EP3952686A1

EP3952686A1 - High heeled shoes supporting natural gait

Info

Publication number: EP3952686A1
Application number: EP20720353.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Thi Hong Lam PHAM
Original assignee: Femininity Aps
Current assignee: Femininity Aps
Priority date: 2019-04-08
Filing date: 2020-04-08
Publication date: 2022-02-16
Also published as: WO2020207549A1; US20220183419A1; CN113677230A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a high heeled shoe (1) having a forefoot section (5), an arch section (7) and a heel section (6), the high heeled shoe (1) comprising a constructive sole (2), a heel (8), directly or indirectly attached to a lower surface (3) of the heel section (6) of the constructive sole (2); an upper part (9), attached to the constructive sole (2) such that the upper part (9) and the constructive sole (2) together form an enclosure configured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration and an insole (10) comprising auxetic material.

Description

HIGH HEELED SHOES SUPPORTING NATURAL GAIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to high heeled shoes, more particularly to high heeled shoes with increased comfort and support compared to conventional high heeled shoes. Furthermore, the high heeled shoes of the present invention support natural gait and increase balance. The effects are obtained by the specific configuration and use of materials in the high heeled shoes of the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wearing of high heeled shoes in modern society is associated with fashion and professionalism. From tiny kitten heels and sky-high stilettos to pumps and sling backs, high heels are one of the staples of any woman's wardrobe. However, the wearing of high heeled shoes has many negative effects on the wearer, especially when worn periodically over many years.

Most of the problems arising from wearing high heeled shoes are caused by the shift of pressure from the heel to the forefoot, especially the increased pressure on the toes and metarsasal bones. Furthermore, high heeled shoes often have small and/or triangular toe-boxes that squeeze the toes together and prevent them from performing their natural function. When the big toe is abducted away from the second toe, it is at a strong mechanical position. However, long-term use of high heels can cause the big toes to become misaligned, termed hallux valgus. Without a correctly functioning big toe, the center of gravity is displaced and the static balance is compromised resulting in the body automatically compensating for balancing and damping shocks. Furthermore, if the big toes are misaligned, the foot can shift the direction of bodyweight from the sagittal plane onto the frontal or transverse plane, leading to a host of injuries.

Even though it is well known that high heels may cause permanent foot problems, that does not stop women from wearing them. Over time, cartilage and tissues around the joints at the hips, knees and big toes will be destroyed, also called osteoarthritis. When the big toe is destroyed (also called bunions), women experience difficulty walking and once the injury has occurred, one foot injury comes after the other. Other symptoms include hammertoe, flat feet, ingrown nails, shortened calf muscles, Morton's Neurom and Metatarsalgia.

As society constrains often necessitate the wearing of high heels, a high heeled shoe with increased comfort and support would be advantageous. Furthermore, a high heeled shoe with decreased negative effects would be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the prior art.

In particular, it may be seen as a further object of the present invention to provide a high heeled shoe that wholly or partly overcomes the above

disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above-described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a high heeled shoe comprising a constructive sole, a heel, an upper part, and an insole, wherein the insole comprises auxetic material.

The auxetic material of the insole should be designed to have a negative Poisson's ratio. The auxetic material of the insole is thus configured such that when pressure is applied on the auxetic areas of the insole, it does not thin, but becomes thicker or at least keep the same thickness in that area. In other words, auxetics are structures or materials that have a negative Poisson's ratio so that when stretched, they become thicker perpendicular to the applied force. This behavior is due to their particular internal structure and the way this deforms when the sample is uniaxially loaded. Auxetics can be single molecules, crystals, or a particular structure of macroscopic matter. The auxetic structure may e.g. be obtained by a special cutting pattern, referred to as "auxetic cutting" in the following, providing the properties resulting from the negative Poisson's ratio.

The high heeled shoe of the present invention is defined by a forefoot section, a heel section and an arch section between the forefoot section and the heel section. Furthermore, the forefoot section comprises a toe-section. The

constructive sole, the upper part, the insole and the outsole are each defined by such sections as well. Each of these elements has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface is the surface which is configured to turn upwardly when the shoe is placed in a natural position (ready for walking) on a horizontal floor and the lower surface is opposite the upper surface.

