WO2022020530A1

WO2022020530A1 - Multi-function sneaker

Info

Publication number: WO2022020530A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/042655
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregoire Laverty; Cyrille Moranges
Original assignee: The North Face Apparel Corp.
Priority date: 2020-07-22
Filing date: 2021-07-21
Publication date: 2022-01-27
Also published as: EP4185154A1; KR20230028806A; CN116018079A; JP2023537231A; US20220022599A1

Abstract

A sneaker may comprise an outsole. The outsole may comprise a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole. The outsole may comprise a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end. The forefoot zone may be formed from a first climbing rubber. The outsole may comprise a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone. The sneaker may comprise an upper coupled to the outsole. The sneaker may comprise a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of a heel portion of the upper. The sneaker may comprise a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper.

Description

MULTI-FUNCTION SNEAKER

BACKGROUND

[0001] U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,619, titled “Skateboard shoes”, and dated October 23, 2012, generally describes a shoe comprising a single molded sole having a lateral section, positioned at a front outer portion of the sole, the lateral section made of a first rubber material, a medial section, positioned at a front inner portion of the sole and positioned adjacent to the lateral section, the medial section made of a third rubber material, a heel section, positioned at a rear portion of the sole, the heel section made of the third rubber material, and an arch section, positioned between the lateral section or the medial section and the heel section, the arch section made of a second rubber material.

[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,768, titled “Skateboard shoe with sole of varying hardness”, and dated August 23, 2005, generally describes a skateboard shoe having a sole with four sole pads; each sole pad having differing durometer values: a lateral pad and a toe pad comprised of a low durometer value (Shore A) material, a medial pad comprised of a moderate durometer value (Shore A) material, and a heel pad comprised of a hard durometer value (Shore A) material.

[0003] U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0198728, titled “Athletic shoe sole for personal transportation device”, dated August 9, 2012, generally describes a shoe sole including a plurality of zones having different hardness, the zones designed specifically for an extreme athlete to increase wear resistance of the shoe while optimizing flexibility, stability, and performance. The zones can be strategically located on locations of the sole corresponding to particular foot anatomy and expected levels of stress and wear.

[0004] U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2003/0115776, titled “Climbing shoe with multiple hardness rubber sole”, and dated June 26, 2003, generally describes a climbing shoe including an upper portion and an outer sole attached to the upper portion. The outer sole of the toe part has an edge area, a mid-area, and an interior area. The edge area will be made of rubber polymer with a hardness greater than the mid-area, and the mid-area will be made of rubber polymer with a hardness greater than the interior area. The edge area and mid-area will be substantially U- shaped along the toe part of the outer sole of the climbing shoes.

[0005] U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2015/0374066, titled “Athletic shoe sole for personal transportation device”, and dated December 31, 2015, generally describes a shoe sole including a plurality of zones having different hardness, the zones designed specifically for an extreme athlete to increase wear resistance of the shoe while optimizing flexibility, stability, and performance. The zones can be strategically located on locations of the sole corresponding to particular foot anatomy and expected levels of stress and wear.

[0006] U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2010/0050475, titled “Footwear sole structure”, and dated March 4, 2010, generally describes a shoe structure for athletic use including an upper adapted and constructed to at least partially cover an upper surface of the foot of a wearer of the shoe. A sole element is secured to the upper, and is fabricated from a relatively flexible and cushioned material. A plurality of multi-island platforms are secured to the sole element. The multi-island platforms have varying degrees of stiffness. Stiffer multi-island platforms are located in areas of the foot requiring stiffness to enhance footwear performance, and more flexible multi-island platforms are located in areas of the foot requiring flexibility to enhance footwear performance.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 9,833,039, titled “Uppers and sole structures for articles of footwear”, and dated December 05, 2017, generally describes sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

[0008] Improvements are needed.

SUMMARY

[0009] Described herein are multi-function sneaker and/or methods of making multi function sneakers. An example multi -function sneaker (e.g., skate shoe) may comprise an outsole. The outsole may comprise a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole. The outsole may comprise a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end. The forefoot zone may be formed from a first climbing rubber (e.g., sticky rubber).

The forefoot zone may comprise a bottom surface that is smooth. The outsole may comprise a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone. The durability zone may be formed from a durable rubber. The durability zone may comprise a bottom surface that comprises a tread pattern.

