WO2018165702A1

WO2018165702A1 - A running shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2018165702A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050220
Authority: WO
Inventors: Damon Locantro
Original assignee: Damon Locantro
Priority date: 2017-03-13
Filing date: 2018-03-12
Publication date: 2018-09-20

Abstract

A running shoe having a sole with a front section that is substantially located below the ball and toe portion of the shoe, and a heel section that is substantially located below the heel portion of the shoe, wherein the front section of the sole is thicker than the heel section of the sole.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a running shoe. Reference will be made in the specification to the use of the invention with respect to running on athletic tracks, paths or other suitable surfaces. The patent specification describes this use, but this is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Running shoes typically have a padded sole sloping down from a padded heel to a less padded forefoot. Most runners wearing running shoes first contact the ground with the heel of the shoe. Contacting with the heel of the shoe first is called a heel strike. Some runners also run with a midfoot strike, where a part of the midfoot around the arch and the heel first contact the ground.

The heel pad of the human foot is not structured to absorb the force of repeated impact. Repetitive heel striking or midfoot striking causes stress injuries to the foot and lower part of the leg, shins, knees, hips and other joint and bone injuries.

Some manufacturers have produced running shoes with thick heels with the aim to reduce the impact force from heel strikes.

Some runners have resorted to running barefoot to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injuries due to heel strike. Running barefoot promotes a midfoot or forefoot strike where the runner lands on the middle or front of the foot. However, running barefoot leaves a runner more susceptible to cuts and impact injuries.

Some manufacturers of running shoes have introduced thin-soled and flexible shoes to emulate running barefoot while providing minimal protection from impact and cuts,

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with running shoes and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor has identified that a running shoe with a thick heel promotes a heel strike.

!n one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a running shoe having a sole which is thicker at a front section than at a heel section.

Preferably the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is in the range of 1 :6 to 4:5. More preferably the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is in the range of 1 :2 to 7: 10. !n one embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is substantially 2:3. In another embodiment, the thickness of the heel section is substantially 15mm and the thickness of the front section is substantiaiiy 30mm.

In one embodiment, the front section of the sole is at least twice as thick as the heel section. More preferably the front section of the sole is at least three times as thick as the heel section. Preferably the front section of the sole is between 1 cm and 5cm thick. Preferably the front section of the sole is at least 2cm thick. More preferably the front section of the sole is at least 3cm thick. In one embodiment, the front section of the sole is up to 8cm thick. Preferably the thickness of the front section of the sole is measured at the thickest part.

Preferably, the front section of the sole is the portion substantially located below the ball and toe portion of the shoe. Preferably the front section of the sole is forward of the midpoint of the sole.

Preferably the front section of the sole includes a resilient material. Preferably the front section of the sole includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or dual- density EVA foam. In one embodiment, the front section of the sole includes poiyurethane.

In one embodiment, the sole is a flexible sole. Preferably the sole includes a rubber foam. Preferably the sole includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or dual- density EVA foam. Preferably the sole includes an arch support located between the front section and the heel section. The arch support is preferably made from a material which is harder than the rest of the sole. The arch support is preferably made from a material which is harder than ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam or dual-density EVA foam. Preferably the arch support includes thermoplastic poiyurethane (TPU). Preferably, having the arch support made from a material which is harder than the rest of the sole assists in recovering elastic energy stored in the arch of the foot.

In one embodiment, the front section of the sole includes cushioning to cushion impact Preferably the cushioning is a gel cushioning or air cushioning.

In another embodiment, the sole includes one or more gel or air inserts.

Preferably the one or more gel or air inserts cushion impact when the running shoe is used.

Preferably the front section of the sole includes tread. Preferably the positioning of the tread is such that it provides traction when the running shoe is in use.

In one embodiment the front section of the sole extends laterally and outwardly relative to an upper of the shoe. Preferably the sole is at least 20% wider than the upper at the widest part of the front section. More preferably the sole is at least 30% wider than the upper at the widest part of the front section. Preferably the sole extends laterally by between 1 cm and 5cm on each side at the widest part of the front section relative to the upper. Preferably the sole extends laterally by at least 2cm on each side at the widest part of the front section relative to the upper. More preferably the sole extends laterally by at least 3cm on each side at the widest part of the front section relative to the upper.

