JP2023156632A - Sole structure, and tennis shoe comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance traction performance of an outsole emphasizing a position corresponding to the thenar of a foot of a wearer while exhibiting bendability of the outsole.SOLUTION: An outsole 2 has an outsole body 13 and a plurality of protrusion parts 14. Each of the protrusion parts 14 includes a zigzag part 15, a first edge part 17, and a second edge part 18. Each of the protrusion parts 14 is constituted in such a manner that a length T1 of one pitch of the zigzag part 15 located in a first region R1 is shorter than a length T2 of one pitch of the zigzag part 15 located in a second region R2 in a bottom view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a sole structure and a tennis shoe including the same.

Conventionally, regarding sole structures applied to tennis shoes, for example, the one shown in Patent Document 1 has been known.

Patent Document 1 relates to a sole structure including an outsole. The outsole has a plurality of tread elements each projecting downwardly from the lower surface of the outsole and spaced apart from each other in the lengthwise direction of the foot. Each tread element is formed in a zigzag shape that extends along the foot width direction and vibrates in the foot length direction when viewed from the bottom. When viewed from the bottom, each tread element includes a plurality of peaks each tapered toward the front side of the sole structure, and a plurality of peaks each tapered toward the rear side of the sole structure. Including Tanibe.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0181976

In the sole structure of Patent Document 1, the plurality of tread elements allow the outsole to easily bend in the foot length direction. In addition, the edge-like peaks and valleys formed on each tread element make it easy for each tread element to pierce the ground or uneven road surfaces (hereinafter referred to as "ground, etc.") including sand-filled artificial turf courts. . In other words, the traction properties of the outsole are exhibited.

In each of the above tread elements, when viewed from the bottom, the distance between the ridges in the foot width direction is substantially constant from the medial instep side to the lateral instep side. That is, in one tread element, the number of peaks and troughs located closer to the medial instep than approximately the center in the foot width direction, and the number of peaks and troughs located closer to the lateral instep than approximately the center in the foot width direction The quantity is almost the same. This provides uniform traction in the foot width direction on the outsole.

However, in the above sole structure, at a position of the outsole corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot (i.e., a position closer to the medial instep side than approximately the center in the foot width direction in the forefoot portion of the wearer's foot), the above-mentioned Traction performance was relatively low. As a result, with the above sole structure, when performing a kicking motion in any direction using the ball of the foot as a pivot in a sport that requires explosiveness, such as tennis, for example, the wearer's foot There was a problem in that it was not possible to stabilize the posture with respect to the ground, etc., and it was not possible to sufficiently exert kicking force.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and its purpose is to improve the traction of the outsole with emphasis on the position corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer while demonstrating the flexibility of the outsole. There is a particular thing.

To achieve the above object, the first disclosure relates to a sole structure including an outsole, the outsole having a position corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot in the outsole when viewed from the bottom. It is divided into a first region including the first region and a second region excluding the first region. The outsole includes an outsole body and a plurality of protrusions that each protrude downward from the lower surface of the outsole body and are spaced apart from each other in the foot length direction. When viewed from the bottom, each protrusion includes a zigzag portion that extends along the width of the foot and oscillates in the lengthwise direction of the foot, and a zigzag portion that tapers toward the front side of the sole structure when viewed from the bottom. The sole structure includes a plurality of first edge portions formed and a plurality of second edge portions each formed so as to taper toward the rear side of the sole structure when viewed from the bottom. Each protrusion is configured such that, when viewed from the bottom, the length of one period of the zigzag portion located in the first region is shorter than the length of one period of the zigzag portion located in the second region. .

In the first disclosure, the plurality of protrusions are spaced apart from each other in the foot length direction, thereby making it easier for the outsole body to bend in the foot length direction. That is, the flexibility of the outsole is exhibited. This flexibility allows the shape of the outsole to follow various movements of the wearer's foot during a game such as tennis.

Further, in the first disclosure, the plurality of first edge portions and the plurality of second edge portions make it easier for each protrusion to pierce the ground or the like. In other words, the traction properties of the outsole are improved. This traction property makes it possible to stabilize the posture of the wearer's feet relative to the ground during a game such as tennis.

