EP4623743A1

EP4623743A1 - A shoe shaped with bottom and side landing areas to guide motion

Info

Publication number: EP4623743A1
Application number: EP25166728.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Henry Niles HANSON; Kevin ROEVENS; Willem VAN BEUNINGEN
Original assignee: Adidas AG
Current assignee: Adidas AG
Priority date: 2024-03-28
Filing date: 2025-03-27
Publication date: 2025-10-01
Also published as: DE102024109114A1; US20250302145A1; CN120713318A; JP2025156164A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shoe in particular a sports shoe to control foot positioning of the user during exercise. In particular, the present invention relates to plane (including optionally microstructures), respectively flat control portions that are arranged on the lateral and/or medial as well as posterior and/or anterior surface of the shoe and are configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises.

Description

Field of the invention

Background

One exercise method that has become increasingly popular in recent years is bodyweight exercise. Bodyweight exercises use the body weight as resistance, without the need for additional equipment or weights. These exercises are versatile, require minimal space and can be performed almost anywhere. Bodyweight training is an effective way to build strength, increase flexibility and improve overall fitness. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), for example, is a form of exercise that focuses on short, intense bursts of activity followed by short periods of rest. The aim is to maximize effort and intensity during exercise, often leading to more efficient and effective results. These exercises are often performed in gyms.
When exercising, for example in a gym, the most common sports shoes are running shoes or lifting shoes. Running shoes are designed to provide comfort, support and performance for runners. These shoes are designed for outdoor training and focus on dynamic movements and optimizing foot strike. However, they do not prioritize stability in a flat stance during quasi-static movements, bodyweight exercises or weightlifting activities. Specifically, running shoes have a rocker sole to improve cushioning, which does not support the athlete's stability and balance during certain quasi-static exercises. Dynamic and quasi-static strength and HIIT movements both typically involve body positions that are significantly different from standing or running. Thus, a disadvantage of these running shoes is that they are not optimized to stabilize an athlete e.g., during typical gym exercises such as HIIT or bodyweight exercises.
Weightlifting shoes have a flat sole with little or no cushioning. This provides a stable base for lifting heavy weights, especially during exercises such as squats and deadlifts.
While the lack of cushioning helps maintain direct contact with the ground, it does not support the athlete's foot posture when using these shoes for dynamic movements. Similarly, weightlifting shoes are not optimized to support foot positioning and movement during fast and dynamic movements such as jumping or sprinting.
Normally, and when doing HIIT exercises, the athlete tires quickly as the HIIT exercises are very intense and strenuous. As an athlete tires, the ability to maintain proper form decreases significantly and the quality of the workout can be compromised. A disadvantage of the known soles and footwears in the art is that they do not sufficiently support the athlete's foot and posture when tired. As a result, the athlete will adopt incorrect postures during the exercise, which in the long run will lead to injury and damage to the athlete's health.
Document EP 2 226 763 A2 discloses a shoe sole system for predominantly, but not exclusively, use in the segment of sports shoes and sneakers. The system has a spring system arranged between a foot-closer sole and a ground-closer sole. Spikes and traction elements are attached at the ground-closer sole. Exchangeable flexible elements provide a rolling-, a whipping-, a torsion and a rotation process input to a locomotor system of a shoe wearer.
Document EP 0 324 471 A1 discloses a structure for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe such as a running shoe, comprising a sole conforming to the natural shape of the foot, in particular the sides, and having a constant thickness in cross sections of frontal plane.
Further prior art in this regard is US 2023/0 053 583 A1 and DE 20 2022 100 632 U1 .
An object of the present invention is therefore the provision of an improved shoe in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