Preferably the heel section of the sole is less than 2cm thick. Preferably the thickness of the heel section of the sole is measured at the thickest part

!n one embodiment, the heel section of the sole has a different construction than the front section of the sole. Preferably the heel section of the sole includes a different material relative to the front section of the sole. In one embodiment, the heel section of the sole includes a reinforced portion. Preferably the reinforced portion provides protection against impact from objects such as rocks. Preferably the reinforced portion includes a rigid material. In one embodiment, the heel section of the sole includes a carbon fibre composite material. In another embodiment, the heel section includes a rubber material. Preferably the rubber material is carbon rubber.

Preferably the sole includes a midsole, an outsoie and an insole. In one embodiment, the sole further includes a sock liner. Preferably the front section of the sole includes the midsole, outsoie and insole. Preferably the shoe further includes laces. Alternatively, the shoe can include a hook and loop fastener or a clutch reel closure system , or any other system to tighten the shoe around a runners foot.

!n one embodiment, the shoe includes spikes. Preferably the spikes extend from the front section of the sole. Preferably the spikes provide traction when the running shoe is in use.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a running shoe having

a sole with a front section that extends laterally and outwardly relative to an upper of the shoe,

wherein the sole is at least 20% wider than the upper at the front section at the widest part of the front section.

Preferably the sole is at least 30% wider than the upper at the widest part of the front section. More preferably the sole is at least 40% wider than the upper at the widest part of the front section. Preferably the sole extends laterally by between 1 cm and 5cm on each side relative to the upper. Preferably the sole extends laterally by at least 2cm on each side relative to the upper. More preferably the sole extends laterally by substantially between 2cm to 3cm on each side relative to the upper. Preferably the lateral extension is measured at the widest part of the front section of the sole.

Preferably the sole is thicker at the front section than at a heel section of the sole.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a running shoe having

a sole with a front section forward of the midpoint of the sole and a heel section rearward of the midpoint,

wherein the front section of the sole is thicker than the heel section of the sole.

Preferably the heel section is at least 4cm rearward of the midpoint.

Preferably the front section of the sole is at least 2cm forward of the midpoint.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a running shoe having a sole with a front section that is substantially located below the ball and toe portion of the shoe, and a heel section that is substantially located below the heel portion of the shoe,

The upper of the running shoe preferably includes a mesh material for breathability. In one embodiment, portions of the upper are covered with a water resistant material. Preferably the water resistant material limits ingress of liquid through the mesh material. In one embodiment, the water resistant material is printed onto the upper.

The running shoe preferably includes reflective material. The reflective material is preferably fixed to the upper. More preferably the reflective material is printed onto the mesh material.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a running shoe according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the running shoe of Figure 1

Figure 3 is a right side view of a running shoe according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a left side view of the running shoe of Figure 3

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the running shoe of Figure 3; and

Figure 6 is a top view of the running shoe of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a running shoe 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The running shoe 10 has a sole 12. The sole 12 has a heel section 14 and a front section 16. The front section 16 of the sole 12 is located substantially below a ball portion 18 and a toe portion 20 of the running shoe 10.

The front section 16 of the sole 12 is approximately three times as thick as the heel section 14, with the thicknesses being measured at the thickest part of the front section 16 and the heel section 14 respectively.

The front section 16 of the sole 12 extends laterally relative to an upper 22 of the running shoe 10. The front section 16 of the sole 12 is approximately 40% wider than the upper 22, with the width being measured at the widest part of the front section 16.

The front section 16 of the sole 12 includes ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. The front section 16 also has a tread 24.

The heel section 14 includes a rigid carbon fibre composite material. The running shoe 10 also includes a closure system in the form of a shoe lace 26 and corresponding eyelets 28.

The running shoe also includes a heel loop 30,

!n use, when a runner is running on an athletic track or a path with the running shoe 10, the thicker front section 16 and the thinner heel section 14, as well as the softer material of the front section 16 compared to the more rigid material of the heel section 14 encourages the runner to land on the front of the foot, more specifically on the bail of the foot. In particular, heel striking with the thinner and more rigid material of the heel section 14 is less comfortable than forefoot striking with the thicker front section 16. Landing on the front of the foot also encourages a 5° to 8° (or even greater) forward lean which is beneficial when running.

The rigid carbon fibre composite material of the heel section 14 provides some protection against impacts and cuts.

The front section 16 of the sole 12 extending laterally relative to the upper 22 assists in spreading the impact forces and providing lateral stability. The resilient EVA foam in the front section 16 helps to absorb the impact and enhances energy return.

