MXPA00004987A - Sporting footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Improvements in footwear for sporting purposes requiring the kicking of a ball on or adjacent to an instep of the footwear, there being provided at least one insert (24) for or addition to the footwear which is attachable to the footwear on or adjacent to the instep such that a concave kicking surface (28) is provided, the radius of curvature of the kicking surface (28) being substantially the same as or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert (24) being of a maximum height at the front of the instep at least as great as the maximum height at the rear of the instep.

Description

FOOTWEAR FOR SPORT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to footwear for use in sport and refers especially, but not exclusively, to footwear for use in sport where the footwear is used to kick a ball or the like. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In sports where a ball is kicked by a player, it is normal to use a shoe or boot to protect the foot of the person who kicks the ball. In the various sports, the nature of the shoe or boot varies to accommodate the realization of the style of kicking the ball and the nature of the ball being kicked. However, in all cases, the shoe or boot tries to follow the inherent form of the human foot. The shape of the portion of the human foot that performs the kick usually does not correspond to the shape of the ball. For example, in sports such as Australian football, rugby and American football, the shape of the ball (in ellipsoidal shape) does not correspond to the shape of the part of the foot that performs the kick - the instep. To avoid confusion, in this specification, the instep is the upper part of the foot and the arch is the lower part of the foot. The upper part of the instep, when kicked, is inherently convex, both longitudinally and laterally and therefore the contact with the ball tends to be a narrow band along a part of the instep. If the ball does not come into proper contact with the instep, it may deviate at an angle, resulting in an inaccurate kick. Likewise, if the kick is too high or too low in the instep, the trajectory of the ball will not be the desired trajectory and the resulting kick will not be as effective as it should have been and could have been. In sports such as soccer association, where a spherical ball is used, the tip of the shoe, the instep, and the external and internal part of the foot are used for kicking purposes, as well as the heel. Again, the problem is that the shape of this part of the foot that is used does not correspond to the shape of the ball and, consequently, the contact surface is very limited. It is not always effective to push the ball to the desired location and in the desired path. Even though, experienced players in these sports can achieve a fairly acceptable result in most opportunities, no player has been able to obtain the required result all the time. CONSIDERATION OF THE PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Specification GB2,060,351A discloses a sport boot having a relatively thick flat part 11, integrally incorporated in the boot 10. It has a flat kick surface 14 extending from the tip of the boot. the boot on all the instep towards the ankle region. Although it offers a flat area and therefore tends to reduce the number of very inaccurate kicks (because they are slightly off-center on the instep) it does not adapt to the contour of the ball as if it were a cup to provide accuracy in the shot. Also, since it is a relatively thick component, it is not flexible. Since it extends from the tip of the shoe to the top of the instep, this means that a player using a shoe of this type could not walk or run normally since the fingers could not bend and the foot could not be flexed, as it is required to run. His sole purpose would be to kick. Therefore, this type of shoe would be suitable only for a shot in a sport, such as rugby. Even though this specification discloses that the shooting surface may be slightly concave, it does not disclose the concept of adapting to the shape of the ball as if it were a cup to provide greater precision when making a shot. An additional disclosure is found in the EPO specification, 359, 082A2. Here, a shoe for sport is disclosed having lifts placed on both sides of the vamp and extending along the instep. Each elevation has an upper edge intended to come into contact with the ball in such a way that the impulse lies between the two contact edges. One of the elevations is higher than the other elevation, in such a way that, the guide properties increase when passing to the center. In addition, the elevations are not constant along its length. They start at a relatively low height at the front of the instep (adjacent to the toes) and increase in height along the instep. Therefore, its maximum height and consequently its maximum precision is generated adjacent to the ankle of the person using this type of footwear instead of being in the front part of the instep where most of the shots are made. Likewise, the elevations are intended to be placed in bags formed as an integral part of the upper part of the shoe. In addition, the ball comes into contact with the edges of the elevations, instead of coming into contact with the upper part of the elevations and the instep of the foot in order to provide an adaptation effect as if it were a cup. An adequacy effect as if it were a cup provides a much greater sticking energy to the ball, and offers greater guidance to the ball. Accordingly, the main object of the present invention is to provide improvements in footwear for sport purposes for kicking a ball wherein a primary contact surface area of the footwear is made to correspond relatively to the shape of the ball and consequently to provide a more reliable result when shooting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With the above objects, as well as other objects in mind, the present invention offers improvements in footwear for purposes that require kicking a ball in the instep or in a location adjacent to the instep of the footwear, providing at least one insert for the footwear or in addition to the footwear that can be fixed on the footwear on the instep or adjacent to the instep in such a way as to provide a gluing surface and having a concave upper surface, the radius of the curve of the upper surface Concave is substantially equal to, or slightly larger than, the radius of the ball, the at least one insert has a maximum height at the front of the instep at least equally large as the maximum height at the back of the instep. Preferably, in at least one insert it has a front surface substantially triangular in shape. More preferably, the front surface is concave, the front surface having a curve radius substantially equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball. More preferably, the front surface has a superior peak.