The above-outlined problems are addressed and are solved by the aspects of the present invention.
According to a first aspect of the invention a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided, comprising a sole, an upper, and one or more plane (i.e., flat) control portion(s) configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of the user during exercise.
The "plane control portion" of the shoe can be understood, for example, as a part of the shoe, which is arranged on the lateral, and/or medial, posterior and/or anterior side of the shoe. The plane control portion comprises no significant curvature and does not follow the foot-shape but provides a flat and even surface. It may also be microstructured but still provide a flat and even surface. The plane control portion may be for example linked or connected to the sole of the shoe, or the plane control portion may be molded from the same material as the sole or otherwise incorporated to the sole. It is conceivable that the plane control portions are also connected or incorporated into the shoe upper of the shoe, or any other part of the shoe.
"Contacting" could be understood as any direct physical association that arises when performing a certain exercise.
When talking about a "plane" control portion, this can generally relate to smooth, level, even, and/or sheet-like characteristics, e.g., relating to any surface with no significant curvature. For example, a plane control portion could form part of the lateral side of the shoe but does not comprise any significant curvature.
The "exercise" could be understood as any physical activity that is performed to maintain or improve health and fitness. It involves repetitive and planned movements, often with the goal of enhancing strength, endurance, flexibility, or overall well-being. For example, an exercise is a workout, training, physical exercise, fitness regimen, conditioning, exercise routine or physical training. In particular, exercises are preferably dynamic and/or quasi-static motions, and more preferably bodyweight exercises such as High Intense Interval Training (HIIT) exercises and in particular dynamic or quasi-static movements, such as pushups, side planks, medial planks, backward planks, handstand pushups, skater jumps, forward lunges, Bulgarian lunges, and/or burpees.
The "surface" could be any surface which is in contact when performing an exercise. "Surface" refers to for example, any natural or artificial surface such as terrain or surface, land, gravel, or any construction such as floor, wall or ceiling. In particular, "surface" relates to the floor on which the exercise is performed. This floor is for example the ground itself when performing pushups, or a wall when performing handstand pushups. Further, "surface" can be understood as any surface of an object. This object, for example, is used during an exercise. For instance, and in this context the "surface" is the surface of a device, e.g., a sport equipment that is used in the gym.
When talking about "executing certain exercises", this can generally relate to the performance of a sport exercise. For example, this relates to the process in which the user performs certain sportive postures during a work-out. These exercises for example may be bodyweight exercises, and in particular dynamic or quasi-static movements, such as pushups, side planks, medial planks, backward planks, handstand pushups, skater jumps, forward lunges, Bulgarian lunges, and/or burpees.
"Control of foot positioning" is directed to the property of the shoe that allows for guiding and adjusting the foot position during the exercise. For example, when the user is doing pushups, the shoe controls the foot positioning with the plane control portions which support the user in finding the correct position during this exercise.
Generally speaking, when the inventive shoe is used on a flat surface, e.g., a flat piece of ground when standing or walking, the plane control portions on the shoe will not engage with the surface. Only when the shoe is rolled or tilted upon one of its edges will the plane control portions get in contact with the surface and engage with the surface.
The present invention is based on the provision of a shoe with one or more plane control portions on the lateral and/or medial surface, which helps the user to perform e.g., bodyweight exercises while maintaining proper form during dynamic and quasi-static movements.
By using the shoe according to the invention, the foot positioning is actively guided by the plane control portions to the correct position. In this way, an improved shoe is provided for e.g., performing bodyweight exercises. In particular, the user's foot positioning is supported during the exercise, as the shoe guides to the correct foot positioning. The inventive shoe provides for one or more flat or (micro)textured surfaces that give a stable position to the user within some range of rotation that physically guide the motion. In this manner, the shoe allows for a supported guiding of the foot placement during quasi-static and stability-oriented movements.
Compared to existing sports shoes, the present invention provides an enhanced and improved stability of the foot and at the same time supports the athlete maintaining the posture by an improved balancing. Moreover, the user, e.g., the athlete is able to preserve the quality and consistency of their movements even through fatigue during the workout. Accordingly, the present invention further allows for an improved endurance and workout performance of the user, and at the same time may help prevent injuries in the long term through incorrect execution of the exercise.
The shoe may comprise a sole and an upper, wherein the sole may be an outsole and/or a midsole, and wherein the one or more plane control portion(s) may be arranged on the sole or on the shoe upper, or both.
The plane control portions can be part of the sole of the inventive shoe. For example, and in this context, the plane control portions may be made from the same material as used for the sole. The same is conceivable when the plane control portions are part of the shoe upper, i.e., the plane control portions in this context may be made from the same material as used for the shoe upper. It is also conceivable, that the plane control portion is part of both, the sole and the shoe upper. The sole may be arranged on the outermost surface of the shoe for better rigidity or responsiveness. The plane control portions are part of the shoe and can be arranged on any part of the shoe such as the shoe upper and/or the sole.
In various embodiments, the normal of at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be essentially perpendicular to the normal of the tread surface of the shoe.
