WO2018215776A2

WO2018215776A2 - Mass-producible orthotic footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2018215776A2
Application number: PCT/GB2018/051411
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Michael White; Francis Michael DUFFY
Original assignee: Ian Michael White; Duffy Francis Michael
Priority date: 2017-05-23
Filing date: 2018-05-23
Publication date: 2018-11-29
Also published as: GB2562750A; WO2018215776A3; GB201708272D0

Abstract

An orthotic article of footwear and a corresponding method of manufacture is disclosed. An upper of the article of footwear has an orthotic affixed thereto so as to define a footbed. The orthotic has an upper surface shaped to define a profiled upper surface of the footbed and a lower surface. The lower surface has one or more keying formation. An outer sole has a mating surface and an outer surface, wherein the mating surface has one or more corresponding keying formation, and the orthotic is further affixed to the outer sole such that the keying formation of the orthotic mates with the corresponding keying formation of the outer sole. The orthotic is permanently integrated into the article of footwear. The profile of the upper surface of the orthotic is tilted or inclined by 1° to 2° relative to a plane of the outer surface of the outer sole at least in a heel region of the article of footwear.

Description

TITLE

Mass-Producible Orthotic Footwear BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure concerns orthotic footwear and more specifically, although not exclusively, to an orthotic footwear construction that provides some correction to a wearer's gait.

In current footwear products, the major focus on comfort in footwear is based on underfoot cushioning as opposed to the more holistic health and wellbeing aspect. Little attention is given to the wider benefits to the muscular or skeletal aspects throughout the body in mass produced shoes.

Conventional corrective orthotics are typically added post production as a removable item within an existing mass-produced shoe. For example, a

standard/generic footbed may be provided and an orthotic insole may be added to customise the footwear to suit an individual user's specific needs. However, this kind of customisation is not suitable for the mass market due to the need for a consultation to match specific orthotic profiles and sizes to each individual user.

Furthermore, manufacturing and stocking all the different varieties that may be needed adds cost and complexity.

Post-manufacture orthotics, such as insoles, etc., are susceptible to high degree of variation in performance and effectiveness. There is also an opportunity for displacement of the orthotic component during wear, thereby negating any benefits that may have been offered at the point of purchase.

US 2007/186446 A1 describes the use of a sole structure secured to a shoe upper and a foot supporting insert, wherein the insert has an indentation in its underside to receive a projection depending upwardly from the sole structure. In this way the relative position of an insert in the footwear may be positively established.

However, the inserts are added after the manufacture of the footwear and are intended to be bespoke to orthotic or athletic needs of individuals. Without specific specialized advice, there is significant potential for the wearer to select an inappropriate orthotic insert/device.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a footwear construction that provides a degree of orthotic benefit integrated within a mass producible footwear article.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising an upper having an orthotic affixed thereto so as to define a footbed for the article of footwear, wherein the orthotic comprises an upper surface shaped to define a profiled upper surface of the footbed and a lower surface, the lower surface comprising one or more keying formation, the article further comprising an outer sole having a mating surface and an outer surface, wherein the mating surface has one or more corresponding keying formation, and the orthotic is further affixed to the outer sole such that the keying formation of the orthotic mates with the corresponding formation of the outer sole and the orthotic is permanently integrated into the article of footwear, wherein the profile of the upper surface of the orthotic is tilted or inclined by 1 ° to 2°relative to a plane of the outer surface of the outer sole at least in a heel region of the article of footwear.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an article of footwear comprising an upper having an orthotic affixed thereto so as to define a footbed for the article of footwear, wherein the orthotic comprises an upper surface shaped to define a profiled upper surface of the footbed and a lower surface, the article further comprising an outer sole having a mating surface and an outer surface, wherein the lower surface of the orthotic is further affixed to the mating surface of outer sole so that the orthotic is irremovably integrated into the article of footwear, wherein the profile of the upper surface of the orthotic is tilted or inclined by 1 ° to 2° at least in a heel region of the article of footwear.