[0010] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise a midsole disposed adjacent the outsole. The midsole may comprise a foam material having a recess formed therein. [0011] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise an edging plate at least partially disposed in the recess of the midsole and extending from at a midfoot of the midsole to a forefoot of the midsole.

[0012] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise an upper coupled to the outsole. The upper may comprise a vamp portion, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion.

[0013] The example multi -function sneaker may comprise a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper. The heel grip may be formed from a climbing rubber such as a second climbing rubber and may comprise a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape. A bottom surface of the heel grip may comprise a treaded portion and a smooth portion.

[0014] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper and configured to cover only a medial portion of the vamp of the upper. The toe grip may be formed from a climbing rubber such as the second climbing rubber.

[0015] The example multi -function sneaker may comprise an adjustable strap disposed over a portion of the upper and coupled to a medial side of the outsole and a lateral side of the outsole. The adjustable strap may be configured to control a fit of the upper.

[0016] Described herein are multi-function sneakers and/or methods of making multi function sneakers. An example multi -function sneaker may comprise an outsole. The outsole may comprise a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole. The outsole may comprise a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end. The forefoot zone may be formed from a first climbing rubber or sticky rubber. The outsole may comprise a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone. The durability zone may be formed from a durable rubber.

[0017] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise an upper coupled to the outsole. The upper may comprise a vamp portion, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion.

[0018] The example multi -function sneaker may comprise a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper. The heel grip may be formed from a climbing rubber.

[0019] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper. The toe grip may be formed from a climbing rubber such as a second climbing rubber.

[0020] Described herein are multi-function sneakers and/or methods of making multi function sneakers. An example multi -function sneaker may comprise an outsole. The outsole may comprise a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole. The outsole may comprise a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end. The outsole may comprise a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone. The forefoot zone and the durability zone may exhibit a different coefficient of friction from each other.

[0021] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise an upper coupled to the outsole. The upper may comprise a vamp portion, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion.

[0022] The example multi -function sneaker may comprise a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper. The heel grip may exhibit a coefficient of friction that is greater than the coefficient of friction of the durability zone.

[0023] The example multi-function sneaker may comprise a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper. The toe grip may be formed from a climbing rubber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The following drawings show generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various examples discussed in the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example footwear in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the footwear of Figure 1.

[0027] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the footwear of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of the footwear of Figure 1. [0029] Figure 5 is a top view of the footwear of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the footwear of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 7 is a lateral side view of the footwear of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 8 is a medial side view of the footwear of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Described herein are multi-function sneakers and/or methods of making multi function sneakers.

[0034] As used herein durable rubber may be or comprise a soft hiking rubber for good wet and dry grip. The durable rubber may be or comprise a blend of bromobutyl, natural, and/or polybutadiene rubber. As an example, the durable rubber may be or comprise a rubber composition exhibiting one or more of: Hardness 60A (+/-5), Din abrasion 180 mm3 Loss maximum, Trouser tear 16N/mm, Tensile 11 Mpa minimum ,400% Minimum Elongation at Break, or Maximum Resilience 28%.

[0035] As used herein first climbing rubber (e.g., sticky rubber) may be or comprise a rubber composite exhibiting high tear resistance, low resiliency, and low (30%) modulus for best friction. The climbing rubber may be or comprise a high level of bromobutyl rubber with high Cis polybutadiene, and natural rubber. As an example, the climbing rubber may be or comprise a rubber composition exhibiting one or more of: Hardness 70A (+/- 5) Din abrasion 220 mm3 loss maximum Trouser Tear 18N/mm minimum, Tensile 11 Mpa minimum, 400% Minimum Elongation at Break, or Maximum resilience 18%.