The tread surface of the shoe relates to the lower level of the shoe which comes into direct contact with the surface under normal conditions. It is to be noted that the tread surface is not to be understood as comprising the peripheral surface, e.g., the outer edges of the shoe and the sole, but only refer to the lower level on the bottom of the shoe which is in contact with a surface when the user is standing. For example, the plane control portion may be arranged in the heel portion perpendicular in relation to the tread surface of the shoe.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may have a surface area of at least 2 cm², preferably at least 2.5 cm², more preferably at least 3 cm² and most preferred at least 4 cm². In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may even have a surface area of at least 10 cm², preferably at least 15 cm², more preferably at least 20 cm² and most preferred at least 25 cm².
The surface area is to be understood as the surface area of a plane control portion of the one or more plane control portion(s) arranged on the shoe for a better foot positioning, balance, and stability of the user. It is conceivable that the plane control portion may have any geometric shape, e.g., may be circular or rectangular shaped with a surface area of at least 2 cm², preferably at least 2.5 cm², more preferably at least 3 cm² and most preferred at least 4 cm², and may be formed by several smaller portions. The shoe may comprise one or more plane control portions which have the same surface area, of e.g., at least 2 cm², preferably at least 2.5 cm², more preferably at least 3 cm² and most preferred at least 4 cm². However, it is also conceivable, that the shoe may comprise one or more plane control portions wherein only one plane control portion comprises the surface area of e.g., at least 2 cm², preferably at least 2.5 cm², more preferably at least 3 cm² and most preferred at least 4 cm². Another possibility is that each of the one or more plane control portion have a different surface area with respect to each other. Typically, the larger the control portion, the better the effect of foot positioning control.
Generally, in various embodiments, the control portion(s) may be formed from several smaller portions that are arranged in one plane. For example, a control portion of 4 cm² may be formed from four smaller portions of 1 cm² each, that are arranged in the same plane. Preferably, the smaller portions forming the control portion are arranged close to each other, with or without gaps in-between.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may comprise a texture.
A texture relates to the surface finish and is to be understood as the arrangement, orientation, and distribution of particles (e.g., grains or crystals) within a material for improved grip of the plane control portion through increased friction and the interlocking of surface irregularities which enhances the control of the foot positioning and thus of the user's posture. Moreover, this allows for a better friction and traction of the shoe due to the improved tactile feedback and prevention of fluid film formation.
For example, the texture may be fluted, scratched, hatched, or arranged in circles. It is conceivable that the texture of the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) has a different material than the rest of the shoe for a better grip and friction when used.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be smooth to reduce grip and/or allow smoother gliding on a surface.
Smooth relates to any even and un-textured surface for a slippery characteristic of the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) and could be understood as even, sleek, slick, or slippery.
For example, when doing handstand pushups, the plane control portion(s) that are in direct contact with the surface, i.e., the wall, enable smoother gliding against the wall.
In various embodiments, the inventive shoe may comprise a textured and/or untextured surface on the sole and/or on the upper for improved positioning and guidance. For example, the sole and/or the upper may comprise textured zones for improved grip and stability on the surface while untextured zones may provide better alignment with the surface and in turn also provide increased stability while also allowing them smoother movements depending on the needs of the user and the specific exercise that is being performed.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may have a surface texture different than the surface texture of the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper.
The different surface texture relates to a different material or a different texture of the surface of the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) which enhances the control of the foot positioning. A different surface texture is useful to address individual plane control portions for individually designing different portions of the shoe. Moreover, individually addressed plane control portions on the shoe may be adapted to the specific needs of the user.
The remaining shoe surface relates to the shoe which does not consist of the plane control portion(s). For example, the plane control portion which is arranged on the heel portion may have a different surface texture than the remaining heel portion of the shoe. It is conceivable that the plane control portion on the heel portion further, for example, has a different surface texture than the midfoot, forefoot or toe portion of the shoe.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be visually distinguished from the remaining sole surface and/or the shoe upper.
Visually distinguished relates, for example, to a different texture, color, material, shape, or the like for a better feedback mechanism for the user. For instance, when using the inventive shoe, the user visually recognizes if the foot and thus their overall posture is in the correct position. The remaining shoe surface relates to the shoe which does not consist of the plane control portion.
The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be arranged proximally on a toe portion, preferably at the toe cap, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing pushups.
A pushup is a common bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the muscles of the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. The pushup position is characterized by facing down on the floor, supporting the body with the hands and toes.
Generally, the user is in a parallel position with respect to a surface, e.g., the floor facing the floor and their feet are arranged perpendicular, i.e., pointing with the toes towards the floor.
The at least one or more plane control portion is proximally at the toe portion when doing pushups to provide for stability and an enhanced foot positioning during this exercise. The rest of the shoe is preferably not in contact with the surface during the exercise, but only the flat (plane) control portion. The flat (plane) control portion may also be microstructured but still provide a plane portion or it may have a flat portion as well as a structured portion.