The constructive sole is the backbone of the high heeled shoe. An upper surface of the constructive sole is configured to be in indirect contact, through the insole, with the surface beneath the feet of a user.

The shape of the constructive sole depends on the desired design of the shoe, but as the purpose of a high heeled shoe, as the name imply, is to elevate the heel of a foot, the constructive sole has a forefoot section configured to be indirectly in contact with the ground in use and to support the forefoot of a user and a heel section elevated to a desired level above the ground configured to support the heel of a foot of a user. More particularly, a lower surface of a forefoot section of the constructive sole is configured to be indirectly in contact with the ground in use. Furthermore, an upper surface of the forefoot section is configured to support a forefoot of a user. An upper surface of the heel section of the constructive sole is configured to support a heel of a user and is configured to be elevated from the ground in use. Furthermore, the constructive sole have an arch section connecting the forefoot section and the elevated heel section.

Normally, the constructive sole is made from a hard and/or stiff and/or non-elastic material such as cardboard or wood or the like, sufficient to withstand the pressure applied to it when in use. The constructive sole preferably also comprise a shank, such as a metal shank at the upper surface of the constructive sole. The shank may be a part of the supportive structure.

In some embodiments, the constructive sole is cut at least once in a substantially longitudinal direction at the forefoot section, wherein the at least one cut is configured to allow the constructive sole to spread around the cut when pressure is applied on the forefoot section. Alternatively or in combination therewith, the constructive sole may be provided with auxetic cutting to ensure the possibility to spread out in response to the applied pressure. //Upper part//

A high heeled shoe according to the present invention may be closed, open in the toe section or have several upper parts covering only small areas of a foot, such as a high heeled sandal. Thus, the upper part of the high heeled shoe may be one piece or several pieces together forming the upper part.

The upper part is attached to the constructive sole such that the upper part and the constructive sole together form an enclosure configured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration.

//Heel//

The heel is directly or indirectly attached to a lower surface of the heel section of the constructive sole. In some embodiments, the high heeled shoe of the present invention comprises an outsole and the heel is attached to the heel section of the outsole.

Many shoes have a heel height between 0.5-2cm. Herein, high heeled shoes are defined as shoes with a heel of at least 3 cm. The height, thickness and form of the heel may vary among designs.

//Insole//

The insole is provided on top of the constructive sole, to provide a softer contact area between the high heeled shoe and the foot. In some embodiments of the present invention, the insole is arranged on an upper surface of the constructive sole and configured to be directly or indirectly (through a sock of a user) in contact with a foot of a user.

In some embodiments, the insole is an integrated part of the high heeled shoe and can not be removed. In other embodiments, the insole can be taken out of the high heeled shoe and replaced with another insole. The insole may cover the whole constructive sole or only be arranged at specific areas in need of extra support or cushioning. In some embodiments of the present invention, the insole comprises several layers, including at least a first layer and a second layer.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of the insole is configured to cover the whole upper surface of the constructive sole.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first layer of the insole only comprises auxetic material at one or more specific auxetic areas and the remaining of the first layer comprises or consists of another suitable material, such as Poron®. Poron® is a microcellular urethane foam with extremely low compression set.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the second layer of the insole is arranged on top of the first layer and is made from a material, such

as leather, having a thickness of less than 0.2cm, such as 0.1cm. The second layer is configured to be in contact with a user's foot.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the one or more specific areas comprising auxetic material include:

a first auxetic area arranged at an upper surface of the forefoot section of the constructive sole such that it is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot; and/or

a second auxetic area arranged at an upper surface of the arch section of the constructive sole such that it is configured to support the metatarsal pad of the foot; and/or

a third auxetic area arranged at an upper surface of the heel section of the constructive sole, having a circular or elliptical shape and configured to support a heel of a user.