Each protrusion is configured such that, when viewed from the bottom, the length of one period of the zigzag portion located in the first region is shorter than the length of one period of the zigzag portion located in the second region. . According to this configuration, in one zigzag portion, the number of first edge portions and second edge portions located in the first region is greater than the number of first edge portions and second edge portions located in the second region. There will be more. As a result, the traction properties of the outsole are further improved in the first region compared to the second region. As a result, in a sport that requires explosiveness, such as tennis, for example, when the wearer performs a kicking motion in any direction using the ball of the foot as a pivot, the posture of the wearer's foot may be changed to the ground, etc. It becomes possible to increase the kicking force while stabilizing the kick.

Therefore, in the first disclosure, while exhibiting the flexibility of the outsole, it is possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole with emphasis on the position corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer.

A second disclosure is that in the first disclosure, the boundary in the foot width direction between the first region and the second region is located closer to the lateral instep side than approximately the center in the foot width direction of the outsole in bottom view. There is.

In this second disclosure, the first region is wider than the second region in the foot width direction. As a result, in one zigzag portion, the number of first edge portions and second edge portions located in the first region is greater than the number of first edge portions and second edge portions located in the second region. Thereby, the traction properties of the first region of the outsole can be improved.

A third disclosure is that in the first disclosure, at a position corresponding to each first edge portion or each second edge portion, the rear wall surface of each protrusion is substantially perpendicular to the lower surface of the outsole main body in a cross-sectional view. It extends to

In this third disclosure, the substantially vertical rear wall surface makes it possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole. As a result, in a game such as tennis, the posture of the wearer's feet relative to the ground can be stabilized when the wearer performs a kicking motion, for example.

A fourth disclosure is that in the first disclosure, at a position corresponding to each first edge portion or each second edge portion, the front wall surface extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole main body in a cross-sectional view. .

In the fourth disclosure, the substantially vertical front wall surface makes it possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole. As a result, in a game such as tennis, the posture of the wearer's feet can be stabilized relative to the ground, for example, when the wearer suddenly stops after running forward.

A fifth disclosure is that in the first disclosure, in the first region, a midway portion of the zigzag portion is partially separated in a bottom view.

In the fifth disclosure, the contact area of the zigzag portion located in the first region with respect to the ground or the like is relatively reduced. As a result, in the first region, each protrusion 4 becomes more likely to pierce the ground or the like. Therefore, the traction properties of the first region of the outsole can be further improved.

A sixth disclosure is that in the first disclosure, in the first region, the distance in the foot length direction between the zigzag portions is larger than the distance in the foot length direction between the zigzag portions located in the second region. .

In the sixth disclosure, the arrangement density of the plurality of protrusions relative to the lower surface of the outsole body in the first region is smaller than the arrangement density in the second region. As a result, each protrusion located in the first region becomes more likely to pierce the ground or the like. Therefore, the traction properties of the first region of the outsole can be further improved.

In a seventh disclosure, in the first disclosure, each protrusion includes at least one branch, and the branch is arranged in the first region from the middle of the zigzag section to the middle of the zigzag section. It extends in a direction intersecting the stretching direction. The tip portion of the branch portion is configured as a first edge portion or a second edge portion.

In the seventh disclosure, the traction properties of the outsole in the direction intersecting the stretching direction of the zigzag portion can be improved.

In an eighth disclosure, in the first disclosure, each protrusion located in the first region has a height from the lower surface of the outsole main body to the lower end of each protrusion in a cross-sectional view. The height of each protrusion is higher than the height of each protrusion.

In the eighth disclosure, each protrusion located in the first region is likely to pierce the ground or the like. As a result, the traction properties of the first region of the outsole can be further improved.

A ninth disclosure is a tennis shoe comprising any one of the first to eighth sole structures.

According to the ninth disclosure, it is possible to obtain tennis shoes that exhibit the same effects as those of the first to eighth disclosures.

