GB2556666A

GB2556666A - A footwear device

Info

Publication number: GB2556666A
Application number: GB1715191.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Jameel Ali Aaron; Nasser Rue Ali Mahmoud
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-20
Filing date: 2017-09-20
Publication date: 2018-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 2037-09-20
Also published as: GB2556666B; GB201615967D0; GB201715191D0

Abstract

Footwear comprises a sole having a plurality of sections (A, B, C, fig 10a) interlinked by at least one flexure portion 5 (fig.10A). Each section comprises at least one base 11 with each base having one or more extending studs 3. The bases are substantially less flexible than the flexure portion. The flexure portion is arranged under the metatarsophalangeal joints so that the toes can bend upwards and allow a user to kick a ball with the underside of the shoe. The bases are preferably releasably connected to the sole by means of connectors such as a dovetail connector (fig.10C), hook and loop connectors, dry adhesives such as synthetic setae or a drawstring. The flexure portions 5 may comprise elastic portions. Flexure portions may also be located under the arch of the foot or between the users toes on the sole.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: A footwear device

Abstract Title: Footwear having a flexible portion on the sole (57) Footwear comprises a sole having a plurality of sections (A, B, C₅ fig 10a) interlinked by at least one flexure portion 5 (fig. 10A). Each section comprises at least one base 11 with each base having one or more extending studs 3. The bases are substantially less flexible than the flexure portion. The flexure portion is arranged under the metatarsophalangeal joints so that the toes can bend upwards and allow a user to kick a ball with the underside of the shoe. The bases are preferably releasably connected to the sole by means of connectors such as a dovetail connector (fig. 10C), hook and loop connectors, dry adhesives such as synthetic setae or a drawstring. The flexure portions 5 may comprise elastic portions. Flexure portions may also be located under the arch of the foot or between the user’s toes on the sole.

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FIG. 13C

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A FOOTWEAR DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a footwear device, for example a shoe, in particular a footwear device for arranged striking a ball with the underside of the phalanges; allowing easier dorsiflexion of a user’s phalanges, as well plantarflexion

Background

Increasing advances in technology have evolved better boots for soccer, for example the Adidas Predator (RTM) which is arranged with raised and lowered portions on the upper of the boot for more power and control when kicking the ball with the upper of the foot.

Where the ball is kicked with the upper part of the foot, i.e. the conventional method of striking the ball; it normally requires the ball to be struck with a larger surface area of the foot, this can be effective if struck properly, however, there is usually less concentration of energy as the larger surface area equates to less developed energy to propel the ball, also, if the ball is struck with the wrong part of the foot; it can result in the ball being off target and sometimes way off target.

Great power can be exercised with kicking a ball with the underside of the foot, and with control the underside of the toes. The present invention provides a footwear device adapted for accurately striking a ball using a toe region of a sole of a shoe.

Prior Art

US 8 516 721 (MAHONEY) discloses an article of footwear comprising: a sole defining a bending feature between a phalanges portion and a metatarsus portion of the sole, and an upper defining a foot void and having a phalanges portion that defines at least one toe receiver volume, the at least one toe receiver volume defining a raised shape with respect to an adjacent metatarsus portion of the upper with substantially unrestricted upward toe flexion.

US 8 522 457 (SCHOLZ et al) discloses a sole for a shoe comprising: a. a unidirectional bending element which enables a dorsal bending of the sole and which blocks a plantar bending wherein the unidirectional bending element is arranged in a forefoot area, and wherein the width of the unidirectional bending element is less than half of the width of the sole.

US 4 914 838 (IHLENBURG) discloses a sport shoe having a circular cleat array disposed about but not directly beneath the metatarsal joint of the great toe. The shoe sole also includes a flex area in the region of the metatarsal joints. This combination permits flexure of and cradles the metatarsal joints on impact.

US4123856 (LAWSON) kicking shoe is disclosed which comprises wedging means in the toe box for maintaining the toes of a wearer in an upwardly flexed position.

WO2011/149581 (AMOS) discloses an article of footwear that includes an upper that secures the article of footwear to a wearer.