The insert is advantageously of a relatively constant height over its length. In addition, at least one insert may have a lateral surface that is also concave or flat, the radius of the curve of the side surface is preferably equal to or slightly larger than the curve radius of the ball. Advantageously, the at least one insert is made integrally with the footwear. Alternatively, the at least one insert can be a separate component that can be detachably attached to the shoe. More advantageously, the at least one insert has an approximately triangular vertical cross section. Alternatively, on the part of an approximately M-shaped insert. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For the invention to be fully understood, a referred construction of an element of W? Will now be described by way of non-limiting example only. footwear that incorporates the main characteristics of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the footwear element incorporating the main features of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view from the back and bottom of the footwear element of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the footwear element of Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a footwear element incorporating the main features of the present invention; Figure 5 is a side view of a third embodiment of a footwear element incorporating the main features of the present invention; Figure 6 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a footwear element incorporating the main features of the present invention; Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a part of a footwear element as the fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a part of a footwear element as a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 is an enlarged perspective view of an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a top plan view of a ninth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the embodiment of Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment. ff DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES 5 When playing a ball game such as football, the player tends to use different parts of the shoe to carry out different shots. For example, in the case of small shots that do not require a lot of force but do have a lot of control, the side of the foot, the fingers, and the external part of the foot can be used. In this part of the foot there is a lot of sensitivity and therefore the player will have more control. When a powerful shot is required, it is usually the instep of the foot that is used since this allows a greater firing power, especially taking into account the solid nature of the part of the foot and the generally bony structure under the skin. This offers a relatively hard surface underneath _ of the shoe laces (which are also relatively hard), in such a way that a kick surface is offered solid to provide in this way the maximum energy of shooting the ball and thus project it to the greatest possible distance. Also, by using different parts of the instep, the ball can be directed in different ways and with different amounts of rotation. This is generally the lower portion of the instep instead of the upper portion of the instep (near the ankle). further, the heel of the foot is sometimes used to kick. In all cases, in this parts of the shoe, modern footwear has generally convex surfaces. The ball itself is also convex. In all figures, when relevant, a portion of a ball is illustrated in relief. With reference to figures 1 to 3, there is illustrated a first embodiment of a footwear element having a sole 10 having numerous detents, projections or other suitable projections 12 detaching therefrom. They have the primary purpose of providing grip to the user when wearing shoes on a court. The shoe has an upper part 14 generally of known construction having a heel 16, a receiving opening for the foot 18, and a tongue 20. the laces or the like 22 are provided and can be released to allow the shoe to be placed on the shoe. user's foot, and then tightened to allow the footwear to be held on the user's foot. The heel 16 is preferably relatively concave, as is clear from Figure 2. Extending lengthwise relative to the shoe and on both sides of the shoe laces 22 are inserts or additions 24 which, in this case, are integral with the shoe, but as is clear from the above description, they can be made as separate components that can be detachably attached to the shoe. These inserts can be clearly seen in Figure 3. Each of the inserts 24 has a relatively triangular configuration α and has an external surface 26 and an upper surface 28. The shape of the external surfaces 26 and upper surfaces 28 may vary according to the nature of the game played. For example, in the case of a football game, the outer surfaces 26 must be curved with a radius of 10 curves approximately equal to the radius of a football's curve. In this way, the outer surface 26, together with this part of the upper surface 14 immediately below the outer surface 26, is combined to form a primary lateral firing area of a radius substantially equal to or slightly greater than the radius of the ball. Therefore, the primary lateral shooting area is a significantly increased area compared to the area available before. As the ball is "accommodated as if it were in a cup" (cupped), a greater shooting accuracy can be achieved with the lateral part of the foot. The outer surface 26, and possibly the relevant portion of the upper surface 14 can receive an appropriate treatment to allow a greater grip on the ball. Accordingly, a greater rotation to the ball can be provided, as well as a greater distance, when a shot is made. As can be seen, the upper surface 26 is concave with a radius of curvature equal to or slightly greater than the radius of a soccer ball to allow the ball to locate and come into contact on the surfaces of the valley 27 created by the upper surfaces. 