DE112017000398T5 - ADJUSTABLE AND PRESSURE DISTRIBUTING FOOTBED, METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF, AND ARTICLE CONTAINING THE FOOTBED - Google Patents

Abstract

An insole for use in a footwear article, the footbed having a matching layer having a substantially uniform initial thickness of from 3 to 9 mm and a foam which permanently adapts to a shape of a foot after wearing; and a pressure distribution layer having a thickness of 2 to 4 mm and having an elastic foam disposed on the matching layer.

Description

BACKGROUND

This disclosure generally relates to a footbed for use in a footwear article. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a footbed that adapts and attenuates the pressure on a foot.

Footwear, such as shoes, boots, slippers or sandals, generally includes a top that is in contact with an upper surface of a foot and a sole that contacts the sole of the foot. The sole generally includes an outermost sole (outsole) and may further include a midsole disposed on or attached to the outsole and an insole disposed or attached to the midsole. The term "footbed" refers to the layer of the sole in closest contact with the foot. Thus, when an insole is in contact with the foot when the footwear is being worn, it may generally be referred to as a footbed. Alternatively, any number of sole layers may be present between the outsole and the footbed.

Several factors contribute to a comfortable shoe. For example, footwear at the foot of a wearer feels comfortable when the sole adapts to the shape of the foot and avoids or mitigates pressure on the foot. It has been proposed a large number of footbeds that adapt to the shape of the foot or reduce the pressure on the foot. However, there is still a need in the art for a footbed that conforms to both the shape of a foot and effectively mitigates pressure. Another advantage would be if the footbed could be quickly adapted to individual foot shapes, and yet another advantage if the footbed could be made easily and at low cost.

SUMMARY

Here, a footbed for use in a footwear article is described, wherein the footbed comprises a matching layer having a substantially uniform initial thickness of 3 to 9 mm and a foam which, after being worn, permanently adapts to a shape of a foot; and a pressure distribution layer having a thickness of 2 to 4 mm and provided with an elastic foam disposed on the matching layer.

Additionally described herein is a method of making the above-described footbed, the method comprising laminating the matching layer and the pressure distribution layer to provide the footbed.

Additionally described herein is a method of making the above-described footbed, the method comprising forming the pressure relief layer on the matching layer, or forming the matching layer on the pressure relief layer to provide the footbed.

Also described is a footwear article, the article comprising an outsole, a top attached to the outsole, and the matching layer of the above-described footbed disposed on the outsole.

The above-described and other features will be exemplified by the following figures and the detailed description.

list of figures

• 1 ist eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Fußbetts gemäß einer beispielhaften Ausführungsform.
• 2 ist eine schematische Querschnittsansicht eines Fußbetts vor und nach der Kompression durch einen Träger, gemäß an einer Ausführungsform.

In the following figures, which serve as an example, like elements are numbered alike.

• 1 FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a footbed according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG.
• 2 Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a footbed before and after compression by a wearer, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a footbed for use in a footwear article. The footbed includes two different layers of foam, a matching layer and a pressure-distributing foam layer each having a certain thickness. The conforming layer forms itself permanently by ordinary wear on the foot. The pressure distribution layer does not permanently take shape and thus continues to provide padding that spreads and weakens pressure on the foot during normal wear. This combination provides the wearer with a footbed conforming to the shape of his foot, and further provides pressure distribution within that shape. The thickness of the pressure distribution layer is sufficient to fill a fitted recess in the matching layer. The combination of a conformance layer and a pressure distribution layer of this thickness provides comfort to a foot by both conforming to the shape of a foot and by mitigating pressure on the foot during usual wear. Since the conformal layer adapts to the wearer during normal use, it is easily adapted to any individual wearer. This feature also sets cost-effective and efficient production of the footbed ready.

1 shows an example of a footbed 10 that is a matching layer 11 , a pressure distribution layer 15 , and an optional cover 21 having.

The matching layer 11 has first and second main surfaces 12 and 13 and a border 14 on. The main surface 32 the matching layer 11 is arranged on an outsole of a footwear article. As used herein, "arranged on" includes immediately as well as subsequent to one or more intervening layers. So can the main surface 32 the matching layer 11 be placed directly on or adjacent to an outsole of a footwear article. The matching layer (and thus the footbed) may be permanently attached to the outsole (or a sole adjacent to the outsole, eg, a midsole) or removable.

