EP0740908B1 - Shoe for the practice of winter sports - Google Patents

Abstract

The boot has a supple outer layer (2) and a supple liner (4) which fits detachably inside it. Between the outer layer and the liner, the boot has an inner shell (3) with a sole (12). A trough-section back (13) is designed to fit under the wearer's foot and round the back of the leg, as far up as the lower part of the calf. The shell is made so that the trough-section back can be inclined forwards but not backwards. A fixing (34) connects the boot to the snow board, and is connected to the sole of the rigid shell through the supple outer boot. The forward inclination of the inner shell is permitted by an articulated section (15) at the bottom of the trough-section back. The rearward movement can be limited e.g. by cables between the back and sole of the shell, or by non-stretch side panels.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to the field of sliding sports, in particular on water and on snow. It relates more specifically to a shoe intended for the practice of snowboarding or downhill skiing.
In what follows, the invention will be described in more detail in its application to snowboarding, although it is immediately transposable for the practice of alpine skiing.

Previous techniques

As we know, there are several techniques for surfing of snow. We can cite in particular a first form called "surfing alpine "which is practiced on traditional downhill ski slopes, on groomed snow. In addition, we also know a second form called "artistic surfing" which takes place on particular tracks forming semi-cylindrical valleys, generally made to order, and which is commonly called by the English expression "half-pipe". Finally, we also know that surfing is practiced on snow slopes powdery.

It is obvious that each of these modes of use requires a certain qualities at the level of the articulation between the leg of the user and the board, in particular with regard to bending towards the front and the back supports.

Chronologically, four different types of shoe have been proposed, to be associated with corresponding fixings also different.

First, the oldest shoes used for surfing are derived from those used for alpine skiing, that is to say having a rigid shell, allowing a limited inclination of the leg forward. These shoes fit on bindings comprising two elements, namely a fixed bracket in which comes embed the heel of the shoe, and a front stop articulated in shape stirrup, able to crochet the front portion of the toe of the shoe. Obviously, this type of shoe proves to be too rigid, in particular in disciplines requiring large angulations of the tibia compared to at the foot, such as practicing in "half-pipes". In addition, this type of shoe proves unsuitable for walking.

Subsequently, the use of flexible shoes has been proposed, the more generally having the shape of a boot, advantageously practical for walking. Unfortunately, given this flexibility, it has had to change the fasteners to allow them to ensure grip counts backwards. So, we developed a certain number of bindings presenting a platform on which the shoe is secured by several straps, and which has a rigid rear tile fixed substantially perpendicular to the board and which rises in calf direction. Unfortunately, although satisfactory, this type of fixing constitutes a particularly complex molding part to to carry out, bulky and annoying for transport. Furthermore, it does not not allow automatic footwear. Thus, at each bottom of the runway, the surfer is forced to undo the straps to get free, then when the ski lift, he must reattach the straps and adjust the tightness, which is tedious and tedious.

In addition, a third type of attachment is known, associating a stud fixed on the board and which cooperates with complementary arrangements, advantageously retractable, integral with the shoe. We are dealing with this case to a relatively rigid shoe, or close to a shoe traditional ski, either with a hard material sole and a rigid rear rod to allow rear supports. So we see that the use of this advantageous type of fixing requires the use of a rigid shoe, therefore having disadvantages for walking and does not not allowing optimal performance to be obtained during practice surf.

Finally, we know, in particular from document EP-A-0 646 334, a boot type surf boot, inside which is inserted a shell, sandwiched between the outer upper and the inner liner. This shell includes a sole intended to receive the sole of the foot the user and a rear gutter intended to enclose the rear of the bottom the user's leg up to the bottom of the calf. This gutter is articulated on the rising rear part of the sole so as to allow the transverse inclination of this gutter. The sole-gutter assembly has capacities for tilting the gutter towards the front of the sole and a rigidity capable of limiting the inclination of the gutter towards the rear. Unfortunately, this solution is not entirely satisfactory in the sense that the shell intermediate is simply placed inside the rod and is not not rigidly connected to the board. Transmission of efforts since the fixing is done through the hooking straps of the boot and flexible sole. It is easy to see that the flexibility of these different elements dampen the sensations and do not allow a practice optimal. In addition, by the latitude of movement of this hull to inside the boot, when taking rear support, the front of the foot lifts and is compressed under the straps forming the attachment. he discomfort and discomfort ensue.