28 of the inserts 24 and the portion of laces 22 when impacting with the ball, or by deflecting a peak of an insert 24 and consequently into a valley 27 when impacting with the shoe. The radius of curvature of the upper surface 28 of the inserts 24 is equal to or slightly greater than the radius of curvature of a soccer ball. The inserts 24, in combination with the shoe, allow the ball to "fit like a cup" when it comes into contact with the shoe. The curve radius of the sides 26 and top surface 28 must be equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball to allow the ball to penetrate the "valley" created therein and therefore be "accommodated as if it were in a cup "by the relevant surfaces. If the radius of curvature of the surfaces was less than the curve radius of the ball, the ball could not enter the valley nor be accommodated as if it were in a cup on the surfaces. It would come into contact with the edges that define the surfaces, thus shining the impact surface area. If the radius of curvature of the surfaces were significantly greater than the radius of the ball, the ball would come into contact only with a part of the concave surface and would therefore deviate from the desired trajectory. The inserts 24 can extend through the upper part 14 towards the finger region 32 of the shoe. The inserts 24 are of relatively constant vertical cross section along their entire length. It is preferred that the inserts 24 extend along the instep to approximately the front end of the instep. A constant height may not be possible due to variations in the shape of the user's foot, which may cause variations in the shape of the upper part of the shoe. This can cause the inserts 24 to have a slight variation in height along their length. Being full height in the lower portion of the instep, the maximum effect of "cupping" on the ball is achieved in this region of the shoe where it is most frequently required, since it is the place where most of the shots are made. "power". When a power shot is made, it is usually attempted that the ball be projected over a large distance. By using the present invention, greater control over accuracy over longer distances can be obtained. Obviously, if the ball is traveling over a distance of 40 or 50 meters, if there is an error of a few degrees at the time of the kick, this will cause the ball to deviate several meters over said distance. This may cause the player to whom the ball was aimed to move quickly or may direct the ball to a member of an opposing team. Accordingly, in the position in the shoe where shots of power are made, the inserts 24 are full height and consequently offer a full cupping effect. May I taper downward in height to the upper portion of the instep - that is, closer to the wearer's ankle - since it is the place where they are made, in and out, and consequently inserts are not required. ; i have a full height. If desired, this portion immediately above the fingers of the user, and generally designated, 34 may be from an enlarged width and / or concave in such a way that when Is in a normal firing position, the foot of the user, combined with the footwear, will again provide an increased primary firing area to increase the efficiency and accuracy of firing. A general area 36 known as the primary point, or soft spot, which varies) in position and / or size according to the game and / or the ball, may also be available. This is due to the fact that the instep area above the area 36, and the region of fingers below it, together with the inserts 24 offer a large primary kick surface area in direct contact with the surface of the ball. The inserts 24 may be parallel, or may present divergence, as required. Naturally, a surface treatment could be offered on the external surfaces 26, 28 of the inserts and / or I upper 14 in such a way as to provide a greater grip on the ball at the time of shooting. The size and shape of the inserts 24 may vary according to the nature of the game. As is clear from the I figure 4, the inserts 24a have an elongated shape and extend more continuously along the instep of the shoe towards the region of fingers in order to offer a substantially concave area 36 and which is again of a radeo curve usually equal to the ball when kicking. With this form, a region 38 of reduced height of inserts 24 may exist to allow the user's foot to have sufficient flexibility. This form of illustrated footwear is generally intended for games such as Australian football, football or rugby, where an ellipse ball is used. The region 38 can also be free of inserts 24 such that a player has full flexibility of movement and can therefore use the shoe in a normal way while running.