As described above, the purpose of the matching layer is to make it comfortable for the wearer by conforming to the wearer's foot and providing shock absorption. The matching layer 11 thus includes a foam that conforms to the foot of the wearer during and after wear and provides shock absorption. As used herein, "wearing" means the actual use of the footwear, ie, standing or walking by the user. In particular, the fit of the matching layer is maintained after a period of ordinary wear and becomes substantially durable. Thus, the conformance layer is a foam having a high compression set at temperatures and pressures encountered during ordinary use of the footbed, for example 0 to 120 ° F (-18 to 49 ° C), or 21 to 100 ° F (-6 to 38 ° C), or 21 to 75 ° F (-6 to 24 ° C). Preferably, the conformance layer begins to conform and maintain a shape shortly after wearing begins, for example, after 60 minutes of wear. In some embodiments, the adjustment begins between 10 and 120 minutes of wear. The conformable layer is substantially completely conformed, or completely worn after 3 hours of wear, or after 6 hours of wear, for example after 3 to 12 hours of wear. The conformable layer may have a set compression set of 25 to 50%, preferably 35 to 50%. Before wearing, the matching layer may have an Asker C hardness of 5 to 20, preferably 10 to 20. Again before wearing, the foam may have a density of 8 to 240 kg / m ³ , preferably 20 to 150 kg / m ³ .

Foams meeting the above properties include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, polyethylene (PE) foam, polyethylene-polypropylene mixed foam, polystyrene foam, neoprene foam, chloroprene foam, polyurethane foam, or a Combination comprising at least one of the above. The foam can be an air permeable, open cell or closed cell foam, including a combination of open and closed cells. Exemplary EVA compositions may include copolymers which may have a vinyl acetate content of from 5 to 25 weight percent, or 6 to 20 weight percent, based on the total weight of the EVA copolymer. In some embodiments, the copolymer is blended with an ethylene homopolymer such as a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or with an ethylene alpha olefin copolymer. Exemplary EVA foams may be obtained from Sekisui Chemical Company under the trademark VOLARA.

Again with respect to 1 , has the pressure distribution layer 15 first and second main surfaces 16 and 17 and a border 18 on. The first main surface 16 is on or after the second main surface 13 the matching layer 11 arranged so that the second main surface 17 closer to the foot during use. The pressure distribution layer 15 is fixed or permanent at the matching layer 11 , For example, by an adhesive attached. The pressure distribution layer 15 can only work on a section of the matching layer 11 For example, be present on a heel area or on the ball of the foot. The pressure distribution layer 15 owns from the paragraph end 19 to the toe end 20 generally about the same length as the matching layer 11 To provide maximum comfort to the wearer and ease of manufacture. The border 18 the pressure distribution layer 15 can generally be designed around the border 14 the matching layer 11 to match, or may be slightly larger in size.

The function of the pressure distribution layer is to provide comfort to the foot by continually distributing the pressure across the foot during ordinary wear. So is the foam of the pressure distribution layer, in contrast to the matching layer 11 as elastic as it does not permanently conform to the foot during ordinary wear. Thus, the foam is selected to have a lower compression set under the conditions of ordinary wear as described above. For example, the foam may have a set compression set of 0 to 20%, preferably 1 to 10%, for example as measured at 25 ° C or at 30 ° C or at 37 ° C. Preferably, the low set compression set is maintained for longer periods of time. For example, for at least one Month, at least three months, at least six months, or at least 12 months. In some embodiments, the foam may maintain a set compression set of 0 to 20%, preferably 1 to 10%, for a period of 3 to 12 months, or 6 to 24 months after ordinary wear. In order to provide an optimum balance between pressure distribution and softness, the pressure distribution layer may have an Asker C hardness of 10 to 40, preferably 25 to 30. The foam may have a density of 8 to 400 kg / m ³ , preferably 120 to 320 kg / m ³ .