EP3092914 (WEIDL) discloses a shoe upper for a shoe.

US2015/0374068 (DUKE) discloses a moulded sole structure for a cleated athletic shoe.

EP2979567 (TAKASHIMA) discloses a show with a plurality of cleats and a band shaped portion.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by footwear devices for use with balls.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a footwear device comprising: a sole having a plurality of sections; at least one resiliently deformable flexure portion arranged in use along the underside of a wearer’s metatarsophalangeal joints, which interlinks at least two of the sections; and each section has at least one base, each base having one or more extending studs; wherein the bases are substantially less flexible than the flexure portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a footwear device comprising: a sole having a plurality of sections; at least one resiliently deformable flexure portion arranged in use along the underside of a wearer’s metatarsophalangeal joints which interlinks at least two of the sections; and each section has at least one base, each base having one or more extending studs; wherein the bases are substantially less flexible than the flexure portion and each base is releasably attached to one or more of the sections.

In use, the plurality of bases (with studs or cleats extending therefrom) may be releasably attached to the sections of the sole of the footwear device. At least two of the sections are interlinked by a flexure portion which is substantially less flexible than the bases which are attachable to the sections. When a base is attached to each of the sections interlinked by the flexure portion, they may define two relatively rigid portions of a sole interconnected by a relatively flexible portion of the sole.

The flexure portion provided across the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTP joints) enables a wearer of the footwear device a greater range of movement of the toes, allowing individual studded base portion on the toes of the sole to be pivoted and/or displaced with respect to bases arranged on under the sole of a wearer’s foot.

In preferred embodiments, the sole comprises at least one flexure portion intermediate a forefoot or toe area of the sole and the remainder of the sole. This may allow a user to bend their toes and/or forefoot upwards and/or downwards with respect to the remainder of their foot in use.

Such a footwear device may be particularly useful when striking a ball with the top or bottom of a user’s foot or with the underside of the wearer’s toes. One or more studs or cleats extending from a base attached to the forefoot of the sole, forward of the flexure area, may act as a striking area for kicking a ball.

Kicking a ball with the underside of a user’s toes, while the toes are bent upwards may provide greater speed, accuracy and power than other kicking methods. This may be especially effective when shooting a football at a goal mouth, or when passing.

The flexure portion at the toe region may permit travel through a range of at least 90 degrees in one direction (upwards or downwards) and ideally up to 120 degrees.

The flexing may occur as a player strikes a ball with upward bending toes or downward bending (pointing) toes. The degree of bending of the players feet will depend upon the force with which they strike the ball and a wearer’s foot flexibility so a full 120 range of motion is advantageous.

It is appreciated that the flexure portion may permit toes to flex upwards and downwards. Therefore in some embodiments the overall range of permitted movement may be greater than 120 degrees.

In a preferred embodiment the footwear device includes a means to limit range of movement at the flexure portions. Preferably the limiting means is provided at the flexure portion associated with the toe region and thereby the limiting means controls range of movement of a wearer’s toes relative to the rest of the shoe and thereby the sole of a wearer’s foot. This ensures a wearer’s toes are not injured by being forced beyond their normal range of movement. The limiting means may be provided by the sole or the shoe upper. For example part of the footwear may be reinforced or include a member that prevents movement past a predefined point.

The footwear device may be a football boot. The flexure area may be just behind the toe area so as to enable striking a football with the underside of the toe area.

Alternatively, or additionally the sole may comprise a flexure portion intermediate the heel of the sole and the remainder of the sole.

One, some, or all of the flexure portions may be elastic, may be resiliently deformable or may comprise elastic and/or resiliently deformable elements. Alternatively, or additionally, one, some or all of the flexure portions may comprise articulation or segmentation. For example, a flexure portion may be or may comprise a living hinge, or other flexure bearing.

For example flexure portion or portions may be formed from resiliently deformable materials such as synthetic plastics, cellular materials such as foam and/or rubber.