The invention overcomes these drawbacks.

Brief Description of the Invention

The problem which the invention proposes to solve is the use a shoe that can be coupled to a simple attachment, of the snap operation, this shoe being flexible in direction from the front while having rear stiffness for allow support to be taken.

Another problem which the invention proposes to solve is that the efficient transmission of forces from the board to the foot of the user, in order to allow a good perception of the sensations in from the surf.

• une botte souple et un chausson souple amovible placé à l'intérieur de la botte souple ;
• une coque placée à l'intérieur de la botte souple, entre cette botte et le chausson, et comportant au moins une semelle destinée à recevoir la plante du pied de l'utilisateur, et une gouttière destinée à enserrer l'arrière du bas de la jambe de l'utilisateur, jusqu'à hauteur du bas du mollet.

Thus, the invention relates to a shoe for practicing a sliding sport by means of a board, this shoe having a capacity for forward bending and comprising arrangements intended to cooperate with a binding, of the type comprising :

• a flexible boot and a removable flexible bootie placed inside the flexible boot;
• a shell placed inside the flexible boot, between this boot and the liner, and comprising at least one sole intended to receive the sole of the foot of the user, and a gutter intended to grip the rear of the bottom of the user's leg, up to the bottom of the calf.

The sole-gutter assembly has the ability to tilt the gutter towards the front of the sole and rigidity capable of limiting the inclination of the gutter towards the rear, and arrangements intended to cooperate with the attachment are attached to the sole of the shell, through the flexible boot.

In other words, to combine forward flexibility and back stiffness, the shoe according to the invention has a shell serving as reinforcement and having a capacity of articulation in the direction longitudinal only facing forward. This frame is firmly and rigidly associated with the fastening members for fixing to through the sole of the flexible boot serving as an outer envelope, preferably at the level of the arch of the foot, even in the area of the heel or toe.

In other words, unlike all types of shoes existing, the invention provides a flexible shoe, therefore practical for the step, able to mate with a simple fixing, and combining a forward flexibility with rear stiffness and transmission optimal efforts.

To solve the problem of the cooperation of the shoe with the fixing, the arrangements intended to cooperate with the fixing are fixed on the shell of the shoe through the boot, ie at the level of the arch plantar, either at the heel, or jointly at the level of the front end and the heel. In other words, the connecting piece with the fixing is secured by screwing or any other means, directly with the rigid shell, and not on the boot, which allows to use for the latter a more flexible material. This arrangement allows a direct transmission of forces between the foot and the binding, overcoming the flexibility of the boot, which improves sensations of the user.

In a first embodiment, the lower edge of the gutter is integral and follows the contour of at least the part rear of the sole while the upper edge of the gutter is free, so that the upper part of the gutter has a radius of curvature much greater than that of the lower part.

In this way, the gutter has a general curvature facing the front of the sole, preventing deformation rear-facing. The difference in curvature between the top and bottom of the gutter promotes its flexibility towards the front. So the shape of the gutter combines the two functions of flexibility and rigidity.

In another form of the invention, the shoe is equipped hinge means capable of allowing the inclination of the gutter towards the front of the sole and of means capable of limiting the inclination of the rear gutter. In this way, the two flexibility functions and stiffness are not filled in separate areas of each part of the shell.

• les moyens d'articulation sont constitués par une portion de liaison souple reliant la semelle et la gouttière ;
• et les moyens limiteurs d'inclinaison sont constitués par au moins un câble reliant un bord de la semelle à l'avant d'un bord de la gouttière.

In a first embodiment, the shell is in one piece and:

• the articulation means are constituted by a flexible connecting portion connecting the sole and the gutter;
• and the inclination limiting means consist of at least one cable connecting an edge of the sole to the front of an edge of the gutter.

In a variant, the tilt limiting means are consisting of two inextensible side sails connecting one edge of the connecting portion, the rear part of the sole and the front of an edge of the gutter.

