EP3520642B1 - Sole and shoe with sole - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a sole according to claim 1.

In addition, the invention relates to a shoe with such a sole.

Shoes with different functions are well known from the prior art. In the event that only a protective function for the sole of the foot is desired, a shoe can, in the simplest case, be characterized by a sole made of rubber or leather, for example, of constant thickness, the circumference of which is adapted to the outer contour of a human foot. Among other things, to increase the body size, it is also well known to provide a paragraph, so that when standing, the heel of a wearer, ie a person wearing the shoe, rests slightly or significantly higher than the ball of the foot and the toes. For particularly pleasant, natural walking, the sole can also have a footbed on its upper side, which has a heel cup and a supporting arch in the metatarsal area. Shoes are worn for fashion or convenience reasons. In many cases, these are designed in such a way that there is a rise under the heel and the shoe runs slightly upwards at the front. The fashionable adjustment of the tip design - sometimes wider, sometimes more pointed, or the heel height and the width of the ball area always differ a little. These "forms" that people walk on every day do something with their feet. The foot is stretched, along with the ligaments in it. Going barefoot takes place more actively. One could almost speak of a passive walking in the shoe. Lack of exercise, especially walking too little distance, leads to signs of sagging in the foot. The arches flatten out, the rear foot bends inwards, which affects the knees and also the hips, etc. This situation is exacerbated by the current construction of the shoes. In particular, the sinking phenomena are promoted by "passive walking" in the shoe.

Efforts have increasingly been made to construct shoes that not only serve to protect against cold and dirt and injuries to the soles of the feet when walking outdoors and/or from a fashion point of view, but also to make walking particularly healthy or to compensate for misalignments enable. Orthopedic shoes in particular can be used to specifically counteract malpositions when standing and when walking.

From the DE 20 2013 001 747 U1 for example, which also goes back to the applicant, an orthopedic shoe is known which is suitable as a walking aid when there is a weakness in foot lifting. The disclosed shoe includes a sole that is characterized by a comparatively high thickness in the heel area, which also enables the heel to be positioned higher. In the metatarsal and heel area adjoining In the ball area, the sole falls downwards and then rises upwards again at the front. Due to the curved shape, the middle area of a wearer's foot lies lower than the heel and toes when standing and a relatively normal walking behavior can be achieved for people with foot lifting weakness.

For this special application, the in the DE 20 2013 001 747 U1 disclosed shoe proven very well.

In the EP 1 654 945 A1 a form-correcting shoe is described which means that the body weight of a person wearing this shoe no longer has to be borne by the toes. Rather, the center of gravity is evenly balanced between the heel and the ball of the foot. For this purpose, in a shoe in which the heel is higher than the ball of the foot, the ball of the foot is raised to the level of the heel by placing an insert pad on the sole of the shoe. The insert pad includes a bump in the area between the toes and the ball of the foot. In addition, the arrangement of sole and inlay pad provides a recess in the toe area.

However, there is a need for alternative soles that allow walking that is particularly healthy for the feet even if there are no or other malpositions, and for shoes with such soles.

This object is achieved with a sole of the type mentioned at the outset in that at least one recess is provided in the sole in the toe area, which offers space for the natural gripping movement of all toes of a wearer, preferably downwards, and applies at least to part of the ball area, that the foot support surface defined there by the sole is at a distance from a base plane, which the support plane at on it attached sole forms, has, which is greater than the minimum distance of the foot contact surface to the base level in the heel area.

The sole is preferably designed in such a way that when the sole is worn and placed on the support/base level or a shoe equipped with such a shoe, i.e. when standing, the deepest point of the ball of the wearer is higher than the deepest point of his heel.

The applicant has found that with the shape of the sole in the DE 20 2013 001 747 U1 disclosed shoe associated "bending" of the foot is not unreservedly advantageous. Even with conventional shoes, especially with higher heels due to an existing heel, the foot is arched and the toes are stretched, which is contrary to the "naturalness" of the foot. In the event that there is no weakness in lifting the foot, the bending or stretching of the foot, which also occurs with conventional sole shapes, can actually be rather disadvantageous. According to the findings of the applicant, the counter-movement, ie that of grasping the foot, is clearly more appropriate to the anatomy of the foot and the musculoskeletal system of the foot. The foot and lower leg muscles are activated with the foot movement that does not bend up but rather "claws", "grips".

