GB1107417A - Soles for sports shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

A sole for a sports shoe has a longitudinal groove 10 (Fig. 1, Figs. not shown) of substantially rectangular cross-section terminating short of the edge of the sole, and transverse grooves 11 of substantially the same cross-section extending laterally from the longitudinal groove and terminating short of the sole edges. The longitudinal groove may extend from toe to heel with the transverse grooves staggered, as in Fig. 1, may have separate heel and forepart portions, as in Fig. 3, or may have separate heel and forepart portions and additionally be divided longitudinally as in Fig. 4. Alternatively the grooves may take the form of a series of staggered U-shaped grooves, as in Fig. 5. The longitudinal groove may be curved and follow the orthopaedic axis, and the transverse grooves may be perpendicular to the walking direction or to the longitudinal groove. The ratio of width to depth of the grooves is about 3 : 1, and the side walls are rounded as they merge with the bottom surfaces of the grooves and sole. The outer surface of the sole may be finely patterned to improve the grip.