GB2617609A - A child's shoe sole with growth indicator and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A shoe sole 10 comprising a ground-engagement surface 14 having first and second indicators 30, 32, preferably linear elements 30a, 32a, at heel and toe portions 20, 22 respectively which define a longitudinal foot-growth parameter 34, whereby placing a sole of a foot on the ground-engagement surface enables determination of shoe obsolescence. The heel portion may include a third indicator 52, preferably an arcuate element 52b that abuts the first indicator. The toe portion may include a fourth indicator 60, which may be an arcuate element 60c that abuts the second indicator, and which may also include first and second fourth indicators 48, 50 which define a lateral foot-growth parameter 54. The indicators may be moulded into the sole forming part of a shoe tread 58. A central portion 36 of the sole may include an outline of a foot sole 64. The device and method may be suitable for use with a child’s foot, indicating shoe suitability as the child matures.

Description

A Child's Shoe Sole With Growth Indicator And Method The present invention relates to a shoe having growth indicators on a groundengageable sole surface and particularly but not exclusively to a child's shoe. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a shoe, again particularly but not necessarily exclusively to a child's shoe, which has such growth indicators, and to a method of determining shoe obsolescence.

Poorly fitting footwear, especially in young children, can result in foot deformities. There are a number of solutions for determining correct shoe size. The simplest of which involves placing the child's foot within a shoe, and palpating the shoe upper to distinguish the amount of available space, if any, between the foot and shoe. One key disadvantage, is that identifying the position of the foot through an upper can be difficult and imprecise, often leading to incorrect shoe sizing.

Another, more precise solution, includes a Brannock device, often found in shoe shops, and includes a rigid plate with a heel placement guide, a scale indicating the different shoe sizes along a longitudinal length of the plate and a toe positioning member. One key limitation of this particular solution is that after leaving the shop, access to such equipment can be limited. This is particularly important considering that children's feet grow rapidly, often reaching half of their full-grown adult size during their first year.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a child's shoe sole comprising a sole body having a ground-engagement surface; the ground engagement surface including a heel portion and a toe portion which opposes the heel portion; the heel and toe portions having first and second indicators respectively which define a longitudinal foot-growth parameter; whereby placing a sole of a child's foot on the ground engagement surface enables determination of shoe obsolescence as the child matures.

Such a shoe sole allows a user to check shoe sizing at their convenience and can therefore help minimise the time at which a foot is subject to ill-fitting footwear. It can also inform when you should seek professional advice, helping to minimise waste in terms of unnecessary journeys and appointments. By utilising first and second indicators, growth of a child's foot, beyond that which can be accommodated by the associated shoe, can be easily determined without any prior knowledge of sizing conventions that can differ from country-to-country, and in some instances, from brandto-brand.

Preferably, the heel portion includes a third indicator which is different from the first indicator, the third indicator defining a heel-alignment portion for a foot which is correctly sized for the associated shoe. Providing a portion for aligning the heel when assessing foot-growth with respect to such a child's shoe sole, helps visualisation of how the foot may sit when in use. This provides valuable information in terms of if the foot is supported correctly, and if the shoe is too small or too large, and if so, in what areas.

In some instances, the first indicator may be or include one or more linear indicator elements. Such linear indicator elements allow determination if a child's heel extends further than that intended by the shoe. The linearity of the indicator provides easy assessment for a variety of heel shapes and sizes. Furthermore, in the case where more than one linear indicator is utilised, quantification or semi-quantification of foot-growth can also be established.

Optionally, the linear indicator elements of the first indicator extend along a width of the ground-engagement surface. Linear indicators that extend along the full width of the sole ground-engagement surface allows foot-growth to be assessed in situations where ideal foot placement cannot be achieved, or easily achieved.

Advantageously, the third indicator may include one or more arcuate indicator elements. Arcuate indicator elements provide further guidance on preferred positioning of the heel. This offers further advantages in terms of if the associated shoe is compatible with specific individual foot anatomy. Additionally, such a sole not only determines if the shoe is obsolete but also provides confirmation as to whether the associated shoe is still of the correct sizing.