Surprisingly, it has been shown that the inventive elevated positioning of the ball of the foot in combination with a recess underneath the toes that enables the natural gripping movement of the toes enables particularly natural, pleasant and therefore comfortable and healthy walking, even when wearing shoes.

Due to the fact that the ball of the foot is placed higher than in the prior art, in the first half of the step there is practically an uphill movement, which stimulates the upward movement of the toes. Walking uphill is thus “simulated” by the sole according to the invention or a shoe according to the invention equipped with such a sole. In the further course, going downhill is then simulated - in particular due to the free space provided for the toes. This specific movement sequence has turned out to be very healthy and pleasant. The toes are stimulated or even forced to move up and down and the foot and lower leg muscles are activated. A sole designed in the manner according to the invention or a shoe equipped with it supports the foot in its natural movement sequences, which represents a significant improvement over the prior art.

"Passive walking in the shoe" can be reliably counteracted with the sole according to the invention. Among other things, the "simulated" going uphill or downhill, which is achieved within a step development with the help of the sole construction according to the invention, activates the shin muscles because the forefoot has to be raised more (in contrast to the shoe with a lift under the heel) and In the further step processing, the toe grippers (short sole muscles) are activated in contrast to conventional shoes, where the toes are stretched.

Picking things up off the floor with your toes can be a good way to train your foot muscles. With the sole according to the invention, this situation is obtained in practically every step. The sole according to the invention is therefore a training sole, and a shoe comprising it is a training shoe.

With the sole according to the invention or a shoe according to the invention comprising such a sole, the situation can be significantly improved compared to the prior art. The fact that people walk far less than before can be improved by the positive influence, especially the ongoing training. Problems resulting from the changed living situation of people (little walking) can be compensated in a simple way with high efficiency.

The sole according to the invention is also preferably designed in such a way that when a user uses the sole, walking uphill is simulated in the first half of the execution of a step and walking downhill in the further course, in particular the second half of the execution of the step

The base plane is a reference plane that extends in relation to the sole or a shoe equipped with it when the sole or the shoe is placed on it with its or its underside unloaded.

The underside of the sole according to the invention or the underside of a shoe according to the invention comprising such a shoe preferably forms the walking surface which, when worn, comes into contact with the ground/ground when walking.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the sole according to the invention is characterized in that the foot contact surface is at a distance from the base plane, at least over part of the ball of the foot, which is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm greater than the minimum distance the contact surface to the base plane in the heel area. This applies in particular at least to the highest point of the ball area, i.e. at least to that point at which it applies that when placed on the base level the contact surface has the greatest distance from the base level in the ball area.

It is also preferred that the highest point of the entire sole when standing is in the ball of the foot area, i.e. the point at which the distance between the foot contact surface and the base level is maximum when the shoe is placed on the base level is in the ball of the foot area.

It should be noted here that the small difference of only about 5 mm has proven to be particularly suitable for small shoe sizes, such as children's shoe sizes under 30. For shoe sizes between 30 and 40, a minimum difference of in particular 10 mm or 20 mm and for shoe sizes from 40 and up of 15 mm has proven particularly useful. For big Shoe sizes, for example 45, an even greater level difference of 20 to 30 mm can be particularly advantageous.

A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the thickness of the sole varies in the longitudinal direction and the sole is characterized by a greater thickness at its thickest point in the ball area than at its thinnest point in the heel area, preferably the sole at its thickest point in the ball area at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm thicker than at the thinnest point in the heel area. According to the invention, the ball of the foot can be positioned higher than the heel, for example, by correspondingly varying the thickness of the sole of the shoe according to the invention. As far as the storage level of the heel is concerned, the point in the heel area where the sole is thinnest is then taken into account. If the sole has a heel cup on its upper side in the heel area, for example, this point can be found approximately in the middle in relation to the heel to be accommodated.

Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that the thickness of the sole varies in the longitudinal direction and the sole is characterized by a greater thickness at its thickest point in the ball area than at its thinnest point in the toe area, preferably the sole at its thickest point in the ball area is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm, is thicker than the sole at its thinnest point in the toe area.

The recess provided according to the invention below the toes of a person wearing a shoe with the sole according to the invention can also be achieved structurally by correspondingly varying the thickness of the sole.