Foams satisfying the above properties include polyurethane foam, polypropylene foam, or a combination comprising at least one of the above. The pressure distribution layer may also comprise other polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. The pressure distribution layer may be, for example, an air-permeable open-celled polyurethane foam, preferably a microcellular polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foams can be formed from reactive compositions comprising an organic isocyanate component reactive with active hydrogen-containing component (s), a surfactant, and a catalyst. Exemplary polyurethane foams include the foams available under the trademark PORON from Rogers Corporation, Rogers, CT.

As noted above, the thickness of the matching layer and the pressure distribution layer are each selected to be within specific ranges which provide additional comfort to the wearer. The matching layer has (prior to wear) substantially a uniform initial thickness of 3 to 9 millimeters (mm), preferably 4 to 8 mm, or 5 to 7 mm, more preferably 6 mm. As used herein, "substantially uniform thickness" means that the matching layer may have a thickness that is uniform within +/- 20%, relative to 100% uniformity.

The pressure distribution layer has a thickness of 2 to 4 mm, or 2.5 to 3.5 mm, preferably 3 mm. Preferably, the thickness of the conformance layer is selected to match and match the characteristics of an individual foot, such as arch height, heel depth and forefoot fit. The thickness of the pressure distribution layer is such that pressure distribution and comfort are maximized within the space allocated for shoe manufacture. These features are in 2 illustrated.

2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a footbed, wherein the pressure distribution layer 15 on the matching layer 11 is arranged. Before use, the pressure distribution layer has 15 of the footbed a thickness A and the matching layer 11 has a thickness B , In use, pressure from the foot depresses both layers such that the pressure distribution layer 15 a thickness C and the matching layer 11 a thickness D having. The fat C is equal to or less than the thickness A , preferably lower. The fat D is equal to or less than the thickness B , preferably lower. Pressure from the foot generally results in a depression e in the paragraph section and a recess G in the forefoot portion of the foot. At the same time, the footbed also conforms to the midfoot portion of the foot to form the heel F at. It is essentially the adaptation to the shape of the foot, ie heel, arch, bale, and toe, which provides increased comfort for the wearer.

The footbed may further include other layers to increase comfort for the wearer or to provide effective manufacture. For example, as in 1 shown an optional upper fabric layer 21 first and second main surfaces 22 and 23 , The first major surface is immediately on or following the second major surface 17 the pressure distribution layer 15 arranged. The second main surface 23 is closer to the foot when in use. Adhesive layers (not shown) may be present. For example, in some embodiments, the fabric layer becomes 21 through an adhesive layer on the pressure distribution layer 15 attached. The adhesive layer can also be arranged between the pressure-reducing layer and the matching layer. In some embodiments, the footbed may be attached to a midsole (eg, by sewing, stapling, or gluing), which may then be placed in a shoe or attached to an outsole.

Optionally, the upper surface of the footbed (e.g., 21 or 17) or the lower surface (e.g., 12) may be printed or embossed to include a decorative pattern, or printed or embossed with a brand logo or "trim" indicia.

The footbeds can be made by methods known in the art. For example, the pressure foam layer and the pressure distribution layer may be separately prepared or purchased, for example in the form of films. The films can then be glued and then cut to the desired size. Adhesion can be achieved by using an adhesive layer, sewing, staples or other methods. The adhesive may take the form of "dabbing" at selected locations or over the entire Surface or sections thereof are applied. The adhesive may be sprayed, brushed, roll coated, printed or applied continuously or intermittently by any other method. Cutting can be punching, for example. It is also possible to cut each layer into the desired shape and then glue the cut layers. Alternatively, the footbeds can be made by forming a layer on the other layer, with or without an intermediate adhesive layer. If there is no adhesion, the layers can be sewn together, stapled or otherwise secured. The double-layer foam can then be cut to the desired size.