[0036] As used herein second climbing rubber may be or comprise a blend of one natural rubber, high cis polybutadiene rubber, and/or EPDM rubber. The second climbing rubber may be or comprise high elasticity, high tear, and weather and ozone resistance. As an example, the second climbing rubber may be or comprise a rubber composition exhibiting one or more of: Hardness 62A (+/- 5) Din Abrasion 120 mm3 loss maximum , Trouser Tear 14N/mm , minimum, Tensile 11 Mpa minimum, or 450% minimum Elongation at Break.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, an example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise an outsole 110. The outsole 110 may be configured to engage the ground. The outsole 110 may be configured to engage climbing surfaces such as climbing holds. The outsole 110 may comprise one or more zones or surfaces configured for a particular utility, such as skating or climbing. As an example, the outsole 110 may be configured for durability to support use as a sneaker such as a street shoe or skate shoe. As a further example, the outsole 110 may comprise one or more zones or surfaces configured to support climbing. As such, the outsole 110 may be configured for everyday street wear or skate wear, while providing specialized zones or surfaces that facilitate climbing activities.

[0038] The outsole 110 may comprise a heel zone 112 disposed adjacent a first end 114 of the outsole 110. The heel zone 112 may comprise one or more of a durable rubber and a second climbing rubber. The heel zone 112 may be formed from a region of the durable rubber and a region the second climbing rubber. As an example, a bottom surface 116 of the heel zone 112 may comprise a treaded portion 116a and a smooth portion 116b. The treaded portion 116a may comprise, consist essentially of, or be formed from a durable rubber. The smooth portion 116b may comprise, consist essentially of, or be formed from a second climbing rubber. The heel zone 112 of the outsole 110 may extend from a medial side 162 of the outsole 110 to the lateral side 164 of the outsole 110. As an example, the heel zone 112 may comprise a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal.

[0039] The outsole 110 may comprise a forefoot zone 118 disposed adjacent a second end 120 of the outsole 110 opposite the first end 114. The forefoot zone 118 may comprise a sticky rubber such as a first climbing rubber. The forefoot zone 118 may consist essentially of a first climbing rubber. The forefoot zone 118 may be formed from the first climbing rubber. The forefoot zone 118 may comprise a bottom surface 122 that is smooth. The forefoot zone 118 of the outsole 110 may extend from the medial side 162 of the outsole 110 to the lateral side 164 of the outsole 110.

[0040] The outsole 110 may comprise a durability zone 124 disposed at a midfoot 125 of the outsole 110 interposed between the heel zone 112 and forefoot zone 118. The durability zone 124 may comprise a durable rubber. The durability zone 124 may consist essentially of a durable rubber. The durability zone 124 may be formed from a durable rubber. The durability zone 124 may comprise a bottom surface 126 that comprises a tread pattern 128. The tread pattern 128 of the bottom surface 126 of the durability zone 124 may comprise a plurality of alternative ridges 128a and channels 128b. The durability zone 124 of the outsole 110 may extend from the medial side 162 of the outsole 110 to the lateral side 164 of the outsole 110. [0041] The example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise a midsole 130 disposed adjacent the outsole 110. The midsole 130 may comprise a comfort portion 132. The comfort portion 132 may comprise a foam material. The foam material of the comfort portion 132 may comprise Ethylene- Vinyl Acetate (EVA). Other foams and materials may be used. The comfort portion 132 may have a recess 134 formed therein.

[0042] The example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise an edging plate 136.

The edging plate 136 may be disposed adjacent the midsole 130. As an example, the edging plate 136 may be at least partially disposed in the recess 134 of the midsole 130. The edging plate 136 may have a generally tear drop shape. The edging plate 136 may be a rigid plate. The edging plate 136 may comprise one or more slits to provide flexibility in the rigid plate. However, various shapes may be used. The edging plate 136 may be sized to extend from at a midfoot 137 of the midsole 130 to a forefoot 138 of the midsole 130.

[0043] The example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise an upper 140 disposed adjacent the outsole 110, the midsole 130, or both. The upper 140 may be coupled to the outsole 110. The upper 140 may comprise a vamp portion or vamp 142, a medial quarter portion 144, a lateral quarter portion 146, and a heel portion 148. The portions 142-148 of the upper 140 are intended to be illustrative and not to limit the components of the upper 140. The upper 140 may comprise various portions or components.