These areas are where most pressure will be applied when the high heeled shoe of the present invention is in use. A high heeled shoe having an insole comprising auxetic material in the auxetic areas is advantageous, as it provides both comfort and support to a user. Due to the specific properties of auxetic material, the insole provides cushioning but does not thin when pressure is applied to it. Preferably, the third auxetic area has a smallest diameter between 3-5 cm and a largest diameter between 4-7 cm. The auxetic area may e.g. be circular or elliptic.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the insole have a thickness of between 0.3cm and 1cm and comprise pillow-like areas protruding from the first layer of the insole.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the pillow-like areas comprise a first pillow-like area arranged on the upper surface of the forefoot section of the first layer of the insole, shaped such that it is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot.

Since a lot of force is placed on the forefoot, especially in the area between the metatarsal bones and the phalanges, when people are walking in high heels, the first pillow-like area of the insole is arranged in the forefoot section, such that this area is supported by the first pillow-like area when weight is placed on the forefoot.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first auxetic area comprises the first pillow-like area. Due to the properties of auxetic material, the second auxetic area "absorb", i.e. take-up, the force applied to it without thinning/sinking like other materials, thus keeping the supporting effect.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the pillow-like areas comprise a second pillow-like area arranged on the upper surface of the arch section of the insole, shaped such that it is configured to support the metatarsal pad of the foot and lift it slightly in that area, such that the weight of a user is directed from the forefoot section towards the heel section.

The second pillow-like area is configured to redistribute some of the pressure from the forefoot/middle section to the heel section. The second pillow-like area is preferably arranged to support the lower part of the arch, such as the metartasal pad. In some embodiments, the second auxetic area comprises the second pillow-like area. In such embodiments, due to the properties of auxetic material, the second pillow-like area "absorb" the force applied to it without thinning/sinking like other materials, thus keeping the supporting effect. As the second pillow-like area is configured to direct the weight of a user from the forefoot section towards the heel section of the high heeled shoe, it is particularly advantageous that this area comprises auxetic material.

Preferably, the maximum height of each pillow-like area from the upper surface of the insole is at most 1.0 cm, such as 0.5 cm, such as 0.3 cm.

Preferably, the second layer of the insole is fitted over the first layer, when the first layer has been formed as desired, with protrusions, indentations etc.

Preferably, the second layer covers the whole of the first layer, including areas comprising auxetic material as well as areas comprising other material.

In some embodiments, the first and/or second auxetic area extend through the whole thickness of the first layer of the insole and further protrude from the first layer of the insole as the first and second pillow-like areas. In other embodiments, the first and/or second auxetic area are arranged in a first layer and covered by the other material being part of the first layer, wherein this other material also form the first and second pillow-like areas.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the first auxetic area and the second auxetic area are joined by a joining auxetic area to form a joined area comprising auxetic material. In other embodiments, the first auxetic area, the second auxetic area and the third auxetic area are joined by two joining auxetic areas to form a joined area comprising auxetic material.

Normally, the toes spread when the body weight of a user is shifted from the heels to the forefoot. However, as most high heeled shoes contain small toe- boxes, the toes are not allowed to spread but are squeezed together in an unnatural configuration. A result is that balance is compromised for the user. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the insole further comprises auxetic cutting in a toe-section of the forefoot section. Preferably, the auxetic cutting extends through all layers of the insole and is configured to allow the toe- section of the insole to extend in at least one direction, such as two directions, when pressure is applied on the forefoot section.

This configuration is advantageous, as the auxetic cutting allows the toes to spread when body weight is shifted to the forefoot and force is applied to the toe- section of the insole comprising auxetic cutting. Thus, a high heeled shoe of the present invention has an increased flexibility in the toe-section compared to other high heeled shoes.

Preferably, the auxetic cutting is configured such that the insole can expand at least 0.2 cm or more, such as 0.5 cm or more, but not more than 1.5 cm, preferably not more than 1cm.

Importantly, the auxetic material of the insole should not be present in the toe section of the forefoot section where the auxetic cutting is arranged, as this would oppose the technical effect of the auxetic cutting, namely spreading of the material when pressure is applied in the toe section.