It can also be provided that the toe recess slopes downwards compared to at least one adjacent sole area, in particular compared to the adjacent ball area, and in particular the downwards sloping toe recess has a depth of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm compared to the at least one adjacent sole area.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that the sole has at least one arch support on its upper side, for example at least one transverse arch support and/or at least one longitudinal arch support. Particularly preferably, both at least one or precisely one longitudinal and at least one or precisely one transverse arch support is provided.

If at least one longitudinal arch support is provided, this can extend only over part of the width or over the entire width of the sole, particularly in that area in which the longitudinal arch support is arranged. If the longitudinal arch support extends over the entire width, the foot is "bent open" in a particularly advantageous manner when walking.

The longitudinal arch support, or if there are several longitudinal arch supports, at least one longitudinal arch support, is preferably an inner—medial—longitudinal arch support. Such is then when using the sole according to the invention or near the inside of a user's foot.

According to a further embodiment, the shape of the or at least one longitudinal arch support is such that the longitudinal arch support falls from a highest point of the support on the inside of the sole in the longitudinal direction of the sole to both sides and in the transverse direction of the sole from the highest point in sloping towards the outside. In particular, it can be provided that the basic shape of the inner longitudinal arch support is at least essentially adapted to the shape of the inner arch of a person's foot.

If there is at least one transverse arch support, this can be at least essentially drop-shaped when viewed from above. This means that when you look at the upper side of the sole from above, it has at least essentially the shape or contour of a drop. A drop is generally characterized by a contour with a semicircular and a pointed, in particular V-shaped, area.

According to the invention, the thickness of the sole increases in the longitudinal direction starting at a point in the metatarsal area, in particular at the rear end of the metatarsal area, or beginning at a point in the heel area, preferably from a thinnest point in the heel area, towards the front, in particular continuously up to the ball area, particularly preferably up to to its front end. The thickness preferably decreases at the front end of the barrel area, forming a step that is rounded off in particular. The sole then forms a kind of wedge that rises forwards in the metatarsal and ball area, the front side of which is defined by a step that is particularly flattened, where the level of the sole falls more sharply to provide the toe recess, particularly compared to the rise of the wedge. The step can then form a toe gripping ridge for natural foot movement in the shoe of the present invention. The step is preferably in the front third the sole. The front third of the sole is understood to mean that area which extends in the longitudinal direction of the sole from the tip to a point which is spaced from the tip by one third of the total length of the sole in the longitudinal direction.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it can also be provided that the sole is wedge-shaped at least over the metatarsal and ball area and/or starting at a point in the heel area and up to a point in the ball area with thickness increasing towards the front. Then it applies in particular that, preferably viewed in longitudinal section, an at least approximately V-shaped profile results at least over a section of the sole or at least in sections. The sole is particularly preferably characterized in the wedge-shaped area by an included angle in the longitudinal section between at least one section of the upper side and at least one section of the underside in the range from 3° to 30°, in particular in the range from 3° to 25°, preferably in the range from 3° to 20°. This information is to be understood as angle degrees - a full angle would be 360°.

In the wedge-shaped area, the upper side can be designed to rise straight or linearly, so that an (at least substantially) level upper side that rises obliquely toward the front is obtained.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the sole is characterized by a convex upper side in the metatarsal and/or ball area. Then the upper side is not flat, but curved outwards, whereby in particular a further promotion of the natural gripping movement of the foot can be achieved. If a wedge-shaped area is provided, it can have a convex upper side.

In the event that a wedge-shaped area is provided that is not characterized by a linear increase, in particular not by a flat upper side, the above-mentioned angular areas viewed in longitudinal section are preferably related to a line connecting the highest and lowest points.

At least one arch support can also be provided on the upper side of the wedge-shaped area, in particular a longitudinal arch support and/or a transverse arch support, preferably both a longitudinal and a transverse arch support.

If at least one longitudinal and/or transverse arch support, preferably both a longitudinal and a transverse arch support, is provided in combination with the raised ball of the foot support, the foot can be “bent up” during the simulated uphill walk with the aid of the arch construction support. Basically like climbing or going over sticks and stones. The result is the opposite of the foot position in "normal" shoes.

The highest point of the ball area is in particular in the front 2/5, preferably in the front third of the sole. The highest point of the entire sole is particularly preferably in the front 2/5, ie 40% or front third. The place or point for which the distance between the foot support surface and the base plane has the maximum value for the entire sole when the shoe is placed on the base plane is then preferably in the front 2/5 or the front third of the Sole.

Alternatively or additionally, the ball area extends completely in the front half of the sole.