Each flexure portion may be a layer that is thinner than the bases so as to permit flexion. In other embodiments the flexure portions may be formed from layers of material that are bonded together to form a stronger durable part of the sole of the shoe. If the flexure portion is formed from layers the layers must be capable of equal flexion to enable reliable flexion.

The flexure portions are typically bonded to the bases by a strong, durable adhesive.

In some embodiments the flexure portions and bases that together provide a shoe sole may be formed from the same material that is of different thicknesses so as to define each part. For example the sole may be formed from rubber that is thinner at the flexure portions and thicker at the bases.

In some embodiments the device comprises an upper comprising at least one substantially elastic portion. This may allow for easier dorsiflexion of the phalanges, as well plantarflexion. The invention may thereby enable the ability to bend the toes to enhance the cupping of the football.

In this way the device may be used for the user to strike a ball through the heads of the metatarsal bones of the foot rather than through the toes.

Ideally the user's toe nails may be manicured (cut back without any protruding nails) prior to using the underside kicking action (whilst kicking with underside, the long nail/s may snag and potentially be torn from toe/s). The present invention relates to a system for kicking in this way also.

In some embodiments the bases are releasably attachable, comprise at least one stud or cleat extending therefrom, and are substantially less flexible than flexure portions comprised by the sole.

The bases may correspond to areas of a user’s foot and/or to areas and/or sections of the sole of the footwear device. One, some or all of the bases may be shaped to correspond to a specific section or area of the sole or a user’s foot. For example, a base may have the shape of the toe portion of the sole of shoe and may correspond to a section at the front of the footwear device, such as one separated from the remainder of the sole by a flexure portion.

Bases may have substantially the same shape or horizontal cross section as sections of the sole or portions thereof to which they correspond. The bases may cover the sections of the sole when they are attached thereto.

The bases may be replaceable and/or interchangeable. For example, allowing a user to replace a base with one with different rigidity, with a different arrangement of studs or cleats and/or with studs of cleats of different lengths and/or shapes. This may allow a user to customise a shoe to their conditions and/or usage requirements. This may allow a user to exchange bases for those with different studs depending on the playing surface on which they will be using the device, for example, on an artificial turf or similar playing surface, a hard grass pitch or a muddy pitch.

The bases and/or the sections may comprise attachment means for releasably connecting the bases and the soles together. The means for releasably connecting the bases and sections may comprise hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro (RTM)), adhesives, magnetic connectors, dovetail connectors, zippers, snap fit connectors, dry adhesives (such as synthetic setae), a drawstring mechanism and/or other types of fasteners or connectors.

In some embodiments, the means for releasably connecting the bases and sections may be used to attach other objects or components of the footwear device to the bases and/or the sections. For example, they may be used to attach a non-studded sole element to a section covering a portion of the sole, such that the sole is only partially studded in use, or they may be used to attach a spacer intermediate the section and a base so as to provide additional height to the footwear device.

In some embodiments, only a portion of the sole may comprise sections, bases and flexure portions. For example, the sole may comprise a substantially rigid heel, forefoot and arch sections to which bases are releasably connected and a flexure portion intermediate the forefoot section and the arch section.

In some embodiments, the sole may comprise one or more than one discrete portions which comprise one or more specific materials. For example, different materials may provide different desirable characteristics, such as the heel may be formed from a substantially rigid thermoplastics material. For example in some embodiments the heel section may comprise a separate heel platform, wherein the remainder of the sole is substantially more elastic. The heel section may be a removable base, or may be a portion of the sole which is not comprised by a section, flexible portion or base.

In some such embodiments, the flexure portions are provided substantially vertically aligned in use. In other embodiments, the flexure portions may correspond to movement of the user’s foot. For example, the flexure portions may be arranged offset to accommodate the differing length of the joint’s flexion relative the top and bottom of the foot.

In some embodiments the flexure portions may accommodate or follow a longitudinal-lateral diagonal of the toe joints between the metatarsals and phalanges. In some embodiments this diagonal may accommodate a plurality of differing angles, for example comprising articulation so as to allow the diagonal to be formed at multiple angles.