Beneficially, the first and third indicators are contrasting elements. These contrasting elements provide an easy visual control, allowing an at-a-glance assessment, reducing the need for a more detailed inspection, with particular benefit for use with young 30 children.

In some cases, the first and third indicators are moulded into the sole body, forming at least in part a shoe tread. Firstly, integration of the first and third indicators into the sole body can provide a dual purpose, also performing the function of a tread. In the instance where the first and third indicators are also linear, traction along a longitudinal axis of the sole body is also optimised. Furthermore, significant wear can also be sustained by the sole body whilst also maintaining functionality as a growth-indicator. Moulded indicators are also useful for the visually impaired, allowing assessment via touch.

Preferentially, the first and third indicators may at least in part abut or substantially abut. By the first and third indicators being next to each other or sharing a common boundary, ambiguity regarding if the associated shoe is in fact outgrown or not, is minimised or removed.

Additionally, the toe portion may include a fourth indicator which is different from the second indicator, the fourth indicator defining a toe-alignment portion for a foot which is correctly sized for the associated shoe. This fourth indicator also provides a means of confirming if the child's foot is in tolerance for the associated shoe. The fourth indicator in conjunction with the third indicator also affords a semi-quantitative measure of when new shoes should be sort.

Furthermore, the second indicator may be or may include one or more linear indicator elements. Linearity of indicator elements can allow determination of toe overlap with all different variations of toe anatomy.

Beneficially, the linear indicator elements of the second indicator may extend along the width of the ground-engagement surface. Such indicators that extend the full width of the ground-engagement surface provide foot-growth assessment in situations where ideal foot placement cannot be achieved, or easily achieved. Furthermore, in instances when toes have been subject to surgery including possible amputation, or have not formed correctly, the extension of indicators across the full width of the ground-engagement surface provides a non-discriminatory shoe sizing assessment solution.

Optionally, the fourth indicator includes one or more arcuate indicator elements. This provides a more accurate means of determining possible foot impingement points which have implications on foot development.

Preferably, the or each said arcuate indicator element is or includes one or more discrete pads for a toe of a child's foot. Use of such discrete pads can provide a more interactive means of assessment for an improved user experience.

In some instances, the second and fourth indicators are contrasting elements. These contrasting elements provide a visual at-a-glance indication. Such visual management has been proven to increase the speed of decision making, engender a more positive interaction, reduces mistakes and the probability of misinterpretation.

In other instances, the second and fourth indicators may be moulded into the sole body, forming at least in part the shoe tread. Integration of the second and fourth indicators can provide a dual purpose, also performing the function of a tread. Additionally, this means that significant wear can be sustained by the sole body whilst also maintaining functionality as a growth-indicator. This can also provide an indication as to whether orthotic support is required by assessment of wear depth.

Advantageously, the second and fourth indicators may at least in part abut or substantially abut. By the second and fourth indicators being next to each other or sharing a common boundary, ambiguity regarding if the associated shoe is in fact outgrown or not, is removed or minimised.

Preferentially, the ground-engagement surface further comprises a medial portion and a lateral portion which opposes the medial portion; the medial portion being associated with a first said fourth indicator, and the lateral portion being associated with a second said fourth indicator, the first and second fourth indicators defining at least in part a lateral foot-growth parameter. Although most shoe fittings are primarily concerned with growth in a longitudinal direction, lateral growth is just as important. Shoes that are too narrow have been associated with bunions. Correctly fitting shoes in both longitudinal and lateral directions can help prevent such conditions which are often only remedied by surgery. Therefore, providing growth assessment in both longitudinal and lateral directions is considered important.

Additionally, the ground-engagement surface may further comprise a central portion interposed between the heel and toe portions, the central portion including one or more geometric elements to form an or substantially form an outline of a foot sole between the heel portion and the toe portion. Like shoes that are too small, shoes that are too large can also cause problems. By providing a central portion which can help indicate if the foot is of the correct sizing, in addition or opposed to obsolete, can also be advantageous. The inclusion of an outline of a foot sole can also afford greater insight into how the associated shoe might be affecting foot development. This can help inform future footwear selection in terms of both size and shape.