As described above, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole with emphasis on the position corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer's foot while exhibiting the flexibility of the outsole.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a sole structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sole structure shown in FIG. 1 viewed from below. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sole structure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the sole structure shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of section VII shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 schematically shows a group of four protrusions. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX--IX in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. 7.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail based on the drawings. The following description of the embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its applications, or its uses.

1 to 5 illustrate a sole structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shoes equipped with this sole structure 1 are used, for example, in sports that require instantaneous movements, such as tennis.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sole structure 1 is illustrated only for the left foot. The sole structure for the right foot is configured to be symmetrical with the sole structure for the left foot. In the following description, only the sole structure for the left foot will be described, and a description of the sole structure for the right foot will be omitted.

In the following description, "upper" and "lower" shown in each figure represent the positional relationship in the thickness direction (vertical direction) in the sole structure 1. Further, "front" and "rear" shown in each figure represent the positional relationship in the foot length direction (front-back direction) in the sole structure 1. Further, the "instep side" and "outside instep side" shown in each figure represent the positional relationship in the foot width direction in the sole structure 1.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the sole structure 1, the range corresponding to the forefoot of the wearer's foot is indicated by F, and the range corresponding to the midfoot of the wearer's foot is indicated by M. The area corresponding to the rear foot of the wearer's foot is indicated by the symbol H.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the sole structure 1 includes an outsole 2 and a midsole 3. In addition, below, for convenience of explanation, the structure of the midsole 3 will be explained before the structure of the outsole 2.

(midsole)
The midsole 3 is configured to support the sole surface of the wearer's foot. The midsole 3 is laminated on the upper side of the outsole 2 in the thickness direction. In a shoe equipped with the sole structure 1, an upper 4 for covering the wearer's feet is provided, for example, on the midsole 3.

The midsole 3 is made of a soft elastic material with lower rigidity than the outsole 2. Specifically, materials for the midsole 3 include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and foams thereof, thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU) and foams thereof, and butadiene. Rubbers such as rubber and chloroprene rubber and foams thereof are suitable. The hardness of the midsole 3 is preferably set, for example, in the range of 15C to 65C on the Asker C scale.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the midsole 3 is separated into upper and lower parts. Specifically, the midsole 3 has a lower midsole part 5 and an upper midsole part 6.

The lower midsole portion 5 is arranged to correspond to the range from the front foot F to the rear foot H of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. The lower midsole portion 5 is laminated on the upper side of the outsole 2. The lower surface of the lower midsole portion 5 faces the upper surface of the outsole 2 (the upper surface of the outsole main body 13, which will be described later).

The upper midsole part 6 is stacked and arranged above the lower midsole part 5. Specifically, the upper midsole part 6 is stacked on the upper surface of the lower midsole part 5. The lower surface of the upper midsole section 6 is fixed to the upper surface of the lower midsole section 5 with an adhesive or the like.

The upper surface of the upper midsole portion 6 is configured as a sole support surface 7. The sole support surface 7 may be configured to directly support the sole of the wearer's foot, or may be configured to support the sole of the wearer's foot via an insole (not shown) or the like. may have been done.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the midsole 3 is provided with a first accommodating part 8 and a second accommodating part 10. The first accommodating portion 8 is arranged at a position corresponding to the forefoot portion F of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. A first buffer section 9 is embedded in the first storage section 8 . The second accommodating portion 10 is arranged at a position corresponding to the rear foot H of the wearer's foot in the sole structure 1. A second buffer section 11 is embedded in the second storage section 10 . The first and second buffer portions 11 and 12 are made of, for example, the same material as the material of the midsole 3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a reinforcing plate 12 is provided approximately in the middle of the midsole 3 in the thickness direction. The reinforcing plate 12 is a member for increasing the rigidity of the sole structure 1 in the range from the middle foot M to the rear foot H of the wearer's foot. The reinforcing plate 12 is arranged in the sole structure 1 at a position corresponding to the midfoot region M and the rear foot region H of the wearer's foot. The reinforcing plate 12 is stacked and arranged between the lower midsole part 5 and the upper midsole part 6.