//Indentation in heel section of insole//

In some embodiments of the present invention, the heel section of the insole has an indentation with a circular or elliptical cross-section. In some embodiments, the indentation has a maximum depth of 0.2-0.8cm, a smallest diameter between 3-5cm, and a largest diameter between 4-7cm.

The indentation is configured to lower the heel of a user into a more natural position. Furthermore, the indentation has a supporting effect, as it is configured to support the ball of the heel and spread the force in that area.

//Outsole//

In some embodiments of the present invention, the high heeled shoe further comprises an outsole arranged on the lower surface of the constructive sole, covering it either partly or fully, and wherein a forefoot section of the outsole comprises auxetic cutting identical to the auxetic cutting in the insole, and being configured to allow the forefoot section of the outsole to extend in at least one direction, such as two directions, when pressure is applied on the forefoot section. The outsole preferably has a thickness of between 2mm-5mm, such as 3mm. The outsole may be made from material such as thermoplastic elastomers/rubbers (TPR), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), also known as poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA). Importantly, the auxetic cutting should be arranged such that it is similar or identical between the insole and the outsole, such that they both expand to the same extent. Further information about the auxetic cutting is given below.

In some embodiments, the outsole is only arranged at the forefoot section of the constructive sole and comprises auxetic cutting at the forefoot section in a specific area configured to allow the area of the outsole to extend in at least one direction, such as in two directions, when pressure is applied on the forefoot section.

In some embodiments, the auxetic cutting extends through the whole thickness of the outsole. However, in some embodiments, the auxetic cutting does not extend through the whole thickness of the outsole, but only l-4mm, such that 1mm or 0.5mm closest to the upper surface of the outsole does not have auxetic cutting.

In this way, the outsole is waterproof. //Plateau//

In some embodiments of the present invention, the high heeled shoe further comprises a plateau arranged at a lower surface of the outsole at the forefoot section, the plateau comprising auxetic cutting going through both the plateau as well as the outsole.

//Shape//

A high heeled shoe according to the present invention is preferably a closed, pointed high heeled shoe. The forefoot section of the constructive sole together with the upper part of the high heeled shoe attached to the forefoot section together define a toe-box, wherein the high heeled shoe has a pointed toe box with a specific shape configured for allowing the toes to spread when pressure is placed on the forefoot.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a longitudinal axis extends through the high heeled shoe, such that the heel section and the arch section of the high heeled shoe is divided into two substantially symmetrical parts by the longitudinal axis, wherein at least part of a first outer edge of the toe-section of the constructive sole/insole/outsole extends in a direction which is parallel to or extends away from the longitudinal axis and at least part of a second outer edge of the toe-section of the constructive sole/insole/outsole extends towards the longitudinal axis and across the longitudinal axis to meet with the first outer edge to form a pointed tip, wherein the first outer edge is the outer edge configured to be closest to the big toe.

In some embodiments, the first outer edge is substantially straight in at least 2/3 of the length of the first outer edge of the forefoot section closest to the pointed tip

The shape of the high heeled shoe of the present invention is advantageous, as it does not force the big toe towards the other toes like most existing pointed high heeled shoes do. Furthermore, the shape allows the toes to spread when weight is directed onto the forefoot and the toes. This is important for the balance of the user and does not damage the toes to the same extent as normal pointed high heeled shoes.

//Definitions//

Auxetic material

The term "auxetic material" as used herein generally refers to a material or structure that has a negative Poisson's ratio.

Auxetic material exhibits an unexpected behavior when subjected to mechanical stress and/or strains. An insole of the present invention comprises auxetic material configured such that when pressure is applied to the area comprising auxetic material, instead of thinning, it becomes thicker or at least keeps the same thickness in the axis where pressure is applied.

The auxetic material of the insole is preferably auxetic foam. The auxetic material may be made from different materials, such as polymer materials exhibiting sufficient flexibility and elastomeric properties. The auxetic properties can be induced in a particular material by means of altering its internal (micro)structure and making it properly cooperate with the way the material deforms when loaded. This is done by means of modifying and geometrically fine-tuning it. The skilled person would be able to make auxetic material with the required properties, namely that it does not thin significantly when pressure is applied.