The whole cross-sectional profile of the upper surface of the orthotic may be tilted by 1 -2° at least in the heel region, e.g. a section through the heel region or through the entire heel region.

The tilt of 1 -2° may be relative to a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear, e.g. an angle of rotation or incline about the longitudinal axis.

The profile of the upper surface of the orthotic may be greater than or equal to 1 .5°, 1 .7°, 1 .8° or 1 .9°. A tilt angle of substantially 2° or precisely 2° may be used, e.g. within conventional engineering tolerances. The orthotic may comprise a curved lateral edge in the heel region, e.g. to define a cradle for lateral positioning of a wearer's heel on the orthotic. Opposing curved lateral edges may be provided. The curved lateral edges may comprise a part of a curved profile of the upper surface of the orthotic. Said curved profile, e.g. in a central region thereof or in its entirety, may be tilted.

The orthotic may comprise a curved rear edge, e.g. in the heel region.

A continuous curved edge region may extend around the rear edge of the heel region and an adjoining longitudinal inner/medial edge of the heel region.

The angle of tilt or incline may be in a direction towards an inner/medial longitudinal edge of the article of footwear. For example, the inner/medial edge may be tilted upwards, whereas the outer lateral edge may be tilted downwardly.

An inner/medial edge of the upper surface profile may be elevated relative to the outer/lateral edge by way of the angle of tilt/incline.

The tilt/incline may be in a medial direction. The upper may comprise a footbed cover, e.g. lying atop the upper surface of the orthotic. The footbed cover may be affixed/adhered to the upper surface of the orthotic.

The upper may comprise a peripheral edge that is glued and/or stitched to the orthotic, e.g. about a peripheral edge of the orthotic.

The peripheral edge of the upper may comprise a curtain, flange or extension portion, e.g. that depends beyond a footbed cover region of the upper.

The peripheral edge may be tucked under the lower surface of the orthotic.

The peripheral edge may be affixed to the upper surface of the orthotic.

The tilt/incline may be absent in a forefoot region of the orthotic, sole, footbed or article of footwear. The tilt/incline may be absent and/or blended out in a waist portion of the orthotic, sole, footbed or article of footwear. The tilt/incline may be provided in the heel region only.

The sole may be an outer sole, e.g. an outsole. The outer surface may comprise a tread formation of the sole. The keying formation may comprise a projection or recess. The corresponding keying formation may comprise a projection or recess shaped to mate with, or receive, the keying formation.

The orthotic and/or sole (i.e. outsole) may comprise one or more region of reduced strength and/or density. One or more crumple zones may be provided.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of

manufacturing articles of footwear comprising producing an upper, affixing an orthotic to the upper so as to define a profile of a footbed for the article of footwear, wherein the orthotic comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface comprising one or more keying formation, providing a sole having a mating surface and an outer surface, wherein the mating surface has one or more corresponding keying formation, and securing the sole to the orthotic such that the keying formation of the orthotic mates with the corresponding formation of the sole and the orthotic is integrated into the article of footwear, the profile of the orthotic secured to the sole being such that a profile of the upper surface of the orthotic is tilted by 1 to 2 degrees relative to a plane of the outer surface of the sole at least in a heel region of the article of footwear.

The upper may be provided on a last, e.g. during affixing of the orthotic.

The upper surface of the orthotic and the last may be correspondingly shaped. The last may comprise curved cross-sectional profile and/or may have a curved outer surface at least in the heel portion of the last. The curved shape/profile may define a curved cradle region of the orthotic, e.g. in the heel region of the orthotic.

The orthotic may be considered to comprise an integrated sole portion or layer of the article of footwear. The orthotic may be considered to comprise a midsole or midsole layer of the article of footwear.

This invention relates to footwear construction that corrects the wearer's gait, but built within an integral portion of a mass-producible shoe. Articles of footwear according to the invention may provide a resultant reduction in skeletal stress, e.g. throughout the full gait cycle.