The reinforcing plate 12 is configured as a thin layer having higher rigidity than the midsole 3 and the outsole 2. The reinforcing plate 12 is preferably made of a hard elastic material. Examples of hard elastic materials include thermoplastic resins such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide elastomer (PAE), and ABS resin, thermosetting resins such as epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. Examples include polymeric resins (EVA). Note that fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) may be used, in which carbon fiber, aramid fiber, glass fiber, or the like is used as reinforcing fiber, and thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin is used as matrix resin.

(outsole)
As shown in FIG. 4, the outsole 2 is arranged to correspond to the range from the front foot F to the rear foot H of the wearer in the sole structure 1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the outsole 2 is laminated below the lower midsole portion 5 in the thickness direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a rising portion 13a is provided at a position corresponding to the medial instep side of the outsole 2. The rising portion 13a is formed to rise upward from the peripheral edge of the outsole main body 13, which will be described later.

The outsole 2 is made of a hard elastic material that is harder than the midsole 3. Specifically, the materials for the outsole 2 include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermosetting resins such as polyurethane (PU), and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber. , or foam materials made by foaming them are suitable. The hardness of the outsole 2 is preferably set to, for example, 50A to 80A (more preferably 60A to 70A) on a durometer C or A.

As shown in FIG. 4, the outsole 2 is divided into a first region R1 and a second region R2 when viewed from the bottom. The first region R1 is a region including a position corresponding to the ball of the foot (not shown) of the wearer's foot on the outsole 2 when viewed from the bottom. The second region R2 is a region excluding the first region R1 when viewed from the bottom.

A boundary B1 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the foot width direction is located closer to the lateral instep side than approximately the center of the outsole 2 in the foot width direction when viewed from the bottom. Specifically, the boundary B1 is located, for example, closer to the lateral instep side than the position of the outsole 2 corresponding to the third metatarsal bone (not shown) of the wearer's foot. That is, the boundary B1 is set at a position of the outsole 2 closer to the lateral instep than a position corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer's foot.

A boundary B2 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the foot length direction is defined by a position corresponding to the forefoot F of the wearer's foot and a position corresponding to the midfoot M of the outsole 2 when viewed from the bottom. It is located on the border of That is, the boundary B2 is located on the rear side of the outsole 2 from a position corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot.

(outsole body)
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the outsole 2 includes an outsole main body 13. As shown in FIGS. The outsole main body 13 has a substantially plate shape. The outsole main body 13 is stacked and arranged below the lower midsole part 5.

(protrusion)
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outsole 2 has a plurality of protrusions 14. The plurality of protrusions 14 are arranged at intervals from each other in the foot length direction.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each protrusion 14 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the outsole main body 13. As shown in FIGS. The lower surface of each protrusion 14 is configured as a ground surface that comes into contact with the ground or an uneven road surface (hereinafter referred to as "ground etc.") including a sand-filled artificial turf court. In cross-sectional view, each protrusion 14 located in the first region R1 has a height h1 from the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 to the lower end of each protrusion 14 than that of each protrusion 14 located in the second region R2. It is configured to be higher than the height h2 (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each protrusion 14 located in the first region R1 has a zigzag portion 15 and a plurality of branches 16. Further, each protrusion 14 located in the second region R2 is composed of only a zigzag portion 15. The zigzag portion 15 has a zigzag shape that extends along the foot width direction and oscillates in the foot length direction when viewed from the bottom (see FIG. 4). In the following description, the configuration of each protrusion 14 located in the first region R1 will be described in detail.

Here, in FIGS. 7 and 8, dot hatching is added to the lower surface of each zigzag portion 15 and each branch portion 16 in order to clearly identify each zigzag portion 15 and each branch portion 16. In addition, in FIG. 7, the dashed-dotted line extending in the foot length direction is shown at the peaks (the tops located on the top side of the paper in FIGS. 7 and 8) and the troughs (the tops located on the bottom side of the paper in FIGS. 7 and 8) of each zigzag portion 15. are attached at positions corresponding to the respective tops). In FIG. 8, dashed dotted lines extending in the foot length direction are drawn only at positions corresponding to the peaks of each zigzag portion 15. Furthermore, in FIG. 8, the ridgeline between the lower surface of the outsole 2 and each protrusion 14 is shown by a broken line.