In some embodiments, the sections correspond to three basal areas of the user’s foot, namely the forefoot or toe area, the heel and the arch of the foot. These sections may be separated by two flexure portions, one intermediate the heel section and the arch and the other intermediate the arch and the forefoot or toe area. In other embodiments, the sole may comprise only a single flexure portion, for example intermediate the arch and the forefoot or toe area. In these embodiments, the heel and arch section, or bases for releasably attaching thereto may be continuous.

For example, the fore foot and arch may have dedicated sections, which sections are joined by an flexure portion. The sole may further comprise dedicated bases for attaching thereto. In some embodiments, the heel and arch may be joined by an flexure portion, whereas in other embodiments the only flexure portion is approximately situated at the fore foot and ball joint.

In this way the user’s fore foot, or toes, may be easily elevated in use, with the joint free to move, and the toes may be angled upwards at an oblique angle to the rest of the foot.

In some embodiments the flexure portions may comprise extendable and retractable portions, for example wherein such portions may be arranged to lengthen or shorten incrementally or progressively, instead of or as well as through elastomeric stretching or articulating. In some such embodiments the extension or retraction may comprise anti-return bias, so as to aid the user in maintaining a position, temporarily, before returning to the unflexed state.

In some further embodiments the portions may comprise over-extension protection. For example, in some embodiments the extension or retraction may be limited or deliberately blocked at a pre-defined extension or retraction point.

In this way involuntary over-extension, for example under impact of a strike, may be prevented or limited.

In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the sections or portions thereof may be substantially as rigid as the bases or may be more rigid than the bases. This provide a rigid support for bases attached thereto and/or may allow the footwear device to be used without one or more of the bases attached.

Alternatively, or additionally, one, some, or all of the sections or portions thereof may be substantially as flexible as the flexure portion. This may allow additional flexible portions of the sole to be defined by attaching bases such that there is a gap between two or more bases where the flexible section or portion thereof is able to be bent or flexed.

In other embodiments, the sections may have flexibility intermediate that of the bases and that of the flexure portions. The sections may be resiliently deformable, and or elastic, so as to provide cushioning intermediate a user’s foot and the bases.

In some embodiments the sole comprises a standard football stud arrangement. The stud and bases may comprise a unitary whole, wherein the studs are not displaceable from the bases. In other embodiments, one, some or all of the studs may be removable from the bases. The studs may be envisaged to be a rubber or silicone or elastomeric thermoplastics, advantageously so as to provide a more comfortable strike zone.

In other embodiments, the sole comprises a bespoke stud arrangement. Such arrangement may be arranged to allow striking of a ball with the underside of the fore foot. In some embodiments, a plurality of interchangeable bases with different stud arrangements may be provided.

For example the arrangement may comprise a balanced dispersal of studs so as to provide a solid strike zone. In some embodiments, the studs may be arranged to fan from a central strike point, and/or provide multiple strike points on the underside of the footwear device, or forefoot underside.

In some embodiments, the footwear device is arranged for multiple strike points which are arranged about the device above and below the foot in use. In this way the upper of the device may comprise a textured surface arranged for striking the ball with the top of the fore foot. In some embodiments in order to provide greater support to a foot the upper comprises ankle protection, or otherwise extends up the ankle of the user in use.

In some embodiments, the flexure portions may be relatively elastic relative to the sections and/or the bases. For example, in some embodiments the flexure portions may be provided by absence of studs and bases in the portions. In such embodiments, the sections and portion may comprise a continuous whole, formed from the same material.

In some embodiments, the device comprises distinct areas of studs which may be on distinct bases corresponding to distinct sections of the sole, such that the user’s foot is supported in key areas; for example wherein studs are provided below the heel, instep and fore foot, and may be arranged for flexure in use to promote a more natural gait.

In some embodiments, the footwear device may comprise an emplacement and displacement means arranged to avoid interference with the flexure portions, bending of the toe joint and any strike zones.

The device may comprise an upper with a closure means for securing a user’s foot therein. The closure means may be or may comprise laces, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro (RTM)), magnetic connectors, one or more zippers, snap fit connectors, dry adhesives (such as synthetic setae), and/or other types of fasteners or connectors.

