SOLE STRUCTURE FOR A SHOE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sole structure for a shoe, in particular a football shoe, and a shoe comprising the sole structure.

BACKGROUND

When designing soles for shoes to be used for participation in athletic activities, the use of the foot when engaging in those activities should be considered. For example, velocity of a ball that is kicked can increase with increased plantarflexion of the foot of the kicker. Stability of the foot while the participant runs, jumps, cuts, etc., should also be considered. Hence, there is a continuing need for shoes designed to improve the overall properties of the sole structure of the shoe.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A first embodiment (I) of the present disclosure is directed to a sole structure for a shoe, comprising: a forefoot portion; a heel portion; and a midfoot portion coupled to the forefoot portion and the heel portion, the midfoot portion comprising: a medial arch comprising a medial forefoot arm extending toward the heel portion and a medial heel arm extending toward the forefoot portion, wherein the medial forefoot arm and the medial heel arm meet at a medial apex of the medial arch, and wherein the medial arch defines a medial void located between the medial forefoot arm and the medial heel arm, and a lateral arch comprising a lateral forefoot arm extending toward the heel portion and a lateral heel arm extending toward the forefoot portion, wherein the lateral forefoot arm and the lateral heel arm meet at a lateral apex of the lateral arch, and wherein the lateral arch defines a lateral void located between the lateral forefoot arm and the lateral heel arm.

A second embodiment (II) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the first embodiment (I), wherein the medial forefoot arm extends toward the heel portion at a first angle that is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to a midfoot plane of the midfoot portion, wherein the medial heel arm extends toward the forefoot portion at a second angle that is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to the midfoot plane, wherein the lateral forefoot arm extends toward the heel portion at a third angle that is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to a midfoot plane, and wherein the lateral heel arm extends toward the forefoot portion at a fourth angle that is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to the midfoot plane.

A third embodiment (III) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of either of the first embodiment (I) or the second embodiment (II), wherein the medial arch comprises a medial radius of curvature that is approximately constant, and wherein the lateral arch comprises a lateral radius of curvature that is approximately constant.

A fourth embodiment (IV) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the third embodiment (III), wherein the medial radius of curvature and the lateral radius of curvature are approximately equal.

A fifth embodiment (V) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the medial arch comprises at least one medial lace aperture extending through the medial arch, and the lateral arch comprises at least one lateral lace aperture extending through the lateral arch.

A sixth embodiment (VI) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein each of the medial arch and the lateral arch extend toward a neutral foot axis of a foot of a user when the sole structure is worn by the user.

A seventh embodiment (VII) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the midfoot portion comprises a support tie located between the lateral arch and the medial arch, the support tie comprising: a forefoot plate connected to the forefoot portion, a heel plate connected to the heel portion, and a flexible portion extending between the forefoot plate and the heel plate, wherein the flexible portion allows bending of the midfoot portion in a plantarflexion direction and limits bending of the midfoot portion in a dorsiflexion direction.

An eighth embodiment (VIII) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the seventh embodiment (VII), wherein the flexible portion comprises a plurality of segments extending between the forefoot plate and the heel plate, the plurality of segments comprising a first segment and a second segment rotatably coupled by a hinge.

A ninth embodiment (IX) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the eighth embodiment (VIII), wherein a ground-facing surface of the first segment and a ground-facing surface of the second segment are configured to rotate toward each other when the midfoot portion bends in the plantarflexion direction, and wherein the ground-facing surface of the first segment and the ground-facing surface of the second segment are configured to rotate away from each other when the midfoot portion bends in the dorsiflexion direction.

A tenth embodiment (X) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the either of the eighth embodiment (VIII) or the ninth embodiment (IX), wherein the plurality of segments is configured to limit bending of the midfoot portion in the dorsiflexion direction.

An eleventh embodiment (XI) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the seventh embodiment (VII), the eighth embodiment (VIII), the ninth embodiment (IX), or the tenth embodiment (X), wherein the flexible portion comprises a resilient structure extending between the forefoot plate and the heel plate, wherein the resilient structure exerts a first compressive force between the forefoot plate and the heel plate when the midfoot portion is bent in the plantarflexion direction, and the resilient structure exerts a second compressive force between the forefoot plate and the heel plate when the midfoot portion is bent in the dorsiflexion direction, and wherein the second compressive force is larger than the first compressive force.