[0044] The example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise a heel grip 150. The heel grip 150 may have a cup shape configured with a concave cup to be disposed at the first end 114 of the outsole 110. The heel grip 150 may be disposed over at least a portion of the heel zone 112 of the outsole 110 and at least a portion of the heel portion 148 of the upper 140. The heel grip 150 may form at least a portion of the heel zone 112. The heel grip 150 may comprise a second climbing rubber. The heel grip 150 may consist essentially of a second climbing rubber. The heel grip 150 may be formed from a second climbing rubber. The heel grip 150 may comprise a rounded edge 152 transitioning from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape. A bottom surface of the heel grip 150 may comprise the bottom surface 116 of the heel zone 112 of the outsole 110. The bottom surface of the heel grip may comprise a treaded portion and a smooth portion. The heel grip 150 may be formed as a unitary molded piece.

[0045] The example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise a toe grip 154 disposed adjacent the vamp 142 of the upper 140. The toe grip 154 may be disposed over only a portion of the vamp 142. The toe grip 154 may be configured to cover only a medial portion 156 of the vamp 142 of the upper 140. The toe grip 154 may comprise a second climbing rubber. The toe grip may consist essentially of a second climbing rubber. The toe grip 154 may be formed from a second climbing rubber. The toe grip 154 may comprise a channel 158 formed therein.

[0046] The example multi -function sneaker 100 may comprise an adjustable strap 160. The adjustable strap 160 may be disposed over a portion of the upper 140 and coupled to the medial side 162 of the outsole 110 and the lateral side 164 of the outsole 110. The adjustable strap 160 may be configured to control a fit of the upper 140 around a foot of a wearer.

EXAMPLES

[0047] Example 1: A multi -function sneaker comprising: an outsole comprising: a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole, a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end, the forefoot zone formed from a first climbing rubber, wherein the forefoot zone comprises a bottom surface that is smooth, and a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone, the durability zone formed from a durable rubber, wherein the durability zone comprises a bottom surface that comprises a tread pattern; a midsole disposed adjacent the outsole, the midsole comprising a foam material having a recess formed therein; an edging plate at least partially disposed in the recess of the midsole and extending from at a midfoot of the midsole to a forefoot of the midsole; an upper coupled to the outsole, the upper comprising a vamp portion, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion; a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper, wherein the heel grip is formed from a second climbing rubber and comprises a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape, and wherein a bottom surface of the heel grip comprises a treaded portion and a smooth portion; a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper and configured to cover only a medial portion of the vamp of the upper, wherein the toe grip is formed from a second climbing rubber; and an adjustable strap disposed over a portion of the upper and coupled to a medial side of the outsole and a lateral side of the outsole, wherein the adjustable strap is configured to control a fit of the upper. [0048] Example 2: The shoe of example 1, wherein the heel zone of the outsole extends from the medial side of the outsole to the lateral side of the outsole.

[0049] Example 3: The shoe of any of examples 1-2, wherein the forefoot zone of the outsole extends from the medial side of the outsole to the lateral side of the outsole.

[0050] Example 4: The shoe of any of examples 1-3, wherein the durability zone of the outsole extends from the medial side of the outsole to the lateral side of the outsole.

[0051] Example 5: The shoe of any of examples 1-4, wherein the tread pattern of the bottom surface of the durability zone comprises a plurality of alternative ridges and channels.

[0052] Example 6: The shoe of any of examples 1-5, wherein the foam material of the midsole comprises Ethylene- Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

[0053] Example 7: The shoe of any of examples 1-6, wherein the heel grip is formed as a unitary molded piece.

[0054] Example 8: The shoe of any of examples 1-7, wherein the toe grip comprises a channel formed therein.

[0055] Example 9: A multi -function sneaker comprising: an outsole comprising: a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole, a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end, the forefoot zone formed from a first climbing rubber, and a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone, the durability zone formed from a durable rubber; an upper coupled to the outsole, the upper comprising a vamp portion, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion; a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper, wherein the heel grip is formed from a second climbing rubber; and a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper, wherein the toe grip is formed from a second climbing rubber.

[0056] Example 10: The shoe of any of examples 1-9, wherein the heel zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

[0057] Example 11 : The shoe of any of examples 1-10, wherein the forefoot zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

[0058] Example 12: The shoe of any of examples 1-11, wherein the durability zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole. [0059] Example 13: The shoe of any of examples 1-12, wherein a tread pattern of a bottom surface of the durability zone comprises a plurality of alternative ridges and channels.

[0060] Example 14: The shoe of any of examples 1-13, further comprising a midsole disposed adjacent the outsole.