The shoe may comprise at least first and second plane control portions that may be arranged proximally on a heel portion, preferably at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges.
A forward lunge is a lower body exercise that involves stepping forward with one leg while keeping the other leg stationary behind. It is commonly used to target and strengthen the muscles in the thighs, hips, and buttocks. For example, when doing forward lunges the user usually takes a large step with the front foot and needs to land on a stable position with the same. The first and second control portion provide for stability during this step of the forward lunge exercise.
In various embodiments, the first and second control portions may be directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion may be tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion.
The first and second control portions are directly next to each other, in the sense that they are in direct contact with each other and arranged such that they share a common edge on the shoe.
The normal of the first and second control portions are tilted to each other which provides for a tilted second plane control portion with respect to the first plane control portion.
For example, when doing forward lunges, the user takes a big step forward and needs to land on a proper and correct position with the front foot.
By providing at least two plane control portions that are tilted towards each other, the user's foot will first land on the first plane control portion, which is perpendicular to the surface of the sole and subsequently be guided to the second "tilted" plane control portion. The first and second plane control portions help to stabilize and guide the user's foot during the exercise.
In various embodiments, the internal angle between the first and second control portions may be between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 130°.
The internal angle of between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 130° allows for an enhanced and improved guiding and stabilizing property of the sole.
The internal angle is to be understood as the angle between the two plane control portions, facing inwards, along the length axis of the shoe. For example, when the first and second plane control portions are arranged at the heel portion, the internal angle faces medially towards the center of the shoe.
The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be arranged on the heel portion, preferably at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing handstand pushups.
The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) is preferably arranged at the heel portion and more preferably arranged in the center of the outer most distal portion of the heel portion. For example, when doing handstand pushups, the user does a handstand leaned on the wall. Thus, I user is in an upside-down position, while holding their weight using only the hands, while for stability reasons, the user keeps the foot, and in particular the heels leaned on the wall. During this exercise, the smooth one or more plane control portions provide improved alignment and positioning against the wall and lead to better stability and balance while the heels are leaned on the wall. Further, the smooth one or more plane control portions allow for an improved and more smooth movement of the lower body as the heels slide more easily along the wall while doing handstand pushups.
When doing pushups with the inventive shoe, the heels provide a stable positioning during the handstand and moreover, provide an enhanced foot control during the pushups when sliding up and down on the wall.
The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be arranged laterally and/or medially on the midfoot, forefoot and/or heel portion configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks.
"Laterally, medially, and posteriorly, anteriorly on the midfoot, forefoot and/or heel portion" is to be understood as the arrangement on any portion on the outermost edge of the sole in the midfoot, forefoot and/or heel area.
A side plank is a core-strengthening exercise that targets the muscles on the side of the torso, including the obliques. For example, when doing side planks the user is lying on a mat either on the left or right side, with the corresponding forearm on the ground and lifts the hip in order to create a diagonal plank.
The user rests the first foot on the surface and positions the second foot on top of the first foot, which is in contact with the surface. The foot in contact with the surface, such as the mat, bears the body's load on the outer lateral side region.
When using the inventive shoe, the user finds a stable position during e.g., the side plank and/or the Copenhagen plank exercise and obtains an improved balance support by the shoe. During the Copenhagen plank the foot of the user is contacting a surface (e.g., ground or object) with the medial side of the shoe.
The shoe may comprise at least first and second plane control portions that are arranged laterally and/or medially on the forefoot portion configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing skater jumps.
The skater jump is a dynamic, plyometric exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including the lower body, core, and stabilizing muscles. It mimics the lateral movement of a skater on the ice and is commonly included in agility and cardiovascular training.
When doing a skater jump, the athlete jumps sideways to one side, landing on the opposite leg with a slight bend in the knee. As the user lands on one leg, they position the other leg behind and slightly across the body, hovering above the ground. Finally, the user pushes off the landed leg and jumps sideways to the opposite side, repeating the process.
The first and second control portions provide for stability and balance during the later jumps and landings. In particular, the two plane control portions are arranged such that the user lands on one of the first and second plane control portions while being guided to the second plane control portion which enhances the stability and balance during the movement.
According to the preceding embodiment, the first and second control portions may be directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion may be tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion.
For example, in the skater jump exercises, the tilted first and second plane control portions lead to an increased stability and balancing of the user by positioning the foot in a correct position.
Generally, the tilted arrangement further allows for the guiding of the movement by the shoe during an exercise. In particular, the user lands on the first plane control portion which puts the foot in the correct position and subsequently during e.g., a lateral jump, the foot is guided to the adjacent second plane control portion, which is tilted to the first one.
