WO2020031211A1

WO2020031211A1 - An insole board for heel bearing footwear

Info

Publication number: WO2020031211A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sunakshi BANSAL; Sandeep GARREPALLY
Original assignee: Bansal Sunakshi
Priority date: 2018-08-08
Filing date: 2019-08-08
Publication date: 2020-02-13
Also published as: MX2021001575A

Abstract

The present invention relates an insole (100) for use in heel bearing footwear (200). The insole (100) comprises a body (102) comprising a first operative portion (104) substantially consisting of a flexible material, and having a front end (104 A) and a rear end (104B), and a second operative portion (106), substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt.% to 90 wt.% and at least one type of fiber in range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt.%, wherein a thickness of the second operative portion (106) being less than or equal to 3.5mm and greater than or equal to 1.5mm. The insole board is sleek, light in weight, is stable, and sturdy as compared to conventional insoles. Since, the insole board is sleek, it is possible to incorporate more cushioning material which provides enhanced comfort to the wearer. Further, the footwear (200) comprising the sleek insole board has an aesthetic appearance.

Description

AN INSOLE BOARD FOR HEEL BEARING FOOTWEAR

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of heel bearing footwear. In particular, the present invention relates to an insole and an insole board for use in heel bearing footwear.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

For a more comfortable experience, while wearing a high heel shoe or other heel bearing footwear, it is desired that the footwear design incorporates features such as cushioning, light weighting, stability, support, flexibility, better load transfer, and improved pressure distribution. Being lightweight is an essential feature for footwear since it facilitates easy movement while minimizing fatigue. Stability and support, especially in heel bearing footwear, are important features to provide enhanced comfort to the foot while preventing accidental fall. At the same time flexibility at the metatarsal heads and phalanges is also essential to allow natural and free movement of the foot, thereby increasing comfort and reducing fatigue.

A typical footwear comprises an insole having a front end and a rear end, an outsole connected to the insole on an outer surface thereof, one or more cushioning layers disposed on the inner surface of the insole, a heel fixedly attached in an around the rear end on the outer surface of the insole and straps or shoe upper for securing the footwear to the foot of a wearer.

Attempts have been made in the past to provide footwear, especially high heel bearing footwear, with enhanced comfort level and stability, while minimizing fatigue.

However, there are certain drawbacks associated with the conventional footwears including the high heel footwears.

One drawback associated with the conventional footwears is that the insoles or insole boards for the heel-bearing footwear are not rigid or strong especially for higher and sleeker heels. In stilettoes, pencil heels higher than three inches cause major pressure on lateral arch (other than ball joint) and instability leading the wearer to wobble. The conventional cellulosic insole which supports the lateral arch is not strong enough to avoid lateral twisting in higher heels. This increases the probability of failure of the insole board, which can render the footwear useless. To make an insole, it is typical to add foam or cushioning or other padding to the insole boards described above (also called shank board). The use of different kinds of foams for providing comfort to the user has already been envisaged in casual or sport footwear. For example, memory foam is widely used in running shoes to provide enhanced comfort to the users. This is difficult to add to heel bearing footwear for a variety of reasons. The main reason being the foam causing an increase in the sole thickness of the heel bearing footwear, which compromises the aesthetics of the footwear.

Therefore, there is felt a need to provide a footwear and in particular an insole that overcomes one or more drawbacks associated with the conventional footwear or the insole.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein, are as follows:

An object of the presently disclosed invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art;

Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear and/or an insole board which is light in weight;

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear and/or an insole board which is sturdy and does not require a steel shank for strength; Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear and/or an insole board which has an aesthetic appearance; and

Another object of the present invention is to provide a footwear and/or an insole which is stable and provide enhanced comfort to the wearer. Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an insole and an insole board for use in heel bearing footwear, which overcomes the drawbacks encountered in the conventional insoles/footwear.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an insole for a footwear, wherein the insole comprises a body. The body comprises a first operative portion substantially consisting of a flexible material, which can be at least one of cellulose material and breathable material, the first operative portion having a front end and a rear end; and a second operative portion, extending from the rear end of the first operative portion, substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % and at least one type of fiber in the range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %; wherein a thickness of the second operative portion being less than or equal to 3.5 mm and greater than or equal to 1 .5 mm. In an embodiment, the first operative portion is connected to the second operative portion by an adhesive or by co-molding.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the amount of the at least one type of fiber within the second operative portion varies in at least one dimension thereof. In an embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber varies along the width of the second operative portion. In another embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber varies along the length of the second operative portion.