This creates a front edge or surface 40 on each of the inserts 24a. As shown, this surface 40 is relatively triangular at the edge of each insert 24a. This triangular surface 40 has an upper peak 42. In combination with the surface 34, the surface 40 creates a "cup" effect at the tip of the shoe thereby increasing the surface area of contact with the ball. It also provides a solid surface that can provide more energy to the shot. It is also possible that the ball has greater rotation by virtue of the contact of the upper peak 42 with the ball. This is further illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 where, in Figure 5, inserts 24b are illustrated which have a front surface 40b with an upper tip 42b. As can be seen, the upper peak 42b would have a tendency to "penetrate" the surface of the ball at the time of shooting and therefore could provide a greater rotation to the ball. With both upper peaks 42b capable of being employed, the player could control the direction of his foot to provide the desired rotation. This also offers a concave "cup" in the tip portion 34b such that the surface of the ball receives contact from a greater surface area of the shoe. In Figure 6, the insert 24c has a front surface 40c which itself is relatively concave. The curve radius of the surface 40c is equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball. In this way the effect of "cupping" of the ball increases significantly. However, the upper peak 42c still exists and therefore it is still possible to employ the upper peak 42c to provide an increased capacity of rotation to the ball and offer a "ping" when the ball is kicked. This effect can be used to great advantage by varying the heights of different inserts 24 on both sides of the shoe. The drawings of Figures 7 and 8 are views relatively similar to the view of Figure 3 and are cross-sectional toward the tip of the shoe. In figure 7, the left insert 24d has been made with an increased height and the right insert 24e has been made from a reduced height. In both ways each insert has a front surface 40 (not illustrated in the figures) and a tip 42 (not illustrated in the figures) of different heights. In this way, the effect on the ball when kicked would be different depending on the side of the shoe. With the version illustrated in Figure 7, a player could kick the ball and with the larger contact area on the left side than on the right side, the greater effect of the front surface 40 and tip 42 on the left instead of the Right, the ball would receive a significant rotation in the clockwise direction in such a way that it would present a tendency towards a curved path from left to right as it moves in the air. This could be of great advantage in the soccer game, for example, where the left striker could wear a shoe of this type in the right foot and could still shoot the ball with chanfle from the left to the right when shooting towards the goal. This is contrary to the normal curve that a player creates when kicking the ball. Similarly, the embodiment of Figure 8 shows a left insert 24 of significantly reduced height, and a right insert 24g of increased height. In this way, and using the example of figure 7, a player wearing this shoe in the right foot would have a tendency to provide a greater rotation to the ball in the counter-clockwise direction and therefore to form a trajectory curve of the ball from the right to the left. This would be suitable, therefore, for a right striker that could provide a great curve to the ball in order to create a very effective chanfle towards the goal. Rugby-type game, when kicking towards the goal, a kick made with a shoe of the type illustrated in figure 7, when used in the left foot of the user, would be effective to effect the kick from the right side of the field and thus offer a ball that would present a chanfle to the axis of the court and therefore would approach the goal with the greatest opportunity to score a goal. Similarly, the shoe of Figure 8 could be used on the right foot of a right player by shooting from the left side of the court which reduces the angle of the ball approaching the goal in such a way that it could be obtained effectively a completely open goal and thus increase the opportunity to score a goal. Such shoes can be provided with a fixation system or easily recharged so that, for example, in a rugby game, a player who places a kick could change the shoe very quickly in such a way that he can choose a shoe design that has the greatest effect when shooting a goal. In the game of rugby, enough time is allowed for this. It is preferred that there is an insert 24 on both sides of the shoelaces 22. As illustrated, these inserts are integral with the shoe. However, they can be made as a separate element that can be fixed on the footwear through its fixation by the holes of the shoelaces and / or around the shoe, "Sailboat" or in any other suitable manner. In addition, inserts 24 can be adjustable in height by adding additional layers in the lower part and / or upper surfaces 28 thereof. Likewise, the nature of the treatment of surfaces 26, 28 may be varied to allow different conditions of climate or soil, or according to the style of the game. This can be aced through glue, screws, staples, "Sailboat", strips, or similar. If desired, the lower surface of each insert 24 can have one or more projections passing through holes of corresponding shape and size in the upper part 14 to allow a direct transfer of the "feel" of the ball directly at the user's feet. The upper part 14 of the shoe can have a surface treatment in the form