For example, emplacement of the device onto the user’s foot may be accomplished using a closure means to rear of the user’s foot, so as to better enable ball control.

In this way flexure at the top of the device or in the upper is enabled to be free, without compromise. Advantageously elastic portions in the dorsum area or the standard laces area may enable easier stretching.

In some embodiments, a layer of resiliently deformable material is formed on the underside of one or more of the bases and/or the flexure portion. The layer of resiliently deformable material may be located intermediate the studs and may cover substantially the entire underside of the footwear device in use. The resiliently deformable material is typically a cellular structure such as foam. The layer arrange on the underside of the footwear may be memory foam and may fill the surface of the sole intermediate the studs.

The resiliently deformable material may facilitate the removal of mud or other deposits from intermediate the studs in use. The layer of resiliently deformable material deforms on contact with the ground. Grass, earth, mud or other deposit may stick to the deformed layer, however as the layer expands again to its original shape the deposits are actively forced from the layer, thereby cleaning the sole of the footwear. This enables a wearer to maintain optimum grip during play and reduces the requirement for cleaning of the shoes.

The footwear device may further comprise an ankle protector which may be releasably connected to the upper of the shoe by laces, hook and loop fasteners (such as Velcro (RTM)), magnetic connectors, one or more zippers, snap fit connectors, dry adhesives (such as synthetic setae), and/or other types of fasteners or connectors.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1a shows a view from below of an embodiment of the device;

Figure 1b shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1a;

Figure 2a shows a front view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1;

Figure 2b shows a rear view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1;

Figure 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1, from below;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1, from above;

Figure 6a shows a plan view of the sole of the embodiment of the device shown in Figures 1;

Figure 6b shows a plan view of a foot;

Figure 6c shows a view of the bone structure of a foot;

Figure 7 shows a plan view of a sole for a footwear device according to the present invention

Figures 8a to 8c show differing embodiment of a footwear device according to the present invention;

Figure 9a shows a view from below of another embodiment of the device;

Figure 9b shows a side view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 9a;

Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show an isometric view of another embodiment of the device and views from below of elements thereof;

Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show an isometric view of another embodiment of the device and views from below of elements thereof;

Figures 12a, 12b and 12c show an isometric view of another embodiment of the device and views from below of elements thereof;

Figure 13a, 13b and 13c show a drawstring mechanism for securing bases to the sole; and

Figure 14 shows a side view of another embodiment of the device.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to figures 1 to 6a there is shown an embodiment of a footwear device comprising a sole with three sections A, B, C interlinked by two relatively elastic flexible portions 4, 5, with a third relatively elastic portion 6 surrounded by the forefoot section C. The sole is comprised by a platform 22 for the heel section A and main sole element 2 comprising conjoined forefoot and arch sections (C and B respectively). The device further includes an upper 1 which partially encloses a user’s foot in use.

The device further comprises a plurality of bases 11 and associated studs 3 which comprise relatively resiliently deformable blades moulded to the main sole element 2 and relatively rigid studs moulded to the heel platform 22.

The heel platform 22 is formed in a relatively inelastic material and robust such as polyethylene or relatively rigid thermoplastics. This advantageously provides greater support of the heel. The main sole element 2 is a unitary part formed in a relatively elastic or resiliently deformable thermoplastics or elastomer.

The heel platform in the embodiment pictured in Figures 1 to 6a comprises five substantially rigid oval plastic studs in a horseshoe configuration 33, with an open end facing the toes, and a central transverse oval stud 34, advantageously combining to form a stable base for the heel.

A first relatively elastic portion 5 is comprised between the forefoot section C and arch section B. This corresponds in use to the front of the ball of the user’s foot 55, or the metatarsals and phalanges joint 555.

A second relatively elastic portion 4 is provided below the arch of the foot and in front of the heel platform 22.

A third relatively elastic portion 6 is provided centrally below the forefoot C. This comprises a centre of a potential strike zone and is surrounded on all sides by the forefoot section C and substantially continuously by stud bases formed in an annular arrangement.