In one embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber along a longitudinal axis of the second operative portion is greater than the periphery thereof, thereby the stiffness of the second operative portion is greater in and around the longitudinal axis as compared to the periphery thereof. In an embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber along the longitudinal axis of the second operative portion is greater by at least 10 wt. % as compared to the periphery of the second operative portion. In an embodiment, the at least one type of fiber is characterized by having orientation thereof arising from the shear and extensional forces arising from the geometrical design during molding process. In one embodiment the orientation of the at least one type of fiber varies along the length of the second operative portion and preferably, the at least one type of fiber being more oriented in a rear and mid portion of the second operative portion as compared to a front portion of the second operative portion, thereby the second operative portion in proximity of the rear end of the first operative portion is more flexible as compared to the rear and mid portion of the second operative portion. In accordance with an embodiment, the orientation of the fibers near the surface of the insole board is different from the orientation of fiber in the bulk.

In accordance with the present invention, in an embodiment, the at least one type of fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, cellulose, and combinations thereof. Further, the glass fiber and/or the carbon fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of a short length fiber and a long length fiber, the glass fiber and the carbon fiber each independently having an average diameter within the range of 20 pm to 200 pm and an average length within the range of 3 mm to 24 mm and/or the aspect ratio of the glass fiber and the carbon fiber can be each independently greater than 100.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the polymer is a plastic substantially comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, epoxy, polyetherether ketone, polyphenylsulfone and nylon.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first operative portion is characterized by having a profile which is substantially flat and is configured to support phalanges and optionally a partial part of metatarsal portion of a foot of a wearer, whereas the second operative portion is characterized by having a profile which is substantially flat and is configured to support phalanges and optionally a partial part of metatarsal portion of a foot of a wearer.

In one embodiment, the insole may further include an integral rib formed at least partially on an operative bottom surface of the second operative portion of the body. The central rib is integrally formed along with the insole. Further, the rib can made of a material which is same as that of the insole or can be made of different material other than of which the insole is made.

In one embodiment, the stiffness of the second operative portion in and around the longitudinal axis is greater by at least 30 % as compared to the periphery thereof.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the insole is molded in a single mold, and/or the insole can either have a monotonous surface or can be contoured. Further, the insole optionally is characterized by that it does not flex more than 3%, when at least 150 kg of weight is placed on the body and/or the insole is capable of withstanding up to 500 kg of weight before catastrophic failure.

The insole, in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, is having 10 % to 40 % less weight as compared to a weight of an insole comprising steel shank.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a high heeled footwear is disclosed, the high heeled foot wear comprises a body comprising a first operative portion substantially consisting of a flexible material, the first operative portion having a front end and a rear end, and a second operative portion, extending from the rear end of the first operative portion, substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % and at least one type of fiber in the range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %, wherein a thickness of the second operative portion being less than or equal to 3.5 mm and greater than or equal to 1 .5 mm, wherein the amount of the at least one type of fiber within the body varies in at least one dimension thereof, one or more layers of cushioning material affixed to an operative top surface of the body, a heel fixedly secured to an operative bottom surface of the body at and around a free end of the second operative portion, and straps or shoe upper, operatively secured to the body, for engagement with foot of a wearer.

In accordance with the present invention, the first operative portion is connected to the second operative portion by an adhesive or by co-molding, the cushioning layers are affixed by an adhesive or co-molding, the adhesive comprises an epoxy or a hot melt adhesive, the resultant thickness of the cushioning layers from the top of the body/insole is in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm. One advantage of the having the insole board with reduced thickness as compared to the conventional steel reinforced insole is that additional cushioning layers can be incorporated, which provides enhanced comfort to the foot of the wearer.