According to the preceding embodiment, the internal angle between the first and second control portions may be between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 130°.
The internal angle of between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 130° allows for an enhanced and improved guiding and stabilizing property of the shoe.
The internal angle is to be understood as the angle between the two plane control portions, facing inwards, along the length axis of the shoe. For example, when the first and second plane control portions are arranged at the heel portion, the internal angle faces towards the center of the shoe.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may have a length of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm, most preferably at least 4 cm and a width of at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 0.8 cm, most preferably at least 1 cm. In certain instances, the plane control portion may even have a length of at least 15 cm, preferably at least 20 cm and most preferably at least 25 cm.
For example, the length of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm, most preferably at least 4 cm provides a sufficiently long axis for enhancing stability when the plane control portion is stressed e.g., when the bodyweight is predominantly loaded on the plane control portion.
Likewise, the width of at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 0.8 cm, most preferably at least 1 cm is sufficient in combination with the length to provide improved stability and balance.
It is conceivable that for example a shoe comprises more than one plane control portion and that the at least one of the one or more plane control portions comprises a different length (e.g., longer or shorter) and width (e.g., wider or narrower) than the other plane control portion of the one or more plane control portion(s).
For example, a first plane control portion may be centrally arranged on the outermost side of the toe cap, and has a square shaped form and a length of e.g., 2 cm and a width of e.g., 1 cm, while a second plane control portion may be arranged laterally and medially at the outer foot region in the forefoot portion, which comprises e.g., a length of 4 cm and e.g., a width of 0.5 cm. The plane control portion can be of various shapes, such as square, round, rectangular, oval, triangular, or any other known shape.
The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) is made of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), liquid TPU, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and/or foam composite.
For example, TPU is a versatile polymer that combines the properties of rubber and plastic. It is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, oils, and chemicals. Liquid TPU, or TPU may be preferably used for plane control portions due to its excellent flexibility and toughness. It provides good support, shock absorption, and is often used in sports and outdoor footwear.
The materials may be used during injection-molding. The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be further made of one or more of: a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, a polyamide (PA) material, a polyurethane (PU) material, for example, polyether block amide (PEBA), polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide 12 (PA12), and/or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), for example, liquid TPU, or TPU with a 95A Shore Hardness. Other materials or material mixtures are also possible.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may have a radius of curvature of at least 5 m, preferably of at least 7 m, more preferably of at least 10 m. The radius of curvature is at most preferred at least 50 m. The at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) are thus significantly flat/even, to stabilize and control the foot when in contact with the ground. Putting it differently, the at least one plane control portion has a radius of curvature which is significantly higher than radius of curvature known in the art, and i.e., of at least 5 m, preferably of at least 7 m, more preferably of at least 10 m to provide for the required "flatness" of the at least one of the one or more control portion(s), which allows for stabilizing and "locking" the foot position.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be laterally and/or medially arranged on the shoe (10). The at least one of the one or more plane control portions can be arranged on either one or both sides of the shoe. For example, the plane control portion is arranged only on the lateral portion of the shoe. In some embodiments, the plane control portion(s) is arranged only on the medial portion. In this way, the inventive shoe comprises plane control portions either on the lateral or medial side, or on both, which allow for a better and improved foot positioning and controlling during specific exercises.
In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) may be anteriorly and/or posteriorly arranged on the shoe (10). The at least one of the one or more plane control portions can be arranged on either one or both sides of the shoe. In this way, the inventive shoe comprises plane control portions either on the anterior or posterior side, or on both sides, which allow for a better and improved foot positioning and controlling during specific exercises. The shoe or any other of the described embodiments, options, and features of the first aspect can be combined to obtain the desired exercising- and performance characteristics for the shoe, even if not all possible combinations have been explicitly mentioned and discussed above. Individual features or sub-features can also be omitted, if deemed dispensable to obtain the desired result.
In various embodiments, the shoe may be a sports shoe.
The sports shoe may be used for example for gym exercises. It is conceivable that the sports shoe may be used indoor and outdoor, comprise optionally high-level cushioning properties while providing for the enhanced and superior stability and controlling features of the shoe.
We emphasize that all aspects, features, and options discussed and disclosed above within the context of the first aspect may be applied to, or combined with, the discussion and disclosure of the second aspect, and vice versa, unless physically or technically ruled out, even if not every possible combination or sub-combination of features is explicitly spelled out in the following. The technical advantages of such options and features that have already been discussed above are therefore not repeated, at least not to the same degree of detail, and reference is instead made to the corresponding explanations above, for conciseness.