Practicable embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section view of an overall construction of article of footwear according to an example of the invention using a Stroble method of manufacture;

Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section view of an overall construction of article of footwear according to a further example of the invention using an alternative method of manufacture known as Veldtschoen or StitchoutlSticthdown construction;

Figure 3 shows in cross section the overall construction with a

locking/keying formation locating the orthotic device with the sole unit shell;

Figure 4 shows a cross section of an alternative overall construction in the rear/heel foot section with a locking/keying mechanism locating the orthotic device within the outer sole, e.g. using the Veldtschoen or StitchoutlStitchdown footwear construction method;

Figure 5 shows a plan view of a multi-density orthotic device to be built in to an article of footwear according to an example of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a cross section through the rear foot or heel region of an example orthotic device;

Figure 7 shows a cross section through the rear foot or heel region of a further example orthotic device;

Figure 8 shows an outer sole unit with in-built reduced density or 'crumple' zones; and,

Figure 9 shows a schematic rear view of a conventional footbed on the left and a footbed according to an example of the invention on the right as worn by a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description concerns a footwear construction incorporating an integrated, optionally multi-density, corrective orthotic. An orthotic is a corrective footwear device normally inserted into the footwear post manufacture. However, the following disclosure results from the determination that an orthotic with a limited degree of correction can be integrated into a mass-produced article of footwear, such that it can offer some benefit to a significant proportion or a majority of the general population, e.g. without requiring a specific identified need or prescription from a medical professional.

In the following examples, the corrective orthotic 1 is encapsulated within the construction of the footwear, thus being non-removable, nor liable to shift during wear. Removal of the orthotic would require destruction of the article of footwear.

The orthotic 1 is shown in the attached figures a comprising a complete layer of the sole, e.g. extending around the complete peripheral edge of the sole or footbed. However, in other examples the orthotic could potentially terminate in a waist or forefoot region of the article of footwear.

Turning to Figure 1 , an upper is provided as comprising a lining 2 stitched to a footbed cover 3. The lining 2 and footbed cover 3 may comprise one or more layer of flexible (e.g. textile) material intended to cover an internal surface of the shoe.

During manufacture, the upper comprising the lining 2 and footbed cover 3 can be forced onto a shoe making last, after which the orthotic 1 is accurately located onto the bottom of the footbed cover 3.

In Figure 1 the integral orthotic device 1 is shown encapsulated with the footwear constructed by the Strobel method of manufacture. In this example the lining 2 is attached to the footbed cover 3 and an outside 4 is provided over the lining 2. The outside 4 may form an outer layer of the upper.

The outside 4 comprises an edge portion 4A, e.g. a peripheral edge portion, that extends beyond the lining 2 and/or footbed cover 3. This portion may be described as curtain or free edge for attaching to the orthotic 1 . The edge portion 4A of the outside 4 is wrapped around the peripheral edge of the orthotic 1 and secured over/under the orthotic device 1 . The peripheral edge 4A may be affixed by gluing, stitching or any other conventional fixing process. Thus, the upper as a whole is permanently affixed to the orthotic, i.e. rather than the orthotic being a removable component thereof.

The combined upper and orthotic 1 are then locked into the sole unit 5 by the use of corresponding male and female 'keyways' 6 in the orthotic device 1 and the sole unit 5. A plurality of keyways 6 are shown but one or more keying formation may be used. The male and female keying formations 6 take the form of protrusions and depressions in the respective sole and orthotic members, i.e. in opposing surfaces thereof. The formations could extend across substantially the whole width of the footbed but will more typically take the form of discrete formations within the perimeter of the footbed. A plurality/series of keying formations are shown as extending in a longitudinal direction along at least the heel region of the footbed.