Auxetic cutting herein refers to a specific cutting pattern in an element, which allows the element to expand in size when pressure is applied to the auxetic cutting area. Thus, the high heeled shoe of the present invention has an increased flexibility in the toe-section compared to other high heeled shoes. This is done by means of modifying and geometrically fine-tuning it. The skilled person would be able to make auxetic cutting with the required properties, namely that the area comprising auxetic cutting expand when pressure is applied to it.

Sections of the high heeled shoe

The high heeled shoe of the present invention is defined by sections to describe where and how the different elements are arranged relative to each other.

The sections are defined by vertical planes dividing the shoe into at least three sections: the forefoot section, the arch section and the heel section.

Thus, the constructive sole, insole, outsole and upper part each comprises a forefoot section, an arch section and a heel section. The sections of the high heeled shoe are herein defined relative to the constructive sole.

The forefoot section of the constructive sole of the present invention is the section which is configured to be indirectly in contact with the ground in use, separated from the ground by the outsole and optionally also a plateau. The heel section is the section of the high heeled shoe configured to support the heel. The size of the heel section varies with the size of the shoe, but is herein defined as at least 5 cm of the constructive sole, measured along the longitudinal axis, from an outer edge of the constructive sole, which is configured to be elevated from the ground in use.

The arch section is defined as the area between the forefoot section and heel section.

The toe-section is part of the forefoot section and may cover most of the forefoot section. However, preferably the toe-section is at least 2 cm away from the arch section.

Directly vs. indirectly

By "indirect contact" is meant, that the contact area may be separated by another layer or sole, such as an insole, a protective layer, an outsole, etc.

"Directly in contact" means directly in contact with the foot of a user or at least a sock on a foot of a user.

The different embodiments of the present invention may each be combined with any of the embodiments. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The high heeled shoe according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a high heeled shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a high heeled shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown from different views; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an insole according to several different embodiments of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an insole according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown from different views;

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an outsole according to an embodiment of the present invention, with and without a plateau.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a preferred embodiment of the shape of the high heeled shoe of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Reference is made to fig. 1 and 2, showing an embodiment of a high heeled shoe 1 according to the present invention. Fig. 1 shows the high heeled shoe 1 in an exploded view, while fig. 2 shows three-dimensional views of the high heeled shoe from different angles. Fig. 2A shows a high heeled shoe 1 from a top view, fig. 2B shows a high heeled shoe 1 from a front view, fig. 2C shows a high heeled shoe 1 from a back view and fig. 2D shows a high heeled shoe 1 from a side view.

As illustrated in fig. 2A and 2D, a high heeled shoe 1 according to the present invention have a forefoot section 5 comprising a toe-section 19, an arch section 7 and a heel section 6. These sections are used in the present application to describe sections of the different elements of the present invention.

The high heeled shoe 1 of figs. 1 and 2 comprises a constructive sole 2, an insole 10, an outsole 17, a plateau 22, a heel 8 and an upper part 9.

The constructive sole 2 is the backbone of the high heeled shoe, determining the height and ground shape of a the final shoe. As shown in figure 1, the

constructive sole may be provided with a longitudinal cut along a part of the length. Such a longitudinal cut has been found to improve the advantageous load distribution properties of at least some embodiments of a high heeled shoe according to the present invention. The load distribution properties may also be influenced by providing the constructive sole with more such longitudinal cuts; e.g. two parallel longitudinal cuts at a distange from the edge of the constructive sole. As mentioned above, the constructive sole may also be provided with auxetic cutting. This auxetic cutting has been left out in figure 1 to more clearly show the longitudinal cut in the constructive sole. However, it could look as what is shown for the other parts in figure 1.

The upper part 9 is attached to the constructive sole 2 such that the upper part 9 and the constructive sole 2 together form an enclosure configured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration. Preferably, the high heeled shoe 1 of the present invention is closed with a pointed tip, as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2.

A heel 8 of the high heeled shoe 1 is attached to a lower surface of the heel section 6 of an outsole 17 provided on the lower surface of the constructive sole 2.