Methods of producing foams are well known. The foams can be physically or chemically blown, mechanically foamed, or both. Physical blowing agents include carbon dioxide, ethane, propane, n-butane, isobutane, pentane, hexane, butadiene, acetone, methylene chloride, any of the chlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorohydrocarbons, or fluorocarbons, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing. Chemical blowing agents include, for example, water (for polyurethanes) and chemical compounds which decompose with high gas yield under specific conditions, for example, within a narrow temperature range. Desirably, the decomposition products do not bloom or have no decolorizing effect on the foam product. Exemplary chemical blowing agents include azoisobutyronitrile, azodicarbonamide (i.e., azobisformamide) and barium azodicarboxylate; substituted hydrazines (e.g., diphenylsulfone-3,3'-disulfohydrazide, 4,4'-hydroxy-bis (benzenesulfohydrazide), trihydrazinotriazine, and aryl-bis (sulfohydrazide)); Semicarbazides (e.g., p-toluenesulfonyl semicarbazide and 4,4'-hydroxy-bis (benzenesulfonyl semicarbazide)); Triazoles (e.g., 5-morpholyl-1,2,3,4-thiatriazole); N-nitroso compounds (e.g., N, N'-dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine and N, N-dimethyl-N, N'-dinitrosophthalmide); Benzoxazines (e.g., isatoic anhydride); as well as combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing, such as sodium carbonate / citric acid mixtures.

Optional additives may be added to the foam compositions to achieve a desired property, such as color, antibacterial properties, deodorizing properties, and the like. For example, additives such as fillers (alumina trihydrate, silica, talc, calcium carbonate, clay, and the like), nucleating agents (eg, zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, silica, talc, or the like), an aging modifier (eg, a fatty acid ester, a fatty acid amide, etc.) may also be used Hydroxylamide, or the like), dyes, pigments (eg, titanium dioxide and iron oxide), antioxidants, ozone inhibitors, flame retardants, heat stabilizers, fragrances, antibacterial agents, odor masking agents, or the like, as well as combinations comprising at least one of the aforementioned additives.

The foam compositions may be extruded or cast to form a layer, for example extruded or cast onto a support or the other foam layer. A second backing may be placed on the extruded or lined composition on one side opposite the first backing to control the thickness of the foam. The foam can be spread to a layer of desired thickness, for example by a doctor blade or other spreading device. Alternatively, the placement of the second carrier may be used to spread the foam and adjust the layer to the desired thickness. The choice of backing materials depends on factors such as the desired degree of support and flexibility, the desired level of release from the cured foam, cost, aesthetics, and the like. Paper, thin films of metal such as stainless steel or polymer films such as polyethylene terephthalate, silicone or the like can be used. The material may be coated with a release coating. In some embodiments, the backing may be embossed to provide a pattern on a surface of the foam, or coated with a material to be transferred to a surface of the foam, such as with an adhesive. A nonwoven or other filler material may be disposed on the surface of the carrier and thereby ultimately incorporated into the cured foam. In some embodiments, the foam may be attached to one of the carriers, for example, the tissue layer 21 to harden. Thus, a carrier may form part of the final product rather than being separated from the foam. Alternatively or additionally, a conveyor belt may be used as the lower support.

In particular, EVA foams can be made from EVA copolymers having a melt index greater than 1 g / 10 minutes; preferably greater than 1.5 g / 10 minutes using a physical or chemical blowing agent. The blowing agent may be mixed with the EVA composition in any desired amount to achieve a desired level of expansion in the resulting foam. Generally, the blowing agent may be added to the EVA composition in an amount of about 0.5 to 80 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the polymer. Preferably, the blowing agent is in an amount of 1 to 30, more preferably 3 to 15 parts per 100 parts by weight of the polymer.

EVA foams are generally made by extrusion. In such a process, the EVA and any additional polymers, e.g. LDPE, added to an extruder, preferably in the form of pellets. Any conventional type of extruder may be used, e.g. Single-screw, double and / or tandem extruder. In the extruder, the resin pellets are melted and mixed. A blowing agent may be added to the molten polymer via one or more injection ports in the extruder. Any additives that are used may be added to the molten polymer in the extruder and / or may be added with the resin pellets. The extruder presses the entire melt mixture (molten polymer, blowing agent and all additives) through a die at the end of the extruder and into a region of reduced temperature and reduced pressure (relative to the temperature and pressure in the extruder). Typically, the reduced temperature and reduced pressure region is the ambient atmosphere. The sudden reduction in pressure causes the blowing agent to nucleate and expand into a plurality of cells which solidify upon cooling of the polymer mass (due to the reduction in temperature) and thereby trap the blowing agent in the cells.