The keying formations could take the form of castellations, grooves, peaks and troughs, pedestals, or similar. In plan, the keying formations could take the form of a polygon, e.g. triangle, square, or a circle/ellipse. In any example, the keying formations are correspondingly shaped to closely fit together to provide a mechanical keying and aligning function between the sole 4 and orthotic 1 . The keying fitment between the formations may be an interference fit or close/friction fit. Subject to engineering tolerances, the keying formations thus ensure a reproducible and tight alignment between the orthotic and outsole.

The sole 5 is then permanently attached to the midsole (and the upper) by a conventional fixing technique, such as vulcanizing, stitching, adhesion or direct moulding. In the example of Figure 1 , the sole 5 fits over the edge portion 4A of the upper/outside 4. This may trap the upper between the sole and orthotic. This may apply to an outer edge part of the edge 4A or a 'tucked-under' edge part such as an edge region between the opposing major opposing surfaces of the orthotic 1 and sole 5. Additionally/alternatively a portion of the outsole 5 may extend upwardly around the peripheral edge, e.g. particularly at the front/rear end of the article of footwear, as shown. An alternative construction, i.e. resulting from a different method of manufacture is shown in Figure 2, although the principles of the integral orthotic are preserved. In the example of Figure 2, the integral orthotic device 1 is shown with no footbed cover, e.g. such that it is visible inside the shoe and provides the upper contact surface with a wearer's foot.

The outside 4 and the lining 2 are shown to be affixed using stitching 7 to the periphery of the orthotic device 1 thus securing them together. Thus, instead of being tucked under the orthotic, the peripheral edge of the upper/outside may be turned outwardly and affixed to the orthotic 1 . Once again these are located into the outsole 5 using corresponding male and female keyways 6 and permanently attached by vulcanizing, stitching, adhesion or direct moulding.

In the construction of Figure 2, a footbed cover could still be provided if desired.

Figure 3 shows a cross section view of the invention where once again the orthotic device 1 is shown encapsulated with the footwear constructed by the Strobel method of manufacture. The lining 2 is attached to a footbed cover 3 at the sides as shown within the outside 4. The outside 4 is wrapped and secured over the longitudinal/side edges of orthotic device 1 . These are then locked into the sole unit 5 by the use of corresponding male and female 'keyways' 6 in the orthotic device 1 and the sole unit 5 as described above, which is permanently attached to the orthotic and/or upper, e.g. by vulcanizing, stitching, adhesion or direct moulding.

The keyways may have one or more tapered sides as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 4 shows an alternative using a stitched attachment as shown in Figure 2, whereby the integral orthotic device 1 is shown, with no footbed cover such that it is visible inside of the shoe. The outside 4 and the lining 2 are shown to be stitched 7 to the periphery of the orthotic device 1 , e.g. on a peripheral rim/flange formation of the orthotic that may protrude outwardly beyond the interior of the shoe, thus securing them together. A thinner flange portion may be provided at the periphery of the orthotic, which may be sandwiched between the peripheral edge of the outsole 5 and the upper.

When using a last, the upper surface of the orthotic 1 is profiled to match the surface of the profiled surface of the last. The orthotic and/or last are profiled in cross section so as to have an arched/curved surface having a depth shaped to receive the heel of a wearer. The last may thus be profiled in the manner of an actual heel profile, rather than providing a flat profile for the contact surface with the wearer's foot. However, in other example, the upper/contact surface of the orthotic could be planar/flat in form. In either example, whether flat or curved in profile, the upper surface of the orthotic is tilted by an angle of up to 2° as will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

Figure 5 shows the orthotic device 1 in plan which is contoured to the foot and with designated areas of differing material density. The different density may be achieved by a different infill density or structure of a common material for the orthotic. Additionally or alternatively, the different regions could be formed of a different material, e.g. having different material properties, such as

softness/resilience/hardness. Harder or softer zones may be used for different reasons, examples of which are provided below.

In this illustration the main body of the orthotic has a first density and there is a toe-off zone 8 of different density in the forefoot of to aid correct gait by the wearer during use.