Beneficially, the outline of a foot sole may be moulded into the sole body, forming at least in part a shoe tread. By the tread presenting an outline of a foot sole, frictional properties in a direction of travel perpendicular to said tread can be optimised, thus optimising traction in a greater number of directions.

Furthermore, the upper may be on the child's shoe sole to form a receiver for receiving a child's foot. By such a sole being provided with an upper allows multiple ways of shoe specific sizing assessment to be used together. More specifically, users can use such a sole to compare foot-growth with said growth indicators in addition to the more traditional means of palpating the shoe upper once the shoe has received the foot.

This can improve the reliability and confidence in subsequent decisions.

Moreover, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of determining obsolescence of a child's shoe, preferably using such a child's shoe sole, the method comprising the steps of: a] placing a sole of a child's foot at or adjacent to the ground-engagement surface, such that the toes of the child's foot are at or adjacent to the toe portion, and such that the heel of the child's foot is at or adjacent to the heel portion; b] visually inspecting foot positioning relative to the first and second indicators; and c] based on the visual inspection in step [b], determining said longitudinal foot-growth parameter and as such whether the shoe is either obsolete or not. Such a method allows a user to check shoe sizing at their convenience and can therefore help minimise the number of possible journeys to and from a foot measuring professional. Furthermore, this method offers a simple visual control which does not require any prior knowledge of sizing conventions that can differ from countryto-country, and in some instances from brand-to-brand.

Optionally, step [b] may further comprise visual inspection of the first said fourth indicator and the second said fourth indicator; and step [c] further comprises determining said lateral foot-growth parameter and as such whether the shoe is obsolete. Ensuring correct fit of a shoe in all directions is important for normal foot development. Therefore, utilising a method allowing both longitudinal and lateral foot-growth can help prevent the development of a greater variety of foot conditions.

Preferably, the method includes the repetition of the steps a, b and c for a second foot, determining obsolescence for a pair of shoes. It is not uncommon for feet to develop at a different rate to one another. By utilising a pair of shoes with such as sole can help identify this, and mitigate abnormal foot development in such instances.

An alternative child's shoe sole in accordance with a third aspect of the invention includes a sole body having a ground-engagement surface; the ground engagement surface including a heel portion, a toe portion which opposes the heel portion, and a central portion; the heel and toe portions each having first and second indicators respectively which define a longitudinal foot-growth parameter, and the central portion which defines a first in-length-tolerance parameter; and whereby placing a sole of a child's foot at or adjacent to the central portion of the ground engagement surface enables determination of shoe obsolescence as the child matures.

Such a shoe sole allows the user to determine not only if the shoe has been outgrown but also if a foot is in tolerance for the associated shoe. The central portion also provides the user with a convenient zone in which to help guide foot placement prior to visual assessment. Such visual controls have been found to be affective in aiding timely and accurate decision making.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side representation of one embodiment of a child's shoe sole, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and shown with a shoe upper in phantom for clarity; and Figure 2 shows a plan view of a ground-engagement surface of the child's shoe sole, as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a child's shoe sole 10 which includes a sole body 12. The sole body 12 has a ground-engagement surface 14 which opposes a foot-engageable surface 16.

The child's shoe sole 10 may be provided as a sole body 12 or a pair of sole bodies.

Alternatively, the child's shoe sole 10 may be provided in an assembled condition, complete with a shoe upper 18, and in some cases a midsole (not shown) located between the ground-engagement surface 14 and foot-engageable surface 16, forming or substantially forming a complete shoe and/or pair of shoes. The child's shoe sole 10 may be bonded, sewn or otherwise connected or engaged with the shoe upper 18, and in some cases the midsole.

The child's shoe sole 10 and any part thereof may comprise or be formed from a polymer, composite, other synthetic, or indeed one or more naturally occurring materials, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the sole body 12 is resiliently flexible.

The shoe sole body 12 is at least in part opaque or substantially opaque. The sole body 12 may have clear and/or translucent portions, but preferably at least a major portion of the ground engagement surface is opaque for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter.