Short description of the figures

Possible embodiments of the present invention are further described in the following detailed description with reference to the following figures:

Fig. 1:: shows a detail of a shoe according to the invention.
Figs. 2a and 2b:: show a front view of the shoe and a plane control portion in the toe portion.
Figs. 3a and 3b:: show a bottom and side view of the shoe during a certain exercise.
Figs. 4a and 4b:: show the shoe of Fig. 1 during another exercise.
Figs. 5a and 5b:: show the shoe when performing pushups in a comparative view.
Figs. 6a and 6b:: show the shoe when performing side planks in a comparative view.

Detailed description of the embodiments

Possible embodiments of the different aspects of the present invention and disclosure are described below, predominately with respect to sport shoes. It is, however, once again emphasized that the different aspects may also be practiced in different kinds of soles and shoes and are not limited to the specific embodiments set forth below.
Reference is further made to the fact that in the following only individual embodiments can be described in more detail. The skilled person will understand that the features and possible modifications described with reference to these specific embodiments may also be further modified and/or combined with one another in a different manner or in different sub-combinations, without departing from the scope of the present invention and disclosure. Individual features or sub-features may also be omitted if they are dispensable to obtain the desired result. In order to avoid redundancies, reference is therefore made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which also apply to the following detailed description.
Fig. 1 presents a detail of a shoe 10, in particular a sports shoe, the shoe 10 comprising a sole 1 and several plane control portions 26, 28 configured to be in contact with a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of the user during exercise.
An exercise making use of control portions 26 and 28 is explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 4a and 4b.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, the plane control portions 26, 28 are arranged in this embodiment at the inner foot side in the forefoot portion 38 of the shoe.
As can be seen, in Fig. 1, the shoe comprises first 26 and second 28 plane control portions, wherein the first and second control portions 26, 28 are directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion 26 is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion 28. The first and second control portions 26, 28 are arranged on the sole, wherein the first plane control portion 26 is vertically arranged in a twofold implementation 26a and 26b, with respect to the tread surface 30 of the sole, in particular where the sole is overlapping onto the shoe upper. In other words, the plane control portion 26 is split into two parts 26a and 26b. As one can take from the figure, the two parts 26a and 26b are partially textured. The second plane control portion 28 is arranged proximally to the tread surface 30 at an angle thereto.
Each individual plane control portion 26, 28 has a surface area of at least 2 cm². The first plane control portion 26 may be smooth to reduce grip and/or allow smoother gliding on a surface, while the second plane control portion 28 may have a texture 28' (e.g., striped) to enhance grip.
In Fig. 1, the plane control portions 26, 28 are arranged laterally on forefoot 38 to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks. The first and second control portions 26, 28 are directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion 26 is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion 28.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, the plane control portions 26, 28 are partially even and flat and partially textured. Putting it differently, the plane control portions in Fig. 1, and generally in all of the embodiments, comprise a high radius of curvature (of at least 1 m) which due to the specific surface, length and width size of a shoe sole leads to practically no conceivable curvature and an essentially, if not totally, plane surface. Shoes known in the art are usually highly curved as they follow the shape of the foot, and thus comprise always a substantial radius of curvature, as they follow the natural shape of the foot.
Fig. 2a and 2b present a front view of the shoe of Fig. 1. As shown, the shoe also comprises on its toe region another plane control portion 21 adapted for better control during pushups.
In Fig. 2a, the sport shoe 10 is shown in front view, and the plane control portion 21 is arranged proximally on a toe portion 32, and in particular, in the center of the toe cap, to control foot positioning of the user when doing pushups. The plane control portion 21 shown in Fig. 2a is perpendicular to the tread surface 30 of the sole.