The polyurethane foams can be made by casting a mechanically foamed composition. In particular, the reactive precursors of the polyurethane may be mixed and mechanically foamed and then cast and cured to form a layer.

Each one or more layers of the footbed may be treated with an antimicrobial agent to reduce odor causing microorganisms. Examples of such antimicrobial agents include silane-functionalized quaternary amines such as Microbe Shield ™, available from AEGIS Environments; colloidal silver solutions such as Silpure ™, available from Thompson Research Associates, Canada, silver chelated polymer solutions such as SilvaDur ™, available from Röhm &Haas; Biguanides such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, sold under the trademarks Vantocil ™ and Cosmocil ™, available from Arch Chemicals; and antimicrobial additives available from Microban under the Microban brand. The treatment may include incorporation of the antimicrobial agent in one or more materials used to make the footbed, or by an aftertreatment process, for example, spraying or cutting.

The entire construction of the footbed may be permeable to air due to the choice of materials as well as the molding and assembly methods. According to ASTM D-726-58, the air permeability of the entire foot bed may be less than 60 seconds, more typically less than 20 seconds, for 100 cm ³ of air which pass through the sample, respectively.

The footbeds are used in footwear articles. The footbeds are suitable for every type of footwear, including shoes, boots, slippers, sandals and sports shoes. Such articles include an outsole, an outsole attached to the outsole and the footbed as described herein. The footwear articles may also include other layers, for example a midsole, an insole or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. If present, the midsole may be disposed between the outsole and the matching layer. The footbed may be permanently attached to the footwear, such as by adhesive, stitching or staples. This embodiment is preferred for sandals. Alternatively, the footbed may be present as a removable insert.

The invention is further illustrated by the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1: A footbed for use in a footwear article, the footbed comprising: an adjustment layer having a substantially uniform initial thickness of from 3 to 9 mm, and a foam that permanently adapts to a shape of a foot after wear; and a pressure distribution layer having a thickness of 2 to 4 mm arranged on the matching layer and having an elastic foam.

Embodiment 2: The footbed of embodiment 1 , wherein the matching layer has a thickness of 4 to 8 mm, preferably 5 to 7 mm.

Embodiment 3: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 2 wherein the pressure distribution layer has a thickness that is smaller than the thickness of the matching layer.

Embodiment 4: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 3 wherein the pressure distribution layer has a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 mm.

Embodiment 5: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 4 , wherein the matching layer ethylene-vinyl acetate, a polyethylene, polyethylene-polypropylene blend, polystyrene, neoprene, chloroprene, polyurethane, or a Combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, preferably ethylene-vinyl acetate.

Embodiment 6: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 5 wherein the pressure-distribution layer comprises polyurethane, polypropylene or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, preferably a microcellular polyurethane foam.

Embodiment 7: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 6 wherein the pressure distribution layer reduces a pressure point on a foot of a wearer.

Embodiment 8: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 7 wherein the matching layer has an Asker C hardness of 5 to 20, preferably 10 to 20, prior to use of the footbed by a wearer.

Embodiment 9: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 8th wherein the pressure distribution layer has an Asker C hardness of 10 to 40, preferably 25 to 30, prior to use of the footbed by a wearer.

embodiment 10 : The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 9 wherein the pressure distribution layer has a set compression set of 0 to 20%, preferably 1 to 10%, at 25 ° C prior to use of the footbed by a wearer.

Embodiment 11: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 10 wherein the pressure distribution layer extends over substantially the entire length of the matching layer.

Embodiment 12: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 11 further comprising a fabric layer disposed on one side of the pressure distribution layer opposite to the matching layer.

Embodiment 13: The footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 12 further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the pressure relief and conformance layers, or between the fabric layer and the pressure distribution layer.

Embodiment 14: A method of manufacturing the footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 13 comprising laminating the conformance layer and the pressure distribution layer to provide the footbed.