of raised projections on its external surface. These can be provided in the form of wedges placed separately as part of the creation of the surface. These can be integral with the surface (produced during the molding of the surface) or added later. Other forms of surface treatment may be provided as for example by supplying a surface in the form of a series of thin rectangular grids. These are intended to offer greater grip with the surface of the ball when kicked to allow greater control of the ball. They can also be used to provide greater rotation to the ball. This surface treatment may extend over the entire surface of the shoe or only into the side surfaces of the shoe normally employed when the ball is kicked. In addition, it can be made from a different material such as a rubber having a sticky or tactile feel in order to be able to grip the ball even more than would be possible without such a surface. Referring now to the embodiment of Figure 9, there is illustrated an insert that is in the form of a one-piece construction and a general "M" shape. Accordingly, the top surface 928 is formed only by the insert. The radius of the curve of the upper surface 928 is the same as or slightly larger than the radius of the curve of the ball to be kicked. As can be seen, the height of the insert 924 is relatively constant in length and, consequently, in the front part of the insert 924 the maximum "cupping" effect is created again in such a way that in this part of the shoe where they are worn out the power kicks, and therefore the highest precision is required, the highest degree of accuracy can be provided. In this way, the upper surface 928 fits the surface of the ball. This also allows the greater transmission of energy from the foot to the ball. Since the shape of the upper surface of the insert 928 is the same as the shape of the relevant portion of the ball, a minimal distortion of the outer surface of the ball will be observed at the time of kicking and, consequently, the energy of the ball. kick will be transmitted to the ball in the form of movement and not distortion of the outer surface of the ball. In this way not only can a greater precision be achieved, but a greater distance can also be achieved. This also applies to the modalities described above. Likewise, the embodiment of figure 9 can also have the same characteristics on the front surface 940 as shown in figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, and for similar reasons as those described for these modalities. In this particular embodiment, due to its nature, the shoe laces 922 are placed along the side of the insert 924 and accordingly a plurality of holes 929 are provided along an edge 931 of the insert 924 in such a manner that the laces 922 can pass through to allow squeezing the shoe and loosen the shoe in a normal way. Referring now to Fig. 10, an eighth embodiment is illustrated in which a shoe is shown having the shape of a conventional soccer shoe and which will not be described in detail. However, it has shoelaces 522 that are used to fix the shoe on the user's foot, the shoelaces 522 pass through eyelets 523. In this way, an insert generally designated 521, as the insert of the embodiment of Figure 9, It has an approximate "M" shape in cross section. It has top loins 524 that create a valley 527 that is concave and of a radius similar or slightly greater than the radius of the ball to v kick. Again, it has a front surface 540 that is again curves with a curve radius equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball. To fix the insert 521 on the shoe a plurality of hooks 535 projecting from both sides 537 or from the bottom surface 539 of the insert 521 are observed.

In this way, the hooks 535 can hook the eyelets 523 in order to fix the insert 521 on the shoe. It is preferred that the insert 521 be made of a slightly resilient material t such that the insert can be slightly stretched and consequently that the hooks 535 are under tension when they are in the eyelets 523. Furthermore, it allows adjustment for a different separation of the eyelets 523 from one side of the shoe to another according to the shape of the foot of the user. w The hooks 535 may extend to the sides 537, or 20 from the bottom surface 539. They may have a variable length, or they may be releasably attached to the insert 521 to allow people with a different foot shape they can have hooks of different length in such a way that they fit the shape of their foot. The hooks 535 may be directed upwards (as illustrated) or may be directed downwards. They can be fixed on the insert through a flexible cord (not shown) that can have a variable length. The insert 521 may be of solid, hollow or semi-hollow construction. Referring now to the embodiment of Figures 11 to 13, a shoe is illustrated in a relatively normal manner having a fixed or fixed insert 60 therein. The insert 60 is generally of the same construction as the inserts of previous embodiments. In this way, it has a valley 62 of a curve radius substantially equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball. The valley 62 is created by two ridges 64 extending the entire length of the insert 60. A peak 66 is provided on each side and the ridges 64 taper down in two directions from the peak 66. The first of these is generally designated 68 and tapering outwards to join, with the lower edge 70 on this side of the insert. It tapers to the point where it joins the edge 70 and also the leading edge 72. The other tapering edge is generally designated 74 and tapers downward but towards the center of the valley 62.

