WO2011119026A1

WO2011119026A1 - Foldable footwear item

Info

Publication number: WO2011119026A1
Application number: PCT/NL2011/050196
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johannes Jozef Maatman; Sebastian Michael Roland Kraus; Khodayar Feiz; Barbara Maria Grosse-Hering; Sebastian Doermann; Claudia Petula Madelon Lijnsvelt
Original assignee: Born In Saint-Tropez B.V.
Priority date: 2010-03-23
Filing date: 2011-03-21
Publication date: 2011-09-29

Abstract

The present invention relates to a footwear item (10) comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts (120-123), the footwear item being transformable between: a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one another. The present invention further relates to a combination of a left and right footwear item, and to a method for folding and/or unfolding the footwear item.

Description

Title: Foldable footwear item

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to footwear which can be folded into a compact state and expanded into a use state. In the compact state, the footwear can be stored in a relatively small compartment such as a purse. The present invention further relates to a combination of a left and right footwear item and to a method for folding and/or unfolding the footwear item.

Description of the prior art

Foldable footwear is known in the field of the art. WO2009/071907 discloses a foldable footwear item small enough to be sold in vending machines. The footwear item has a plurality of fold lines 34-40. The shoe can be folded to a length which is less than the unfolded length. A disadvantage of this type of footwear is that it is a relatively low-quality product. The upper shoe part needs to be of a soft fabric and the shoes according to WO2009/071907 are substantially limited to slipper-like shoes.

A further disadvantage of this type of footwear is that is difficult to provide an upper shoe construction on the sole, in particular while maintaining a compact size in the folded state.

The shoe WO2009/071907 further has a twist, in the sense that the fold lines are configured in such a way that the toe end of the shoe pivots over 180 degrees relative to the heel end about a longitudinal axis of the shoe. This is due to the slightly diagonal orientation of the fold lines, which cause each sole part to pivot about the longitudinal axis relative to the adjoining sole part.

US2008/0052964 discloses a footwear item configured to be rolled or folded into a packaged configuration and later unrolled or unfolded into an unpackaged configuration. Figure 5 of US2008/0052964 shows how this may be done. The shoe 100 comprises a flexible sole of a foam material which can be tied in an S-type configuration with a holding member 122. US2008/0052964 discloses a product which is relatively difficult to maintain in the folded state. Object of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide improved foldable footwear. Summary of the invention

The invention provides a footwear item comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between:

- a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and

- a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one

another.

An advantage of the invention is that the footwear can be easily stored, for instance in a woman's purse. Due to the compact form of the shoes, the footwear item in the folded state has a small volume and small dimensions.

The present footwear may be used as temporary footwear, for instance for the purpose of going home on comfortable shoes after a party. Often, women wear shoes with high heels at a party. After a while, these high-heel shoes may cause fatigue and/or pain in the feet and lower legs. Upon leaving the party, it is often much more comfortable to put on low-heel shoes for the trip home. However, it is quite cumbersome to carry low-heel shoes around during the party. With a set of footwear items according to the invention, the footwear items may conveniently be carried in a purse.

The footwear item according to the invention may also be used for walking in a hotel, in a swimming pool, on a camping, on a beach, or in a medical environment. The footwear item may be shoe or a slipper, or another kind of footwear item.

The footwear item according to the invention has a footprint area in the folded state which is smaller than in the use state. The dimensions, i.e. the length, width and height of the footwear item in the folded state are also smaller than in the use state. The volume of the minimum bounding box in the folded state is also smaller than in the expanded state.

In an embodiment, the sole parts may be sturdy and substantially form stable. In another embodiment, the sole is manufactured from a flexible material.

In use, the footwear item can be worn as a normal shoe and performs the functions of a normal shoe, i.e. protect the foot of a user, keep the foot clean and support the foot.

The footwear item may have attachment members to connect the footwear item with the heel or the ankle of the foot. These attachment members may have different forms which are known per se in footwear, such as bands, straps, strings, Velcro, leather parts etc...

Different kinds of materials may be used for the footwear item, leather, synthetic materials, cloth, felt, cork, wood rubber.

In an embodiment, the respective sole parts are connected to one another via respective connections which act as a hinge. The sole parts may be substantially sturdy in order to provide a suitable support for the foot. The transformability is effectuated via the connections which act as a hinge. The connections which act as hinges may be distinct from the sole parts.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises four sole parts:

a toe sole part,

a ball sole part,

an arch sole part, and

a heel sole part,

the toe sole part being connected to the ball sole part via a first connection which acts as a hinge, and

the ball sole part being connected to the arch sole part via a second connection which acts as a hinge, and

the arch sole part being connected to the heel sole part via a third connection which acts as a hinge.

It was found that the footwear item comprising four sole parts is relatively small in the folded state and fits relatively good to the foot. In particular the form stability of the entire sole during walking is relatively good.

In an embodiment, the first connection between the toe sole part and the ball sole part extends at an angle a1 of 65-75 degrees to a main axis of the footwear item, the main axis being defined as extending - in top view when the footwear item is worn by a user on his or her foot - between a rearmost tip of a heel of the foot of the user and a forward most tip of the large toe of the user.

With this orientation, the footwear item is relatively form-stable in use. It was found that locking mechanisms have certain disadvantages in terms of complexity of the footwear item in design and in use. For this reason, in certain embodiments it is preferable not to have a locking mechanism for the sole parts. This creates a risk of lack of form stability of the footwear item in use. It was found that the size and shape of the sole parts and the locations and orientations of the connections play an important role in the natural form stability of the footwear item in use.

In an embodiment, the second connection between the ball sole part and the arch sole part extends at an angle a2 of 78-88 degrees to the main axis.

This further improves the form stability in use.

In an embodiment, the third connection between the arch sole part and the heel sole part extends at an angle a3 of 91 -101 degrees to the main axis.

This further improves the form stability in use.

In an embodiment, the first connection is constructed to allow the toe sole part to pivot upwards relative to the ball sole part and comprises a stop constructed to prevent the toe sole part from pivoting downward beyond an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to the ball sole part.

This embodiment allows the toe sole part to remain in the required use orientation, i.e. substantially parallel to the ball sole part, by the pressure of the toes of the user acting on the toe sole part.

In an embodiment, the second and third connections allow pivoting of the adjoining sole parts relative to one another in either direction of a 180 degree angle between the adjoining sole parts, i.e. the sole parts can pivot in either direction starting from a parallel relative orientation of the adjoining sole parts.

This allows the folding of the footwear item in a zigzag pattern and allows the sole part to be unfolded in the use state beyond the 180 degree angle, which is required for a footwear item having a heel.

In an embodiment, the first connection extends from an inward side of the sole to an outward side of the sole and is entirely located - in top view and in use - forward of the ball part of the foot. In an embodiment, the first connection extends substantially parallel to a line defined by the proximal ends of the toes. With this construction, the toes are capable of providing the back pressure to - in use - keep the toe sole part in the required position. The first connection allows some movement in use in the sense that the toe sole part can pivot upward over a small angle during walking.