Additionally or alternatively, there is shown a forefoot crumple zone 9, e.g.

between the toe-off and waist regions, such as beneath the ball of a wearer's foot. The crumple zone 9 may or may not be offset from the centre, towards the medial side of the footbed.

On the inside of the forefoot, waist and/or rear foot there may be featured a void 10. The rear foot comprises a heel cradle 1 1 (e.g. along at least an inner/medial edge region), a rear foot support 12 (e.g. at the rear of the heel) and/or a crumple zone 13 on or towards an outer/lateral edge. Any, any combination, or all of such modified density zones may be designed to work in tandem to offer corrective alignment to the foot.

The cradle 1 1 and/or rear foot support 12 (which may form part of the cradle) may comprise raised/curved profile portions of the orthotic surface, e.g. towards the peripheral edge of the orthotic.

Figure 6 shows a cross section through the rear foot of the orthotic device 1 showing a customized 2 degree angle of correction 14. The angle of correction is applied as a tilt angle applied to the upper surface of the orthotic. If the orthotic surface is curved/profiled, e.g. to provide one or more cradle feature of the type shown in Figure 5, then the angle of correction/tilt is applied to the profile as a whole in the rearfoot portion of the orthotic.

The angle of correction 14 may be defined with respect to any, or any

combination, of horizontal, the plane of the base of the outsole 5 or else the underside of the orthotic 1 itself, e.g. comprising the underside of the keying formation 6 and/or the underside of the orthotic 1 around the keying formation.

The curvature of the upper surface profile 15 is relatively slight in Figure 6.

However, in Figure 7 it is more pronounced, e.g. showing a more elevated edge. The edge may be elevated at the inner/medial side as shown in Figure 7. In other examples it may be that the profile of the upper surface is not symmetrical and could have an inner edge that is level with, or even lower than the outer edge, whilst still applying the relevant angle of correction. The correction angle may be expressed as a corresponding offset angle from vertical for a central/longitudinal plane of the orthotic. This may help a reader envisage the invention, e.g. in the case of a symmetrical or flat cross-sectional profile of the upper surface of the orthotic. The angle of correction is set at 2° in this example, being determined as the maximum applicable correction that can be applied in a mass-produced shoe for general use without a medical prescription. However less than a 2° correction could be used, e.g. between 1 ° and 2°. It is generally envisaged that an angle of less than 1 ° would carry little benefit at all, although it could be attempted if desired.

Fig 8 illustrates the positioning of the patent's further corrective elements of the sole bottom 5 to work in conjunction with the orthotic device. This embodiment also shows the crumple zone 13 in the outside rear foot of the sole, and the corresponding forefoot crumple zone 9.

In examples of the invention, the typical internal components of a shoe are replaced by an orthotic device 1 which forms the foundation for the entire shoe. The shoe upper consists primarily of two major components known as the outside 4 and the lining 2 which are secured together either by stitching and/or adhesive. Once the outside 4 and the lining 2 are completed, the lining 2 is then stitched to the footbed cover 3 thus forming an enclosed 'bag'. A shoe making last is then inserted into this bag to give shape and form to the upper part of the shoe, filling the internal void of the shoe upper. The orthotic device 1 is then accurately positioned onto the bottom of the footbed cover 3 and the remaining bottom edge of the periphery of the outside 4 is secured at/around the sides of the orthotic device 1 and/or secured to the bottom of the footbed cover 3. The orthotic device 1 having been accurately positioned, is now an integral part of the shoe. Its' position in relation to the foot, is now consistent and secure, such that the orthotic device 1 will not be able to shift during wear and thus misalign itself over time. The shoe is now ready to receive the outsole 5, typically after securing of the orthotic to the upper. To enable correct positioning of the outsole 5 in relation to the foot and to the orthotic device, it has keyways 6 in the internal cavity which lock into corresponding keyways 6 on the bottom of the orthotic device 1 . The outsole is then permanently attached either by vulcanizing, stitching, adhesion or direct moulding. The footwear is then slipped from the shoemaking last and is completed using conventional methods. The orthotic device 1 shown in Figure 5 is both contoured to the foot and incorporates multi-density areas in the moulding process to provide key

performance enablers during the gait cycle. In this example an area under the big toe position 8 is reduced in substance allowing the toe to drop which benefits the wearer's gait. This works in combination with a crumple zone 9 in the forefoot. On the inside forefoot position, there is a neutral zone 10 which may be provided as a void designed to allow displacement of the foot as it flexes during the gait cycle.