The first elastic portion comprises a curved band reaching between the sides of the sole, bounded to the fore by the bottom of the forefoot stud arrangement and to aft by a shallower curved sequence of three bases comprising the arch area B of the main portion 2 of the sole.

The elastic portions are provided by absence of studs and bases.

The upper 1 comprises a rear zipper 10 closure means, vertically openable along the rear of the user’s heel; so as to avoid interference with the striking zones of the device.

The upper 1 further includes an elasticated tongue, comprising a substantially inelastic fabric or leather tongue 13 joined to the rest of the upper at the ankle end by elasticated webbing 12.

In some embodiments further movement lacunae or portions may be included, comprising fillets 7, 9, 8 arranged to allow for greater freedom of movement within the sole, for example comprising a more deformable material than the sole, or a vacuum or air pocket. In some such embodiments the movement portion under the user’s arch 8 may be arranged to easily flatten, and/or a movement fillet 9 under the metatarsal joint with the phalanges may be arranged to increase flexibility and/or allow incremental or biased movement.

With reference to Figure 7 a variant embodiment of the sole footwear device according to the present invention is shown, wherein the oval or racecourse oblong studs D are arranged with three studs in a horseshoe configuration open towards the rear of the device, with a transverse line of three studs running along the edge of the flexure zone A. A transverse line of three studs runs along the rear edge of the flexure zone A, and two transverse studs and two studs splaying outward towards the toes makes up the following area of studs.

After the next flexure zone B the heel area comprises two inwardly splayed studs and a circular or substantially square configuration of four studs namely two parallel transverse studs and two outwardly splayed studs.

With reference to the embodiments pictured in Figure 8, Figure 8a shows a footwear device in use, and from below with a variant stud configuration; Figure 8b shows an embodiment including a flexure zone panel that extends up the sides of the boot; and Figure 8c shows a sole arrangement for a footwear device according to the present invention comprising a unitary stud base part with decreased depth of material correlating to flexure zones.

Figures 9a and 9b show a footwear device as shown in figures 1 to 6a and described above, with an additional layer of hard wearing foam 40 formed over substantially the entirety of the under-surface of the sole surrounding and intermediate the studs 3. The presence of the resiliently deformable memory foam facilitates removing deposits such as mud from in-between the studs during use. The memory foam additionally provides a cushioning effect to the sole of a user’s foot in use as well as absorbing some of the impact as the footwear device interfaces the ground.

Figures 10a, 10b, 10c, 11a, 11b, 11c and 12a, 12b, 12c show footwear devices according to the present invention each of which comprise soles with sections A, B and C interlinked by flexure portions. The C section being a toe and forefoot section at the front of the sole and the A and B sections being a heel and arch section. The sections have base areas 11 each with a plurality of studs 3 extending therefrom.

Each base area 11 is of the same size and shape as the corresponding section A, B C. The base areas releasably attach to the first and second sections using attachment means 15, 16, 17, 18, 19.

In the footwear device shown in figures 10a, 10b, 10c the attachment means is a dovetail connector at the edges of the sections and the base areas. The dovetail connectors allow the bases and the studs to be slid out of the sole to be interchanged or replaced. The dovetail shaping prevents movement of the base relative to the sole in use.

In the footwear device shown in figures 11a, 11b, 11c the attachment means is a layer of dry adhesive over the undersides of the sections comprising synthetic setae which emulate the setae found on the toes of a gecko. The synthetic setae on the sections adhere to harder upper surfaces of the bases opposite the studs and releasable attach the base areas to the sections.

In the footwear device shown in figures 12a, 12b, 12c the attachment means 17 is a layer of hook and loop connectors over the underside of the sections and the upper surfaces of the base areas (such as Velcro (RTM) fabric).

Figures 13a, 13b and 13c show a further attachment means comprising a drawstring mechanism 18, 19 for securing base areas 11 to the sole.

The drawstring attachment means wrap around under a portion on the sole security and acts as a way to stabilise the base areas or bases when positioned on the section.