In an embodiment, the first connection extends substantially parallel to a forward ridge of a contact zone of the ball of the foot of a user with the sole. The contact zone of the ball is wide and extends across the sole. Directly forward of this zone, the first connection is provided.

In an embodiment, the second connection extends from an inward side of the sole to an outward side of the sole and is located - in top view and in use - at a transition between the ball part and the arch part of the foot.

In an embodiment, the third connection extends from an inward side of the sole to an outward side of the sole and is located - in top view and in use - at a transition between the arch part and the heel part of the foot.

This location allows the arch sole part to extend in an inclined orientation from the upper part of the heel to the ground.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises at least one band which in the use state extends over the foot and/or the ankle and which is flexible enough to be wrapped around the sole parts when the sole parts are folded onto one another in the folded state for fixating the footwear item in the folded state.

Two or more bands may also be provided. This embodiment provides double functionality to the at least one band. In the use state the bands keep the footwear item on the foot. In the folded state the bands keep the footwear item in the folded state and act as fixating device. The bands may also be wound around the footwear item in the folded state

In another embodiment, the sole comprises three sole parts:

- a toe sole part,

- a middle sole part, and

- a heel sole part,

the toe sole part being connected to the middle sole part via a first connection which acts as a hinge and the middle sole part being connected to the heel sole part via a second connection which acts as a hinge.

Three sole parts has been found to be a practical number, wherein the resulting size of the footwear item is small enough to be carried around in a purse in the folded state, but large enough to be able to provide only a limited number of connections. The size of the individual sole parts remains large enough to be able to provide a shoe on the sole.

In an embodiment, the sole parts are constructed to fold substantially onto one another in a zig-zag type configuration. A zig-zag type configuration (also indicated as a accordion type configuration) is a practical way of folding the footwear item.

In an embodiment, the toe sole part forms the top bar of the Z, and the heel sole part forms the lower bar of the Z.

In an embodiment, the upper side of the middle sole part is constructed to fold onto the upper side of the heel sole part and the underside of the toe sole part is constructed to fold onto the underside of the middle sole part.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, wherein the fixation device is an integral part of the footwear item.

In some shoes of the prior art, a band or elastic string is used as a fixation device to keep the shoe in the folded state. This band or string is provided separately from the shoe. This is burdensome, because the band or string is to be carried around separately when the shoe is used. The band or string may get lost very easy. In this embodiment, loss of the fixation device is not possible, because the fixation device is a part of the footwear item itself.

In an embodiment, the fixation device is constructed to:

- perform a first function of fixing the footwear item in the folded state, and

- perform a second, different function in the footwear item in the use state. This embodiment provides the advantage that the same fixation device that fixes the footwear item in the folded state is made useful in the use state for another function. In this way, a situation is avoided that in the use state the footwear item would comprise a useless part. In an embodiment, the fixation device is constructed to, in the use state, engage a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot.

In the use state, the fixation device is not functional to maintain the footwear item in the folded state. By providing the fixation device with the mentioned extra function, a more compact and simple footwear item can be created.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises:

- a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, and

- a heel, wherein the heel is constructed to be a part of or to cooperate with the fixation device.

A heel is a simple part, and provides space and a mounting base for any fixation device. The heel can thus advantageously be used for the fixing of the footwear item in the folded state.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a heel which defines a volume, wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the folded state, be at least partially positioned within the volume defined by the heel.

The volume of the heel is a useless space in most shoes. In this embodiment, this space is put to use.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises an element which is constructed to serve as a toe holder in the use state and constructed to serve as a fixation device in the folded state.

It was found that these two functions surprisingly can be combined by one element. In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a toe holder which is connected to a sole part and movable relative to said sole part between two operating positions:

- a use position wherein the toe holder protrudes from the sole part and

provides a connection between the footwear item and the foot of the user in the region of the toes, and

- a compact position wherein the toe holder protrudes substantially less from the sole part than in the use position and functions as a fixation device for fixating the footwear item in the folded state.

By providing a movable toe holder, the fixation function can be simply provided by moving the toe holder between the two operating positions. The toe holder may be manufactured from wood, metal, a synthetic material or any other sturdy material. The toe holder may have a mushroom-type shape.

In an embodiment, the toe holder which is constructed to slide relative to the sole part to which it is connected. A sliding movement allows a simple movement between the two operating positions. In an embodiment, the toe sole part comprises a hole and the toe holder is constructed to slide through the sole part. This allows the toe holder to perform a fixation function with another element which is located on an underside of the toe sole part, i.e. on the opposite side of the toe sole part as the side on which the toe holder is provided.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a toe holder which is movable relative to the sole such that:

- in the expanded state the toe holder protrudes at least partially upward from the toe sole part, and

- in the folded state the toe holder protrudes at least partially downward from the toe sole part into the heel.

In the folded state, the footwear item becomes more compact with this embodiment in the sense that the minimum bounding box can have a smaller volume.

In an embodiment, the sole parts each comprise a hole, wherein in the folded state the holes are aligned with one another, and wherein the toe holder is configured to extend through said holes in the folded state in order to fix the footwear item in the folded state.

This allows a simple folding of the sole parts substantially onto one another, followed by penetrating the aligned holes with the toe holder and fixing the toe holder in the penetrated position.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a toe holder comprising:

- a toe-gap member comprising a connection means for connection with the sole and comprising a body configured to - in use - extend upwardly from the sole through a gap between the large toe and the toe adjacent to the large toe, and

- a span member which is wider than the body and which is connected to an upper end of the body and constructed to extend over a region of the foot near the large toe and the second toe.

This is a simple embodiment of a toe holder and it allows the toe holder to perform a fixation function.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a fixation device, in particular a toe holder, which comprises a connector for fixing the fixation device to the heel or the heel sole part of the footwear item, in order to keep the footwear item in the folded state.

The connector can be any kind of click-in connector, friction connector, locking device, or other connector suitable to connect the toe holder to the heel.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a heel and a toe holder, wherein the toe holder is configured to be at least partially inserted into the heel in the folded state, and wherein the connector is constructed to connect the toe holder to the heel in said inserted position. This provides a sturdy connection, wherein the connector can be provided out of sight for a user.

The volume of the minimum bounding box in the compact state is reduced by the at least partial insertion of the toe holder into the heel.

In an embodiment, the connector comprises:

- a magnet attached to the toe holder, and

- a magnet attached to the heel or the heel sole part for allowing the toe holder to be clicked to the heel in order to fix the footwear item in the folded state.

Magnets form a simple and sturdy connector.

In an embodiment the span member of the toe holder is constructed to act as a stop for - in the folded state - preventing the sole parts from unfolding, thereby maintaining the sole parts in the folded state. The span member may naturally have a form which is suitable to function as a stop, since the span member generally has a width which is larger than the width of the body of the toe holder.

In an embodiment, the footwear item is constructed to, in the use state, have the folded sole parts positioned between the heel and a span member of the toe holder.