• les moyens d'articulation sont constitués par deux ensembles pivot-lumière situés respectivement en partie latérale arrière de la semelle et en partie latérale basse de la gouttière, au niveau des malléoles, et aptes à autoriser l'inclinaison et l'articulation de la gouttière par rapport à la semelle ;
• et les moyens limiteurs sont constitués d'une portion en saillie située sur la semelle, destinée à coopérer avec une portion complémentaire de la gouttière pour servir de butée de manière à empêcher l'inclinaison de la gouttière vers l'arrière.

In a second embodiment in which the shell is formed from two separate parts, respectively the sole and the gutter:

• the articulation means are constituted by two pivot-light assemblies situated respectively in the rear lateral part of the sole and in the lower lateral part of the gutter, at the level of the malleoli, and capable of authorizing the inclination and the articulation of the gutter relative to the sole;
• and the limiting means consist of a projecting portion located on the sole, intended to cooperate with a complementary portion of the gutter to serve as a stop so as to prevent the inclination of the gutter backwards.

To improve user comfort when walking, the complementary portion of the gutter is articulated on said gutter along a transverse axis so as to switch between two positions whether or not allowing the stopper with the projection, and this additional portion has return means bringing it back into the forming position stop, so that the tilt limiting means are disengageable on user action. Thus, during the walking phases, the part of the additional portion opposite the projection is retracted by simple pressure and the gutter regains its freedom to rotate backwards by compared to the sole.

• un étrier reliant les malléoles passant derrière le tendon d'Achille, et articulé par rapport à la semelle de la coque autour d'un axe transversal disposé sensiblement au niveau des malléoles ;
• un pivot longitudinal situé à l'arrière de l'étrier et recevant la partie basse de la gouttière pour lui permettre une inclinaison transversale.

In an advantageous alternative embodiment, allowing not only articulation in the longitudinal direction but also in the transverse direction, the means of articulation of the gutter relative to the sole of the shell are constituted by:

• a stirrup connecting the malleoli passing behind the Achilles tendon, and articulated with respect to the sole of the shell around a transverse axis disposed substantially at the level of the malleoli;
• a longitudinal pivot located at the rear of the stirrup and receiving the lower part of the gutter to allow it a transverse tilt.

• un étrier reliant les malléoles passant derrière le tendon d'Achille, et articulée par rapport à la semelle de la coque autour d'un axe longitudinal disposé sur la partie arrière de la semelle de la coque, au niveau du tendon d'Achille ;
• deux ensembles pivots lumières situés respectivement sur les extrémités de l'étrier, au niveau des malléoles et sur les parties latérales basses de la gouttière, également au niveau des malléoles.

In an equivalent variant embodiment, in which the aforementioned articulation axes are inverted, the articulation means consist of:

• a stirrup connecting the malleoli passing behind the Achilles tendon, and articulated with respect to the sole of the shell around a longitudinal axis disposed on the rear part of the sole of the shell, at the level of the Achilles tendon;
• two sets of light pivots situated respectively on the ends of the stirrup, at the level of the malleoli and on the low lateral parts of the gutter, also at the level of the malleoli.

In one embodiment, to facilitate the establishment of the gutter and its manufacture, the shell is removable and extractable from the boot. In an opposite embodiment, the lower part of the boot is molded onto the hull. Thus, in certain cases, the reinforcement may be removed from the boot for use thereof for other activities.

Always with the aim of making walking easier, while allowing rear supports taken, in a variant, the sole extends to the front at level and slightly behind the metatarsophalangeal joint.

In another variant, the sole presents at the level and slightly set back from the metatarsophalangeal joint, an area thinner to facilitate articulation of the front of the sole.

To improve the firmness of the upper part of the shoe, the gutter has clamping means around the bottom of the calf. Of even, for the same purpose, the sole has means for holding the foot at the instep.

To facilitate joining and improve sealing, the sole of the boot has an area of reduced thickness at the hooking said arrangements cooperating with the attachment.

For this purpose, the sole may also include inserts metallic or composite, male or female, intended to serve as points hanging.