Further, the cumulative thickness of the body and cushioning layer, which is from the side profile of the insole, is in the range of 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm, and/or at least a portion of the cushioning layer is flat or contoured and/or at least a portion of the cushioning layer has variable thickness, at least a portion of the cushioning layer comprises foam.

Since, the thickness of the insole is reduced as compared to the conventional insole boards, it is possible (as described herein above) to incorporate additional cushioning layers, wherein the thickness of the cushioning layer, in a cross-section along the width of the cushioning layer, is higher at the center of the cushioning layer as compared to the edges of the cushioning layer. Further, in an embodiment, the cushioning layer can be contoured as per foot anatomy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T HE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

The aspects and other features of the invention will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of an insole for a heel bearing footwear in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of an insole for a heel bearing footwear with a secondary padding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic top view of an insole comprising a first operative portion and a second operative portion; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side view of an insole, wherein the insole is operably positioned within a high heel shoe in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. LIST OF NUMERALS

100 - Insole

102 - body

102a - Operative top surface

102b - Operative bottom surface

104 - First operative portion

104a - Front end

104b - Rear end

106 - Second operative portion

106a - Front portion

106b - Rear portion/free end

108 - Heel

1 10 - Rib

1 12 - Cushioning layer or padding layer

1 14 - Shock absorbing layer

1 16 - Straps

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

All technical terms and scientific expressions used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise specified.

As used in the present specification and the claims, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term "comprising” as used in the present specification will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable things, for instance one or more additional feature(s), part(s) and /or constituent(s) as applicable.

Further, the terms“about” and“approximately" used in combination with ranges of sizes of parts, and/or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of sizes. Although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary embodiments of the system and the method described herein.

The present invention provides an insole for use in heel bearing footwear, wherein the insole of the present invention overcomes one or more drawbacks associated with the conventional insole and/or footwear.

The present invention is now described with reference to FIG. 1 , FIG, 2 and FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of an insole for a heel bearing footwear in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of an insole for a heel bearing footwear with a secondary padding in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic top view of an insole comprising a first operative portion and a second operative portion.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a sleek insole (100) for a footwear is disclosed, wherein the insole (100) comprises, a body (102), which comprises a first operative portion (104) substantially consisting of a flexible material, the first operative portion (104) having a front end (104a) and a rear end (104b), and a second operative portion (106), extending from the rear end (104b) of the first operative portion (104), substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % and at least one type of fiber in the range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %, wherein the second operative portion (106) is characterized by having a thickness of less than or equal to 3.5 mm and greater than or equal to 1 .5 mm. In accordance with an embodiment, a heel (108) is attached to an operative bottom surface (102b) of the body (102) at and around a free end/rear portion (106b) of the second operative portion (106). Further, a padding or cushioning layer (1 12) is disposed on an operative top surface (102a) of the body (102). The cushioning layer (1 12) or the padding layer (1 12) provides cushioning to the foot of the wearer. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one type of fiber within the second operative portion (106) varies in at least one dimension thereof. More specifically, in accordance with one embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber varies along the width of the second operative portion. In accordance with another embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber varies along the length of the second operative portion. The change or variation of the amount of fiber results in variation in the stiffness. More specifically, if the amount of the fiber is less in a portion of the insole, the stiffness is less in that portion. By varying the amount of the fiber within various portions or regions of the insole, the stiffness of the insole can be tailored. Specifically, the stiffness of the insole is increased by increasing the amount of the fiber in, for example, the longitudinal direction of the insole, which provides stiffness in longitudinal direction, whereas in the peripheral portion of the insole, the amount of fiber is less as compared to the amount of fiber in the longitudinal direction or center of the insole. Therefore, the peripheral portion is less stiff. This provides enhanced comfort to the foot of the wearer.

