EP0064050B1 - Shoe sole and method of making the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sole for shoes, consisting of wood or wood-like materials, and an outsole, preferably made of plastic, with approximately parallel to the tread and / or to the sole of the sole facing upper sole surface at least one extending across the entire sole width and preferably over the entire Intermediate layer of elastic material running through the sole length is provided. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a sole.

The term "wood-like materials" is understood to mean all those materials that contain lignite, especially pressed wood made from wood chips with the addition of binders, from individual layers of wood, in particular from wood veneer, plywood (plywood), but also natural cork, from crushed cork under Addition of binders made of pressed cork and layered cork consisting of individual cork foils.

Wooden soles are already known and have numerous advantages. Such wooden soles support the foot in particularly when the upper sole surface facing the sole of the foot has a spatially curved shape that is orthopedically adapted to the sole of the foot, that is to say is provided with an inner joint support, an outer joint support, a heel bed, a metatarsal rest, ball bedding, a toe barrier, etc. orthopedically correct way and are also cold-insulating, temperature-regulating and moisture-absorbing, that is sweat-absorbing, so that such shoe soles made of wood are hygienic and comfortable to wear. These excellent properties of the shoe provided with such a sole not only have soles made of solid wood, but also soles which consist entirely or partially of the wood-like materials mentioned at the beginning. However, a disadvantage of such known soles made of wood or wood-like materials is that shocks occurring when walking, in particular on uneven ground, are transmitted to the foot without damping. The outsoles, for example made of plastic, attached to the underside of the known wooden soles to a small extent remedy this disadvantage, since these outsoles have to be made correspondingly hard because of the required abrasion resistance and thus have low shock-absorbing properties.

From FR-A 2 286 612 a sole has become known which consists of two parts made of solid wood, namely an upper part and a lower part, between which an intermediate layer of rubber arranged approximately parallel to the sole of the foot facing the sole of the sole is provided is, a thin outsole is attached to the underside of the lower part. In this known embodiment, the upper part of the shoe is first tweaked over the upper sole part made of solid wood, i.e. fixed to the underside of this upper sole part made of solid wood, so that the intermediate layer is not connected to the entire underside of this upper part, because at least partially bent area of the upper of the shoe lies between the intermediate layer and the upper sole part made of solid wood. The intermediate layer only serves to compensate for the unevenness caused by the tweaking of the upper of the shoe around the upper part made of solid wood and by non-parallel contact surfaces between the upper and the lower part made of solid wood.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sole for shoes in which the wearing comfort is improved and good shock absorption and some flexibility of the sole is achieved. To solve this problem, it is proposed that at least the part arranged above the intermediate layer, possibly also the part arranged below the intermediate layer, consists of at least one layer of a wood veneer or a cork film, and that the adjacent intermediate layer with the entire area of this consists of at least one layer part consisting of a wood veneer or a cork film directly, ie without an intermediate layer. This creates a sound-absorbing and shock-absorbing sole without impairing the advantages achieved by using wood or wood-like materials. Due to the fact that at least the part arranged above the intermediate layer consists of at least one layer of a wood veneer or a cork film and is directly connected to the intermediate layer, a certain flexibility of the sole is achieved without the wood veneer or the cork film breaking or being damaged in the process becomes. If the intermediate layer were not arranged, the wood veneer or cork film would tear at least even under slight bending stresses, as a result of which the sole would become unusable.

Appropriate coloring of the intermediate layer can also give the sole a particularly decorative appearance.

As a rule, it is sufficient to provide a single elastic intermediate layer, although it is also possible to arrange a plurality of elastic intermediate layers. If, in the following, one speaks of elastic intermediate layers, this should also include an arrangement in which only a single elastic intermediate layer is provided.

The elastic intermediate layers can be made of an elastomeric plastic, for example of thermoplastic rubber or polyurethane, or of a plastic with elastomer-like properties, for example of a soft polyvinyl chloride stand. It is also possible for the elastic intermediate layers to consist of polybutadiene, in which small hollow spheres, the thin shell of which consists of vinylidene chloride copolymer and the interior of which contains a gas, are optionally embedded. A plastic foam is created by using a blowing agent when using polyurethane or by embedding these hollow spheres in the butadiene, as a result of which the elastic properties of the intermediate layers are improved. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the elastic intermediate layers consist of a low-foamed plastic with a density between 0.6 and 0.9.