In an embodiment, the footwear item further comprises attachment means connected to the sole, the attachment means being constructed to attach the footwear item to the foot of a user, in particular to the ankle of the user. The toe holder may not be the only attachment means with the foot. Further attachment means may be provided, providing an advantage of better wearability.

In an embodiment, the attachment means comprise flexible, elongate members, which are configured to be at least partially positioned around the ankle. These members are very suitable for footwear items

In an embodiment, the attachment means are connected at least to a heel end of the sole and to the sole near the second connection device. This embodiment improves the positioning of the rear part of the footwear item with respect to the foot of a user.

In an embodiment, the connections which act as a hinge define pivot axes which are substantially parallel or extend at an acute angle of 0-20 degrees relative to one another.

This relative orientation of the pivot axes allow a simple zig-zag folding of the sole parts.

In an embodiment, the sole parts having a thickness and an underside and an upper side, wherein the first connection device which acts as a hinge is provided near the underside of the sole parts connected by it and wherein the second connection device which acts as a hinge is provided near the upper side of the sole parts connected by it. This provision allows an easy zig-zag-type folding of three parts relative to one another without any hindrance of the sole parts themselves.

In an embodiment, the connections which act as a hinge comprise:

- a relatively thin, easily deformable material which acts as a hinge, and/or - at least one pin being pivotable in at least one hole in a receptacle.

These are relatively simple and suitable forms of a hinging connection. The relatively thin, easily deformable material may be thin leather, a synthetic material, canvas, or even a thin metal.

In an embodiment, the connections which act like a hinge are constructed to provide minimal resistance to the folding, so that the connection device which acts as a hinge does not provide a substantial counteracting force. This allows the footwear item to remain stable in the folded state.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a locking device constructed to lock the sole parts in the unfolded state, such that the sole parts provide a form stable sole. The locking device may be provided near the connections which form as a hinge. The improved form stability of the sole allows an improved comfort for the user in use. The locking device is locked when the footwear item is transformed from the folded state into the use state and is unlocked when the footwear item is transformed from the use state into the folded state.

In an embodiment, the locking device comprises a pin which is constructed to move between:

- un unlocked position wherein the pin is positioned in a first lock receptacle provided in one sole part,

- a locked position wherein the pin is at least partially positioned in both the first lock receptacle and a second lock receptacle positioned in a second sole part.

This is a simple locking device which may be small enough to be integrated into the footwear item.

In an embodiment, the locking device comprises:

a first magnet provided on a projection of one sole part, and

- a second magnet provided on an adjoining sole part, wherein the second magnet is constructed to engage the first magnet in the use state.

This also provides a relatively simple and reliable locking device.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a sole which is manufactured from a relatively soft material, wherein the sole can be folded between the use state and the folded state along folding regions which are an integral part of the sole. Some soft materials are relatively cheap, and this embodiment may provide a cost-effective foldable footwear item. Other advantages may also be attained, such as a light weight footwear item or other advantages.

In an embodiment, the footwear item comprises a cover configured to - in use - at least partially cover the toes of a user, wherein the cover is connected to the toe sole part and is collapsible onto the toe sole part in the folded state.

This embodiment provides a footwear item which is closed or substantially closed at the toes. In many situations, that can be a preferred choice for a user.

In an embodiment, the cover comprises a fixation device configured to fix the cover onto the toe sole part in a collapsed form. This allows the cover to be fixed in a collapsed state, decreasing the size of the footwear item in the collapsed state.

The invention further relates to a combination comprising a left and a right footwear item, each comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between:

- a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and - a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one another.

In an embodiment of the combination, the left and right footwear items comprise a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, wherein the fixation device is an integral part of the footwear item, and wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the use state, engage a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot.

The method further relates to a carrying strap for carrying shoes, the carrying strap comprising:

a first loop of variable size formed by a first flexible elongate member, - a second loop of variable size formed by a second flexible elongate member, a carrying handle, and

an adjustment member comprising at least one through hole through which the flexible elongate members extend, wherein the adjustment member is configured to slide along the flexible elongate members for varying the size of the loops.

With the carrying strap, the regular shoes can be easily carried on the shoulder or on the wrist.

The invention further relates to a method of folding or expanding a footwear item, the method comprising:

- providing a footwear item comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between: i. a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and

ii. a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one another, and

- folding the footwear item from the use state into the folded state or expanding the footwear item from the folded state into the use state.

The method provides substantially the same benefit and advantage as the footwear item according to the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises providing a fixation device, the method comprising the steps:

a) providing the footwear item in the use state, the fixation device being an integral part of the footwear item and engaging a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot, b) removing the footwear item from the foot,

c) folding the footwear item from the use state into the folded state, and d) fixing the footwear item in the folded state with the fixation device, or

a) providing the footwear item in the folded state, the fixation device

maintaining the footwear item in the folded state,

b) loosening or uncoupling the fixation device,

c) unfolding the footwear item from the folded state into the use state,

wherein the fixation device engages a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot, and d) putting the footwear item on the foot.

In the following, the aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be elucidated further by reference to the annexed figures illustrating exemplary

embodiments. In the figures, the same parts or parts having the same function have been identified with the same reference numeral. List of Figures

Figure 1 A shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 B shows an auxiliary view of the embodiment of figure 1 A.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the embodiment of figure 1 A in the use state.

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of figure 1 A in the use state.

Figures 4A and 4B show details in side view of the sole parts and the connections.

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C show a sequence of folding the footwear item. Figure 6 shows a bottom view of a footwear item according to the invention in the folded state.

Figure 7 shows an auxiliary view of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 shows a detail of the embodiment of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows an auxiliary view of the embodiment of figure 7 in the folded state.

Figure 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a footwear item according to the invention.

Figure 1 1 is a view on the underside of the embodiment of figure 1 .

Figure 12 shows a side view of the embodiment of figure 1 .

Figure 13 shows a rear view of a toe holder according to the invention.

Figure 14 shows a view from below of the toe holder according to the invention.

Figure 15 shows a side view of the toe holder according to the invention.

Figures 16A-16E show a sequence in side view of the folding of the footwear item according to the invention.

Figures 17A-17E show a sequence in a view from above of the folding of the footwear item according to the invention.

Figures 18A-18E show a sequence in a view from below of the folding of the footwear item according to the invention.

Figure 19 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the footwear item in the use state.

Figure 20 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the footwear item in the folded state.

Figure 21 A shows a schematic view of another embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 21 B shows a schematic view of another embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 22 shows a schematic view of another embodiment according to the invention.

Figures 23A -23D show schematic side views of another embodiment according to the invention in different stages.

Figure 24 shows a detailed side view of the embodiment of figures 23A-23D.

Figure 25 shows an orthogonal view of yet another embodiment of the invention in the use state.

Figure 26 shows an orthogonal view of the embodiment of fig. 25 in the folded state. Figures 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D show schematic side views of the embodiment of figures 25, 26 in different stages.

Figure 28 shows a detailed side view of the embodiment of figures 25 -27D.