Referring to Figure 2, the ground-engagement surface 14 comprises a heel portion 20 and a toe portion 22 that opposes the heel portion 20. The heel and toe portions 20, 22 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship along a longitudinal shoe axis 24, with the heel portion 20 extending or substantially extending from a rearward-most edge or edge portion 26, and the toe portion 22 extending or substantially extending from a forward-most edge or edge portion 28.

The heel portion 20 includes a first indicator 30, and the toe portion 22 includes a second indicator 32. Together, said first and second indicators 30, 32 define a longitudinal foot-growth parameter 34.

The ground-engagement surface 14 also comprises a central portion 36 interposed between the heel and toe portions 20, 22.

The ground-engagement surface 14 also includes a medial portion 38 and a lateral portion 40 that opposes the medial portion 38. The medial and lateral portions 38, 40 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship along a transverse shoe axis 42, with the medial portion 38 extending or substantially extending from a medial edge or edge portion 44, and the lateral portion 40 extending or substantially extending from a lateral edge or edge portion 46. Said medial and lateral portions 38, 40 also extend, or substantially extend between the heel and toe portions 20, 22 and overlap the central portion 36.

The medial portion 38 includes a first said fourth indicator 48, and the lateral portion 40 includes a second said fourth indicator 50, together defining a lateral foot-growth parameter 54.

The ground-engagement surface 14 may only comprise the heel and toe portions 20, 22 with first and second indicators 30, 32, respectively. The other aforementioned features are preferable but not necessarily essential to the invention.

The heel portion 20 includes a third indicator 52 which is different from the first indicator 30. Said third indicator 52 defines at least in part a heel-alignment portion 52a, indicating the preferred location of a heel (not shown) in the longitudinal and transverse shoe axes 24, 42. The third indicator 52 being at or adjacent to a heel portion boundary 56. The third indicator 52 in this case, is or includes arcuate indicator elements 52b.

In other instances, the third indicator may be or includes only one arcuate indicator element. The arcuate indicator may also be, or comprise, a plurality of broken lines which may be linear, circular and/or arcuate sub-elements. Alternative embodiments include a linear third indicator which may be continuous or broken.

The first indicator 30 is or includes a plurality of transverse linear elements 30a, as shown in Figure 2. The indicators extend or substantially extend along a width of the ground-engagement surface 14 and from the rearward-most edge 26 to abut, or substantially abut the third indicator 52.

As per the embodiment shown in the drawings, the first and third indicators 30, 52 are moulded into the sole body 12, partially shown in Figure 1. In this instance, the moulded first and third indicators 30, 52 form at least in part a shoe tread 58.

The first indicator may be a single linear element that abuts or substantially abuts the third indicator.

Whilst the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings includes a plurality of transverse linear elements as or included in the first indicator, these regions may simply be contrasting elements with the rest of the ground-engagement surface and/or the third indicator.

In some instances, the first indicator is or includes contrasting elements that do not extend or substantially extend along the width of the ground-engagement surface. In this case, a plurality of geometrical shapes may be arranged with anatomical spacing.

Additionally or alternatively, the said contrasting elements do not extend from the rearward-most edge to abut or substantially abut the third indicator. In this case, the contrasting elements are concentrated at or adjacent to the third indicator.

Referring again to Figure 2, the toe portion 22 includes a fourth indicator 60 which is different from the second indicator 32. The fourth indicator 60 defines a toe-alignment portion 60a which indicates the preferred location of toes (not shown) in the longitudinal and transverse shoe axes 24, 42. Said toe-alignment portion 60a being at or adjacent to a toe portion boundary 62.

As per the preferred embodiment, said fourth indicator 60 includes five discrete pads 60b for each toe of a child's foot. Each discrete pad includes an arcuate indicator element 60c. In this case, at least some arcuate indicator elements 60c of the fourth indicator 60 at least in part abut or substantially abut the second indicator 32.

In other instances, the fourth indicator is, or includes a single pad with only one arcuate indicator element.

Each pad may be of any geometrical shape including circles, rectangles, polygons and/or combination thereof.