It is advantageous if the elastic intermediate layers are arranged at a distance from the upper sole surface which is one third to half the average sole thickness in the area of the forefoot. In the case of thicker soles, for example soles for so-called clogs, the elastic intermediate layer will be arranged approximately at a distance of one third of the average sole thickness, for thinner soles, for example for fashionable women's shoes, approximately in the middle of the total thickness.

It is not absolutely necessary for the same material to be arranged on both sides of an elastic intermediate layer; rather, the most varied of combinations are possible. For example, solid wood and plywood or cork on the other side can be provided on one side of the elastic intermediate layer, or plywood on one side and plywood on the other side. All possible variations between wood and the wood-like materials listed at the beginning are possible.

If the sole consists of individual layers of wood or wood-like materials, for example of wood veneer or cork foils, then according to a preferred embodiment of the invention an elastic intermediate layer can be arranged instead of such a layer. In such an embodiment, the elastic intermediate layer does not interfere in any way, since it blends harmoniously into the layering that is already present. Rather, by arranging this intermediate layer, the decorative effect achieved by the layering can be made even more effective.

As already mentioned at the beginning, it is advantageous if the sole of its upper sole surface has a spatially curved shape that is orthopedically adapted to the sole of the foot and by which the foot is supported in the correct manner. In the manufacture of soles consisting of layers, the soles were previously clamped between the individual layers in a suitably shaped press after the adhesive had been applied until, on the one hand, a permanent connection was established between the individual layers and, on the other hand, the uppermost layers in the desired manner were permanent Had undergone deformation. With this procedure, however, there is a risk that the layers will tear and crack during this deformation. This danger is particularly great at places where the upper sole surface has a hump, for example in the toe barrier. However, such shoe soles provided with cracks, cracks or the like on the upper sole surface are unusable, since these defects can no longer be remedied. According to the invention, this risk can now be reduced in that the elastic intermediate layer adjacent to the upper sole surface has a spatially curved shape orthopedically adapted to the sole of the foot on its upper side facing this sole surface, whereas the underside of this layer is only curved in the longitudinal direction of the sole. In this case, all layers no longer need to be subjected to deformation, but only the parts made of wood or wood-like materials arranged above the elastic intermediate layer formed in the manner mentioned have to be deformed accordingly and adapted to the top of this intermediate layer, thereby increasing the risk Damage to these parts when deforming is significantly reduced and the sole can be manufactured much easier and easier. The outsole and heel can also be attached more easily to the sole, which is curved at the bottom in the longitudinal direction of the sole, but runs transversely thereto, and the stability of this sole is increased. The special design of the elastic intermediate layer does not require any additional work, since this intermediate layer is anyway produced in a mold and it is only necessary to design this mold accordingly.

In order to ensure a better connection between the elastic intermediate layers and the adjacent sole parts made of wood or wood-like materials, according to the invention the elastic intermediate layers can be provided on their upper side and / or on their underside with projections, for example pins, penetrating into the adjacent sole parts.

In one-piece soles made of wood or wood-like materials, there is the disadvantage that these soles are a hindrance to the foot's rolling motion when walking due to their rigidity. Soles have therefore already been proposed which consist of two wooden parts which are connected to one another in the ball area by a flexible connecting part. In the soles designed according to the invention, such a bendability in the ball area can now be produced by dividing the sole parts from wood or wood-like materials, at least once, by gaps filled with filler material which run transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole and are connected to one another by the elastic intermediate layers. The individual sole parts can hiebei ent neither continuously produced over the entire length of the sole and then separated in the ball area, or the front parts and rear parts can be produced separately, which is advantageous because the torsional forces when shaping the shoe sole are lower.

In the case of soles of small thickness, the filling material consists of non-foamed plastic which is glued, cast or injected into the interspaces, for example of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic rubber. Since the space can be kept small as a result of the arrangement of the elastic intermediate layer, the filling material does not experience too great a deformation when it is bent in such soles of small thickness, which deformation can be easily excluded from the non-foamed plastic. In the case of soles of great thickness, on the other hand, the filling material is expediently made of foamed, plastic, preferably foamed polyurethane, since such a plastic is capable of absorbing the material compression that arises when the gaps are completely filled, without thereby causing any damage to the upper surface of the sole Höker arises, which the wearer of a shoe equipped with a sole according to the invention finds uncomfortable.

