cushioning, lighter weight, and improved stability.

The midsole may include particles of an intumescent material. The particles may or may not be randomly arranged. The use of particles of expanded material significantly facilitates the manufacture of such midsoles, as the particles may be handled particularly easily. Thus, for example, the particles may be filled under pressure or by using a transfer fluid into a mold for producing the sole element and midsole, respectively.

The intumescent material may comprise an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, eTPU. Such materials are distinguished by their own particularly good elastic and cushioning properties and high energy return (i.e. the majority of the energy absorbed in the impact is returned). This is particularly advantageous in embodiments of the sole of a long-distance runner.

The sole element may further include an outsole element. Furthermore, the outsole element may include at least two unattached portions. Furthermore, at least two of the unattached portions may include a different plurality of differently shaped protrusions. This enables more support of the entire sole element and provides a high degree of design freedom for the individual needs of the long-distance runner.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, comprising a sole element as described herein. The shoe thus comprises a lightweight, durable sole element that provides optimal support and wear comfort.

In addition, the shoe may further include at least one of: an upper, a midsole (strobel board) and an insole, wherein the insole preferably comprises ethylene vinyl acetate EVA.

The invention also relates to a method of producing a sole element for a shoe as described herein. The method may comprise the steps of: (a.) providing a midsole, and (b.) providing a sole plate on top of the midsole, the sole plate having a non-uniform flex characteristic. Furthermore, the sole element may comprise at least one of the following: a first reinforcing element, a second reinforcing element and an outsole element as described herein.

The present invention also relates to a method of producing a shoe as described herein, the method comprising the steps of: (a.) attaching the upper to the sole element, (b.) disposing the midsole plate on top of the sole plate, and (c.) disposing the insole on top of the midsole plate.

All described embodiments relate to an improved method of providing optimal bending stiffness in a sole element or shoe. Further details and technical effects and advantages are described above in relation to sole elements (or shoes).

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1: illustrating the heterogeneous bending characteristics of an exemplary sole plate for a sole element according to the present invention;

Fig. 2a: an exploded view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention is shown;

Fig. 2b: two side views of an exemplary sole plate with a first reinforcing element for a sole element according to the invention are shown;

Fig. 2c: a side view of an exemplary midsole with a cushioning element and a second reinforcing element for a sole element according to the present invention is shown;

Fig. 2d: a side view of an exemplary outsole element for a sole element according to the present invention is shown;

fig. 2e: a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention is shown;

fig. 2f: a top view of an exemplary sole element according to the present invention is shown.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with particular reference to sole elements for shoes, particularly athletic shoes for long runners. However, the concepts of the present invention may be equally or similarly applied to other shoes, such as, for example, casual shoes, lacing shoes, strapless shoes or boots (such as work boots) or any athletic equipment.

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be modified in various ways and combined with each other as long as compatible, and that specific features may be omitted as long as they appear unnecessary.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the principle of the heterogeneous bending behaviour of a sole plate 120 for a sole element according to the invention. As can be seen, sole element 120 includes a heel region 121, a midfoot region 122, a forefoot region 123, and a toe region 124. In addition, forefoot region 123 of the sole element includes, in part, a metatarsal region 123a, with metatarsal region 123a including a metatarsal joint region 123b. It should be noted that these areas of sole plate 120 also apply to sole element 100, including sole plate 120, as well as other elements of sole element 100, as shown and explained in the remaining figures 2a-f below.

The non-uniform bending characteristic of sole plate 120 may be a bending stiffness that allows for dorsal flexion. As mentioned above, the terms "flex" and "bend" are interchangeable. Furthermore, the term "dorsal flexion" refers to bending upward in the area of sole element 120. Conversely, the term "plantarflexion" refers to bending downward in the area of sole element 120. Downward is in a direction toward the ground when a shoe having a sole element (including sole plate 120) is worn in its normal configuration. Upward is in the opposite direction, for example, toward the sky when such shoes are worn in a normal configuration. Furthermore, the term "stiffness" is given by the slope of the stress-strain curve, simply by plotting the applied force as a function of the resulting deformation.