In the first region R1, a plurality of groups consisting of a predetermined number (four in the illustrated example) of protrusions 14 are provided. In the first region R1, a plurality of groups are arranged in alignment in the foot length direction.

The above-mentioned one group is composed of first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d. The first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d are arranged in the order of the first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d from the front side along the foot length direction. The first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d are arranged at intervals from each other in the foot length direction. Each of the first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d extends substantially parallel to each other in the foot width direction.

The first and fourth zigzag portions 15a and 15d are formed to be longer in the foot width direction than the second and third zigzag portions 15b and 15c. The first and fourth zigzag portions 15a and 15d are arranged throughout the first region R1 and throughout the second region R2. The second and third zigzag portions 15b and 15c are arranged throughout the second region R2. That is, in one group, two zigzag parts 15 are arranged in the first region R1, while four zigzag parts 15 are arranged in the second region R2.

In this embodiment, in the first region R1, the middle portions of each of the first and fourth zigzag portions 15a and 15d are partially separated. Specifically, the first zigzag portion 15a is partially divided at positions corresponding to each peak portion. The fourth zigzag portion 15d is partially divided at a position corresponding to the valley. On the other hand, in the second region R2, all of the first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d are continuous in the extending direction of each zigzag portion 15. That is, in the second region R2, unlike the first region R1, the middle portions of each of the first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d are not divided.

In the first region R1, the second and third zigzag portions 15b and 15c are hardly located. Therefore, in the first region R1, the distance between the first zigzag portion 15a and the fourth zigzag portion 15d that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is relatively large. That is, in the first region R1, the distance between the first zigzag portion 15a and the fourth zigzag portion 15d that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction is equal to the distance between the zigzag portions 15, 15 that are adjacent to each other in the foot length direction in the second region R2. is larger than the interval. In the second region R2, the zigzag portions 15, 15 adjacent to each other in the foot length direction are equally spaced.

As shown in FIG. 8, each protrusion 14 has a plurality of first edges 17. As shown in FIG. Each first edge portion 17 is formed to taper toward the front side of the sole structure 1 (a position corresponding to the toe side of the outsole 2) when viewed from the bottom. Each first edge portion 17 is provided at a position corresponding to each peak portion of the zigzag portion 15.

In the first zigzag portion 15a located in the first region R1 in the above-mentioned one group, each end portion of the divided portion of the first zigzag portion 15a corresponds to the first edge portion 17. In the fourth zigzag portion 15d located in the first region R1, the tip of each branch portion 16 corresponds to the first edge portion 17. In the second region R2, each mountain portion of the first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d corresponds to the first edge portion 17.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, at a position corresponding to each first edge portion 17, the rear wall surface 20 of each zigzag portion 15 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 in a cross-sectional view. There is. That is, at the position corresponding to each first edge portion 17, the rear wall surface 20 is not inclined downward from the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 in a cross-sectional view.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, each protrusion 14 has a plurality of second edge parts 18. Each second edge portion 18 is formed to taper toward the rear side of the sole structure 1 (a position corresponding to the heel side of the outsole 2) when viewed from the bottom. Each second edge portion 18 is provided at a position corresponding to each valley portion of the zigzag portion 15.

In the first zigzag portion 15a located in the first region R1 in the above-mentioned one group, the tip of each branch portion 16, which will be described later, corresponds to the second edge portion 18. In the fourth zigzag portion 15d located in the first region R1, each end portion of the divided portion of the fourth zigzag portion 15d corresponds to the second edge portion 18. In the second region R2, each valley of the first to fourth zigzag portions 15a to 15d corresponds to the second edge portion 18.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, at a position corresponding to each second edge portion 18, the front wall surface 19 of the zigzag portion 15 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole body 13 in cross-sectional view. . That is, at the position corresponding to each second edge portion 18, the front wall surface 19 is not inclined downward from the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 in a cross-sectional view.