A better connection between the individual sole parts can be achieved in that holes are provided in the elastic intermediate layers in the area of the intermediate spaces, through which holes the filling material passes. Through these holes there is a connection between the filler material arranged above and below an elastic intermediate layer in the intermediate space, so that the strength of the construction is thereby improved.

The width of the gaps - measured in the longitudinal direction of the sole - is greater than the smallest width in the intermediate central area, at least in the edge region facing the upper sole surface, preferably also in the edge region facing the tread. This enlargement of the space in the edge areas has the advantage that the specific expansion or compression of the filler material becomes significantly less when the sole is bent and there is therefore no danger that the filler material will tear, expediently the rounded edge areas go rounded into the Mid-range over. This avoids sharp edges, in which large tensile and compressive stresses occur during bending, which can lead to destruction of the filler material in the intermediate space. The wider edge regions merge advantageously tangentially into the respective sole surfaces, as a result of which there are no steps at the transition point, which the user of the shoe perceives as disturbing, in particular on the upper sole surface adjacent to the sole of the foot.

The sole designed according to the invention can be used as an insole over which the upper of the shoe is pinched, to which the outsole is glued. But it is also possible to attach the upper of the shoe to the side of the sole. In this case, the upper of the shoe was previously attached to the sole made of wood or wood-like materials by staples or nailing. This work must be carried out manually by trained specialists, and it is difficult to place the clamp or nailing device in the right place, at which a perfect anchoring of the upper of the shoe to the sole of the shoe is ensured. In addition, with this procedure there is always the risk that the wood jumps, splinters or tears and the shoe becomes unusable as a result or the upper part detaches from the sole again. In order to avoid these disadvantages and to ensure proper fastening of the shoe upper to the sole, according to a further feature of the invention, openings can be provided in the edge of an elastic intermediate layer forming part of the sole side surface, in which fastening elements for fastening the shoe upper can be anchored. Because these openings are pre-shaped for fastening the upper of the shoe in the elastic intermediate layer, on the one hand the position to which the fastening elements have to be attached is precisely defined and the fastening elements can therefore also be attached by unskilled forces, on the other hand there is none or only a slight material displacement when attaching the fastening elements, so that there is certainly no damage to the sole.

The cross section of the openings is usually round. However, this requires a certain thickness of the elastic intermediate layer. In order to be able to keep this intermediate layer thin and to be able to adapt its thickness to the thickness of the layers of a layer sole, for example, according to a further feature of the invention, the openings are oval in cross-section with their longitudinal extension running in the longitudinal direction of the sole.

The fastening elements can be formed, for example, by screws that can be screwed into the openings. The openings can either be provided with a corresponding internal thread or screws with a self-tapping thread can be used, so that the thread is formed in the openings by screwing in these screws. The use of screws has the advantage that they can be unscrewed again so that, for example, one upper part can be exchanged for another. However, such an exchange is generally not necessary. In this case, for example, the fasteners can be formed by barbed pins that have projections inside the opening cooperate. Such an embodiment has the advantage that for the fastening of the shoe upper, the pins simply have to be pressed into the openings and are then anchored in these openings as a result of the barbs, the fastening process is thus easier and faster than the process when using screws.

However, the openings can also run across the entire sole width transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole, the fastening elements being formed by two pins or the like which can be inserted into an opening from both sides and which can be connected at their opposite ends via a coupling device. For example, one pin may be provided with an external thread at its end and the other pin may be provided with an internally threaded sleeve at its end, the external thread of one pin being screwed into the internal thread of the sleeve of the other pin after insertion into the opening can. But plug connections with barbs or other couplings are also possible. Finally, the openings can run transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sole over the entire width of the sole, the fastening elements being formed by cords, bands or the like which are passed through the openings and can be connected to the upper of the shoe. These cords or straps, for example made of leather or plastic, are pulled through the openings running across the entire sole width, then passed through corresponding openings in the upper of the shoe and finally linked at the ends. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the fashionable appearance of the shoe can be largely varied by the user himself by choosing appropriate shoe uppers and bands.