As can be seen in fig. 1, the horizontal dashed line through the elongated extension of sole plate 120 is a zero line to define a neutral position for two different types of flexion (or bending). Accordingly, sole plate 120 of fig. 1 allows sole plate 120 to flex or bend upward relative to the backside of the zero line.

Sole plate 120 has a first bending stiffness and a second bending stiffness to allow the back side of sole plate 120 to flex, wherein the first bending stiffness is lower than the second bending stiffness. As mentioned, different bending stiffness can meet the individual needs of long runners.

Furthermore, as shown by the double arrow in fig. 1, sole plate 120 has a first bending stiffness below a first dorsal flexion angle (α) that defines a particular angular range. The first dorsal flexion angle (α) may be in the range of 20 ° -40 °, preferably in the range of 25 ° -35 °, most preferably in the range of 28 ° -32 °. Additionally or alternatively, other ranges are also possible depending on the particular needs of the wearer, for example body weight or other anatomical conditions (such as supination or pronation, etc.), or particular running conditions (such as uphill running or flat running, etc.). As indicated by the single arrow in fig. 1, the second bending stiffness is above the first dorsal flexion angle (α).

The first bending stiffness is lower than the second bending stiffness. This first bending stiffness below the first dorsal flexion angle (α) provides sufficient flexibility to provide sufficient wear comfort during a shoe landing with sole plate 120, while the second bending stiffness above the first dorsal flexion angle (α) provides the desired stiffness for performance during a kick-off, particularly when attempting to bend sole plate 120, thereby bending the entire sole element and shoe.

As can be seen in fig. 1, the heterogeneous bending characteristics are located in forefoot region 123 of sole plate 120. The location of the bending characteristic may be characterized by a bending or buckling (flexing) location on the zero line where the sole plate 120 begins to bend. Furthermore, a specific area surrounding the bending or flexing location may be in the metatarsal region 123a of the sole plate 120, preferably along the metatarsal joint region 123b of the sole plate 120.

Fig. 2a shows an exploded view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention. Fig. 2b shows two side views of the exemplary sole plate 120 shown in fig. 1, with the first reinforcing element 130 of the sole element 100. Fig. 2c shows a side view of an exemplary midsole 105 of sole element 100, the midsole 105 having a cushioning element 110 and a second reinforcing element 140. Fig. 2d shows a side view of an exemplary outsole element 150 of sole element 100. Fig. 2e shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention. Fig. 2f shows a top view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention.

As can be seen in fig. 2a, the sole element 100 for a shoe according to the invention comprises a midsole 105 and a sole plate 120, which sole plate 120 has a non-homogeneous bending characteristic, wherein the sole plate 120 is arranged on top of the midsole 105. This arrangement of sole plate 120 on top of midsole 105, and the particular flex characteristics in one direction, relates to such improvements: providing optimal bending characteristics (e.g., bending stiffness in sole element 100) and optimal wearing comfort for long runners wearing the shoe (with the sole element 100). Sole plate 120 may include one or more of the features described above for the embodiment of fig. 1.

Midsole 105 includes cushioning element 110 that is fabricated from a plurality of particles. The particles are made of an expanded material, such as expanded thermoplastic polyurethane, eTPU. It is also contemplated that any other suitable material may be used, such as, for example, any other particulate foam suitable for making midsoles, such as, for example, expanded polyamide ePA; expanded polyether block amide ePEBA; expanding the polylactide ePLA; expanded polyethylene terephthalate ePET; expanded polybutylene terephthalate ePBT; an expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer eTPEE.

Further, the swelling particles are randomly arranged within the buffer element 110. Or the expansion particles may be arranged in a specific pattern within cushioning element 110. Other features of cushioning element 110 will be described with reference to fig. 2 c.

Sole plate 120 comprises a material having fibers. Carbon fibers or carbon fiber composites may be possible materials because they are lightweight but have exceptionally high strength. Glass or glass fibers are also conceivable materials because they are relatively inexpensive and moisture resistant and have a high strength to weight ratio. In addition, the glass fibers may be processed in various ways. Additionally or alternatively, any material or mixture of materials may be used as described below: which can provide sufficient rigidity and low weight and can be designed and manufactured to provide flexibility at a specific angle.