Figure 29 shows an orthogonal view of a carrying strap for carrying shoes. Detailed description of the Figures

Turning to figures 1 A, 1 B, 2 and 3, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The footwear item 10 (or shoe 10) has four sole parts: a toe sole part 120, a ball sole part 121 , an arch sole part 122 and a heel sole part 123. The four sole parts enable the shoe 10 to have small dimensions in the folded state, while maintaining good usability in the use state. The embodiment has three connections which act as a hinge, i.e. a first connection 131 , a second connection 132 and a third connection 133. The first connection 131 is provided between the toe sole part 120 and the ball sole part 121 . The second connection 132 is provided between the ball sole part 121 and the arch sole part 122. The third connection 133 is provided between the arch sole part 122 and the heel sole part 123.

The footwear item 10 has a heel 24 which is connected to the heel sole part 123. The footwear item has a band 126 which are connected to the left and right sides of the heel sole part 123. The band 126 is constructed to be tied around the ankle 128 of the user. In this way, the shoe 10 is connected to the foot of the user.

The footwear item 10 further comprises a toe holder 20. The toe holder 20 is flexible, so that in the folded state it can be folded together with the shoe 10. In use, the toe holder connects the toe sole part 120 to the foot.

The foot 140 of the user is shown in figures 1A and 1 B. The foot 140 has five toes: a large toe 141 , a small toe 145, and three toes 142, 143, 144 between the large toe 141 and small toe 145. The toes have respective distal ends 148 and respective proximal ends 149, where the toes are connected to a ball part 152 of the foot.

The foot comprises a ball part 152, an arch part 153 and a heel 150. The arch part 153 is located between the ball part 152 and the heel 150.

Turning to figure 2, a contact area 173 is shown where - when the user is standing on his feet - the foot 140 of the user contacts the shoe 10. The entire contact area 173 with which the foot of the user contacts the shoe is shown in hatched lines.

A main axis 160 of the shoe 10 is defined to extend from the rear tip 162 of the heel 150 of the user to the foremost tip 148 of the large toe 141 of the user. The main axis 160 of the shoe 10 is defined in the use state.

The four different sole parts 120, 121 , 122, 123 have different sizes and shapes and the three different connections 131 ,132, 133 have different orientations relative to the main axis 160.

The first connection 131 extends from an inward side 170 of the shoe to an outward side 171 of the shoe 10. The first connection 131 is located just to the rear of the toes 141 - 145 and directly in front of a central contact area 174 of the ball part 152 of the foot 140. The central contact area 174 is the area where the ball part 152 of the foot 140 contacts the shoe when the user is standing on his feet.

The first connection 131 is drawn as a dashed line and extends at an angle a1 to the main axis 160. In the shown embodiment, this angle is approximately 69 degrees.

Preferably, the angle a1 lies between 65 and 75 degrees. The first connection 131 is located just forward of a widest part 225 of the shoe 10.

The first connection 131 is substantially parallel to the proximal ends 149 of the toes.

The toe sole part 120 is constructed to be in contact with the toes 141 -145 of the foot. The toes have respective toe contact areas 181 , 182, 183, 184, 185.

The size and shape of the ball sole part 121 corresponds substantially with the ball part 152 of the foot 140. The ball sole part 121 is relatively wide, i.e. the widest part of the shoe 10.

The second connection 132 is drawn as two continuous lines in figure 2 and extends at an angle a2 to the main axis 160. This angle a2 is approximately 83 degrees. Preferably, the angle a2 lies between 78 and 88 degrees.

The second connection 132 extends from the inward side 170 of the shoe 10 to the outward side 171 of the shoe and is provided in the area where the ball 152 of the foot goes over in the arch 153 of the foot. The second connection 132 is located between the ball part 152 and the arch part 153 of the foot.

The size and shape of the arch sole part 122 corresponds substantially to the arch 153 of the foot. The arch sole part 122 ends at the third connection 133 where the foot 140 goes over from the arch 153 into the heel 150. The arch sole part 122 is relatively narrow.

The third connection 133 is drawn as a dashed line and extends at an angle a3 to the main axis 160. This angle a3 is approximately 96 degrees. Preferably, the angle a2 lies between 91 and 101 degrees.

The size of the heel sole part 123 corresponds to the form of the heel 150 of the user.

In figure 1 B, the embodiment is shown in use. The band 126 is tied around the ankle and keeps the shoe in position at the heel 150 of the foot 140.

The large toe 141 is inserted into the toe holder 20 in order to keep the shoe attached to the foot at the front part of the foot.

In figure 2, the perimeter 177 of the foot 140 is shown as a continuous line. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the foot 140 extends outward of the perimeter 178 of the shoe 10 in some places. The perimeter 177 of the foot is also substantially larger than the contact area 173 of the foot 140. The heel 24 is shown in dashed lines in figure 2. It can be seen that the heel 24 is elongate in top view. The elongate form corresponds substantially with the elongate shape of the heel bone which is located directly above the heel 24 and to which the heel provides support. This is also visible in figure 3.

The heel 24 has a main axis 180 which extends at an angle a4 to the main axis 160 of the shoe 10. The angle a4 is approximately 30 degrees, preferably between 25 and 35 degrees. The angle a4 corresponds substantially with the angle of the heel bone inside the foot relative to the main axis 160

The sizes and shapes of the four sole parts 120, 121 ,122, 123 are determined by the three connections 131 , 132, 133 and by the perimeter 178 of the shoe 10.

Turning to figure 3, it can be seen that the shoe 10 is provided with a rim 179 along the perimeter 178. The rim 179 is manufactured from reinforced leather and forms a bumper 179 along the perimeter of the shoe. Other materials for the bumper rim are also possible.

The shoe 10 has a length 198 and a largest width 199. A forward ridge 182 of the heel 24 is provided at a substantially forward location. The forward position of the ridge 182 prevents the entire heel part of the shoe from toppling forward in use. In a normal rigid shoe, the heel part is integral with the rest of the shoe, and toppling forward is not possible.

However, in the shoe 10 according to the invention, the heel part can pivot relative to the rest of the shoe about the third connection 133. If the forward ridge 182 is located too far to the rear, the heel part of the shoe is not stable and will topple forward when the user is standing on the shoe 10. The forward most point of the heel is provided at a distance 191 from the rear end of the shoe, which distance is at least 20, more preferably at least 22 percent of the total length 198 of the shoe 10.

Turning to figures 4A and 4B, details of the first, second and third connections 131 , 132,133 are provided. The first connection 131 is constructed slightly different than the second and third connection 132, 133. The underside of the toe sole part 120 and the ball sole part 121 are provided with a first walking sole part 190 and a second walking sole part 191. The walking soles parts 190, 191 contact the ground and are resistant to wear and tear. The walking soles parts 190,191 are manufactured from rubber, but another material is also possible.