[0061] Example 15: The shoe of any of examples 1-14, wherein the midsole comprises a foam material.

[0062] Example 16: The shoe of any of examples 1-15, wherein the foam material of the midsole comprises Ethylene- Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

[0063] Example 17: The shoe of any of examples 1-16, further comprising an edging plate disposed adjacent the midsole.

[0064] Example 18: The shoe of any of examples 1-17, wherein the midsole comprises a recess formed therein, and further comprising an edging plate at least partially disposed in the recess of the midsole.

[0065] Example 19: The shoe of any of examples 1-18, further comprising an edging plate disposed between the upper and the outsole.

[0066] Example 20: The shoe of any of examples 1-19, wherein the edging plate extends from at least a midfoot of the midsole to a forefoot of the midsole.

[0067] Example 21 : The shoe of any of examples 1-20, wherein the heel grip is formed as a unitary molded piece.

[0068] Example 22: The shoe of any of examples 1-21, wherein the heel grip comprises a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape, and wherein a bottom surface of the heel grip comprises a treaded portion and a smooth portion.

[0069] Example 23: The shoe of any of examples 1-22, wherein the toe grip comprises a channel formed therein.

[0070] Example 24: The shoe of any of examples 1-23, wherein the toe grip is configured to cover only a medial portion of the vamp of the upper.

[0071] Example 25: The shoe of any of examples 1-24, wherein the forefoot zone comprises a bottom surface that is smooth.

[0072] Example 26: The shoe of any of examples 1-25, wherein the durability zone comprises a bottom surface that comprises a tread pattern. [0073] Example 27: The shoe of any of examples 1-26, further comprising an adjustable strap disposed over a portion of the upper and coupled to a medial side of the outsole and a lateral side of the outsole, wherein the adjustable strap is configured to control a fit of the upper.

[0074] Example 28: A multi-function sneaker comprising: an outsole comprising: a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole, a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end, and a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone, wherein the forefoot zone and the durability zone exhibit a different coefficient of friction from each other; an upper coupled to the outsole, the upper comprising a vamp portion, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion; a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper, wherein the heel grip exhibits a coefficient of friction that is greater than the coefficient of friction of the durability zone; and a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper, wherein the toe grip is formed from a second climbing rubber.

[0075] Example 29: The shoe of any of examples 1-28, wherein the heel zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

[0076] Example 30: The shoe of any of examples 1-29, wherein the forefoot zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

[0077] Example 31 : The shoe of any of examples 1-30, wherein the durability zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

[0078] Example 32: The shoe of any of examples 1-31, wherein a tread pattern of a bottom surface of the durability zone comprises a plurality of alternative ridges and channels.

[0079] Example 33: The shoe of any of examples 1-32, further comprising a midsole disposed adjacent the outsole.

[0080] Example 34: The shoe of any of examples 1-33, wherein the midsole comprises a foam material.

[0081] Example 35: The shoe of any of examples 1-34, wherein the foam material of the midsole comprises Ethylene- Vinyl Acetate (EVA).

[0082] Example 36: The shoe of any of examples 1-35, further comprising an edging plate disposed adjacent the midsole. [0083] Example 37: The shoe of any of examples 1-36, wherein the midsole comprises a recess formed therein, and further comprising an edging plate at least partially disposed in the recess of the midsole.

[0084] Example 38: The shoe of any of examples 1-37, further comprising an edging plate disposed between the upper and the outsole.

[0085] Example 39: The shoe of any of examples 1-38, wherein the edging plate extends from at least a midfoot of the midsole to a forefoot of the midsole.

[0086] Example 40: The shoe of any of examples 1-39, wherein the heel grip comprises a second climbing rubber.

[0087] Example 41 : The shoe of any of examples 1-40, wherein the heel grip is formed as a unitary molded piece.

[0088] Example 42: The shoe of any of examples 1-41, wherein the heel grip comprises a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape, and wherein a bottom surface of the heel grip comprises a treaded portion and a smooth portion.

[0089] Example 43: The shoe of any of examples 1-42, wherein the toe grip comprises a channel formed therein.

[0090] Example 44: The shoe of any of examples 1-43, wherein the toe grip is configured to cover only a medial portion of the vamp of the upper.