The toe recess provided according to the invention is also preferably adapted to the shape of the foot. This can, for example, be designed in such a way that it has a curved shape when viewed from above, in particular a shape curved like a banana. This shape adapts to the equally curved profile of the front of the ball of the foot, on which the toes attach, and thus forms an embodiment that is particularly adapted to the natural shape of the foot.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the toe recess to be at least essentially V-shaped or U-shaped when viewed in longitudinal section through the sole, in particular by a type of V-shaped or U-shaped groove or “groove” in the sole , which in turn can have a curved shape adapted to the shape of the foot when viewed from above.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that a step is defined between the ball area and the toe recess, which step has a curved shape in plan view.

Such a step is provided, and it is also preferred for this, that it follows the curved course of the front side of the bale.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the toe recess extends over the entire width of the sole and/or over the entire front end area of the sole. Then there is a lot of space for the movement of the toes, especially in all directions.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the toe recess defines an at least substantially flat contact surface, and/or the toe recess extends over the entire front end area of the Sole extending lowering is defined. These configurations have proven to be particularly suitable.

A particularly advantageous material for the sole is rubber, which is preferably characterized by a Shore hardness in the range from 40 Shore A to 100 Shore A, in particular 50 Shore A to 70 Shore A. Hardness in this range enables the sole to offer the wearer's foot sufficient flexibility and be able to "follow" the movements, but also not to be displaced or overly compressed by the wearer's body weight. It is also avoided that the shape of the sole changes permanently after some time of wearing, for example a few months, due to the load.

The sole material is chosen in such a way that on the one hand the sole offers enough flexibility to follow the natural movement of the foot, on the other hand it must not be so soft that it can be displaced by the weight of the body or the shape disappears through compression. In particular, as a result of the wearing of the shoe by a user, the internal configuration of the sole should not be altered over time because the material chosen does not offer sufficient dimensional stability. In particular, rubber materials in the aforementioned hardness range have proven to be particularly suitable for meeting these requirements in both directions.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the sole is characterized at least in sections by a flat underside, preferably over at least 50%, particularly preferably at least 70% of its total length in the longitudinal direction.

The sole preferably has a roll-off area that extends as far as the front tip of the sole. In this case, the underside is preferably not flat but curved, in particular convexly curved. A roll-off area can promote a roll-off movement and prevent tripping.

Furthermore, the upper side of the sole can have a footbed, in particular an orthopedic footbed, which is adapted at least in sections to the shape of the human foot. Such a footbed can, in a manner known per se, comprise a heel cup and optionally a support that supports the metatarsal arch.

It should be noted that the sole according to the invention can be designed in one piece, for example in the form of a continuous rubber body of a corresponding shape, the upper side of which defines the foot support surface and the underside of which forms a running surface. Alternatively, however, it is also possible for the sole to be designed in several parts, for example to have a lower section, the underside of which forms the outer running surface and a further sole part lying on top of it, for example in the form of an in particular removable insert with an upper side defining the foot contact surface. The sole according to the invention can also be formed by an insert. The insole then forms in particular the insole facing the foot, which, when placed in a shoe, rests on the upper side on an outsole of the shoe. If the sole according to the invention can then be removable, that is to say it can only rest on an outsole, or it can also be firmly connected to an outsole. The sole according to the invention, if it is designed as an insole, is preferably used in a shoe with an outsole of at least essentially constant thickness, in particular in the range of a few millimeters, around 4 or 6 or 8 millimeters. The subject matter of the invention is also a shoe which comprises a sole according to the invention.

The shoe according to the invention preferably has a shoe upper that encloses the foot of a wearer when worn in a manner known per se. This will then usually connect to the sole on the upper side.

In particular, in order to provide sufficient room for movement for the toes in the shoe, it can also be provided that the maximum distance in the toe area between the foot contact surface defined by the sole and the inside of the shaft section extending above the toe area is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm cm, particularly preferably at least 4 cm.

The shoe, in particular the sole, is preferably designed such that when a user wears the shoe, walking uphill is simulated in the first half of a step and walking downhill in the further course, in particular the second half of the step, is simulated.