Incidentally, the angle θ1 (see FIGS. 9 to 12) between the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 and the front wall surface 19 changes as it goes from the position corresponding to the second edge part 18 to the position corresponding to the first edge part 17. It is configured to gradually become larger (become obtuse). On the other hand, the angle formed between the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 and the rear wall surface 20 gradually increases (becomes an obtuse angle) from the position corresponding to the first edge part 17 to the position corresponding to the second edge part 18. It is configured as follows. The substantially vertical state of the front wall surface 19 and the substantially vertical state of the rear wall surface 20 are alternately repeated along the foot width direction.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of branches 16 are arranged in the first region R1. Each branch portion 16 extends from the middle of the zigzag portion 15 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the zigzag portion 15 when viewed from the bottom. In this embodiment, each branch 16 extends straight along the length of the foot. The width of each branch portion 16 is formed to be larger than the width of the zigzag portion 15 when viewed from the bottom. Each branch portion 16 is formed so as to taper toward the tip when viewed from the bottom. The tip of each branch 16 is configured as a first edge 17 or a second edge 18.

(Characteristic configuration)
As a characteristic configuration according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, each protrusion 14 has a length of one period of the zigzag portion 15 located in the first region R1, when viewed from the bottom. The length of the period is shorter than the length of one cycle of the period. As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, the distance between the peaks of the zigzag portions 15 in the foot width direction is set as the length of one period of the zigzag portions 15. The length of one period of the zigzag portion 15 located in the first region R1 is determined as “T1”, and the length of one period of the zigzag portion 15 located in the second region R2 is determined as “T2”. do.

As shown in FIG. 8, the period T1 is shorter than the period T2. As a result, in each of the first and fourth zigzag portions 15a and 15d, the number of peaks and valleys located in the first region R1 is larger than the number of peaks and valleys located in the second region R2. There will be more. That is, the quantity of the first edge part 17 and the second edge part 18 located in the first region R1 is larger than the quantity of the first edge part 17 and the second edge part 18 located in the second region R2. .

[Operations and effects of embodiment]
As described above, the outsole 2 has a plurality of protrusions 14, each of which is spaced apart from each other in the foot length direction. The plurality of protrusions 14 make it easier for the outsole main body 13 to bend in the foot length direction. That is, the flexibility of the outsole 2 is exhibited. This flexibility allows the shape of the outsole 2 to follow various movements of the wearer's foot during a game such as tennis.

Furthermore, each protrusion 14 includes a plurality of first edge portions 17 and a plurality of second edge portions 18 . The plurality of first edge portions 17 and the plurality of second edge portions 18 allow each protrusion 14 to easily penetrate into the ground or the like. That is, the traction properties of the outsole 2 are improved. This traction property makes it possible to stabilize the posture of the wearer's feet relative to the ground during a game such as tennis.

In the bottom view of each protruding portion 14, the length of the period T1 of the zigzag portion 15 (each of the first and fourth zigzag portions 15a, 15d) located in the first region R1 is equal to the length of the period T1 located in the second region R2. It is configured to be shorter than the period T2 of the zigzag portion 15 located therein. According to this configuration, as described above, in one zigzag portion 15 (each of the first and fourth zigzag portions 15a and 15d), the first edge portion 17 and the second edge portion located in the first region R1 18 is larger than the number of first edge portions 17 and second edge portions 18 located in second region R2. Thereby, the traction performance of the outsole 2 is further improved in the first region R1 compared to the second region R2. As a result, in a sport that requires explosiveness, such as tennis, for example, when the wearer performs a kicking motion in any direction using the ball of the foot as a pivot, the posture of the wearer's foot may be changed to the ground, etc. It becomes possible to increase the kicking force while stabilizing the kick.

Therefore, in the sole structure 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, while exhibiting the flexibility of the outsole 2, it is possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole 2 with emphasis on the position corresponding to the ball of the foot of the wearer. .