In the absence of pads or a pad, the fourth indicator may comprise one or more arcuate or linear indicator elements. The fourth indicator need only be distinguishable from the second indicator which can be achieved using contrasting elements.

The second indicator 32 is or includes a plurality of transverse linear elements 32a.

The indicators extend or substantially extend along a width of the ground-engagement surface 14, and from the forward-most edge 28 to abut or substantially abut the fourth indicator 60.

As per the embodiment shown in the drawings, the second and fourth indicators 32, 60 are moulded into the sole body 12, partially shown in Figure 1. In this instance, the moulded second and fourth indicators 32, 60 form at least in part the shoe tread 58.

In the simplest envisaged embodiment, the second indicator is a single linear element that abuts or substantially abuts the fourth indicator.

Whilst the preferred embodiment includes a plurality of transverse linear elements 32a as or included in the second indicator 32, these regions may simply be contrasting elements with the rest of the ground-engagement surface and/or the fourth indicator.

The second indicator may include contrasting elements that may not extend or substantially extend along the width of the ground-engagement surface. In this instance, a plurality of geometrical shapes are arranged with anatomical spacing. Said contrasting elements may also not extend from the forward-most edge to abut or substantially abut the fourth indicator. In this case, the contrasting elements are concentrated at or adjacent to the fourth indicator.

The central portion 36 includes an outline of a foot sole 64 between the heel portion 20 and the toe portion 22. In this instance, the outline of a foot sole 64 is moulded into the sole body 12, forming at least in part the shoe tread 58.

Alternative embodiments include the central portion which comprises one or more geometrical shapes such as circles, ovals, rectangles, polygons and/or combination thereof. In this case, the central region need only contrast with the other parts of the ground-engagement surface which can be achieved by including contrasting elements.

The ground-engagement surface 14 includes the medial and lateral portions 38, 40 with corresponding first said fourth indicator 48 and second said fourth indicator 50. In this case, the first said fourth indicator 48 and second said fourth indicator 50 each include one or more foot-sole contours 66. In this case, the foot-sole contours 66 are moulded into the sole body 12, forming at least in part the shoe tread 58.

Other envisaged embodiments that include first and second said fourth indicators comprise only two contours that extend, or substantially extend the length of the medial and lateral portions, respectively. In this case, the two contours define the lateral-growth indicator.

Alternative embodiments that include first and second said fourth indicators, comprise contrasting elements, that are distinctive with respect to the rest of the ground-engagement surface, first, second, third and/or fourth indicators.

The aforementioned contrasting elements may also be achieved via reflective or light-emitting elements. A specific example of light-emitting elements could be or include light emitting diodes.

Where reference has been made to contrasting elements. This can be achieved by the referenced features being of differing colours, patterns, textures and/or combinations thereof.

The aforementioned child's shoe sole 10, presented in Figures 1 and 2, relates to a shoe sole 10 that can be used to determine if the shoe has been outgrown by a child. However, the present invention may include human adults, and any mammal that has use of footwear.

In use, a first step for determining shoe obsolescence using such a shoe sole includes removing any sock or garment that may be covering the child's foot.

The shoe is then inverted to reveal the ground-engagement surface 14. A sole of the, preferably de-socked or bare, foot is then placed in alignment on the ground-engagement surface 14 such that the toes of the child's foot are at or adjacent to the toe portion 22, and such that the heel of the child's foot is at or adjacent to the heel portion 20.

The longitudinal foot-growth parameter 34 is then determined by visually inspecting the foot with respect to the first and second indicators 30, 32. If the foot overlaps or touches both first and second indicators 30, 32, the longitudinal foot-growth parameter 34 is deemed to be exceeded, and the shoe is therefore considered obsolete. This indicates that the user should seek advice from a shoe fitting professional.

In the instance where such a shoe sole 10 includes the lateral foot-growth parameter 54, visual inspection of the foot with respect to the first said fourth indicator 48 and the second said fourth indicator 50 is also performed. Overlap or touching of the foot with both the first said fourth indicator 48 and the second said fourth indicator 50 identifies the lateral foot-growth parameter 54 as being exceeded, and therefore identifies the shoe as obsolete.