• Figur 1 eine teilweise geschnittene rein schematische Ansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Schuhs mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Sohle im getragenen Zustand,
• Figur 2 eine weitere teilweise geschnittene rein schematische Ansicht des Schuhs aus Figur 1, wobei der Schaft des Schuhs in der Außenansicht von der Seite gezeigt ist,
• Figur 3 eine rein schematische Aufsicht auf die Sohle des Schuhs aus
• Figur 1,
• Figur 4 eine rein schematische Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Sohle;
• Figur 5 eine rein schematische Seitenansicht eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Sohle; Die Merkmale der Figur 5 sind nicht Teil des beanspruchten Gegenstands;
• Figur 6 eine rein schematische Aufsicht auf die Sohle aus Figur 5; Die Merkmale der Figur 6 sind nicht Teil des beanspruchten Gegenstands;
• Figur 7 eine rein schematische Seitenansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Schuhs.

In the drawing, the invention is illustrated in more detail using exemplary embodiments. In it shows

• figure 1 a partially sectioned, purely schematic view of a first exemplary embodiment of a shoe according to the invention with a sole according to the invention when worn,
• figure 2 Another partially sectioned, purely schematic view of the shoe figure 1 , where the upper of the shoe is shown in the external view from the side,
• figure 3 a purely schematic view of the sole of the shoe
• figure 1 ,
• figure 4 a purely schematic side view of a further embodiment of a sole according to the invention;
• figure 5 a purely schematic side view of a third embodiment of a sole according to the invention; The characteristics of figure 5 are not part of the claimed subject matter;
• figure 6 a purely schematic plan view of the sole figure 5 ; The characteristics of figure 6 are not part of the claimed subject matter;
• figure 7 a purely schematic side view of a second embodiment of a shoe according to the invention.

The same components are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

the figure 1 shows a partially sectioned, schematic representation of an embodiment of a shoe 1 according to the invention in the worn state. Accordingly, the foot 2 of a wearer, who cannot be identified further, is arranged in the shoe 1 . The shoe 1 shown is the right-hand shoe 1, which forms a pair in a known manner with another shoe that is mirror-inverted and is not shown in the figure. The shoe 1 comprises a sole 3 shown in longitudinal section, which represents a first exemplary embodiment of a sole according to the invention and which ends in a toe 4 at the front, and from the upper side 5 of which a foot contact surface for the foot 2 of the wearer is formed. A tread is formed from the underside 6 of the sole 3 . The sole 3 lies on a base plane 7, which is the contact plane when the shoe 1 is placed on it forms, so that the underside 6 of the sole 3 is in contact with the base plane 7 . The sole 3 consists of rubber with a Shore hardness of about 60 Shore A.

The sole 3 is divided into a toe area 8 that goes to its front end and is intended for the toes of the wearer of the shoe 1, a heel area 11 that goes as far as its rear end 9 and is intended for the heel 10 of a wearer, a heel area between the heel 11 and the toe area 8, intended for the metatarsal 12 of a wearer, and a ball area 15, lying between the metatarsal 13 and the toe area 8, intended for the ball of the foot 14 of a wearer. The ball area 15 extends completely in the front half of the sole 3.

Of the five toes of the wearer's right foot 2 is in the figure 1 only the big toe 16 visible.

In a manner known per se, the sole 3 is followed at the top by an upper 17 of the shoe 1 which encompasses the wearer's foot 2 laterally and on top. A plurality of holes 18 for a shoelace, which cannot be seen in the figures, are provided on the upper side in the shaft 17 in a manner which is also sufficiently known. The holes 18 for this are only in the figure 2 recognizable. It is of course possible for a shoe according to the invention to have one or more other type(s) of closure as an alternative or in addition. Velcro fasteners, zip fasteners and/or rubber bands may be mentioned purely by way of example.

A recess 19 is provided in the sole 3 of the shoe 1 which provides space for the natural downward gripping movement of all of the wearer's toes. The toe recess 19 extends as the supervision on the Sole 3 off figure 3 can be removed over the entire width of the sole 3 and over the entire front end area. It is adapted to the natural shape of the foot and is characterized by a "banana-like" curved course, especially when viewed from above (cf. again figure 3 ).