Further, a boundary B1 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the foot width direction is located closer to the outer instep side than approximately the center of the outsole 2 in the foot width direction when viewed from the bottom. That is, the first region R1 is wider than the second region R2 in the foot width direction. As a result, in one zigzag portion 15 (each of the first and fourth zigzag portions 15a, 15d), the number of first edge portions 17 and second edge portions 18 located in the first region R1 is smaller than that in the second region R1. The quantity is greater than the number of first edge portions 17 and second edge portions 18 located at R2. Thereby, the traction properties of the first region R1 in the outsole 2 can be improved.

Further, at a position corresponding to each first edge portion 17, the rear wall surface 20 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 in a cross-sectional view. This substantially vertical rear wall surface 20 makes it possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole 2. As a result, in a game such as tennis, the posture of the wearer's feet relative to the ground can be stabilized when the wearer performs a kicking motion, for example.

Further, at a position corresponding to each second edge portion 18, the front wall surface 19 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 in a cross-sectional view. This substantially vertical front wall surface 19 makes it possible to improve the traction performance of the outsole 2. As a result, in a game such as tennis, the posture of the wearer's feet can be stabilized relative to the ground, for example, when the wearer suddenly stops after running forward.

Further, in the first region R1, the zigzag portion 15 is partially separated in the middle when viewed from the bottom. According to this configuration, the contact area of the zigzag portion 15 located in the first region R1 with respect to the ground or the like is relatively reduced. As a result, in the first region R1, each protrusion 14 becomes more likely to pierce the ground or the like. Therefore, the traction properties of the first region R1 of the outsole 2 can be further improved.

Further, in the first region R1, when viewed from the bottom, the distance between the zigzag portions 15, 15 in the foot length direction is larger than the distance in the foot length direction between the zigzag portions 15, 15 located in the second region R2. According to this configuration, the arrangement density of the plurality of protrusions 14 on the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 in the first region R1 is smaller than the arrangement density in the second region R2. As a result, each protrusion 14 located in the first region R1 becomes more likely to pierce the ground or the like. Therefore, the traction properties of the first region R1 of the outsole 2 can be further improved.

Each protrusion 14 is disposed in the first region R1 when viewed from the bottom, and extends from the middle of the zigzag portion 15 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the zigzag portion 15 (in this embodiment, the foot length direction). It includes a plurality of branches 16 extending from the top. The tip of each branch portion 16 is configured as a first edge portion 17 or a second edge portion 18. With this configuration, the traction performance of the outsole 2 in a direction (foot length direction) intersecting the stretching direction of the zigzag portion 15 can be improved.

Further, in cross-sectional view, each protrusion 14 located in the first region R1 has a height h1 from the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 to the lower end of each protrusion 14 than that of each protrusion located in the second region R2. 14 is configured to be higher than the height h2 of No. 14. According to this configuration, each protrusion 14 located in the first region R1 can easily pierce the ground or the like. As a result, the traction properties of the first region R1 of the outsole 2 can be further improved.

[Other embodiments]
In the above embodiment, the boundary B1 is located closer to the lateral instep side than approximately the center of the outsole 2 in the foot width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the boundary B1 may be arranged near the approximate center of the outsole 2 in the foot width direction. In short, the first region R1 may be configured to include a position corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot on the outsole 2 when viewed from the bottom.

In the embodiment described above, the rear wall surface 20 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole main body 13 at the positions corresponding to each of the first edge parts 17 , while at the positions corresponding to each of the second edge parts 18 each protrusion part 14 Although the front wall surface 19 of the outsole main body 13 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole main body 13, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the front wall surface 19 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole body 13 at the position corresponding to each first edge portion 17, while the rear wall surface 20 extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of the outsole body 13 at a position corresponding to each second edge portion 18. It may be in a form that extends substantially perpendicularly to the lower surface of 13.