In the case where the child's shoe sole 10 comprises both longitudinal and lateral foot-growth parameters 34, 54, shoe obsolescence can be determined by the longitudinal and/or lateral foot-growth parameters 34, 54.

Initial placement of the de-socked foot on the ground-engagement surface 14 can be guided by the third indicator 52. In this case, the third indicator 52 is used to align the heel of a foot to the position that it would naturally sit on the foot-engageable surface 16 in the longitudinal and transverse shoe axes 24, 42. This allows assessment of the foot with respect to the fourth indicator 60. If the toes abut or substantially abut the fourth indicator 60, the shoe is considered to be of the correct fit, at least in the longitudinal shoe axis 24.

The above-described method of determining shoe obsolescence for one foot can then be repeated for a second foot, determining if a pair of shoes has been outgrown.

Additionally, the method of determining if a shoe is obsolete using such a shoe sole 10 does not necessarily require contact between the foot and ground-engagement surface 14. In this case, the foot need only be aligned over the inverted shoe.

Assessment of foot anatomy with respect to such a shoe sole can also be assessed via touch. In this case, the first, second, third and fourth indicators 32, 30, 52, 60 are moulded into the shoe body.

In one envisaged embodiment, the sole may include pressure or proximity sensors and/or indicators. In this case the decision making is incorporated and performed by programmable logic, providing visual, audible, and/or haptic feedback to the user. Alternatively, pressure/temperature reactive material may also be incorporated to aid assessment.

Further to the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, in an alternative interpretation, the ground-engagement surface 14 may instead be considered to have a central portion 36' that includes the third and fourth indicators 52, 60. In this case, the third and fourth indicators 52, 60 together define a first in-length-tolerance parameter 34'. Additionally, the central portion 36' extends between a heel portion 20' and a toe portion 22', different from the previously described central portion 34, the aforementioned heel portion 20, and the above-described toe portion 22.

In the instance where the central portion 36' includes the third and fourth indicators 52, 60, a second in-length-tolerance parameter 34a' can be included for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter. Said second in-length-tolerance parameter 34a' is located in-board with respect to the first in-length-tolerance parameter 34' from the heel portion 20' and/or toe portion 22'.

In the alternative interpretation of the ground-engagement surface 14 which includes the central portion 36', said central portion 36' may further comprise the medial and lateral portions 38, 40 each including the first and second said fourth indicators 48, 50, respectively. Together, said first and second said fourth indicators 48, 50, are considered to define a primary lateral foot-growth parameter 54'. A secondary lateral foot-growth parameter 54a' is located in-board of the primary lateral foot-growth parameter 54' with respect to both the medial and lateral edges 44, 46. The presence of both primary lateral foot-growth parameter 54' and secondary lateral foot-growth 54a' parameter can be included for reasons which will become apparent hereinafter.

In use, the first in-length-tolerance parameter 34' is considered to perform the same or similar function as the longitudinal foot-growth parameter 34, providing an upper tolerance for identifying if the shoe is too small, at least in the longitudinal shoe axis 24. The second in-length-tolerance parameter 34a' is a lower tolerance, allowing assessment of the shoe sole 10 and determination if the associated shoe is too large in the longitudinal shoe axis 24.

Likewise, the primary lateral foot-growth parameter 54' can be considered to be the same or similar to the lateral foot-growth parameter 54. In other words, the primary lateral foot-growth parameter 54 can be considered to be an upper tolerance in the transverse shoe axis 42. The secondary lateral foot-growth parameter 54a' is included to provide a lower tolerance in the transverse shoe axis 42, allowing assessment as to whether the foot is too narrow for the associated shoe.

In the case where the first and second in-length-tolerance parameters 34', 34a' and primary and secondary lateral foot-growth parameters 54', 54a' are included, foot assessment is achieved by first placing a de-socked foot at or adjacent to the central portion 36'. If the foot overlaps the second in-length-tolerance parameter 34a' and the secondary lateral foot-growth parameter 54a' but does not overlap the first in-lengthtolerance parameters 34' or the primary lateral foot-growth parameters 54', the shoe is considered to be in tolerance, and of the correct fit.