In the illustrated embodiment, the toe recess 19 is formed in that the sole 3 slopes downwards in the area below the wearer's toes—compared to the directly adjoining ball area 15—so that there is downward space for the toes to grasp given is. The sole 3, which is characterized at least over a large part of its total extent in the longitudinal direction by an at least substantially flat underside, is correspondingly significantly thinner in the toe area 8 than in the adjoining ball area 15, which both the figure 1 as well as the figure 2 , which also shows the sole 3 in longitudinal section, can be easily removed. In the figure 1 the thickness of the sole in the toe area 8 is denoted by dz. It can be seen that the thickness of the sole over the toe area 8 is at least essentially constant in the longitudinal direction. This also applies in the transverse direction, so that the toe recess 19 in the present case defines an at least essentially flat contact surface over its entire extent.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 3 in the toe area 8 slopes downwards by about 10 mm compared to the highest point P of the adjacent ball area 14, i.e. it is characterized - in relation to the highest point P of the ball area 14 - by a depth of 10 mm the end. The sole 3 is correspondingly 10 mm thicker at its thickest point in the ball area 15 than at its thinnest point in the toe area 8. The highest point P of the ball area forms, as in FIG figure 1 recognizable, the highest point of the entire sole 3. Here you will find the one for the sole 3 maximum distance between the footrest surface and the base plane 7 (indicated by d _Bm in the figure).

So that the toes not only have freedom of movement downwards through the recess 19 but also upwards in the shoe 1, the maximum distance in the toe area 8 is between the foot contact surface defined by the sole 3 and the inside of the section of the shaft extending above the toe area 17 present 3 cm. This maximum distance is in the figure 1 labeled dsm.

The illustrated exemplary embodiment of a shoe 1 according to the invention is further characterized in that the thickness of the sole 3 increases continuously in the longitudinal direction, beginning at a point 20 in the heel area 11 forwards, i.e. towards the toe area 8, up to the front end of the ball area 15, and at front end of the ball portion 15 to form a rounded step 21 drops. The stage 21, which defines the transition from ball 15 to the toe area 11, is located, as can be seen from the figure, in the front third of the sole 3. The same applies to the highest point P of the ball area 15, which is also in the front third of the Sole 3 lies. Due to the steady rise of the sole 3 to the highest point P of the ball area 15, a kind of "wedge" is formed, which is a foot position in the figure 1 condition shown, in which the lowest point of the ball of the foot 14 of the wearer is higher than the lowest point of his heel 10. As seen from the supervision figure 3 can be removed, the stage 21 is adapted to the natural foot shape, specifically has a curved shape, which follows the curved shape of the front side of the ball 14 of a human foot. It should be noted that the rounded step 21 in FIG figure 3 is indicated in simplified form by a solid line.

In the wedge-shaped area, the sole 3 in the exemplary embodiment shown is characterized by an angle α in the range of approximately 10° enclosed between the upper side 5 and the lower side 6 in the longitudinal section.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, due to the specific thickness variation of the sole 3, it applies to the entire ball area 15 that the foot contact surface defined there by the sole 3 is at a distance from the base plane 7 that is greater than the minimum distance of the foot contact surface from the base plane 7 in the heel area 11. The minimum distance of the foot support surface to the base level 7 in the heel area 11 is in the figure 1 denoted by d _Fm . The distance d _Fm corresponds to the minimum thickness of the sole 3 in the heel area 11 and it applies that the sole 3 at its thickest point in the ball area 15 (cf. in figure 1 the thickness denoted by d _Bm ) is 10 mm thicker than at its thinnest point in the heel area 11, so the difference corresponds to that which also applies in relation to the toe area 8, ie the difference between d _Bm and d _Z. As is the case here, it should be emphasized that the depth of the toe recess 19 and the height difference between the highest point P in the ball area 15 and the lowest point in the heel area 11 do not have to match.

The height difference of 10 mm for ball 14 and heel 10 has proven to be particularly suitable for the present shoe size 40, it being emphasized that other height differences of ball 14 and heel 10 are equally possible, in particular smaller ones for smaller shoe sizes and larger ones for larger shoe sizes Differences may be particularly appropriate.

As can be seen, the sole 3 also has at the front a roll-off area A which extends as far as the front tip 4 and in which the underside is not flat but convexly curved. This can promote a rolling movement and prevent stumbling. A small roll-off area is also provided at the rear end.

The shoe 1 is also designed as a comfort shoe, which means that it offers—particularly on the sides—more space than is required for an average foot of size 40, so that more freedom of movement is available in the shoe 1.