Importantly, the high heeled shoe 1 of the present invention comprises an insole 10 comprising auxetic material. The insole 10 is configured to be arranged on an upper surface of the constructive sole 2.

Reference is made to fig. 3 and 4 illustrating several embodiments of an insole according to the present invention.

Fig. 3C shows a three-dimensional view of an insole 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, without showing which elements the insole 10 is made from.

Figs. 3A, 3B and 3D show an exploded views of different embodiments of an insole 10 according to the present invention, which when assembled, all will look as the insole 10 shown in fig. 3C from that angle, but will look different from a bottom view. The insoles 10 illustrated in fig. 3 and 4 all comprise a first layer 14 and a second layer 15. The first layer 14 of the insole 10 is configured to cover the hole upper surface 4 of the constructive sole 2 and only comprise auxetic material at one or more auxetic areas 11, 12, 13. The second layer 15 is arranged on top of the first layer 14 and is made from a thin sheet of hardwearing material, such as leather.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in fig. 3B, the insole comprise three auxetic areas 11, 12, 13.

A first auxetic area 11 is arranged at an upper surface of the forefoot section 5 of the constructive sole 2 and is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot.

A second auxetic area 12 is arranged at an upper surface of the arch section 7 of the constructive sole 2 and is configured to support the metatarsal pad of a foot.

A third auxetic area 13 is arranged at an upper surface of the heel section 6 of the constructive sole 2. The third auxetic area preferably has a circular or elliptical shape and is configured to support a heel of a user.

In other embodiments, as illustrated in fig. 3A, 3D and fig. 4, the first auxetic area 11 and the second auxetic area 12 are joined to form a joined auxetic area 28/11+12. In some embodiments, the first auxetic area 11, the second auxetic area 12 and the third auxetic area 13 could be joined to form a larger joined auxetic area 28/11+12+13.

The insole 10 illustrated in figs. 3 and 4 further comprises pillow-like areas 23, 24 protruding from the first layer 14 of the insole 2. A first pillow-like area 23 is arranged on the upper surface 4 of the forefoot section 5 of the insole 10, shaped such that it is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot. The second pillow-like area 24 is arranged on the upper surface 4 of the arch section 7 of the insole 10, shaped such that it is configured to support the metatarsal pad of the foot and lift it slightly in that area, such that the weight of a user is directed from the forefoot section 5 towards the heel section 7. In some embodiments, as illustrated in fig. 3A and 3B, the first auxetic area 11 comprises the first pillow-like area 23 and the second auxetic area 12 comprises the second pillow-like area 24. In such embodiments, the other material of the first layer does not extend over, but only around the first and second auxetic areas 12, 13. The second layer is a thin layer of leather glued on top of the first layer. Thus, the second layer will just fit over the shape of the first layer.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in fig. 3D, the pillow-like areas are not made from auxetic material, but is made from the other material of the first layer. In such embodiments, the other material extends over the areas comprising auxetic material as shown in fig. 3D.

Fig. 4 shows an insole 10 similar to that shown in fig. 3A or fig. 3D where the first auxetic area 11 and the second auxetic area 12 are joined to form a joined auxetic area 28. Fig. 4A shows a bottom view of the insole 10, fig. 4B shows a front view of the insole 10, fig. 4C shows a back view of the insole 10, fig. 4D shows a side view of the insole and fig. 4E shoes a three-dimensional view. The insoles 10 shown in figs. 3 and 4 further comprise auxetic cutting 18 in a toe- section 19 of the forefoot section 5. The auxetic cutting 18 extends through all layers 14, 15 of the insole 10 and is configured to allow the toe-section 19 of the insole 10 to extend in at least one direction, such as in two directions, when pressure is applied on the toe-section. How many, and which directions it can extend in, depends on the auxetic cutting pattern.

Furthermore, the heel section 6 of the insole 10 has an indentation 21 with a circular or elliptical cross-section. Reference is made to fig. 5, illustrating an outsole 17 of the present invention.