At the metatarsal region 123a of the assembled sole element 100, the assembled sole element 100 may include a first height in the range of 8-17mm, preferably in the range of 10-15mm, most preferably in the range of 11-14mm, and/or, at the heel region 121 of the assembled sole element 100, a second height in the range of 16-26mm, preferably in the range of 18-24mm, most preferably in the range of 19-23 mm.

Fig. 2b shows two side views of an exemplary sole plate 120 of the sole element 100 as shown in fig. 1 and 2a together with a first reinforcing element 130. The first reinforcing member 130 is disposed under the sole plate 120 so as not to impair the wearing comfort of the long runner. Accordingly, first stiffening element 130 may also be adapted to the curvature of sole plate 120.

The first stiffening element 130 is disposed in the midfoot region 122 of the sole plate 120. The first stiffening element may serve as a torsion and/or stabilizing element in midfoot region 122 and provide additional midfoot bending support and increased midfoot bending stiffness for the long-distance runner. In particular, along with a first bending stiffness of sole plate 120 below a first dorsal flexion angle, an optimal bending ratio of midfoot region 122 may be maintained to avoid any injury to the foot, as midfoot region 122 of sole element 120 should be stiffer than other regions (e.g., forefoot region 123). Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of first stiffening elements is also conceivable to improve this effect. Some of the plurality of first stiffening elements may also be arranged in other areas of the sole plate 120 to provide greater rigidity.

The first reinforcing member 130 comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane TPU that is very abrasion and tear resistant. It is also contemplated that other suitable materials may be used, such as carbon, polyamide, rubber, polypropylene PP, polystyrene PS, etc., or that materials with fibers may be used for sole plate 120, as described above.

The first stiffening element 130 further comprises three elongated protrusions 135. They may provide greater rigidity in midfoot region 122 of sole element 120 and improved stability to torsional movement. More or fewer protrusions are also contemplated, depending on the needs of the jogger. Non-elongated shapes having geometric contours such as dots, rectangles, triangles, etc. may also be used. The protrusions 135 also ensure that the first stiffening element is better attached, clipped (grip) or fitted to the midsole 105.

Fig. 2c shows a side view of midsole 105 of sole element 100, midsole 105 having cushioning element 110 and second reinforcing element 140 as shown in fig. 2 a.

The second reinforcing member 140 comprises ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, which is known for high stability and relatively good cushioning characteristics. It is also contemplated that other suitable materials may be used, such as thermoplastic polyurethane TPU, rubber, polypropylene PP, or polystyrene PS, etc., or that materials with fibers may be used for sole plate 120 and first reinforcing element 130, as described above.

As can be seen in fig. 2c, the second reinforcing element 140 at least partially wraps around the cushioning element 110 of the midsole 105. In other words, trim may be provided for further stability of cushioning element 110, and thus for midsole 105 and for sole element 100. In addition, such a trim, along with sole plate 120 and first stiffening element 130, provides better energy return, adequate cushioning, lighter weight, and improved stability.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the second reinforcing element 140 is substantially U-shaped and wraps around the cushioning element 110 of the midsole 105, bypassing the toe region 124 along the medial side to the lateral side. Additionally or alternatively, the second reinforcing element 140 may wrap substantially the entire perimeter of the cushioning element 110 to provide increased stability.

Midsole 105 includes a recess 115, with recess 115 being adapted to receive first stiffening element 130 and sole plate 120 on top of midsole 105. This arrangement, in conjunction with the non-uniform flex characteristics of sole plate 120, provides optimal flex characteristics and optimal wear comfort for the wearer of the shoe.

Furthermore, if the first stiffening element 130 is received on top of the midsole 105 as shown in fig. 2b, it will be at least partially surrounded by the midsole 105. This embedding of the first stiffening element 130 enables additional support of the midsole 105, because forces generated during running may be evenly distributed over the material of the midsole 105 and undesired movement of the first stiffening element 130 may be avoided.