In the embodiment described above, in the first region R1, the zigzag portion 15 is partially divided in the middle, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, even in the first region R1, the zigzag portion 15 may be formed continuously along the foot length direction without being partially divided in the middle of the zigzag portion 15. Furthermore, regardless of whether or not the zigzag portion 15 is divided in the first region R1, for example, the middle portion of the zigzag portion 15 may be partially divided in the second region R2.

In the above embodiment, in the first region R1, the distance between the zigzag portions 15, 15 in the foot length direction is larger than the distance in the foot length direction between the zigzag portions 15, 15 located in the second region R2. Although shown, it is not limited to this form. That is, the distance in the foot length direction between the zigzag portions 15, 15 located in the first region R1 is the same as the distance in the foot length direction between the zigzag portions 15, 15 located in the second region R2. Good too. Specifically, the second and third zigzag portions 15b and 15c may be arranged throughout the first region R1 (not shown).

In the embodiment described above, each protrusion 14 includes a plurality of branches 16, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, each protrusion 14 may include at least one branch 16, or each protrusion 14 may not include any branch 16.

In the embodiment described above, each branch portion 16 extends from the midpoint of the zigzag portion 15 along the foot length direction, but the extending direction of each branch portion 16 does not have to be along the foot length direction. That is, each branch 16 only needs to extend along a direction intersecting the extending direction of each branch 16, and may extend in a direction different from the foot length direction.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes can be made within the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure can be industrially used as a sole structure including an outsole and a tennis shoe including the same.

1: Sole structure 2: Outsole 3: Midsole 13: Outsole main body 15: Projection part 15: Zigzag part 15a: First zigzag part 15b: Second zigzag part 15c: Third zigzag part 15d: Fourth Zigzag portion 16: Branch portion 17: First edge portion 18: Second edge portion 19: Front wall surface 20: Rear wall surface R1: First region R2: Second region

Claims (9)

A sole structure with an outsole,
The outsole is divided into a first region including a position corresponding to the ball of the wearer's foot in the outsole and a second region excluding the first region, in a bottom view,
The outsole is
The outsole body,
a plurality of protrusions, each protruding downward from the lower surface of the outsole main body and arranged at intervals in the foot length direction;
Each of the protrusions is
A zigzag portion formed in a zigzag shape extending along the foot width direction and vibrating in the foot length direction when viewed from the bottom;
a plurality of first edge portions each tapered toward the front side of the sole structure when viewed from the bottom;
a plurality of second edge portions, each of which is formed to taper toward the rear side of the sole structure when viewed from the bottom;
Each of the protrusions is configured such that, when viewed from the bottom, the length of one period of the zigzag portion located in the first region is shorter than the length of one period of the zigzag portion located in the second region. Sole structure. The sole structure according to claim 1,
In the sole structure, the boundary between the first region and the second region in the foot width direction is located closer to the lateral instep side than approximately the center of the outsole in the foot width direction when viewed from the bottom. The sole structure according to claim 1,
In the sole structure, at a position corresponding to each of the first edge portions or each of the second edge portions, a rear wall surface of each of the protrusions extends substantially perpendicularly to a lower surface of the outsole main body in a cross-sectional view. The sole structure according to claim 1,
In the sole structure, a front wall surface extends substantially perpendicularly to a lower surface of the outsole main body in a cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to each of the first edge portions or each of the second edge portions. The sole structure according to claim 1,
In the first region, the sole structure is such that the zigzag portion is partially separated in the middle when viewed from the bottom. The sole structure according to claim 1,
In the first region, the sole structure has a sole structure in which the distance between the zigzag portions in the foot length direction is larger than the distance between the zigzag portions located in the second region in the foot length direction. The sole structure according to claim 1,
each protrusion includes at least one branch;
The branch portion is disposed in the first region when viewed from the bottom, and extends from a midway portion of the zigzag portion in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the zigzag portion,
In the sole structure, the tip of the branch portion is configured as the first edge portion or the second edge portion. The sole structure according to claim 1,
In cross-sectional view, each of the protrusions located in the first region has a height from the lower surface of the outsole main body to the lower end of each of the protrusions located in the second region. The sole structure is configured to be higher than the height. A tennis shoe comprising the sole structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8.