In an embodiment, the amount of the at least one type of fiber along a longitudinal axis of the second operative portion is greater than a periphery thereof, whereby the stiffness of the second operative portion is greater in and around the longitudinal axis as compared to a periphery thereof.

For example, for a footwear having heel height greater than or equal to 50 mm, the stiffness of the insole is preferably greater than 740 KN/mm², whereas for a heel height of greater than or equal to 100 mm, the stiffness of the insole is preferably greater than 1230 KN/mm². These values of stiffness are derived based on experiments.

Further, the amount of the at least one type of fiber along a longitudinal axis of the second operative portion is greater by at least 10 wt. % as compared to the periphery of the second operative portion.

In one embodiment, the stiffness in and around the periphery can be variable. For example, lateral arch can have more rigidity than medial arch by at least 8%. This provides support to high pressure zone of lateral arch and give flexibility in medial arch to allow natural movement of foot during gait for more comfort.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one type of fiber is characterized by having orientation thereof arising from the shear and extensional forces arising from the geometrical design during molding process. The orientation of the fiber varies along the length of the second operative portion (106) and preferably, the at least one type of fiber being more oriented in a rear portion/free end (106b) and mid portion of the second operative portion as compared to a front portion (106a) of the second operative portion (106), thereby the second operative portion (106) in proximity of the rear end (104b) of the first operative portion (104) is more flexible as compared to the rear portion/free end (106b) and mid portion of the second operative portion (106). In accordance with an embodiment, the orientation of the fibers near the surface of the insole board is different from the orientation of fiber in the bulk.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first operative portion (104) is having a profile which is substantially flat and is configured to support phalanges and optionally a partial part of metatarsal portion of a foot of a wearer, whereas the second operative portion (106) is configured to support metatarsal, midfoot, and rearfoot of a wearer and optionally a partial part of the phalanges.

In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, the at least one type of fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, cellulose, and combinations thereof. Further, the glass fiber can be at least one selected from the group consisting of a short length glass fiber and a long length glass fiber. Also, the carbon fiber can be at least one selected from the group consisting of a short length carbon fiber and a long length carbon fiber. Additionally, in an embodiment, the glass fiber and the carbon fiber each independently having an average diameter within the range of 20 pm to 200 pm, and an average length within the range of 3 mm to 24 mm. In an embodiment, the aspect ratio of the (carbon or glass) fibers is greater than 100. The provision of the diameter and the length of the fibers in the ranges mentioned herein above aids in enhancing the strength or the stiffness of the insole. In an embodiment, the polymer is a plastic substantially comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, epoxy, polyetherether ketone, polyphenylsulfone and nylon. In one embodiment, the polymer is nylon.

In accordance with an embodiment, the flexible material of the first operative portion (104) comprises cellulose material or breathable material.

In order to enhance the stiffness of the insole, an integral central rib (1 10) is formed at least partially on an operative bottom surface of the second operative portion (106) of the body (102). The rib (1 10) can be, in an embodiment, integrally formed while injection molding of the insole (100). In an embodiment, the rib (1 10) can be made of the same material as that of the insole (100). In another embodiment, the rib (1 10) can be made of a material which is different from that of the insole (100) material. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the insole (100) can be injection molded in a single mold and is characterized by having a monotonous surface or a contoured surface.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the stiffness of the second operative portion in and around said longitudinal axis is greater by at least 30 % as compared to said periphery thereof.

In accordance with an embodiment, the first operative portion is connected to the second operative portion by an adhesive. In another embodiment, the first operative portion is connected to the second operative portion by co-molding.

The insole (100) of the present invention is characterized in that it does not flex more than 3%, when at least 150 kg of weight is placed on the body and/or the insole is capable of withstanding up to 500 kg of weight before catastrophic failure. Further, the insole of the present invention is having 10 % to 40 % less weight as compared to a weight of an insole comprising a steel shank.