This consequently creates a triangular area 76 that is slightly forward and slightly facing laterally. This is of great advantage when it is desired to kick the ball in such a way as to provide a large amount of rotation but without the need for a large amount of power. In this way, the ball can be made to have a curved path. The triangular surface 76 is generally concave in configuration, with the curve radius preferably substantially equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball. Naturally, this is repeated on both sides of the insert 6 0. The edge 78 of the insert 60 is slightly concave, but the bottom edge 80 is generally convex in such a way that the insert fits snugly in the shoe. t The "floor" of the valley - the portion between the two loins 74 - will have a relatively limited thickness such that the front edge 80 has a minimum thickness. However, as can be seen from FIGS. 12 and 13, and where FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view along one of the edges 64, the height or thickness of the insert 60 along an edge. 64 increases toward the front of the insert 60. Alternatively, it can be said that it decreases from the front to the back of the insert. This is so that the "cupping" effect is maximum where a maximum effect is required. If desired, various holes 82 may be provided along each side of the insert 60 adjacent the lower edge 70 for purposes of placing shoelaces there. On the length of the insert 60, the thickness of the insert in the "floor" of the valley 62 can be minimal, if desired. It is preferred that the inserts described above have a tf form suitable for coupling to numerous variables: 1. the shape of the human foot; 2. the constant curve or radius of the various balls used; and 3. the need to have maximum effectiveness in the correct place along the instep of the foot. Since the shape of the human foot can vary from human to human, and even from a left foot to a right foot of a person, it may be desirable for the insert to be made in a constant manner and with a filling means that has the ability to absorb variation in foot shape. This can be created by making the insert in the form of a hollow structure and by placing a filling means to fill the hollow structure of the insert and to provide contact with the upper surface of the shoe in such a way that the medium of padding can compensate for the variations in shape of the human foot, and consequently the variations in shape of the shoe (which will present an inherent tendency to follow the shape of the foot). This can be achieved by the use of a filling medium such as air (in air bags), a foam, a gel that can be hardened once in place.

The same can be applied for the foam - it can be curdled in situ in such a way that it adjusts to the shape variation. This can be achieved by providing suitable mechanisms that can be employed by a user in such a way that the insert can be fixed (as in the embodiment of Figure 9 - by the use of shoelaces) along one side and placed on top and adhered on the upper part of the shoe. The air can be added in a similar way to the known shoe techniques .; of sport with air mattress. The gel, foam or the like can be injected, with the appropriate hardener being injected as well. This offers the appropriate means by which the foam and its hardening or curing agent can be inserted to fill the space between the insert and the upper part of the shoe in order to create a filling in such a way that the player can then wear the shoe with the insert without any difficulty, and will be as close as possible to a perfect fit. Some players may wish to have a fairly hard fill in such a way that maximum energy or bounce can be provided to the ball. This can be useful, for example, in the case of a goalkeeper who must provide a long distance shot at the time of service. In the case of a striker or the like who may wish to have more control of the ball, a slightly less than hard setting can be provided by using less curing or hardening agent in such a way that greater control of the ball can be obtained. ball. Accordingly, the ability to subsequently mold and then harden by injection or mixture of curing agents to achieve the required resilience or hardness / softness and desired is possible for all forms of soccer shoes to accommodate the insert and allow reasonable variation of the individual feet and profiles of the same, while still having the desired performance effects. This can be used in combination with devices other than the insert or for other forms of shoes such as running shoes, shoes for riding a bicycle, or other forms of sports shoes or shoes in general in such a way that variations can be allowed. As for the shape of the foot in the shoe. It will be understood that the disclosed and defined invention herein encompasses all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or apparent from the text or the drawings. All of these different combinations constitute several alternative aspects of the invention. It will also be understood that the term "encompasses" or its grammatical variants, as used herein, is equivalent to the term "includes" and should not be considered as excluding the presence of other elements or characteristics, ft 15 20 25

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS Improvements in footwear for sports purposes that require kicking a ball in the instep of the user or in a place adjacent to said instep, providing at least one insert for the footwear or additional to the footwear that is fixed on the footwear in the instep or adjacent the instep and extending along the instep substantially to the front of the instep such that a concave firing surface is provided, the radius of curvature of the firing surface is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the radius of the ball, the at least one insert is of a maximum height at the front of the instep, the maximum height at the front of the instep is at least as large as the maximum height at the back of the instep.
2. The improvements in footwear according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insert has a front surface substantially triangular in shape.
3. The improvements in footwear according to claim 2, wherein the front surface is concave, the front surface has a radius of curvature substantially equal to or slightly greater than the radius of curvature of the ball.
4. 4. The improvements in footwear according to claim 2 or according to claim 3, wherein the front surface has a top peak.
5. The improvements in footwear according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein there are two inserts, fixed or that can be fixed on the footwear in a spaced relation generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instep and on both sides of said instep.
6. The shoe improvements according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one insert has an approximately triangular vertical cross section.
7. 7. The improvements in footwear according to any of claims 1 to 6, where there is an insert, the insert has an M-shape approximately.
8. The improvements in footwear according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one insert is integral with the footwear.
9. 9. The footwear improvements according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one insert is a separate component that can be detachably or clamped on the footwear. The shoe improvements according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one insert has a concave side surface, with the radius of curvature of the concave side surface equal to or slightly greater than the curve radius of the ball. The shoe improvements according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one insert is of a substantially constant height in its length.