The sole has a flap 18 with a channel (not shown) that receives a cord 19. The cord 19 runs through the channel so that the flap can be tightened about the base areas 11 in order to secure them to the sole.

The flap 18 is arranged to overlap the edge of the base in order to secure it in place on the sole. In some embodiments the flap is shaped to cup the edge of the base areas 11, for example the flap may have an L-shaped profile so as to overlap the base area 11 sufficiently to hold it in position.

An end of the cord 19 is pulled to tighten the flap about the bases 11 and the end of the cord 19 can then be secured to, or stowed about, a stud 3. One or more of the studs 3 may include a recess (not shown) for holding the drawstring taut.

Preferably the cord has a lock mechanism so that the cord does not loosen during use.

As each base is secured about all edges it is prevented from moving during use and cannot be caught during use which may result in the base areas 11 being removed from the footwear.

In some preferred embodiments the drawstring mechanism may be used in combination with other attachment means such as hook and loop means, dovetail connectors or synthetic setae. In this way the base is fixed in place by a first attachment means provided between the base and the section (hook and loop means, dovetail connectors or synthetic setae) and the drawstring attachment means (a second attachment means) is then used to further secure the bases to the sections.

Figure 14 shows a footwear device comprising an upper with a rear closure means 10 for securing a user’s foot therein. The closure means being at the heel of the footwear device and connecting two sides of the upper. The closure means may comprise synthetic setae, a zipper or hook and loop connectors as shown in the inset.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be 5 appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A footwear device comprising: a sole having a plurality of sections; at least one resiliently deformable flexure portion arranged in use along the underside of a wearer’s metatarsophalangeal joints, which interlinks at least two of the sections; and each section has at least one base, each base having one or more extending studs; wherein the bases are substantially less flexible than the flexure portion.

2. A footwear device comprising: a sole having a plurality of sections; at least one resiliently deformable flexure portion arranged in use along the underside of a wearer’s metatarsophalangeal joints, which interlinks at least two of the sections; and each section has at least one base, each base having one or more extending studs; wherein the bases are substantially less flexible than the flexure portion and each base is releasably attached to one or more of the sections.

3. A footwear device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the flexure portions comprise elastic portions.

4. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein a flexure portion is located under the arch of the user’s foot.

5. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein a flexure portion is located on an upper portion of the footwear device.

6. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein a flexure portion is located between the user’s toes on the sole.

7. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein the base of studs, at the user’s heel, comprises a substantially inelastic discrete platform section corresponding to the user’s heel.

8. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein at least some of the studs are fixed blades.

9. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein the flexure portion comprises an anti-return bias for temporarily holding the deformed position of the flexure portion.

10. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein the stud configuration beneath the toes comprises a horseshoe opening towards the rear and a line bounding the flexure portion.

11 .A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein an external surface of the sole is covered, at least in part, by a resiliently deformable layer.

12. A footwear device according to claim 11 wherein the layer is formed from foam.

13. A footwear device according to any preceding claim comprising an upper portion.

14. A footwear device according to claim 13 wherein the upper portion extends up the user’s ankle.

15. A footwear device according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the upper portion comprises a complementary flexure portion corresponding to a flexure portion of the sole.

16. A footwear device according to any preceding claim comprising a rear opening upper portion.

17. A footwear device according to claim 8 wherein the blades are resiliently deformable under the front of the foot and relatively rigid below the heel.

18. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein the section under the heel is discrete and formed from a substantially rigid material.

19. A footwear device according to any preceding claim wherein the studs are displaceable from the bases.

5

20. A footwear device according to any of claims 2 to 19 wherein the bases releasably attach to the sections using a dovetail connector.

21 .A footwear device according to any of claims 2 to 19 wherein the bases releasably attach to the section using a hook and loop connector.

22. A footwear device according to any of claims 2 to 19 wherein the bases releasably attach to the section using dry adhesives comprising synthetic setae.

15

23. A footwear device according to any of claims 2 to 19 wherein the bases releasably attach to the section using a drawstring mechanism.

24. A footwear device according to any preceding claim including a means to limit range of movement of the flexure portion.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1715191.1