Fig. 5A illustrated a bottom view of the outsole 17, while fig. 5B and fig. 5C shows a side view according to two different embodiments of the present invention, without and with a plateau 22 respectively. The outsole 17 is configured to be arranged on the lower surface 3 of the constructive sole 2, covering it fully. The forefoot section 5 of the outsole 17 comprises auxetic cutting 18. Importantly, such auxetic cutting should be identical or at least close to identical to the auxetic cutting 18 in the insole 10 of the high heeled shoe 1. The auxetic cutting 18 in the outsole 17 allows the toe-section 19 of the outsole 17 to extend in at least one direction, such as in two directions, when pressure is applied on the toe-section 19. How many, and which directions it can extend in, depends on the auxetic cutting pattern.

Fig. 5C illustrates a side view of an outsole 17 further comprising a plateau 22 arranged of a lower surface of the forefoot section 5, wherein the plateau 22 and the outsole 17 both comprise auxetic cutting.

Most high heeled shoes have a pointed or at least rounded forefoot section to make the shoe look smaller and give it a feminine look. Reference is made to fig. 6A, illustrating a top view of an outline of the shape of a pointed high heeled shoe 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6B illustrates a top view of a standard shape of a pointed high heeled shoe.

A longitudinal axis 20 extends through the high heeled shoe 1, such that the heel section 6 and the arch section 7 of the high heeled shoe 1 is divided into two substantially symmetrical parts by the longitudinal axis 20.

Three transverse lines cross the longitudinal axis and divide the high heeled shoe into four sections: a heel section 6, an arch section 7 and a forefoot section 5 comprising a toe-section 19. The toe section 19 comprises two outer edges 25,

26.

In fig. 6B, the two outer edges 25, 26 of the toe-section 19 both extend towards the longitudinal axis 20. One outer edge 26 crosses the longitudinal axis 20 and meet with the other outer edge in a pointed tip 27. In normal high heeled shoes, such as the one illustrated in fig. 6B, the outer edge of the forefoot section always to some extent bends towards the longitudinal axis to meet with the other outer edge of the forefoot section, which also extends towards the longitudinal axis. Normally, at least one of these lines extends across the longitudinal axis, such that they meet in a pointed end which is not on the longitudinal axis. In fig. 6A, a first outer edge 25 of the toe-section 19 extends in a direction which extends away from the longitudinal axis 20 and a second outer edge 26 extend towards the longitudinal axis 20. The second outer edge 26 further extends across the longitudinal axis 20 to meet with the first outer edge 25 and form a pointed tip 27. In some embodiments, the first outer edge 25 is not extending away from, but is parallel with the longitudinal axis 20.

Fig. 6 shows an outline of a left high heeled shoe 1 and therefore the first outer edge 25 is to the right. However, in a right high heeled shoe 1, the first outer edge 25 would be to the left. As a general rule, the first outer edge 25 is the edge configured to be closest to the big toe of a user.

The shape illustrated in fig. 6A is recurring for almost all elements of the high heeled shoe of the present invention, including the constructive sole 2, the insole 10, the outsole 17, the upper part 9 and the plateau 22.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS USED

1 High heeled shoe

2 constructive sole

3 lower surface of constructive sole, insole, outsole or plateau

4 upper surface of constructive sole, insole, outsole or plateau

5 forefoot section

6 heel section

7 arch section

8 heel

9 upper part

10 insole

11 first auxetic area

12 second auxetic area

13 third auxetic area

14 first layer of insole

15 second layer of insole

16 third layer of insole

17 outsole

18 auxetic cutting

19 toe-section

20 longitudinal axis

21 indentation

22 Plateau

23 first pi I low- 1 ike area

24 second pillow-like area

25 first outer edge

26 second outer edge

27 pointed tip

28 joined auxetic area

Claims

1. A high heeled shoe (1) having a forefoot section (5), an arch section (7) and a heel section (6), the high heeled shoe (1) comprising

- a constructive sole (2),

- an upper part (9), attached to the constructive sole (2) such that the upper part (9) and the constructive sole (2) together form an enclosure configured to receive and hold a foot in a specific configuration;