With reference to Figures 3 to 6 there is shown a running shoe 1 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The running shoe 1 10 has a sole 1 12. The sole 1 12 has a heel section 1 14 and a front section 1 16. The front section 120 of the running shoe 1 10.

The front section 1 18 of the sole 1 12 is thicker than the heel section 1 14, with the thicknesses being measured at the thickest part of the front section 1 16 and the heel section 1 14 respectively. At the front section 1 18 of the sole 1 12, the thickness is substantially 3cm. At the heel section 1 14 of the sole 1 12, the thickness is substantially 2cm.

The sole 1 12 includes ethyiene-vinyi acetate (EVA) foam. The sole also includes an arch support section 134, The arch support section 134 is made of a harder material than the EVA foam. The arch support section 134 is made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

The sole 1 12 further includes tread 124 to provide traction.

The running shoe 1 10 also includes a closure system in the form of a shoe lace 126 and corresponding eyelets 128. The running shoe 1 10 further includes a tongue 132.

The running shoe also includes a heel loop 130 to assist a runner in putting on the running shoe 1 10.

An upper 122 of the running shoe 1 10 includes a mesh material 136. A water resistant plastic coating 138 is applied onto the mesh material 136 to inhibit ingress of liquid.

In use, when a runner is standing on level ground with the front section 1 16 and the heel section 1 14 in contact with the ground, the front of the runner's foot will be elevated relative to the heel of the runners foot. This orientation encourages the runner to stand on the front of the foot, and to land on the front of the foot when running.

Having a thicker front section 1 16 compared to a heel section 1 14 is counter intuitive in regard to reducing stress injuries from heel strikes. Having a thicker front section 1 16 compared to a heel section 1 14 is also counter intuitive as it is initially harder for runners to run in such a shoe, requiring some conditioning (e.g. shorter runs) before being able to run longer distances.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes encouraging a forefoot strike. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes minimising potential injury resulting from repetitive impact of the heel bone due to heel strikes. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes a better use of the elastic energy stored in the Achilles tendon, the arch of the foot and the calf. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes greater lateral stability compared to a normal running shoe. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes a better distribution of the impact force due to the lateral extension of the front section of the sole. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes a reduced strike time compared to a heel and toe strike of a conventional running shoe. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe includes a reduction or removal of inefficient rearwards forces generated by a heel strike. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the running shoe is that the running shoe improves a runners efficiency and speed and minimises the risk of injury.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, ail such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1 . A running shoe having

a sole with a front section that is substantially located below the ball and toe portion of the shoe, and a heel section that is substantially located below the heel portion of the shoe,

wherein the front section of the sole is thicker than the heel section of the sole. 2. A running shoe as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is in the range of 1 :6 to 4:5,

3. A running shoe as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is in the range of 1 :2 to 7: 10,

4. A running shoe as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is substantially 2:3.

5. A running shoe as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the heel section is substantially 15mm and the thickness of the front section is substantially

30mm.

8. A running shoe as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the front section of the sole is at least twice as thick as the heel section.

7. A running shoe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole is a flexible sole including an arch support located between the front section and the heel section, the arch support made from a material which is harder than the rest of the sole.

8. A running shoe as claimed in claim 7, wherein the arch support includes thermoplastic polyurethane.

9. A running shoe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sole includes ethylene-vinyi acetate (EVA) foam or dual-density EVA foam.

10. A running shoe as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper of the running shoe includes a mesh material for breathability.

1 1 . A running shoe as claimed in claim 10, wherein portions of the upper are covered with a water resistant material to limit ingress of liquid through the mesh material.

12. A running shoe having

13. A running shoe as claimed in claim 12, wherein the heel section is at least 4cm rearward of the midpoint. 14. A running shoe as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the front section of the sole is at least 2cm forward of the midpoint.

15. A running shoe as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is in the range of 1 :6 to 4:5.

18. A running shoe as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is in the range of 1 :2 to 7: 10.

17. A running shoe as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the heel section to the front section is substantially 2:3. running shoe havin^ a sole with a front section that is substantially located below the ball and toe portion of the shoe, and a heel section that is substantially located below the heel portion of the shoe,

wherein the front section of the sole is thicker than the heel section of the sole, and the front section extends laterally and outwardly relative to an upper of the shoe, wherein the sole is at least 20% wider than the upper at the front section at the widest part of the front section,

19. A running shoe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sole is up to 30% wider than the upper at the front section at the widest part of the front section.

20. A running shoe as claimed in claim 18, wherein the sole is up to 40% wider than the upper at the front section at the widest part of the front section.