It is particularly advantageous if sleeve-like projections projecting from the edge of the elastic intermediate layer are provided in the axial extension of the openings. This simplifies the procedure for fastening the upper of the shoe and achieves additional anchoring of the upper of the shoe. In any case, holes must be made in this upper for the passage of the fastening elements. These holes can now be made without additional work with dimensions that correspond to the outer dimensions of the sleeve-like projections, so that the upper of the shoe with its holes can first be pushed onto these sleeve-like projections and is thereby fixed so far on the sole that the fastening elements can be used easily. In addition, in this embodiment, the forces transmitted from the upper of the shoe to the sole do not have to be absorbed entirely by the fastening elements, but are also partially taken over by the sleeve-like projections, thereby relieving the fastening elements.

In the case of soles in which the upper parts of the shoe are not pinched but are laterally attached to the sole, it is advisable to form the outsole in one piece with the filling material.

When manufacturing a sole according to the invention, the procedure can be such that the prefabricated intermediate layers are bonded to at least one of the adjacent parts made of wood or wood-like material, the surface of these parts made of wood or wood-like material optionally being pretreated with a primer. However, at least one of the parts of wood or wood-like material adjacent to an intermediate layer can also be inserted into a mold and optionally pretreated with a primer on the surface to be connected to the intermediate layer, whereupon the material forming the intermediate layer is poured or injected into the mold and harden in the case of a compact intermediate layer or allow foaming in the case of a foamed intermediate layer. All possible variants are conceivable for these two types of process. For example, if a single intermediate layer is arranged, it is possible to cast it on to one of the two parts made of wood or wood-like material, to spray it on or to foam it, and then to glue the other of the two parts made of wood or wood-like material onto this intermediate layer so connected to the first part .

If a sole is to be produced whose upper sole surface has a spatially curved shape that is orthopedically adapted to the sole of the foot, it is advantageous if the shape in its part corresponding to the upper sole surface has a spatially curved shape that is orthopedically adapted to the sole of the foot, wherein the in this molded part inserted from wood or wood-like material from a thin layer, for example consists of a wood veneer or a cork film. In this case, it is not necessary to give this layer inserted into the mold a corresponding spatially curved shape, because the plastic injected or cast into the mold presses this thin layer against the correspondingly formed mold wall, so that this then Layer receives the desired spatial curvature without additional measures.

In the drawing, the invention is illustrated schematically using exemplary embodiments. 1 shows a shoe sole designed according to the invention with a greater thickness, such as is used, for example, for so-called clogs, in a longitudinal section along the line II in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a top view of this sole in the direction of arrow 11 in FIG. 1 shows a side view of a further embodiment of an inventive thin layer sole and FIG. 4 shows the sole according to FIG. 3, partly in a top view, partly in section through an opening in the intermediate layer.

The sole shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 consists of parts 1, 2 made of wood or wood-like materials which are connected to one another via an intermediate layer 3 made of elastic material, and of an outsole 4 attached to the underside of the sole 4. The intermediate layer 3 extends over the entire length and width of the sole approximately parallel to the upper sole surface 5 at a distance from this upper sole surface which is approximately equal to one third of the sole thickness in the region of the forefoot.

In order to make the sole flexible in the ball area so that it can adapt to the rolling movement of the foot when walking, part 1 is divided in the ball area so that sections 1 'and 1 "are created. The part is also divided at the same place 2 in sections 2 'and 2 ". The space 6 created during the subdivision is filled with a filling material 7, which passes through openings 8 provided in the elastic intermediate layer in the area of this space 6 and which also forms the outsole 4. Measured in the longitudinal direction of the sole, the width B of the intermediate space 6 is greater than the smallest width in the intermediate central area, at least in the edge region facing the upper sole surface 5, preferably also in the edge region facing the outsole 4. The two edge areas of the intermediate space 6 are rounded off and merge tangentially into the upper sole surface 5.

At the edge of the elastic intermediate layer 3, which forms part of the sole side surface, openings 9 are provided, in which fastening elements, not shown, for example screws, pins or the like, can be anchored for fastening the upper of the shoe. In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the openings 9 consist of blind holes into which screws can be screwed or barbed pins can be inserted.