Embodiment 15: A method of making the footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 13 comprising forming the pressure relief layer on the matching layer or forming the matching layer on the pressure relief layer to provide the footbed.

Embodiment 16: A by the method of embodiment 14 or embodiment 15 made footbed.

Embodiment 17: A footwear article comprising an outsole, a top attached to the outsole, and the adjustment layer of the footbed according to one or more of the embodiments 1 to 16 which is arranged on the outsole.

Embodiment 18: The article of embodiment 17 further comprising a midsole, an insole, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

In general, the article and methods described herein may alternatively comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of any components or steps disclosed herein. The articles and methods may additionally or alternatively be made or embodied such that they are free or substantially free of all components, steps, or components not necessary to achieve the function or objects of the present claims.

The singular forms "a," "an," and "the, that," include plural referents unless otherwise indicated. "Or" means "and / or." Unless otherwise defined, technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. A "combination" means including mixtures, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. The values described herein are inclusive of a reasonable error for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which in part depends on how the value is measured or determined, i. from the limits of the measuring system. The endpoints of all areas directed to the same component or property are inclusive and independently combinable (eg ranges of "less than or equal to 25% by weight, or 5% to 20% by weight" including the endpoints and all intermediate values the ranges of "5% by weight to 25% by weight" etc.). The disclosure of a narrower range or a more specific group in addition to a wider range does not mean excluding the wider range or the larger group.

All cited patents, patent applications, and other references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a term of the present application contradicts or is in dispute with a term in the cited reference, the term of the present application outweighs the contentious term from the incorporated references.

Although the subject matter described herein is described with reference to some embodiments and representative examples, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements may be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Additional features known in the art may be incorporated equally. Further, it should be understood that while individual features of some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may be discussed herein and not in other embodiments, individual features of some embodiments may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or with other features of a variety of embodiments ,

Claims (18)

An insole for use in a footwear article, the insole comprising: a matching layer having a substantially uniform initial thickness of 3 to 9 mm, and a foam which conforms permanently to a shape of a foot after being worn; and a pressure distribution layer disposed on the matching layer and having a thickness of 2 to 4 mm and comprising an elastic foam. Footbed after Claim 1 , wherein the matching layer has a thickness of 4 to 8 mm, preferably 5 to 7 mm. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 2 wherein the pressure distribution layer has a thickness that is smaller than the thickness of the matching layer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 3 wherein the pressure distribution layer has a thickness of 2.5 to 3.5 mm. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 4 wherein the matching layer comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene, a polyethylene-polypropylene blend, polystyrene, neoprene, chloroprene, polyurethane, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, preferably ethylene-vinyl acetate. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 5 wherein the pressure distribution layer comprises polyurethane, polypropylene or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, preferably a microcellular polyurethane foam. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 6 wherein the pressure distribution layer reduces a pressure point on a foot of a wearer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 7 wherein the matching layer has an Asker C hardness of 5 to 20, preferably 10 to 20, prior to use of the footbed by a wearer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 8th wherein the pressure distribution layer has an Asker C hardness of 10 to 40, preferably 25-30, prior to use of the footbed by a wearer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 9 wherein the pressure distribution layer has a set compression set of 0 to 20%, preferably 1 to 10%, at 25 ° C prior to use of the footbed by a wearer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 10 wherein the pressure distribution layer extends over substantially the entire length of the matching layer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 11 further comprising a fabric layer disposed on one side of the pressure distribution layer opposite to the matching layer. Footbed after one or more of the Claims 1 to 12 further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the pressure relief and conformance layers, or between the fabric layer and the pressure distribution layer. Method for producing the footbed according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 13 comprising laminating the matching layer and the pressure distribution layer. Method for producing the footbed according to one or more of the Claims 1 to 13 comprising forming the pressure relief layer on the matching layer or forming the matching layer on the pressure relief layer to provide the footbed. Footbed made by the method of Claim 14 or Claim 15 , Footwear article comprising an outsole, attached to the outsole Upper part and arranged on the outsole fitting layer of the footbed according to one or more of Claims 1 to 16 , Article after Claim 17 further comprising a midsole, an insole, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

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