Advantageously, the material used to carry out the shell of polyurethane or polyethylene or any other material similar or even composite plastic. Of course, to get optimal performance, we can choose different materials for the various parts of the shell, namely the sole and the gutter.

Brief description of the figures

The advantages and the modes of execution of the invention will emerge well from the description of the embodiments which follow, in support of attached figures.

Figure 1 is a summary perspective view showing the different subsets of the invention.

Figure 2 is a summary perspective view of a shell monobloc with a particular form of articulation, including one variant is illustrated, in summary perspective in FIG. 3.

Figure 4 is a summary perspective view of a shell in two articulated parts.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of an adjustment detail of the articulation of a shell of the type of that of FIG. 4.

Figure 6 is a sectional view of a detail of the articulation of a shell of the type of that of FIG. 4, illustrating the disengagement of the means tilt limiters.

Figures 7 and 8 are summary perspective views of variants production of hulls with articulation capacities longitudinal forward and also transverse.

Figure 9 is a sectional view of the shoe and the binding showing the cooperation between these two elements.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view along the plane X-X 'of FIG. 9.

Figures 11 to 15 are summary perspective views from below shoe having three types of arrangements fixed on the sole of the shell and intended to cooperate with fixings.

Ways to realize the invention

As already stated, the objective of the invention is to provide a surf boot having forward bending ability as well that a strong rigidity towards the back to allow the supports.

As seen in Figure 1, the shoe (1) breaks down into three essential sub-assemblies, namely, a flexible boot (2), a shell (3) internal removable and an inner liner (4).

The flexible boot (2) has a known conventional outer shape in the field of surfing. So, this boot has in its part lower, a sole (5) having a heel (6), and at its part upper, a rod (7) having two lateral flanks (8,9), each of these flanks having in its front part, a lacing zone (10) allowing cover an internal tab (11). The rod (7) is slightly oriented forward.

Inside this boot (2) is the inner shell (3) (in lines thick mixed in Figure 1) which breaks down into two main parts, namely a sole (12) and a gutter (13). The sole (12) has a general anatomical shape. It has edges that match the contours of the foot going up slightly to ensure good maintenance.

Generally, the sole (12) must simultaneously allow the grip of the rear supports when practicing surfing and the articulation of the front of the foot during the walking phases. So, in a first embodiment (see Figure 4), the front end of the sole (12) is slightly behind the level of the joint metatarsophalangeal. In another embodiment, the sole (12) extends under the entire underside of the foot but has, at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joint, a zone (39) of lesser thickness facilitating the articulation of the forefoot (see Figure 3).

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the gutter (13) is a curved plate, the lower edge (40) of which is connected to the rear of the sole surrounding the heel up to the middle of the arch plantar. The radius of curvature of this portion is less than 5 centimeters. The upper part (14) is of smaller width. She constitutes a free end with a much greater radius of curvature important. The configuration of this gutter therefore allows it to flex easy forwards while tilting backwards is impossible.

In a first variant illustrated in Figure 2, the gutter has a general shape inscribed in a vertical cylinder, with a part (14) open towards the front. The width of this opening is determined to facilitate the installation of the liner (4) as well as for questions of comfort. The shell (2) consists of a single piece, the gutter (13) and the sole (12) being connected by a flexible portion (15) of small dimensions, located at the Achilles tendon. This portion flexible (15) allows the inclination of the gutter (13) forward.

One of the aims of the invention being to prohibit completely the inclination of the gutter backwards, the hull also has a cable (16) which connects the sole (12) to the gutter (13). This goal can also be reached by connecting the edges (41,42) of the gutter and the sole in manhole, by a textile veil (28) or a sheet of inextensible material and flexible.

Of course, it is not going beyond the ambit of the invention to replace the aforementioned cable by a strip from the molding of the hull, therefore made of the same material, and which connects the sole and the gutter.

In one embodiment, the two ends (17,18) of the cable (16) are connected to the middle part of the sole, in the lateral zones, while the cable (16) runs through the rear of the gutter (13) taking support on anchoring studs (19). Cable length is determined so that it is in the stretched position when the gutter (13) is in the maximum rear position.

Of course, the invention covers all the variants of passage from cable (16) for limiting this tilt backwards.