Around the openings 9 protruding sleeve-like projections 10 are provided from the edge of the elastic intermediate layer 2, the outer dimensions of which are as large as the holes punched at the corresponding locations in the upper of the shoe, so that the upper part of the shoe first establishes a connection with the sole Holes can be pushed over the sleeve-like projections 10. A pre-fixation of the shoe upper is thereby achieved, by means of which the insertion of the screws or pins in the openings 9 is facilitated. In addition, part of the forces transmitted from the upper to the shoe sole at the fastening points is absorbed by these sleeve-like projections 10, whereby the screws or pins are relieved.

3 and 4 show a sole with a small thickness, in which the heel 11 consists of a separate part, which is expediently also made of wood or a wood-like material. The sole part 1 consists of several, for example three layers, for example of veneer wood, the part 2 also consists of several, for example five layers of veneer wood. However, individual layers can also be formed from cork foils, for example. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there is no subdivision of the sole in the ball area, as is the case with the sole according to FIGS. 1 and 2, but it can of course also be done in this embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4 the sole in the ball area can be subdivided accordingly.

In order not to disturb the tenderness of this sole consisting of individual layers, the thickness of the elastic intermediate layer 3 must be adapted to the other layer thicknesses. In such a case, it is difficult to accommodate the openings 9 and the sleeve-like projections 10 protruding in the extension of these openings if their cross-section, as is the case in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, is circular. It is therefore expedient in this case to design these openings 9 and also the sleeve-like projections 10 with an oval cross-section with their longitudinal extension in the longitudinal direction of the sole.

The openings 9 are not designed as blind holes as in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, but, as can be seen from FIG. 4, these openings 9 run through the entire width of the sole. This has several advantages. For example, pins or the like can be inserted into an opening 9 from both sides for fastening the upper part, which are then connected to one another at their opposite ends in the opening 9, for example by a screw thread or a plug coupling, or it can be used for fastening the Upper part of the shoe on the sole can be pulled through the continuous openings 9 bands or cords.

1, the openings 9 are arranged around the entire sole, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, such openings 9 are provided only in the front sole area, since, for example, in the case of sandals only the area is fastened Upper part of the shoe is made on the sole.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper sole surface 5 has a spatially curved shape which is orthopedically adapted to the sole of the foot, so that the foot is supported in an orthopedically correct manner. In order to ensure this special shape of the upper sole surface, the elastic intermediate layer 3 is provided on its upper side facing this upper sole surface 5 with a correspondingly spatially curved shape, whereas the underside of the elastic intermediate layer 3 is only in the longitudinal direction of the sole device is curved. It is then only necessary to deform the layers arranged above the elastic intermediate layer 3, that is to say part 1, in such a way that the upper sole surface 5 has the desired spatial curvature. This simplifies the manufacture of the sole and substantially reduces the risk of damage to the upper sole surface 5 during deformation.

Claims (27)

1. Sole for shoes, consisting of wood or wood-like material as well as of a running sole (4), preferably of synthetic plastics material, noting that at least one intermediate layer (3) of elastic material is provided and extends approximately in parallel relation to the running surface and/or the upper sole surface (5) facing the sole of the foot and extends at least over the whole width of the sole and preferably extends over the whole length of the sole, characterized in that at least the part (1) arranged above the intermediate layer and optionally also the part (2) arranged below the intermediate layer consists of at least one layer of a wood veneer or of a cork foil and in that the adjacent intermediate layer (3) is directly, i.e. without any interlining, connected with the whole surface of said part (1, 2) consisting of at least one layer of a wood veneer or of a cork foil.

2. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic intermediate layers (3) consist of an elastomeric synthetic plastics material, for example of thermoplastic rubber or, respectively, of polyurethane, or of a synthetic plastics material having properties similar to that of elastomers, such as, for example, of a plasticized polyvinyl chloride.

3. Sole according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic intermediate layers (3) consist of polybutadiene, into which are optionally embedded small hollow spheres, the thin shell of which consists of a vinylidene chloride copolymer and the interior of which contains a gas.

4. Sole according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the elastic intermediate layers (3) consist of a slightly foamed synthetic plastics material having a density between 0.6 and 0.9.

5. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the elastic intermediate layers (3) are arranged at such a distance from the upper sole surface (5) which corresponds to one third till one half of the mean sole thickness within the area of the forefoot.

6. Sole consisting of individual layers of wood or wood-like materials according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that there is arranged an elastic intermediate layer (3) in place of one layer.

7. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the elastic intermediate layer (3) located adjacent the upper sole surface (5) has at its top side facing said sole surface a spatially bent shape orthopaedically adapted to the foot sole, whereas the bottom side of this layer is arcuately shaped only in longitudinal direction of the sole.

8. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the elastic intermediate layers (3) are provided at their top side and/or at their bottom side with protrusions, for example pins, penetrating into the adjacent sole part (1, 2) of wood or wood-like material.

9. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sole parts (1, 2) consisting of wood or wood-like materials are at least once subdivided by interstices (6) transversely extending to the longitudinal direction of the sole and being filled with filler material (7) and are connected one with the other by elastic intermediate layers (3).

10. Sole according to claim 9, characterized in that in case of soles of small thickness the filler material (7) consists of non-foamed synthetic plastics material, for example of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or thermoplastic rubber, glued into, poured into or injected into the interstices (6).

11. Sole according to claim 9, characterized in that in case of soles of great thickness the filler material (7) consists of foamed synthetic plastics material, preferably of foamed polyurethane.

12. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that holes (8) are provided in the elastic intermediate layers (3) within the area of the interstices (6), the filler material (7) extending through said holes.

13. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the filler material (7) consists of the same material as the elastic intermediate layers and is preferably at least partially made integral with the elastic intermediate layers (3).

14. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the width (B) of the interstices (6) is - as measured in longitudinal direction of the sole - greater within the marginal area facing the upper sole surface (5) and preferably in the marginal area facing the running surface than the smallest width in the intermediate middle area.

15. Sole according to claim 14, characterized in that the broader marginal areas pass over into the middle area in a rounded fashion.

16. Sole according to claim 14 and 15, characterized in that the broader marginal areas tangentially pass over into the respective sole surfaces.

17. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that openings (9) are provided in that edge of an elastic intermediate layer (3) which forms a part of the sole side surface, said openings being adapted for anchoring therein fastening elements for fastening the shoe upper.

18. Sole according to claim 17, characterized in that the openings (9) are oval in cross section and are designed for extending with their longitudinal dimension in longitudinal direction of the sole.

19. Sole according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the fastening elements are formed of screws which can be screwed into the openings (9).

20. Sole according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the fastening elements are formed of pins provided with barbs and cooperating with protrusions within the interior of the openings (9).

21. Sole according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the openings (9) extend over the whole sole width in transverse relation to the longitudinal direction of the sole and in that the fastening elements are formed of two pins or the like which can be introduced into one respective opening (9) from both sides and which can be coupled at their opposing ends via a coupling means.

22. Sole according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the openings (9) extend over the whole sole width in transverse relation to the longitudinal direction of the sole and in that the fastening elements are formed of cords, tapes or the like, passed through the openings (9) and being suitable for being connected with the shoe upper.

23. Sole according to any of claims 17 to 22, characterized in that there are provided within the axial extension of the openings (9) bushing-like protrusions (10) protruding from the edge of the elastic intermediate layer (3).

24. Sole according to any of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the running sole (4) is formed integral with the filler material (7) of the interstices (6).

25. Process for producing a sole according to any of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the prefabricated intermediate layers are connected by glueing with at least one of the adjacent parts of wood or wood-like materials, noting that optionally the surface to be connected of these parts of wood or wood-like materials is pretreated with a primer.

26. Process for producing a sole according to any of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that at least one of the parts consisting of wood or wood-like materials and located adjacent one intermediate layer is placed into a mould and is optionally pretreated with a primer at its surface to be connected with the intermediate layer and in that subsequently the material forming the intermediate layer is poured or injected into the mould and is allowed to cure in case of a compact intermediate layer or, respectively, is allowed to foam in case of a foamed intermediate layer.

27. Process according to claim 26, characterized in that the mould has in its portion corresponding to the upper sole surface a spatially bent shape orthopaedically adapted to the foot sole and in that the part of wood or wood-like materials placed into said portion of the mould consists of a thin layer, for example of a wood veneer or of a cork foil.

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