- a heel (8), directly or indirectly attached to a lower surface (3) of a heel section (6) of the constructive sole (2); and

an insole (10) comprising auxetic material

2. A high heeled shoe (1) according to claim 1, wherein the insole (10) comprises pillow-like areas (23, 24) protruding from the insole (2), the pillow-like areas (23, 24) comprising :

a first pillow-like area (23) arranged on an upper surface (4) of a forefoot section (5) of the insole (10), shaped such that it is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot; and/or

- a second pillow-like area (24) arranged on an upper surface (4) of an arch section (7) of the insole (10), shaped such that it is configured to support the metatarsal pad of the foot and lift it slightly in that area, to direct the weight of a user from the forefoot section (5) towards the heel section (7);

wherein the maximum height of each pillow-like area (23, 24) from the upper surface (4) of the insole (10) is at most 1.0 cm, such as 0.5 cm, such as 0.3 cm.

3. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the insole (10) comprises several layers, including at least a first layer (14) and a second layer (15), wherein

the first layer (14) of the insole (10) is configured to cover the whole upper surface (4) of the constructive sole (2), but only comprises auxetic material at one or more auxetic areas (11, 12, 13) and the remaining of the first layer (14) comprises or consists of another material; the second layer (15) is arranged on top of the first layer (14) and is made from a material, such as leather, having a thickness of less than 0.2cm, such as 0.1cm

4. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the insole (10) comprises auxetic material at one or more specific areas, wherein such one or more specific areas include:

a first auxetic area (11) arranged at an upper surface (4) of a forefoot section (5) of the constructive sole (2) such that it is configured to support an area between metatarsal bones and phalanges of a foot; and/or

a second auxetic area (12) arranged at an upper surface (4) of an arch section (7) of the constructive sole (2) such that it is configured to support the metatarsal pad of the foot; and/or

a third auxetic area (13) arranged at an upper surface (4) of an heel section (6) of the constructive sole (2), having a circular or elliptical shape and configured to support a heel of a user.

5. A high heeled shoe (1) according to claim 4, wherein

the first auxetic area (11) comprises the first pillow-like area (23); and/or the second auxetic area (12) comprises the second pillow-like area (24).

6. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of claims 4 or 5, wherein

the first auxetic area (11) and the second auxetic area (12) are joined to form a joined auxetic area (28/11+12) or

the first auxetic area (11), the second auxetic area (12) and the third auxetic area (13) are joined to form a joined auxetic area (28/11 + 12+13).

7. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insole (10) further comprises auxetic cutting (18) in a toe-section (19) of the forefoot section (5), the auxetic cutting (18) extending through all layers (14,15) of the insole (10) and being configured to allow the toe-section (5) of the insole to expand in at least one direction, such as in two directions, when pressure is applied on the toe-section.

8. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the heel section (6) of the insole (10) has an indentation (21) with a circular or elliptical cross-section, wherein the indentation (21) has a maximum depth of 0.2- 0.8cm, a smallest diameter between 3-5cm and a largest diameter between 4- 7cm

9. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the high heeled shoe (1) further comprises an outsole (17) arranged on the lower surface (3) of the constructive sole (2), covering it either partly or fully, and wherein a forefoot section (5) of the outsole (17) comprises auxetic cutting (18) identical to the auxetic cutting (18) of the insole (10), and being configured to allow the toe-section (19) of the outsole (17) to expand in at least one direction, such as in two directions, when pressure is applied on the toe-section (19).

10. A high heeled shoe (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a longitudinal axis (20) extend through the constructive sole (2), such that the heel section (6) and the arch section (7) of the constructive sole (2) is divided into two substantially symmetrical parts by the longitudinal axis (20),

wherein at least part of a first outer edge (25) of the toe-section (19) of the constructive sole (2) extends in a direction which is parallel with or extends away from the longitudinal axis (20) and at least part of a second outer edge (26) extend towards the longitudinal axis (20) and across the longitudinal axis (20) to meet with the first outer edge (25) to form a pointed tip (27), wherein the first outer edge (25) is the outer edge configured to be closest to the big toe.