In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a shock absorbing layer (1 14) is provided between the padding layer or cushioning layer (1 12) and the body (102) which provides additional cushioning and hence comfort to the foot of the wearer. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a footwear (200) is disclosed, wherein the footwear (200) comprises the insole (100) as described herein above. More specifically, the footwear (200) is described with reference to FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic side view of an insole (100), wherein the insole (100) is operably positioned within a high heel shoe or footwear (200).

The high heeled footwear (200) comprises a body (102), which comprises a first operative portion (104) substantially consisting of a flexible material, the first operative portion (104) having a front end (104a) and a rear end (104b), and a second operative portion (106), extending from the rear end (104b) of the first operative portion (104), substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % and at least one type of fiber in the range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %, wherein a thickness of the second operative portion (106) being less than or equal to 3.5 mm and greater than or equal to 1 .5 mm, wherein the amount of the at least one type of fiber within the body varies in at least one dimension thereof, one or more layers of cushioning layers or material (1 12) affixed to an operative top surface (102a) of the body (102), a heel (108) fixedly secured to an operative bottom surface (102b) of the body at and around a free end/rear portion (106b) of the second operative portion (106); and straps (1 16) or shoe upper operatively secured to the body (102) for engagement with foot of a wearer.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the first operative portion (104) is connected to the second operative portion (106) by an adhesive or by co-molding, the cushioning layers (1 12) are affixed by an adhesive or co molding. In accordance with the present invention, the adhesive comprises an epoxy or a hot melt adhesive.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the resultant thickness of the cushioning layers is in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm, and the cumulative thickness of the body and cushioning layer is in the range of 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

Further, the at least a portion of the cushioning layer can be flat or contoured and/or at least a portion of the cushioning layer can have variable thickness. The thickness of the cushioning layers, and the variation in thickness is so designed to provide comfort to the foot of the wearer. In accordance with an embodiment, the cushioning layers can have a profile or thickness variation which conforms to the foot of the wearer or the cushioning layer is contoured as per foot anatomy

In an embodiment, the at least a portion of the cushioning layer comprises foam. In an embodiment, the thickness of the cushioning layer, in a cross-section along the width of the cushioning layer, is higher at the center of the cushioning layer as compared to the edges of the cushioning layer.

TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED INVENTION The presently disclosed invention, as described herein above, provides several advances including, but that are not limited to, an insole for a footwear and in particular to an insole for a high heel footwear, which:

is sleek, with a thickness in the range of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm;

- is light weight as compared to the conventional insole with steel shank; - is sturdy;

has high stiffness in selective regions thereof;

- enhances the aesthetic appearance of the footwear;

- permits incorporation of more layers of cushioning material as compared to the conventional insole with steel shank; and

- can be prepared by injection molding, wherein the production time is reduced and part precision is increased as compared to conventional steel reinforced insoles, which are compression molded.

Claims

AIM:

1. An insole for a footwear, said insole comprising: a body comprising:

a first operative portion substantially consisting of a flexible material, said first operative portion having a front end and a rear end; and a second operative portion, extending from said rear end of said first operative portion, substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % and at least one type of fiber in the range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %; wherein a thickness of said second operative portion being less than or equal to 3.5 mm and greater than or equal to 1.5 mm.

2. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amount of said at least one type of fiber within said second operative portion varies in at least one dimension thereof.

3. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amount of said at least one type of fiber varies along the width of said second operative portion and/or the amount of said at least one type of fiber varies along the length of said second operative portion.

4. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amount of said at least one type of fiber along a longitudinal axis of said second operative portion is greater than a periphery thereof.

5. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amount of said at least one type of fiber along a longitudinal axis of said second operative portion is greater than a periphery thereof, thereby the stiffness of said second operative portion is greater in and around said longitudinal axis as compared to a periphery thereof.

6. The insole as claimed in claim 5, having a stiffness of at least

740 KN/mm² for a footwear with a heel height greater than or equal to 50 mm; and

1230 KN/mm² for a footwear with a heel height greater than or equal to 100 mm.

7. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the amount of said at least one type of fiber along a longitudinal axis of said second operative portion is greater by at least 10 wt. % as compared to said periphery of said second operative portion; and/or wherein the stiffness in and around the periphery is variable.

8. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one type of fiber is characterized by having orientation thereof, wherein said orientation varies along the length of said second operative portion and preferably, said at least one type of fiber being more oriented in a rear and mid portion of said second operative portion as compared to a front portion of said second operative portion, thereby the second operative portion in proximity of said rear end of said first operative portion is more flexible as compared to said rear and mid portion of said second operative portion; and/or the orientation of the fibers near the surface of the insole board is different from the orientation of fiber in the bulk.

9. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said at least one type of fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of glass fiber, carbon fiber, cellulose, and combinations thereof.

10. The insole as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: said glass fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of a short length glass fiber and a long length glass fiber; said carbon fiber is at least one selected from the group consisting of a short length carbon fiber and a long length carbon fiber; said glass fiber and said carbon fiber each independently having an average diameter within the range of 20 pm to 200 pm; and/or an average length within the range of 3 mm to 24 mm; and/or an aspect ratio greater than 100; and said polymer is a plastic substantially comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, epoxy, polyetherether ketone, polyphenylsulfone and nylon.

1 1 . The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said flexible material comprises cellulose material or breathable material.

12. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said first operative portion having a profile which is substantially flat and is configured to support phalanges and optionally a partial part of metatarsal portion of a foot of a wearer.

13. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said second operative portion is configured to support metatarsal, mid foot and rear foot portion of a wearer and optionally a partial part of phalanges.

14. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an integral central rib formed at least partially on an operative bottom surface of said a second operative portion of said body, wherein optionally said integral rib is formed along with said insole.

15. The insole as claimed in claim 14, wherein said rib is made of a material which is same or different as that of the insole.

16. The insole as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the stiffness of said second operative portion in and around said longitudinal axis is greater by at least 30 % as compared to said periphery thereof.

17. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: said insole is molded in a single mold; said insole has a non-planar shape; said insole is contoured; and said first operative portion is connected to said second operative portion by an adhesive or by co-molding.

18. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said insole does not flex more than 3%, when at least 150 kg of weight is placed on said body and/or said insole is capable of withstanding up to 500 kg of weight before catastrophic failure.

19. The insole as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said insole having 10 % to 40 % less weight as compared to a weight of an insole comprising steel shank.

20. A high heeled footwear comprising: a body comprising: a first operative portion substantially consisting of a flexible material, said first operative portion having a front end and a rear end; and a second operative portion, extending from said rear end of said first operative portion, substantially consisting of a composite material comprising at least one polymer in the range of 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % and at least one type of fiber in the range of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %; wherein a thickness of said second operative portion being less than or equal to 3.5 mm and greater than or equal to 1.5 mm; wherein the amount of said at least one type of fiber within said body varies in at least one dimension thereof; one or more layers of cushioning material affixed to an operative top surface of said body; a heel fixedly secured to an operative bottom surface of said body at and around a free end of said second operative portion; and straps or shoe upper operatively secured to said body for engagement with foot of a wearer.

21 . The footwear as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one condition is satisfied: said first operative portion is connected to said second operative portion by an adhesive or by co-molding; said cushioning layers are affixed by an adhesive or co-molding ; said adhesive comprises an epoxy or a hot melt adhesive; the resultant thickness of said cushioning layers is in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm; and the cumulative thickness of said body and cushioning layer is in the range of 3.5 mm to 6.5 mm.

22. The footwear as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one condition is satisfied: at least a portion of said cushioning layer is flat or contoured and/or at least a portion of said cushioning layer has variable thickness; at least a portion of said cushioning layer comprises foam ; the thickness of said cushioning layer, in a cross-section along the width of said cushioning layer, is higher at the center of said cushioning layer as compared to the edges of said cushioning layer; and wherein said cushioning layer is contoured as per foot anatomy.

23. The footwear as claimed in claim 20, wherein said at least one type of fiber is glass fiber and/or carbon fiber and said at least one polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, epoxy, polyetherether ketone, polyphenylsulfone and nylon; and/or said flexible material comprises cellulose or breathable material.