A twelfth embodiment (XII) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the eleventh embodiment (XI), wherein the resilient structure comprises an elastic band.

A thirteenth embodiment (XIII) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the seventh embodiment (VII), the eighth embodiment (VIII), the ninth embodiment (IX), the tenth embodiment (X), the eleventh embodiment (XI), or the twelfth embodiment (XII), wherein the support tie bridges a gap between the forefoot portion and the heel portion.

A fourteenth embodiment (XIV) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the seventh embodiment (VII), the eighth embodiment (VIII), the ninth embodiment (IX), the tenth embodiment (X), the eleventh embodiment (XI), the twelfth embodiment (XII), or the thirteenth embodiment (XIII), wherein the medial void is further defined by the support tie and the lateral void is further defined by the support tic.

A fifteenth embodiment (XV) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the midfoot portion is formed from a polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a polyamide, or a combination thereof.

A sixteenth embodiment (XVI) of the present disclosure is directed to a shoe comprising the sole structure of any one of the previous embodiments.

A seventeenth embodiment (XVII) of the present disclosure is directed to the shoe of the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), wherein each of the forefoot portion and the heel portion comprise cleats.

An eighteenth embodiment (XVIII) of the present disclosure is directed the shoe of either one of the sixteenth embodiment (XVI) or the seventeenth embodiment (XVII), comprising a shoelace laced through a medial lace aperture formed in the medial arch and a lateral lace aperture formed in the lateral arch.

A nineteenth embodiment (XIX) of the present disclosure is directed to a sole structure for a shoe, comprising: a forefoot portion; a heel portion; and a midfoot portion coupled to the forefoot portion and the heel portion, the midfoot portion comprising: a forefoot plate connected to the forefoot portion, a heel plate connected to the heel portion, an arch connected to the forefoot plate and the heel plate, the arch comprising a forefoot arm extending toward the heel portion and a heel arm extending toward the forefoot portion, wherein the forefoot arm and the heel arm meet at an apex of the arch, and wherein the arch defines a void located between the forefoot arm and the heel arm, and a flexible portion extending between the forefoot plate and the heel plate, wherein the flexible portion allows bending of the midfoot portion in a plantarflexion direction and limits bending of the midfoot portion in a dorsiflexion direction.

A twentieth embodiment (XX) of the present disclosure is directed to the sole structure of the nineteenth embodiment (XIX), wherein the flexible portion comprises a plurality of rotatable segments configured to limit bending of the midfoot portion in the dorsiflexion direction, a resilient structure configured to limit bending of the midfoot portion in the dorsiflexion direction, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a position of a midfoot portion of a shoe during a kicking motion and a running motion.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an upper portion of a shoe.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a sole structure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a midfoot portion of the sole structure of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a support tie of the midfoot portion of FIG. 4, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a support tie of the midfoot portion of FIG. 4, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the midfoot portion of the sole structure of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a shoe comprising the midfoot portion of the sole structure of FIG. 3, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The indefinite articles “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless clearly contradicted or the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, references to “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. are not intended to denote order, or that an earlier-numbered feature is required for a later-numbered feature. Also, unless specified otherwise, the use of “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. does not necessarily mean that the “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. features have different properties or values.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, reference to objects or axes being “approximately parallel” to each other includes parallel and relationships between the objects or axes up to and including within ten degrees of being parallel. For example, two axes that are oriented at an angle of between negative 10 degrees and positive 10 degrees relative to each other are considered approximately parallel.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, reference to objects or axes being “approximately perpendicular” to each other includes perpendicular and relationships between the objects or axes up to and including within 10 degrees of being perpendicular. For example, two axes that are oriented at an angle of 80-100 degrees relative to each other are considered approximately perpendicular.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, reference to two or more values being “approximately equal” refers to instances in which the two or more values are equal or within 10 percent of being equal. For example, values between 9 and 11 are considered approximately equal to a stated value of 10.