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the sole (12) and the gutter (13) form two distinct elements connected by a classic joint. It may for example be an association (20) of pivots and lights placed advantageously at the malleoli. Thus, this articulation (20) allows the relative orientation of the gutter (13) relative to the sole (12). As for the previous variant, the rear support is obtained by the presence of a portion (21) projecting from the rear of the sole (12) on which the end comes to bear rear (22) of the gutter. Of course, we are not going beyond the ambit of the invention by giving these different ends all the forms likely to create this stop effect.

As seen in Figure 5, we can give the shell a possibility of adjustment by positioning the rear stop (21) at a height variable. For this purpose, the rear part of the sole has holes (29) into which the stop (21) fitted with a hooking finger is inserted. Well understood, this adjustment can be achieved by any other known means such as screwed studs or crenellated surface.

A variant of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6 provides for the possibility of disengaging the tilt limiting means. To this end, the gutter has a portion (40) articulated by means of a yoke (45). A spring (44) is placed between the gutter and the upper end of the articulated portion, so that the lower end (46) of this portion articulated (40) either facing the projection (21) of the sole (12). By one single press on the upper end (43), the lower end (42) retracts and projects beyond the projection (21), which disengages the stop mechanism. This improves user comfort when putting on and walking.

As seen in Figure 4, another characteristic of the invention is to allow good foot support, whether on the sole, by a strap (23) located at the instep, or still at the lower leg thanks to a strap (24) connecting the two inclined faces (25, 26) of the gutter (13). Of course, these straps can be made of an elastic material, or a strip rigid, or even as illustrated, with an adjustment system (27) allowing to adjust the shoe to the user's foot. We can still provide a light in the sides (8,9) of the boot (2) to allow the passage of the strap (24) to provide the adjustment element outside of the shoe, and thus facilitate its actuation.

Furthermore, this shell (3) being in place inside the boot (2), it is intended to receive the liner (4).

In the improved variant illustrated in FIG. 7, the sole (12) of the hull has a part (71) rising backwards and surrounding the heel. This rising part (71) comprises a rivet (73) upwards. ensuring the articulation of a stirrup (72). This rivet (73) is disposed longitudinally so as to allow the transverse pivoting of the stirrup (72).

From the Achilles tendon area, this stirrup (72) has two branches (74) extending to the level of the malleoli. So like illustrated in FIG. 7, this stirrup (72), and more precisely the branches (74) have rivets (75) at their ends ensuring attachment and the gutter joint (13), at its extensions side (76). The two rivets (75) therefore constitute a virtual axis articulation oriented transversely to the shoe. They therefore allow the inclination of the gutter (13) in the direction longitudinal. The use of the stirrup (72) ensures, by its articulation with the sole (12), the possibility of transverse tilting of the gutter (13).

The inclination of the gutter (13) towards the rear is limited thanks to the presence of lugs (77) arranged in projection on the outer face of the lateral extensions (76) of the gutter, and which come into contact with the upper edge of the stirrup (72) in the rear tilt position maximum. In the same vein, lugs (78) are arranged laterally on the rising part (71) of the sole (12) to limit the transverse inclination of the stirrup (72).

In a derived variant illustrated in FIG. 8, the stirrup (72) is articulated by its rivets (75) on two vertical extensions (80, 81) of the sole (12), located substantially at the level of the malleoli. Additionally, the gutter (13) has an extension (82) covering the Achilles tendon. This extension (82) is articulated on the stirrup (72) by the rivet (83). So this similar architecture allows to obtain the same transverse and lateral tilt capacities as those illustrated in Figure 7. In this case, the pins (87,88) replace the lugs (77,78) of the armature illustrated in FIG. 7.

Of course, the joint of the stirrup (72), opposite the gutter (13) and the sole (12) is not limited to an embodiment by rivet but can be provided by any equivalent means such as play of light and pivot or others.

Another essential objective of the invention is to allow the use of this shoe on bindings (30) particularly simple and ensure optimal transmission of forces from the plank towards the foot.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, the attachment is present in the general form of a platform (31) comprising a set of articulated arms (32,33) intended to grip a portion prominent (34) of the shoe (see Figures 9 and 10).