The walking soles parts 190, 191 have end faces 192, 193 which form a stop by abutting one another. The stop prevents the toe sole part 120 from pivoting too far relative to the ball sole part 121 . The first connection 131 is constructed to allow pivoting upward of the toe sole part 120, but prevents pivoting downward of the toe sole part 120 past a 180 degree angle, or a substantially 180 degree angle, relative to the ball sole part 121 .

The upper surface of the sole parts 120, 121 , 122, 123 is provided with a layer 196. The layer forms the upper surface which contacts the foot 140. The layer is manufactured from leather and is flexible. Other materials may also be possible. Under the layer 196, the intermediate sole 195 is provided. The intermediate sole 195 provides rigidity to the sole of the shoe.

Respective reinforcement tapes 197 span the connections 131 , 132, 133 and extend over a distance on either side of each connection 131 , 132, 133. The reinforcement tape comprises a webbing of a strong material.

Each connection 131 , 132, 133 further comprises a bottom leather layer 201. A bottom layer of a different material is also possible. Each connection further comprises - in side view - a U-shape 200, which allows the connections 131 , 132, 133 to act as a hinge.

It can be seen that at the first connection 131 , the U-shape 200 is inverted and is open to the bottom. At the second connection, the U-shape 200 is open at the upper side. At the third connection, the U-shape 200 is open towards the bottom.

At the connections 131 , 132, 133 the intermediate soles 195 end. The connections 131 , 132, 133 are spanned by a top leather layer 196, the reinforcement tape 197 and a bottom leather layer 201 .

The three layers 196, 197, 201 allow the connections to act as a hinge while at the same time providing the required strength to the connections 131 ,132,133.

A cover layer 202 is provided at the arch part 122 to cover the underside of the arch sole part.

Turning to figures 5A, 5B, 5C, the shoe 10 is shown when being transformed from the use state into the folded state. It can be seen that the sole parts pivot into a zigzag form or into a substantially zigzag form.

The view is taken from the outward side 171 of the shoe and looking inward. In this side view, the toe sole part 120 forms about 30 percent of the length of the shoe 10. The ball sole part 121 forms about 10-15 percent of the length of the shoe. The arch sole part

122 forms about 25 percent of the length of the shoe. The heel sole part 123 forms about 35 percent of the length of the shoe. The skilled person will understand that these lengths are different when viewed from the inward side 10 of the shoe.

It can be seen from figure 5B that due to the angles of the connections

131 ,132,133, some twist occurs in the shoe during the folding operation. When the shoe is in the folded state, the sole parts lie on one another and extend substantially parallel.

In figure 5C it can be seen that the toe sole part 120 lies on top of the shoe and protrudes somewhat to the rear. It can also be seen that the second connection 132 forms a facing surface on the rear of the shoe 10.

The band 126 which is shown in figure 1 A, 1 B is not shown in figure 5A, 5B, 5C.

However, in the folded state of figure 5C, the band 126 can be wound around the shoe 10 and thereby acts as a holding device for holding the shoe 10 in the folded state. Figure 6 shows the shoe 10 in the folded state from below. The sole parts 120, 121 , 122, 123 are shifted and rotated somewhat relative to one another, due to the angles of the connections 131 , 132, 133.

The outer perimeter 230 of the folded shoe is defined by a part of the tip 231 of the toe sole part 129, the first connection 131 , a portion 232 of the heel sole part 123, the third connection 133, a part 233 of the side of the arch sole part 122, a part 234 of the ball sole part and a part of the second connection 132.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment. This shoe 10 has a band 210 at the front side which is constructed to extend from the left side to the right side over the toes 141 -145 and/or over a front section of the ball part 142 of the foot. A second band 212 is provided at the rear of the shoe to extend around the ankle of the user. The second band 212 is connected to the heel sole part 123 via a vertically extending leather portion (not shown) at the rear of the shoe 10. The band 212 may be of leather, but a different material is also possible.

Figure 8 shows a detail of the band 210. The band 210 is connected to an inward side of the sole at one end and to an outward side of the sole at an opposite end. The band 210 defines two tunnels 216, 217 which extend through the band 210 across the shoe. The tunnels 216, 217 accommodate elastic bands 220, 222 which also extend over the shoe from left to right. A first elastic band 220 is connect to the toe sole part 120, i.e. to the left and right side thereof and extends directly in front of the first connection 131.

The second elastic band 222 is provided directly to the rear of the first connection 131 and extends over the shoe from the left to the right side, substantially parallel to the first elastic band 220 and substantially parallel to the first connection 131.

In this way, both the toe sole part 120 and the ball sole part 121 are - in use - connected to the foot via the band 210.

The bands 210, 212 have a dual function. In the use state, the bands 210, 212 serve to hold the shoe 10 on the foot 140. In the folded state, the bands 210, 212 have the function of keeping the shoe 10 in the folded state. This is shown in figure 9. The bands 210,212 are positioned around the shoe 10 and maintain the shoe in the compact, folded state. In this state, the shoe may be small enough to be carried in a relatively small bag.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the footwear item 10 of the invention in top view. The footwear item 10 comprises a sole 12 which is divided in three sole parts 12A, 12B, and 12C. A toe sole part 12A is connected to a middle sole part 12B via a first hinge connection 14A. The middle sole part 12B is connected to the heel sole part 12C via a second hinge connection 14B.

The footwear item has a toe end 70 and a heel end 72. A toe holder 16 is provided on the toe sole part 12A. A first hole 17 is provided in the toe sole part 12A (see Figure 1 1 ), a second hole 18 is provided in the middle sole part 12B and a third hole 19 is provided in the heel sole part 12C.

The sole 12 has the form of an ordinary sole. The perimeter 21 of the sole 12 has a rounded shape. The footwear item of figure 10 is to be worn on a left foot.

The first connection 12A defines a first hinge axis 28A and the second connection 12B defines a second hinge axis 28B. The first and second hinge axis 28A, 28B extend substantially parallel, but may also extend at an acute angle relative to one another of about 0 -20 degrees.

A toe holder (or fixation device) 20 is provided on the toe sole part 12A.

Figure 1 1 shows the underside of the embodiment of figure 10. The footwear item 10 comprises a heel 24 having an underside 26 which in use contacts the ground. The underside 26 may define an opening 30 which provides access to a cavity 32 inside the heel. However, it is also possible that the heel 24 is closed on the underside 26.

The heel 24 may have an oval or substantially oval cross-section, a circular or substantially circular cross-section, a square or substantially square form or have another form. The toe sole part 12A has a hole 17, which will be elucidated further below.

The sole 12 may be provided with ribbles or other projections known in the art for increasing the grip on the ground.

Turning to Figure 12, the footwear item 10 is show in side view. The footwear item

10 is in the use state and ready to use. The footwear item has a length 62. The sole parts have an upper side 50 and a lower side 51 and a thickness 53.

The three holes 17, 18, 19 are visible and extend all the way through the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C. The toe holder comprises a body 36 and a span member 38. The body 36 has a length 44 which is greater than the width 46. The body 36 is elongate and comprises a lower end 40 and an upper end 42. The body 36 may have a substantially circular cross- section, but other forms are also possible.