Due to the elevated positioning of the ball of the foot 14 according to the invention in combination with the recess 19 underneath the toes, which enables the natural gripping movement of the toes, a particularly natural, pleasant and therefore comfortable and healthy walking becomes possible. Due to the fact that the ball of the foot is placed higher than in the prior art, in the first half of the step there is practically an uphill movement, which stimulates the upward movement of the toes. Walking uphill is thus “simulated” by the shoe 1 according to the invention. In the further course, going downhill is then simulated - in particular due to the free space provided for the toes. This specific movement sequence has turned out to be very healthy and pleasant. The shoe 1 designed in the manner according to the invention supports the foot 2 in its natural movements, which represents a significant improvement over the prior art.

the figure 4 shows a purely schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a sole 3 according to the invention, this being represented on its own—in particular without the shoe upper adjoining it. The sole 3 according to figure 4 differs according to the sole figure 1 essentially in that it has a more pronounced, in particular more curved or more upwardly curved roll-off area A, the step 21 is less steep, the angle α is smaller, specifically only about 5°, and the heel area 11 at least essentially just trained.

the figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a sole 3 according to the invention in a schematic side view and the figure 6 supervision of sole 3. Characteristics of figure 5 are not part of the claimed subject matter.

The main difference of the sole 3 according to the figures 5 and 6 to those from the Figures 1 to 4 consists in that the sole 3 is provided on its upper side with a longitudinal arch support 22 and a transverse arch support 23 . The two supports 22, 23 are specifically formed on the upper side in the wedge-shaped area of the sole 3, so they form quasi additional elevations on the wedge-shaped area rising towards the front. The angle α is also larger in this exemplary embodiment, specifically amounts to approximately 10°.

The position and shape of the transverse arch support 23 can be particularly good in accordance with the supervision figure 6 be removed. As can be seen, this is characterized by an at least essentially teardrop-shaped contour with a front, at least essentially semicircular section 24 and a rear, at least essentially V-shaped section 25 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the longitudinal arch support 22 extends only over part of the width of the sole 3 at the appropriate point. As an alternative to this, it can also be provided that the longitudinal arch support 22 extends over the entire width.

If a longitudinal 22 and a transverse arch support 23 are provided in combination with the raised ball of the foot support, in particular in combination with a wedge-shaped rising area, the foot can be "bent up" during the simulated uphill walk with the aid of the arch construction support. Basically like climbing or going over sticks and stones. The result is the opposite of the foot position in "normal" shoes. Particularly in the event that the longitudinal arch support 22 extends over the entire width of the sole 3, a particularly strong “bending up” can be achieved.

It should be noted that the lines extending across sole 3 in figure 6 only serve to illustrate the position or extension of the ball area 15 and the heel area 11 in particular.

It should also be noted that the sole 3 according to the invention, the thickness of which increases towards the front starting at a point in the heel area 11, does not have to be characterized by a linear increase as far as the increase in thickness is concerned, but rather in the metatarsal 13 and/or ball of the foot 15 area can also be distinguished by a slightly upward (convex) curved upper side, as is partially indicated in the figures.

If the sole 3 according to the invention comprises a wedge-shaped area, a convex upper side is present in a preferred embodiment at least over part of the wedge-shaped area.

the figure 7 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a shoe 1 according to the invention with a sole 3 according to the invention, which essentially resembles the sole 3 in its configuration figure 4 resembles or equals.

In this exemplary embodiment of a shoe 1 according to the invention, the wedge-shaped area of the sole 3 can be seen from the outside, since the upper 17 is connected to the sole in such a way that the shape can be seen from the outside and is not covered. As an alternative to this, it is of course also possible for the upper 17 to cover the sole 3 and for a shoe according to the invention to look like a conventional shoe from the outside.

Claims (14)