In a similar manner to the forefoot section, the rear foot of the orthotic device 1 can provide stability and cushioning, e.g. as well as the corrective alignment of the foot. This is achieved by a combination of features, which work in tandem to the forefoot, as previously detailed above.

The built-in heel cradle 1 1 can cradle/constrain the foot and is designed

specifically to hold the foot in the correct position for corrective alignment. It also reduces movement during the gait cycle and is specific to the internal dimensions of the shoe, thus forming a close fit between the foot and the shoe. Around the rear foot there is a support zone 12 to provide further support and cushioning to the foot. This can be achieved by a change in density of the orthotic device material underfoot in this area 12, e.g. as well as, or instead of, a modified surface profile.

Furthermore, in the introduction of a crumple zone 13 in the outside rear foot area may allow correction of the foot. This is an area of low density material which can collapse under pressure of contact at each step, to allow inversion of the foot, thus aiding corrective alignment of the foot during the gait cycle.

Figure 8 illustrates the positioning of the further corrective elements to work in conjunction with the orthotic device and the sole bottom 5. The crumple zone 13 in the outside rear foot of the sole, is designed to work with the orthotic device to enhance inversion of the foot. Additionally or alternatively crumple zone 9 in the forepart, to allow the first ray to be offloaded and plantar flexed. Whilst different material density/property zones are described as being provided in the orthotic 1 , it is possible that they could additionally or alternatively be provided in the sole unit 5.

The cushioning and corrective action of the footwear can be provided by a unique combination of forces achieved by dynamic design of a pre-moulded corrective orthotic device with a predetermined 1 -2 degree angle of corrective offset, which is integral to the footwear upper componentry of the shoe, being engineered to lock into and be secured to a corresponding cavity in the sole unit and in correct position relative to the position of the foot within the shoe. The combined result provides the wearer with a non-movable, corrective gait orthotic device uniform in its performance and offers correct positioning relative to the foot through the life of the shoe.

In aspects of the invention, there may be provided a footwear construction incorporating an integrated multi-density two-part, or multi-part, custom orthotic device.

The sole structure 5 could comprise a plurality of layers if desired. As described herein, aspects of the invention comprise a footwear construction that accommodates an orthotic device within the upper, which is then received and locked by inserts into the sole cavity. This provides the wearer with a built-in orthotic with a predetermined angle of correction that assists in correcting the wearers gait. The footwear construction may incorporate a multi-density orthotic device providing support and cushioning to the wearer's foot.

The orthotic may be locked into the sole unit providing stability and negating the need for a post manufacture orthotic insert. The corrective orthotic may be encapsulated within the upper component of the footwear, thus further aiding stability. The corrective orthotic may be economically engineered, e.g. specific to each individual style. The mass-producible article of footwear may provide a tailored fit to the internal dimensions and shape of each individual style, critically in the heel area. The footwear construction may ensure accurate positioning relative to the foot throughout the life of the shoe.

The footwear construction may use a multi-density moulding to build crumple and/or soft zones into specific areas of an orthotic device (or sole), correctly positioned to provide alignment of the foot during the gait cycle. The footwear construction may utilize an economically contoured "toe-off" zone to allow unrestricted and correct toe action during the gait cycle.

By way of the invention, the footwear is designed, assembled and produced with a customized orthotic built into the inner mechanics of the underfoot components, e.g. economically correct orthotic footbed in combination with a sole offering compression features to work in tandem.