This prominent part (34) of the shoe is presented under the shape of a conical or trapezoidal stud whose upper face (35) is at contact with the sole (5), the stud (34) being integral with the sole (5). Of them lateral faces (36, 37) have shapes or inclinations cooperating with the attachment (33,32) for its attachment.

This stud advantageously fits into the space at the front of the heel, so that it does not exceed the underside of the sole, and does not causes no discomfort when walking.

Of course, the invention embraces all variants of attachment of this type, that is to say having a single localized attachment zone of the type described above, or similar to the advanced fasteners used on bicycle pedals as opposed to conventional fasteners that hold the shoe by its front and rear ends.

In this regard, we can cite five types of arrangements represented in Figures 11 to 15. First, Figure 11 shows a platform (50) which is fixed on the sole (12), at the arch of the foot, through the boot (2) by screws (54). On this platform (50) is mounted a stud (51) which has two axes (52,53) protruding from its two lateral faces. These axes (52,53) are intended to cooperate with a fixing complementary.

In the variant shown in Figure 12, cooperation with the attachment is produced jointly by an anterior tongue (60) and by a pair of axes (62,63) emerging from the lateral faces of a platform (61) attached to the sole (12) through the heel of the boot.

Furthermore, in the variant illustrated in FIG. 13, the arch of the foot of the boot receives a platform (65) integral with the sole (12) and having two studs (66,67) trapping the two ends of an axis longitudinal (68).

In an alternative embodiment, the platform is part of the sole (12) of the shell (3) and passes through the sole of the boot with a light designed for this purpose.

In the variant illustrated in Figure 14, the arch of the boot receives a transverse shim (90) of a width greater than that of the sole (5) and whose lateral overhangs (91,92) are intended to cooperate with the fixing located on the board.

Finally, in the variant illustrated in FIG. 15, the sole (12) is associated with a room (95) which has two lateral housings (96) at the level of the lateral zones of the arch of the foot. These housings (96) are intended to receive fixing jaws (not shown).

One of the essential characteristics of the invention is therefore to allow the attachment of this stud (34) or equivalent bodies (50,60,61,65,90,95) directly on the rigid sole by crossing the boot flexible (2) at an area of reduced thickness. This hanging, of preferably removable, is done by any known means, in particular by screwing.

For this purpose, the sole (5) is pre-drilled and the sole (12) can have aluminum or light alloy screw inserts (38).

The removable nature allows the interchangeability of the stud for adapt it to different types of fastening as well as the possibility of replacement in case of wear.

Advantageously, the support (34) can constitute an extension of the sole (12) which passes through the sole of the boot. However, in this embodiment, one may be faced with problems sealing.

Thus, according to another embodiment, it may therefore prove advantageous to make the boot in two stages, one of which consists in over-inject the lower part in rubber or PVC, around the hull (3). This eliminates sealing problems in the passage of fittings (34,37) through the sole of the boot.

Regarding the materials used for the sole, we can advantageously combine zones of flexible material to favor comfort, with parts made of rigid material, or even reinforced with inserts composite or metallic, in order to improve the transmission of forces.

As is apparent from the above, the surf boot according to the invention has multiple advantages, including in particular the possibility of using a shoe having a forward-facing flexibility and rigidity for the rear supports, the all in combination with a single point attachment. he It should also be noted that the connection directly to the sole of the attachment stud allows fundamentally improving the sensations thanks to a direct transmission of forces from the foot to the surf.

As stated previously, the invention has been described in detail in its application to a surf shoe, but thanks to the flexibility combined with a certain rear stiffness and direct transmission of efforts from the board to the foot, she can naturally find advantages of being used for traditional ski boots.