1. Sole (3), the upper side (5) of which forms a foot support surface for the foot (2) of a wearer of a shoe (1) fitted with the sole (3) and the underside (6) of which forms, in particular, a running surface, the sole (3) having a toe region (8) extending to its front end and intended for the toes of a wearer of a shoe (1) fitted with the sole, a heel region (11) extending to its rear end (9) and intended for the heel (10) of a wearer, a metatarsal region (13) intended for the metatarsus (12) of a wearer and located between the heel region (11) and the toe region (8), and a ball region (15) intended for the ball (14) of the foot of a wearer and located between the metatarsal region (13) and the toe region (8), at least one recess (19) being provided in the sole (3) in the toe region (8), which recess provides space for the natural gripping movement, preferably for all the toes of a wearer, downwards, and it being the case at least for a part of the ball region (15) that the foot support surface defined there by the sole (3) is at a distance from a base plane (7), which forms the support plane when the sole (3) is placed thereon, which distance is greater than the minimum distance (d_Fm) of the foot support surface from the base plane (7) in the heel region (11), characterized in that the thickness of the sole (3) increases in the longitudinal direction starting at a point in the metatarsal region (13), in particular in the rear end of the metatarsal region (13), or starting at a point in the heel region (11), preferably from the thinnest point in the heel region (11), towards the front in particular continuously up to the ball region (15), preferably up to the front end of the ball region (15).
2. Sole (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sole (3) is designed in such a way that, when the sole (3) is placed on the support plane (7), the lowest point of the wearer's ball (14) lies higher than the lowest point of his heel (10), and/or in that the sole (3) is designed in such a way that, when the user uses the sole (3), walking uphill is simulated in the first half of the unwinding of a step and walking downhill is simulated in the further course, in particular in the second half of the unwinding of the step.
3. Sole (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the foot support surface has, at least over a part of the ball region (15), a distance to the base plane (7) which is greater than at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm, than the minimum distance (d_Fm) of the foot support surface to the base plane (7) in the heel region (11).
4. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the sole (3) varies in the longitudinal direction and the sole is characterized by a greater thickness at its thickest point in the ball region (15) than at its thinnest point in the heel region (11), preferably the sole is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm thicker than at the thinnest point in the heel region (11), and/or the sole (3) is characterized by a greater thickness at its thickest point in the ball region (15) than at its thinnest point in the toe region (8), preferably the sole (3) is at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm thicker at its thickest point in the ball region (15) than the sole at its thinnest point in the toe region (8).
5. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toe recess (19) slopes downwards in comparison with at least one adjacent sole region, in particular in comparison with the adjacent ball region (15), and in particular the downwardly sloping toe recess (19) has a depth of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, particularly preferably at least 15 mm in comparison with the at least one adjacent sole region (15).
6. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thickness of the sole (3) decreases in the longitudinal direction at the front end of the ball region (15) to form a step (21), in particular a rounded step (21), the step (21) preferably being located in the front third of the sole (3).
7. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole (3) is formed in a wedge shape with increasing thickness towards the front at least over the metatarsal region (13) and the ball region (15) and/or beginning at a point in the heel region (11) and up to a point in the ball region (15), and is preferably characterized by an angle (a) in the range from 3° to 30°, in particular in the range from 3° to 25°, preferably in the range from 3° to 20°, enclosed between the upper side (5) and the underside (6) in longitudinal section.
8. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the highest point (P) of the ball region (15), in particular the highest point (P) of the sole (3), lies in the front 2/5, preferably in the front third of the sole (3), and/or the ball region (15) extends completely in the front half of the sole (3).
9. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toe recess (19) is adapted to the shape of the foot, the toe recess (19) being designed in particular in such a way that it has a preferably banana-like curved shape in plane view, and/or in that the toe recess (19) is at least substantially V-shaped or U-shaped when viewed in the longitudinal section through the sole (3), and/or in that a step (21) is defined between the ball region (15) and the toe recess (19), which step (21) has a curved course in plane view.
10. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toe recess (19) extends over the entire width of the sole (3) and/or over the entire front end region of the sole (3), and/or in that the toe recess (19) defines an at least substantially flat bearing surface, and/or the toe recess (19) is defined by a depression extending over the entire front end region of the sole (3).
11. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole (3) consists at least partly, in particular entirely, of rubber, preferably of a rubber with a Shore-hardness in the range from 40 Shore A to 100 Shore A, in particular from 50 Shore A to 70 Shore A, and/or in that the sole (3) is characterized at least in sections by a flat underside (6), preferably over at least 50%, particularly preferably over at least 70% of its total extend in the longitudinal direction.
12. Sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sole (3) has on the upper side at least in a section a foot bed, in particular an orthopedic foot bed, adapted to the shape of the human foot, and/or has on its upper side (5) at least one arch support (22, 23), in particular at least one transverse arch support (23) and/or at least one longitudinal arch support (22).
13. Shoe (1) comprising a sole (3) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in particular, a shoe upper (17) is provided which encloses the foot (2) of a wearer in the worn state and which preferably adjoins the sole (3) on the upper side.
14. Shoe (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the maximum distance (dsm) between the foot support surface defined by the sole (3) and the inner side of the upper section above the toe region (8) is at least 3 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm, particularly preferably at least 4 cm.

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