In Fig. 2a, the plane control portion 21 has a length of approximately 3 cm and a width of about 2 cm. Specifically, when using the embodiment shown in Fig. 2a, the user controls the foot position when placing the body weight on the toe cap, e.g., when doing pushups. This particular movement can be seen in greater detail in Fig. 2b, which shows the sole 1, and sports shoe 10 of Fig. 2a in a tilted position of 90°. Fig. 2b illustrates the placement of the foot onto the plane control portion 21 on the toe cap during a pushup. The plane control portion 21 in this particular region, i.e., toe portion 32, is in complete contact with the surface, typically the ground, when executing the exercise for providing a stable and correct foot position.
The plane control portion 21 in Fig. 2a has a surface texture which different than the surface texture of the remaining sole surface and shoe upper, which is striped and textured. The term "remaining sole surface and shoe upper" denotes the parts of the sole surface and shoe upper that is not a control surface. The plane control portion 21 in Fig. 2a is visually distinguished from the remaining sole surface, as it comprises a different surface texture. As can be seen in Fig. 2a, the material used for the plane control portion 21 and for the remaining sole are the same. Suitable materials for producing the inventive shoe may be one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and/or foam composite. The preferred material used for the plane control portions is liquid TPU.
Figs. 3a shows the heel area of the sport shoe 10 with the sole 1 and Fig. 3b shows the shoe 10 when performing a forward lunge. In particular, the shoe 10 comprises additional first 22 and second 24 plane control portions that are arranged proximally on a heel portion 34, i.e., at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges.
This particular movement can be seen in greater detail in Fig. 3b, which shows the sole 1, and sports shoe 10 of Fig. 3a in a tilted position of approximately 60°. Fig. 3b illustrates the placement of the foot onto the plane control portion 22 on the heel portion during a forward lunge. As can be seen in Fig. 3a, the first and second control portion 22, 24 are directly adjacent to each other, e.g., neighboring and sharing one common edge. The first plane control portion 22 is arranged below the second plane control portion 24.
The plane control portions 22, 24 are tilted to each other, i.e., the normal of the first plane control portion 22 is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion 24. This angle, the internal tilting angle between the first and second control portions 22, 24, is between 100° and 160°. It is conceivable that the angle is higher than 160° for certain exercises (not shown in the figure). In particular, this angle may be adjusted depending on the exercise. In some case, it is desirable that the angle is greater or smaller. The latter is dependent on the foot position that requires stabilization throughout the exercise. As can be further seen, the first and second control portions 22, 24 have individually a surface area that is about 2 cm².
Fig. 4a shows the shoe 10 from the same perspective as Fig. 1. Fig. 4b shows the shoe 10 in a position when doing a skater jump. As one can see, the shoe 10 is arranged in a tilted position of 45° and the foot rests completely on the second plane control portion 28. Due to the flatness of the plane control portion 28 the posture of the athlete is stabilized during this part of the exercise.
Fig. 5a shows the inventive shoe 10 when performing pushups and Fig. 5b shows a non-inventive shoe for comparison. As can be seen in Fig. 5a, the user using the inventive sport shoe 10 comprising the sole 1 has a correct foot positioning when performing pushups. The foot has a precise vertical arrangement and the weight rests on the toe cap of the shoe 10, which comprises the plane control portion 21. In Fig. 5b, one can see how the foot is not vertical but tilted, reducing the efficiency of the exercise.
Figs. 6a and 6b show a user doing side planks. In Fig. 6a, the inventive shoe 10 is used while Fig. 6b shows a regular sport shoe without any inventive plane control portions. In Fig. 6a, the user using the inventive sport shoe 10 comprising the sole 1 has a correct foot positioning when performing a side plank. The user's bodyweight is loaded onto the plane control portion 28. The line indicates the horizontal arrangement of the user during the side plank. In contrast thereto, in Fig. 6b the user's ankle is tilted, thereby reducing the efficiency of the exercise and potentially harming the ankle joint.
It is noted that the above embodiments and / or examples may be combined with further aspects as described herein and details of the embodiments and / or examples may also be omitted, as will be understood by the skilled person. The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the embodiments and / or examples disclosed in the above figures.
The invention is further described by the following, further embodiments:

1. A shoe (10), in particular a sports shoe, comprising:
one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of the user during exercise.
2. The shoe (10) according to embodiment 1, further comprising a sole (1), and a shoe upper, wherein the sole (1) is an outsole and/or a midsole, and
wherein the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are arranged on the sole (1) or on the shoe upper, or both.
3. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the normal of at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is essentially perpendicular to the normal of the tread surface (30) of the shoe (10).
4. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) has a surface area of at least 2 cm², preferably at least 2.5 cm², more preferably at least 3 cm² and most preferred at least 4 cm².
5. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) comprises a texture to enhance grip.
6. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is smooth to reduce grip and/or allow smoother gliding on a surface.
7. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) has a surface texture different than the surface texture of the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper.
8. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is visually distinguished from the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper.
9. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is arranged proximally on a toe portion (32), preferably at the toe cap, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing push-ups.
10. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shoe (10) comprises at least first and second plane control portions (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) that are arranged proximally on a heel portion (34), preferably at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges.
11. The shoe (10) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first and second control portions (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion (22) is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion (24).
12. The shoe (10) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the internal angle between the first and second control portions (22, 24) is between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 140°.
13. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is arranged on the heel portion (34), preferably at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing handstand pushups.
14. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is arranged laterally and/or medially on the midfoot (36), forefoot (38) and/or heel portion (34) configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks.
15. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the shoe (10) comprises at least first and second plane control portions (26, 28) that are arranged laterally and/or medially on the forefoot portion (38) configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing skater jumps.
16. The shoe (10) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the first and second control portions (26, 28) are directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion (26) is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion (28).
17. The shoe (10) according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the internal angle between the first and second control portions (26, 28) is between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 140°.
18. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) has a length of at least 3 cm, preferably at least 3.5 cm, most preferably at least 4 cm and a width of at least 0.5 cm, preferably at least 0.8 cm, most preferably at least 1 cm.
19. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is made of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), liquid TPU, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and/or foam composite.
20. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) has a radius of curvature of at least 5 m, preferably of at least 7 m, more preferably of at least 10 m.
21. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are laterally and/or medially arranged on the shoe (10).
22. The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are anteriorly and/or posteriorly arranged on the shoe (10).

Claims

A shoe (10), in particular a sports shoe, comprising:
one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of the user during exercise.
The shoe (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a sole (1), and a shoe upper, wherein the sole (1) is an outsole and/or a midsole, and
wherein the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are arranged on the sole (1) or on the shoe upper, or both.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the normal of at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is essentially perpendicular to the normal of the tread surface (30) of the shoe (10).
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) has a surface area of at least 2 cm², preferably at least 2.5 cm², more preferably at least 3 cm² and most preferred at least 4 cm².
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) comprises a texture to enhance grip.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is smooth to reduce grip and/or allow smoother gliding on a surface.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) has a surface texture different than the surface texture of the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is visually distinguished from the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is arranged proximally on a toe portion (32), preferably at the toe cap, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing push-ups.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shoe (10) comprises at least first and second plane control portions (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) that are arranged proximally on a heel portion (34), preferably at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges; and
wherein preferably the first and second control portions (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion (22) is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion (24).
The shoe (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the internal angle between the first and second control portions (22, 24) is between 100° and 160°, preferably between 120° and 150°, more preferably between 130° and 140°.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is arranged on the heel portion (34), preferably at the heel portion, configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing handstand pushups.
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) is arranged laterally and/or medially on the midfoot (36), forefoot (38) and/or heel portion (34) configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks and/or skater jumps.
The shoe (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second control portions (26, 28) are directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion (26) is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion (28).
The shoe (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one of the one or more plane control portion(s) (21, 22, 24, 26, 26a, 26b, 28) are anteriorly and/or posteriorly arranged on the shoe (10).