Claims (19)

1. A shoe (1) for the practice of a gliding sport using at least one board, having a capacity for forward flexing and having arrangements intended to interact with a binding, of the type comprising:

   a flexible boot (2) and a removable flexible inner shoe (4) placed inside the flexible boot (2);

   a shell (3) placed inside the flexible boot (2), between this boot (2) and the inner shoe (4), and having at least one sole (12) intended to accommodate the sole of the user's foot, and a spoiler (13) intended to fit around the rear of the user's lower leg, up to the height of the bottom of the calf,

   in which the sole/spoiler assembly (12, 13) has capacities for inclination of the spoiler (13) toward the front of the sole (12) and a rigidity capable of limiting the rearward inclination of the spoiler (13), and the arrangements (34-37, 50, 60, 61, 65, 90, 95) intended to interact with the binding are fixed on the sole (12) of the shell through the flexible boot (2).
2. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein

   the lower edge of the spoiler is securely fastened to and matches the contour of the posterior part of the sole (12);

   and the upper edge of the spoiler is free, so that the top part of the spoiler has a radius of curvature slightly greater than that of the bottom part.
3. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shell is equipped with articulation means (15, 20) capable of permitting the inclination of the spoiler (13) toward the front of the sole (12) and with means (16-19, 21, 22) capable of limiting the rearward inclination of the spoiler (13).
4. The shoe as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

   the shell (3) is monobloc,

   and the articulation means (15-20) consist of a flexible connecting portion (15) joining the sole (12) and the spoiler (13).
5. The shoe as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inclination-limiting means (21, 22) consist of at least one cable (16) joining one side of the sole (12) to the front of one side of the spoiler (13).
6. The shoe as claimed in claim 4, wherein the inclination limiter means (21, 22) consist of two inextensible lateral webs joining one side of the connecting portion, the posterior part of the sole (12) and the front of one side of the spoiler (13).
7. The shoe (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein

   the shell (3) is formed by two separate pieces, respectively the sole (12) and the spoiler (13);

   the articulation means (20) consist of two pivot/ hole assemblies located respectively at the rear lateral part of the sole and at the bottom lateral part of the spoiler, at the malleoli, and capable of allowing inclination and articulation of the spoiler relative to the sole;

   and the limiting means consist of a protruding portion (21) located on the sole, intended to interact with a complementary portion (22) of the spoiler (13) in order to serve as a stop so as to prevent rearward inclination of the spoiler.
8. The shoe as claimed in claim 7, wherein

   the complementary portion (40) of the spoiler (13) is articulated to said spoiler about a transverse pin so as to tilt between two positions which permit or prevent abutment with the protrusion (21),

   and this complementary portion (40) has return means (44) returning it into the position forming a stop, so that the inclination limiter means can be disengaged on action by the user.
9. The shoe as claimed in claim 3, wherein the articulation means consist of:

   a stirrup piece (72) joining the malleoli, passing behind the Achilles tendon, and articulated relative to the sole (12) of the shell about a transverse pin (75) arranged substantially at the malleoli;

   a longitudinal pivot (73) located at the rear of the stirrup piece (72) and accommodating the bottom part (82) of the spoiler (13) in order to permit it a transverse inclination.
10. The shoe as claimed in claim 3, wherein the articulation means consist of:

    a stirrup piece (72) joining the malleoli, passing behind the Achilles tendon, and articulated relative to the sole (12) of the shell about a longitudinal pin (73) arranged on the rear part (71) of the sole (12) of the shell, at the Achilles tendon;

    two pivot/hole assemblies (75) located respectively on the ends of the stirrup piece (75), at the malleoli and on the bottom lateral parts (76) of the spoiler, also at the malleoli.
11. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shell (3) is removable from the upper (2).
12. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bottom part of the boot is molded over the shell (3).
13. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the spoiler has means (24,27) for tightening around the bottom of the calf.
14. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sole has means (23) for holding the foot at the instep.
15. The shoe as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sole of the boot has a zone of reduced thickness at the location where the arrangements (34-37) intended to interact with the binding are fastened.
16. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the arrangements (34-37) intended to interact with the binding form a molded extension of the sole (12) of the removable shell, these arrangements passing through the flexible boot (2).
17. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the sole has metal or composite inserts intended to serve as engagement points for the arrangements (34-37).
18. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the sole (12) extends at the front to and slightly set back from the metatarsophalangeal articulation.
19. The shoe as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the sole (12) has, at and slightly set back from the metatarsophalangeal articulation, a less thick zone intended to facilitate articulation of the front of the sole (12).

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