[0091] Example 45: The shoe of any of examples 1-44, wherein the forefoot zone comprises a bottom surface that is smooth.

[0092] Example 46: The shoe of any of examples 1-45, wherein the durability zone comprises a bottom surface that comprises a tread pattern.

[0093] Example 47: The shoe of any of examples 1-46, further comprising an adjustable strap disposed over a portion of the upper and coupled to a medial side of the outsole and a lateral side of the outsole, wherein the adjustable strap is configured to control a fit of the upper.

[0094] Example 48: The shoe of any of examples 1-47, wherein the durability zone of the outsole comprises a durable rubber.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A multi-function sneaker comprising: an outsole comprising: a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole, a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end, and a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone, wherein the forefoot zone and the durability zone exhibit a different coefficient of friction from each other; an upper coupled to the outsole, the upper comprising a vamp, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion; a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper, wherein the heel grip exhibits a coefficient of friction that is greater than the coefficient of friction of the durability zone; and a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper.

2. The multi -function sneaker of claim 1, wherein the heel zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

3. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the forefoot zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

4. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the durability zone of the outsole extends from a medial side of the outsole to a lateral side of the outsole.

5. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-4, wherein a tread pattern of a bottom surface of the durability zone comprises a plurality of alternative ridges and channels.

6. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a midsole disposed adjacent the outsole.

7. The multi -function sneaker of claim 6, wherein the midsole comprises a foam material.

8. The multi -function sneaker of claim 7, further comprising an edging plate disposed adjacent the midsole.

9. The multi -function sneaker of claim 6, wherein the midsole comprises a recess formed therein, and further comprises an edging plate at least partially disposed in the recess of the midsole.

10. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the heel grip is formed as a unitary molded piece.

11. The multi -function sneaker of claim 10, wherein the heel grip comprises a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape, and wherein a bottom surface of the heel grip comprises a treaded portion and a smooth portion.

12. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the toe grip is configured to cover only a medial portion of the vamp of the upper.

13. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the toe grip comprises a channel formed therein.

14. The multi -function sneaker of c any one of claims 1-3, wherein the forefoot zone comprises a bottom surface that is smooth.

15. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the durability zone comprises a bottom surface that comprises a tread pattern.

16. A multi-function sneaker comprising: an outsole comprising: a heel zone disposed adjacent a first end of the outsole, a forefoot zone disposed adjacent a second end of the outsole opposite the first end, the forefoot zone formed from a first climbing rubber, wherein the forefoot zone comprises a bottom surface that is smooth, and a durability zone disposed at a midfoot of the outsole interposed between the heel zone and forefoot zone, the durability zone formed from a durable rubber, wherein the durability zone comprises a bottom surface that comprises a tread pattern; a midsole disposed adjacent the outsole, the midsole comprising a foam material having a recess formed therein; an edging plate at least partially disposed in the recess of the midsole and extending from at a midfoot of the midsole to a forefoot of the midsole; an upper coupled to the outsole, the upper comprising a vamp, a medial quarter portion, a lateral quarter portion, and a heel portion; a heel grip having a cup shape configured to be disposed at the first end of the outsole over at least a portion of the heel zone of the outsole and at least a portion of the heel portion of the upper, wherein the heel grip is formed from a second climbing rubber and comprises a rounded edge transition from the vertical to the horizontal of the cup shape, and wherein a bottom surface of the heel grip comprises a treaded portion and a smooth portion; a toe grip disposed adjacent the vamp of the upper and configured to cover only a medial portion of the vamp of the upper, wherein the toe grip is formed from a third climbing rubber; and an adjustable strap disposed over a portion of the upper and coupled to a medial side of the outsole and a lateral side of the outsole, wherein the adjustable strap is configured to control a fit of the upper.

17. The multi -function sneaker of claim 16, wherein the heel zone of the outsole extends from the medial side of the outsole to the lateral side of the outsole.

18. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 16-17, wherein the forefoot zone of the outsole extends from the medial side of the outsole to the lateral side of the outsole.

19. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the durability zone of the outsole extends from the medial side of the outsole to the lateral side of the outsole.

20. The multi -function sneaker of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the tread pattern of the bottom surface of the durability zone comprises a plurality of alternative ridges and channels.