The depth of the recess 115 may be in the range of 0.8-1.8mm, preferably in the range of 1.0-1.6mm, most preferably in the range of 1.1-1.5 mm. Accordingly, sole plate 120 and first reinforcement element 130 are placed flush in midsole 105. Furthermore, the recess 115 comprises three elongated grooves 116 adapted to receive the three elongated protrusions 135 of the first stiffening element 130 as shown in fig. 2 b.

Fig. 2d shows a side view of the outsole element 150 of the sole element 100 as shown in fig. 2 a.

The outsole element 150 may be prefabricated, for example, by injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, or any other method known to those skilled in the art to convert a 2D design to a 3D molding.

As can be seen in fig. 2d, the outsole element 150 comprises a first unattached portion 150a and a second unattached portion 150b, wherein the first unattached portion 150a comprises a first plurality of shaped protrusions that are different from a second plurality of shaped protrusions of the second unattached portion 150 b.

The first plurality of shaped projections of the first unattached portion 150a have a triangular profile to provide increased resistance to slip to the long-distance runner during heel strike. Additionally or alternatively, other contours, such as circles, angles, or other geometries are also contemplated.

The second plurality of shaped projections of the second unattached portion 150b comprises an elongated straight shape. The first subset of the second plurality of shaped projections extends laterally, i.e., from the medial side of the outsole element 150 to the lateral side of the outsole element 150, or vice versa. A second subset of the second plurality of shaped projections extends longitudinally, i.e., from the heel region of the outsole element 150 to the toe region of the outsole element 150, or vice versa. Thus, two subgroups of the second unconnected portions 150b form a regular pattern. Additionally or alternatively, other geometries of two subgroups or more than two subgroups are also conceivable.

Fig. 2e shows a longitudinal section of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention.

Sole plate 120 may give a drop height from heel region 121 to forefoot region 123 of assembled sole element 100 in the range of 5-15mm, preferably about 8-12mm, and most preferably 9-11mm. The term "drop" as used in the present application is defined as the difference between the height of sole element 100 at heel region 121 of sole element 100 and the height of sole element 100 at forefoot region 123 of sole element 100. In other words, it is the offset in height between heel region 121 of sole element 100 and forefoot region 123 of sole element 100.

Fig. 2f shows a top view of an exemplary sole element 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the flexed or bent position is along the metatarsal joint region 123b, where this position may be defined as follows: on the medial side, 70% to 75% of the length of sole plate 120 and on the lateral side, 60% to 65% of the length of sole plate 120.

Claims (10)

1. A sole plate (120) for use in a sole element (100) of a shoe, the sole plate (120) comprising: a heel region (121), a midfoot region (122), a forefoot region (123) and a toe region (124),

Wherein the sole plate (120) has a non-uniform bending characteristic,

Wherein the non-homogeneous bending characteristics of the sole plate allow for non-homogeneous bending of the sole element in one direction, the sole plate (120) having a first bending stiffness below a first dorsal flexion angle and a second bending stiffness above the first dorsal flexion angle to allow for dorsal flexion of the sole plate (120), wherein the first bending stiffness is lower than the second bending stiffness;

wherein the inhomogeneous bending properties are in the forefoot region (123),

Wherein in the forefoot region of the sole plate, the sole plate is pre-bent such that in a resting state without any bending or buckling forces, the forefoot region of the sole plate is bent upwards at an angle.

2. The sole plate (120) of claim 1, wherein said shoe is a sports shoe.

3. The sole plate (120) of claim 1, wherein said first dorsal flex angle is in the range of 20 ° -40 °.

4. A sole plate (120) according to claim 3, wherein said first dorsal flexion angle is in the range of 25 ° -35 °.

5. The sole plate (120) of claim 4, wherein said first dorsal flexion angle is in the range of 28 ° -32 °.

6. Sole plate (120) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the sole plate is pre-bent at an angle between 20 ° -40 °.

7. Sole plate (120) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein said non-homogeneous flexion characteristic metatarsal region (123 a).

8. Sole plate (120) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein said non-homogeneous bending behaviour is in a metatarsal joint region (123 b).

9. The sole plate (120) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the sole plate (120) comprises a material with fibers.

10. The sole plate (120) of claim 9, wherein said material comprises glass.