A span member 38 is connected to the upper end of the body. The span member 38 has a width 48 which is greater than the width of the body 36. The span member has a thickness 49 and is flat. Different forms of the span member 38 are possible.

The body 36 is able to slide through the opening 17 in the toe sole part 12A over a certain length. The span member 38 functions as a stop to prevent the toe holder 20 from sliding all the way through the hole 17 in the sole part 12A.

At the end 40, another stop is provided to prevent the toe holder 20 to slide out of the hole 17 at the end 40. The stop can be a tapering part of the body 36 which matches a tapering form of the hole 17. Different kinds of stops are also possible. A magnet 52 is provided at the lower end 40, the function of which will be discussed further below.

The toe holder 20 thus is movable between an upper position as shown and a lower position. In the lower position, the span member 38 engages an upper surface 50 of the toe sole part 12A.

The heel 24 has a somewhat widening or tapering form. The lower end 60 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the upper end 61 of the heel. The heel may be attached to the heel sole part 12C, but may also be integral with the heel sole part 12C.

The heel 24 comprises a cavity 32 which is open at the tope thereof via opening 19. The cavity has a length 54 and a width 56. The width corresponds substantially to the width 46 of the body 36. The length corresponds substantially to the length 44 of the body, such that the cavity is suitable to accommodate the body 36. At a lower end 58 of the cavity, a magnet 33 is provided which is fixed in the cavity 32.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, the footwear item will additionally comprise bands or strings to connect the footwear item to the ankle or other parts of the foot of the user. Thus, Figure 12 may not show a complete embodiment of the footwear item.

Figures 13, 14, 15 show the toe holder 20 in more detail. The magnet 52 has a greater width than the body 36 and thus forms simple stop to prevent the toe holder from completely coming out of the hole 17. The width of the magnet 52 still remains small enough to be able to pass through holes 18, 19. From figure 15 it is clear that the magnet 52 is not wider than the body 36 in all horizontal directions, but only in a direction which is

substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the footwear item.

The body 36 tapers outwardly near the span member 38 in order to provide a solid connection with the span member. The width of the body 36 is small enough to fit between the large toe and the second toe of a user. The length of the body 36 is large enough to allow the span member 38 to span over a part of the foot of the user near the toes. Both the body 36 and the span member 38 have a somewhat rounded shape to easily guide the toes when the footwear item is put on the foot or removed from the foot.

The span member 38 may be disconnectable from the body 36, in order to be exchangeable with another span member 38. The span member 38 may serve as a support for a visual sign, an ornament, a logo or brand, a form of an animal, a humanoid figure, a text, a form of a known object, a fantasy form, an image, or another visual item.

Turning to the shown sequences of figures 16A-16E, 17A-17E and 18A-18E, the folding of the footwear item 10 is disclosed. In Figures 16A, 17A and 18A, the footwear item 10 is in the unfolded or expanded state, i.e. the use state. The toe sole part 12A, the middle sole part 12B and the heel sole part 12C form a continuous sole 12 which is ready to support a foot of a user. The toe holder 20 is ready to accommodate the toes of the user, and the heel 24 is ready to support the heel of the user.

In Figures 16B, 17B and 18B, the toe sole part 12a is raised and the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C start to hinge relative to one another. This movement continues in Figures 16C, 17C, 18C, from which it is clear that at some point, the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C will have a Z-like configuration.

In Figures 16D, 17D and 18D, the toe sole part 12A, 12B, 12C engage one another and come to rest in the folded state. The upper side of the middle sole part 12 B folds onto the upper side of the heel sole part 12C and the underside of the toe sole part 12A folds onto the underside of the middle sole part 12B.

In Figures 16E, 17E and 18E, the toe holder 20 is inserted into the heel 24 and the footwear item is in the folded state. In this state, the footwear item has only limited dimensions and a limited volume, and can be carried in a purse relatively easy.

Various variations to the design are possible. The toe sole part 12A may be provided with a cushion in order to provide more comfort to the heel of a user. The heel sole part 12C may be provided with a slight indentation in order to provide more comfort to the heel of a user.

Figure 19 shows a view of the footwear item in the use state. A cushion 64 may be provided on the toe sole part 12A. An indentation 66 may be provided on the heel sole part 12C.

Figure 20 shows an embodiment of the footwear item in the folded state.

Turning to Figure 21 A, another embodiment according to the invention is shown. This embodiment comprises a flexible sole 12 manufactured from a flexible material. The sole 12 comprises sole part 12A, 12B, 12C which are integral with one another. The footwear item comprises a toe holder 20 and a heel 24 which are similar to the toe holder 20 and heel of the embodiment of figures 10-18.

Instead of connections 14A, 14B which act as hinges, the sole 12 itself folds into three sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C. at folding sections 15A, 15B. The footwear item is fixed in the folded state in very much the same way as the embodiment of figures 10-18.

It is also possible that the footwear item does not have a heel 24, but that the body

36 of the toe holder 20 is connected to the underside 51 of the heel sole part 12C.

Turning to Figure 21 B, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The sole 12 is divided in three parts, i.e. sole parts 12A, 12B and 12C. Two sole parts are relatively soft, i.e. the toe sole part 12A and the middle sole part 12B. One part is relatively hard, i.e. the heel sole part 12C. The soft part may be a different material than the hard part of the sole. The hard part 12C may be integrated with the heel 24. This embodiment comprises one folding section 15A between the toe sole part 12A and the middle sole part 12B and one hinge connection 14B between the middle sole part 12B and the heel sole part 12C.

Turning to figure 22, another embodiment is shown in which the toe holder 20 has substantially the form of a staple or an inverted U. The toe holder 20 comprises two bodies 36 connected to one another via a bridge-like span member 38. Two holes 17A, 17B are provided in the toe sole part 12A, and two holes 18A, 18B, 19A, and 19B are provided in the middle sole part 12B and heel sole part 12C.

In this embodiment, the toe holder 20 has two bodies 36, which have a slightly different position than the single body 36 of the embodiment of figures 10-21 . The sole 12 may need to be slightly modified in order to ensure that the holes 18A, 18B fall within the middle sole part 12B. For instance, the middle sole part 12B may be somewhat broader, or the hinge connections 14B, 14C may be oriented at an angle with respect to one another.

Turning to Figures 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, and 24, another embodiment of the invention is shown. The embodiment comprises a lock mechanism 76 to lock at least one sole part in the use position relative to another sole part. Here, the middle sole part 12B is locked relative to the heel sole part 12C. Details of the lock mechanism 76 are shown in Figure 15.

The lock mechanism 76 comprises a projection 78. The projection 78 is formed on a forward ridge 80 of the heel 24 or the heel sole part 12C. The projection 78 extends in the forward direction, and extends under the middle sole part 12B over a certain distance 82. The projection 78 may have the form of a tongue. The projection 78 extends at an angle downward. The angle corresponds substantially to an angle at which the middle sole part 12B extends in the use state.