It is therefore possible to provide a child's shoe sole with a longitudinal foot-growth parameter that allows the convenient and accurate determination of shoe obsolescence; without additional equipment or prior knowledge of shoe sizing convention that can differ from country-to-country, and in some cases, from brand-to-brand.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (24)

1. Claims 1. A child's shoe sole comprising: a sole body having a ground-engagement surface; the ground engagement surface including a heel portion and a toe portion which opposes the heel portion; the heel and toe portions having first and second indicators respectively which define a longitudinal foot-growth parameter; whereby placing a sole of a child's foot on the ground engagement surface enables determination of shoe obsolescence as the child matures.
2. 2. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heel portion includes a third indicator which is different from the first indicator, the third indicator defining a heel-alignment portion for a foot which is correctly sized for the associated shoe.
3. 3. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first indicator is or includes one or more linear indicator elements.
4. 4. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 3, wherein the linear indicator elements of the first indicator extend along a width of the ground-engagement surface.
5. 5. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the third indicator includes one or more arcuate indicator elements.
6. 6. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and third indicators are contrasting elements.
7. 7. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first and third indicators are moulded into the sole body, forming at least in part a shoe tread.
8. 8. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first and third indicators at least in part abut or substantially abut.
9. 9. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the toe portion includes a fourth indicator which is different from the second indicator, the fourth indicator defining a toe-alignment portion for a foot which is correctly sized for the associated shoe.
10. 10. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second indicator is or includes one or more linear indicator elements.
11. 11. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 10, wherein the linear indicator elements of the second indicator extend along the width of the ground-engagement surface.
12. 12. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the fourth indicator includes one or more arcuate indicator elements.
13. 13. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each said arcuate indicator element is or includes one or more discrete pads for a toe of a child's foot.
14. 14. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the second and fourth indicators are contrasting elements.
15. 15. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 14, wherein second and fourth indicators are moulded into the sole body, forming at least in part the shoe tread.
16. 16. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the second and fourth indicators at least in part abut or substantially abut.
17. 17. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the ground-engagement surface further comprises a medial portion and a lateral portion which opposes the medial portion; the medial portion being associated with a first said fourth indicator, and the lateral portion being associated with a second said fourth indicator, the first and second fourth indicators defining at least in part a lateral foot-growth parameter.
18. 18. A child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a central portion interposed between the heel and toe portions, the central portion including one or more geometric elements to form an or substantially an outline of a foot sole between the heel portion and the toe portion.
19. 19. A child's shoe sole as claimed in claim 18, wherein the outline of a foot sole is moulded into the sole body, forming at least in part a shoe tread.
20. 20. A child's shoe having an upper and a child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the upper being on the child's shoe sole to form a receiver for receiving a child's foot.
21. 21. A method of determining obsolescence of a child's shoe using a child's shoe sole as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims, the method comprising the steps of: a] placing a sole of a child's foot at or adjacent to the ground-engagement surface, such that the toes of the child's foot are at or adjacent to the toe portion, and such that the heel of the child's foot is at or adjacent to the heel portion; b] visually inspecting foot positioning relative to the first and second indicators; and c] based on the visual inspection in step [b], determining said longitudinal foot-growth parameter and as such whether the shoe is either obsolete or not.
22. 22. A method as claimed in claim 16, whereby the step [b] further comprises visual inspection of the first said fourth indicator and the second said fourth indicator; and step [c] further comprises determining said lateral foot-growth parameter and as such whether the shoe is obsolete.
23. 23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the steps a, b and c are repeated for a second foot, determining obsolescence for a pair of shoes.
24. 24. A child's shoe sole comprising: a sole body having a ground-engagement surface; the ground engagement surface including a heel portion, a toe portion which opposes the heel portion, and a central portion; the heel and toe portions each having first and second indicators respectively which define a longitudinal foot-growth parameter, and the central portion which defines a first in-length-tolerance parameter; and whereby placing a sole of a child's foot at or adjacent to the central portion of the ground engagement surface enables determination of shoe obsolescence as the child matures.