Figure 9 illustrates a corrective action, e.g. showing a rear view of a foot upon the orthotic device 1 with the angle of correction 14 described herein, providing alignment of the foot in relation to the ground and the skeletal frame of the wearer.

The orthotic may help reduce, retard or counteract a collapse of the skeletal frame, represented on the left-hand side of Figure 9 by the curved form of the dashed centreline. In contrast, the elevation of the side caused by the corrective orthotic angle of tilt can help to straighten skeletal alignment. The angle of correction can work in conjunction with the soft/crumple zone(s) described herein to provide a synergistic effect when in motion.

Claims

1 . An article of footwear comprising:

an upper having an orthotic affixed thereto so as to define a footbed for the article of footwear, wherein the orthotic comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface comprising one or more keying formation;

an outer sole having a mating surface and an outer surface, wherein the mating surface has one or more corresponding keying formation, and the orthotic is further affixed to the outer sole such that the keying formation of the orthotic mates with the corresponding keying formation of the outer sole and the orthotic is permanently integrated into the article of footwear,

wherein the upper surface of the orthotic is tilted by an angle of 1 ° to 2° relative to a plane of the outer surface of the outer sole at least in a heel region of the article of footwear.

2. An article of footwear according to claim 1 , wherein the upper surface of the orthotic has a flat or curved cross-sectional profile and substantially the whole cross-sectional profile of the upper surface through at least a portion of the heel region is tilted by said angle.

3. An article of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle of tilt is applied about a longitudinal axis of the article of footwear.

4. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle is greater than or equal to 1 .5°.

5. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle is substantially 2°.

6. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the orthotic comprises a curved peripheral edge in the heel region so as to define a cradle for positioning of a wearer's heel on the orthotic.

7. An article of footwear according to claim 6, wherein the curved peripheral edge is provided on a medial or inner edge of the orthotic.

8. An article of footwear according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the curved peripheral edge comprises a curved rear edge in the heel region.

9. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle of tilt is in a direction towards a medial longitudinal edge of the article of footwear.

10. An article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the medial longitudinal edge is elevated relative to or above the opposing longitudinal edge.

1 1 . An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper comprises a footbed cover lying atop the upper surface of the orthotic.

12. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper comprises a peripheral edge that is affixed around a peripheral edge of the orthotic.

13. An article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral edge of the upper is turned inwardly to wrap around the peripheral edge of the orthotic.

14. An article of footwear according to claim 12, wherein the peripheral edge of the upper is turned outwardly and stitched at the peripheral edge of the orthotic.

15. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle of tilt is blended out in a waist portion of the orthotic, sole, footbed or article of footwear.

16. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the keying formation and corresponding keying formation comprise a projection and a recess.

17. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of said keying formations and corresponding keying formations, e.g.

spaced in a longitudinal direction along the footbed.

18. An article of footwear according to claim 17, wherein the keying formations and corresponding keying formations comprise successive peaks and troughs or castellations.

19. An article of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the orthotic and/or outer sole comprise one or more region of reduced strength and/or density.

20. An article of footwear according to claim 19, wherein the region is provided in a toe off portion.

21 . An article of footwear according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the region is provided part way along the forefoot portion, between the toe off portion and the waist.

22. An article of footwear according to claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein the region is provided in an outer/lateral edge of the heal region.

23. A method of manufacturing articles of footwear comprising:

producing an upper,

affixing an orthotic to the upper so as to define a peripheral profile of a footbed for the article of footwear, wherein the orthotic comprises an upper surface and a lower surface,

providing a sole having a mating surface and an outer surface,

securing the mating surface of the sole to the lower surface of the orthotic such that the orthotic is integrated into the article of footwear,

wherein the orthotic is shaped such that a cross-sectional profile of the upper surface of the orthotic is inclined by 1 to 2 degrees relative to a plane of the outer surface of the sole at least in a heel region of the article of footwear.