In the projection 78, a metal part 84 or a magnet 84 is provided. The metal part 84 may be a plate or sheet material. In the middle sole part 12B, a matching magnet 85 or metal part 85 is provided. The magnet 85 is provided in a recess 87 in the middle sole part 12B which accommodates the projection 78. Together, the magnets or the combination of a magnet and metal part form the locking device 76.

The locking device 76 is configured to maintain the footwear item 10 in the locked state during use, e.g. during walking, but to be able to be unlocked by the user with relative ease when the footwear item is to be transformed into the folded state.

In Figure 23A it can be seen that in the use state, the projection 78 engages the underside 51 of the middle sole part 12 B. The magnet 84 will engage the magnet 85 and the footwear item will be locked in the use state. In Figure 23B, the magnets 84, 85 are disengaged and the footwear item 10 can be transformed into the folded state. In Figures 23C and 23D the footwear item is collapsed into the folded state in the regular way.

Different kinds of locking devices 76 are conceivable, such as slideable pin which can slide in a hole.

Turning to Figures 25, 26, 27A, 27B, 27C, 27D and 28, another embodiment according to the invention is shown. The toe holder 20 comprises a cover 90 which is constructed to cover the toes. The toe holder 20 is configured to accommodate the toes of the user in an inner space 88 thereof. The cover 90 comprises side walls 91 , a front wall 92 and a top 93. The side walls 91 , front wall 92 and top 93 go over into one another. The embodiment does not comprise a body 36 which extends between the toes, but rather the toe holder 20 extends around the toes of a user.

The cover 20 is semi-hard and deformable, in such a way that the cover can be collapsed when the footwear item 10 is folded in the collapsed state. This is shown in figure 27D. The cover 20 is collapsed onto the toe sole part 12a.

A metal part 94 is provided in the top 93 of the cover 20. The metal part 94 may be a wire mesh. Instead of a metal part, a magnet may also be used.

This embodiment does not have holes in the sole parts 12A, 12B, 12C, because the toe holder 20 is formed differently. The embodiment comprises magnets 95, 96, 97 which are provided in the sole part 12A, 12B, 12C in suitable positions. A first magnet 95 is provided in the toe sole parti 2A. A second magnet is provided in the middle sole part 12B and a third magnet 97 is provided in the heel sole part 12C. The magnets 95, 96 are active both at the underside 51 of the sole part as at the upper side 50 of the sole part. The magnet 95 is constructed to engage magnet 96 and is constructed to engage metal part 94 in the folded state. The magnet 96 is constructed to engage magnet 95 and magnet 97 in the heel sole part 12C.

The metal part 94 is constructed to engage the magnet 95 in the folded state, so that the cover 20 remains collapsed.

The magnets 95, 96, 97 may be provided in the respective sole parts in many different ways and positions. The function of the magnets 95, 96, 97 and the metal part 94 is to keep the footwear item 10 in the folded state once it has been collapsed. Different configurations of the magnets are possible to this end. In an embodiment, the magnets 65, 96, 97 are not aligned with one another in the folded state. It is also possible that two magnets are provided in the middle sole part, one magnet 96A at the underside 51 and one magnet at the upper side 50 of the middle sole part.

The embodiment also comprises the locking device 76.

Figures 27C and 27D show that the cover is collapsed in the direction of arrow 101 after the sole parts have been folded onto one another. Turning to Figure 29, the invention further relates to a carrying strap 100 for carrying shoes. The strap 100 comprises a first loop 102 and a second loop 103. The loops 102, 103 are manufactured from respective flexible elongate members 105A, 105B. The flexible elongate members 105A, 105B may be a string or a ribbon. An adjustment member 104 is provided with which the size of the loops 102, 103 can be changed. The adjustment member 104 comprises at least one through hole 106 through which the flexible elongate members 105A, 105B extend. Each flexible elongate member 105A, 105B extends through the hole 106 twice, such that the two loops 102, 103 are formed.

The adjustment member 104 is configured to slide along the flexible elongate members 105A, 105B in the direction of arrows 1 10, 1 1 1 in order to vary the size of the loops 102, 103. In a first position of the adjustment member 104, the size of the loops 102, 103 is large enough to insert a first shoe in an opening 1 18 defined by the first loop 102 and to insert a second shoe in an opening 1 19 defined by the second loop 103. The adjustment member 104 can then be slid in the direction of arrow 1 10 in order to decrease the size of the loops 102, 103 and to cause the shoes to remain strapped in the strap 100.

The strap 100 further comprises a handle 1 12 which is constructed to be held in the hand of a user.

In an embodiment, the carrying strap 100 comprises two closed loops 102, 103, wherein at one end 1 14 the closed loops 102, 103 are interconnected to form a handle 1 12. At an opposite end 1 16, the two closed loops 102, 103 are not interconnected and form individual loops 102, 103.

In an embodiment, the carrying strap 100 is combined in a combination (or kit-of- parts) with a left and right footwear item 10 of the invention.

In use, for instance at an end of a party, the user takes off her regular high heeled shoes and ties the high heeled shoes in the carrying strap 100. The user then puts on the footwear itemsl O of the invention and is capable of walking comfortably again. One advantage of the heel may be that the user still feels feminine and sexy. Other advantages may also exist.

The present invention may be suitable for a high-end fashion market.

The regular high heeled shoes can be carried on the shoulder or on the wrist with the carrying strap.

It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the details and the arrangement of the parts may be varied over considerable range without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the claims.

Claims

Footwear item comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between:

- a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and

- a folded state in which the sole parts are substantially folded onto one

another.

Footwear item according to claim 1 , wherein the respective sole parts are connected to one another via respective connections which act as a hinge.

Footwear item according to claim 1 or 2, comprising four sole parts:

- a toe sole part,

- a ball sole part,

- an arch sole part, and

- a heel sole part,

Footwear item according to claim 3, wherein the first connection between the toe sole part and the ball sole part extends at an angle a1 of 65-75 degrees to a main axis of the footwear item, the main axis being defined as extending - in top view when the footwear item is worn by a user on his or her foot - between a rearmost tip of a heel of the foot of the user and a forward most tip of the large toe of the user.

Footwear item according to any of claims 3-4, wherein the second connection between the ball sole part and the arch sole part extends at an angle a2 of 78-88 degrees to the main axis.

Footwear item according to any of any of claims 3-5, wherein the third connection between the arch sole part and the heel sole part extends at an angle a3 of 91 -101 degrees to the main axis.

7. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-6, wherein the first connection is constructed to allow the toe sole part to pivot upwards relative to the ball sole part and comprises a stop constructed to prevent the toe sole part from pivoting downward beyond an angle of approximately 180 degrees relative to the ball sole part.

8. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-7, wherein the second and third

connections allow pivoting of the adjoining sole parts relative to one another in either direction of a 180 degree angle between the adjoining sole parts, i.e. the sole parts can pivot in either direction starting from a parallel relative orientation of the adjoining sole parts.

9. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-8, wherein the first connection extends from an inward side of the sole to an outward side of the sole and is entirely located - in top view and in use - forward of the ball part of the foot.

10. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-9, wherein the first connection extends substantially parallel to a line defined by the proximal ends of the toes.

1 1 . Footwear item according to any of claims 3-10, wherein the first connection extends substantially parallel to a forward ridge of a contact zone of the ball of the foot of a user with the sole.

12. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-1 1 , wherein the second connection

extends from an inward side of the sole to an outward side of the sole and is located

- in top view and in use - at a transition between the ball part and the arch part of the foot.

13. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-12, wherein the third connection extends from an inward side of the sole to an outward side of the sole and is located - in top view and in use - at a transition between the arch part and the heel part of the foot.

14. Footwear item according to any of claims 3-13, comprising at least one band which in the use state extends over the foot or around the ankle and which is flexible enough to be wrapped around the sole parts when the sole parts are folded onto one another in the folded state for fixating the footwear item in the folded state.

15. Footwear item according to claim 1 or 2, comprising three sole parts:

- a toe sole part,

- a middle sole part, and

- a heel sole part,

16. Footwear item according to any of claims 1 , 2 or 12, wherein the sole parts are

constructed to fold substantially onto one another in a zig-zag type configuration.

17. Footwear item according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the upper side of the middle sole part is constructed to fold onto the upper side of the heel sole part and wherein the underside of the toe sole part is constructed to fold onto the underside of the middle sole part.

18. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, wherein the fixation device is an integral part of the footwear item.

19. Footwear item according to claim 18, wherein the fixation device is constructed to:

- perform a first function of fixing the footwear item in the folded state, and

- perform a second, different function in the footwear item in the use state.

20. Footwear item according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the use state, engage a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot.

21 . Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a:

- fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, and

22. Footwear item according to any of claims 18 - 21 , comprising a heel which defines a volume, wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the folded state, be at least partially positioned within the volume defined by the heel.

23. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising an element which is constructed to serve as a toe holder in the use state and constructed to serve as a fixation device in the folded state.

24. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a toe holder which is connected to a sole part and movable relative to said sole part between two operating positions:

- a use position wherein the toe holder protrudes from the sole part and

25. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a toe holder which is constructed to slide relative to the sole part to which it is connected.

26. Footwear item according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the toe holder is constructed to slide through a hole in the toe sole part.

27. Footwear item according to any of claims 24 - 26, wherein the sole parts each

comprise a hole, wherein in the folded state the holes are aligned with one another, and wherein the toe holder is configured to extend through said holes in the folded state in order to fix the footwear item in the folded state.

28. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a toe holder which is movable relative to the sole such that:

- in the expanded state the toe holder protrudes at least partially upward from the sole, and

- in the folded state the toe holder protrudes at least partially downward from the sole into the heel.

29. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a toe holder

comprising:

30. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a fixation device, in particular a toe holder, which comprises a connector for fixing the fixation device to the heel or the heel sole part of the footwear item, in order to keep the footwear item in the folded state.

Footwear item according to claim 30, comprising a heel and a toe holder, wherein the toe holder is configured to be at least partially inserted into the heel in the folded state, and wherein the connector is constructed to connect the toe holder to the heel in said inserted position.

32. Footwear item according to claim 31 , wherein the connector comprises:

- a magnet attached to the toe holder, and

33. Footwear item according to claim 29, wherein the span member of the toe holder is constructed to act as a stop for - in the folded state - preventing the sole parts from unfolding, thereby maintaining the sole parts in the folded state.

34. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, wherein the footwear item further comprises attachment means connected to the sole, the attachment means being constructed to attach the footwear item to the foot of a user, in particular to the ankle of the user.

35. Footwear item according to claim 34, wherein the attachment means comprise

flexible, elongate members, which are configured to be at least partially positioned around the ankle.

36. Footwear item according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the attachment means are

connected at least to a heel end of the sole and to the sole near the second connection device.

37. Footwear item according to any of claims 2-36, wherein the connections which act as a hinge define pivot axes which are substantially parallel or extend at an acute angle of 0-20 degrees relative to one another.

38. Footwear item according to any of claims 2 or 15-37, the sole parts having a

thickness and an underside and an upper side, wherein the first connection device which acts as a hinge is provided near the underside of the sole parts connected by it and wherein the second connection device which acts as a hinge is provided near the upper side of the sole parts connected by it.

39. Footwear item according to any of claims 2-26, wherein the connections which act as a hinge comprise:

40. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, comprising a locking device constructed to lock at least two sole parts relative to one another in the unfolded state, such that the sole parts provide a form stable sole.

41 . Footwear item according to claim 40, wherein the locking device comprises a pin which is constructed to move between:

42. Footwear item according to claim 40, wherein the locking device comprises:

- a first magnet provided on a projection of one sole part, and

a second magnet provided on an adjoining sole part, wherein the second magnet is constructed to engage the first magnet in the use state.

43. Footwear item according to any of the previous claims, wherein the sole or at least a part of the sole is manufactured from a relatively soft material, wherein the sole can be folded between the use state and the folded state along folding regions which are an integral part of the sole.

44. Footwear item according to any of claims 21 - 43, comprising a cover configured to - in use - at least partially cover the toes of a user, wherein the cover is connected to the toe sole part and is collapsible onto the toe sole part in the folded state.

45. Footwear item according to claim 44, wherein the cover comprises a fixation device configured to fix the cover onto the toe sole part in a collapsed form.

46. A combination comprising a left and a right footwear item according to claim 1 .

47. Combination of claim 46, wherein the left and right footwear items comprise a fixation device for fixing the footwear item in the folded state, wherein the fixation device is an integral part of the footwear item, and wherein the fixation device is constructed to, in the use state, engage a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot.

48. Carrying strap for carrying shoes, the carrying strap comprising:

a first loop of variable size formed by a first flexible elongate member, a second loop of variable size formed by a second flexible elongate member a carrying handle, and

an adjustment member comprising at least one through hole through which the flexible elongate members extend, wherein the adjustment member is configured to slide along the flexible elongate members for varying the size of the first and second loop.

49. Method of folding or expanding a footwear item, the method comprising:

- providing a footwear item comprising a sole which comprises multiple sole parts, the footwear item being transformable between:

i. a use state in which the sole parts form a sole of the footwear item, and

50. Method according to claim 49, wherein the footwear item comprises a fixation device, the method comprising the steps: a. providing the footwear item in the use state, the fixation device being an integral part of the footwear item and engaging a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot,

b. removing the footwear item from the foot of a user,

c. folding the footwear item from the use state into the folded state, and d. fixing the footwear item in the folded state with the fixation device, or

a. providing the footwear item in the folded state, the fixation device

maintaining the footwear item in the folded state,

b. loosening or uncoupling the fixation device,

c. unfolding the footwear item from the folded state into the use state,

wherein the fixation device engages a part of the foot in order to maintain the footwear item in the desired position on the foot, and

d. putting the footwear item on the foot of a user.