The term “comprising” is an open-ended transitional phrase. A list of elements following the transitional phrase “comprising” is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list can also be present. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the component. The phrase “consisting of” limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and excludes any material not specified.

Where a range of numerical values comprising upper and lower values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the disclosure or claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more ranges, or as list of upper values and lower values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or value and any lower range limit or value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed.

Sole structures according to embodiments of the present application are designed to provide various advantageous effects for a wearer. The sole structures can facilitate optimal athletic performance for a wearer participating in a sport, for example football, while also providing footwear that is supportive. The sole structures are designed to provide flexibility in particular directions and stiffness in other directions. The combination of flexibility and stiffness can facilitate desired athletic performance characteristics while also providing support for the feet of the wearer. Sole structures according to embodiments of the present application are designed to address and/or pursue the following problems and/or objectives at least partially.

Sole structures for shoes (for example, football shoes) that are optimized for running can exhibit a stiff flexural behaviour. This stiff behaviour can be beneficial for some actions, such as running, but can create impairments for a wearer when attempting to perform other actions. FIG. 1 shows positions of a shoe 100 during a kicking motion and a running motion. In the example shown, the shoe 100 can be a typical football shoe. The shoe 100 comprises a sole structure 102. The sole structure 102 comprises a heel portion 104 and a forefoot portion 106. The sole structure 102 comprises a midfoot portion 108 between the heel portion 104 and the forefoot portion 106. When running (shown on the right side of FIG. 1), the midfoot portion 108 provides support for the foot of the wearer as the forefoot portion 106 and the heel portion 104 move away from each other during dorsiflexion of the foot of the wearer. When kicking a ball (shown on the left side of FIG. 1), the midfoot portion 108 can bend to allow the forefoot portion 106 and the heel portion 104 to move towards each other during plantarflexion of the foot of the wearer.

Increasing stiffness of the midfoot portion 108 can provide increased stability for the foot of the wearer when running. However, increasing stiffness of the midfoot portion 108 can limit plantarflexion of the foot of the wearer when kicking a ball. Limiting plantarflexion of the foot can create limitations for a wearer, such as limiting the velocity of the ball off the foot. Decreasing stiffness of the midfoot portion 108 can allow for greater plantarflexion of the foot of the wearer. However, decreasing stiffness of the midfoot portion 108 can reduce stability for the foot of the wearer when running.

Sole structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure can allow for increased plantarflexion of the foot when performing an action such as kicking a ball while maintaining stability of the sole during dorsiflexion of the wearer's foot. In particular embodiments, sole structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure can allow for increased plantarflexion of the foot when kicking a ball while maintaining stability of when running. For example, sole structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise a midfoot portion that allows for increased plantarflexion of the foot when kicking a ball while maintaining stability of the midfoot portion when running. The increased plantarflexion can increase the velocity of the ball off the foot of the wearer, thereby increasing kicking performance. The midfoot portion according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be any portion of the sole located between a heel-most portion and a forefoot-most portion of the sole. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion can be located such that it is configured to support all of a portion of a wearer's foot arch when a shoe comprising the midfoot portion is worn.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an upper portion 234 of the shoe 100. The shoe 100 comprises a longitudinal axis 210. The longitudinal axis 210 extends between the heel portion 104 of the shoe 100 and the forefoot portion 106 of the shoe 100. The shoe 100 comprises a transverse axis 212. The transverse axis 212 extends between a medial side 216 of the shoe 100 and a lateral side 214 of the shoe 100. The transverse axis 212 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 210.

Different areas of the upper portion 234 can be used to kick a ball along different axes (for example, when passing, shooting, curving the ball, etc.). For example, an instep area 218 can be used to kick the ball along an instep axis 220. A medial toe area 222 can be used to kick the ball along a medial toe axis 224. A top area 226 can be used to kick the ball along a top axis 228. A lateral toc area 230 can be used to kick the ball along a lateral toe axis 232.

Sole structures for shoes typically exhibit substantially isotropic bending behaviour about various bending axes (for example, the sole structures bend symmetrically about a bending axis). With reference to FIGS. 1-2, a midfoot portion 108 of the sole structure 102 of the shoe 100 can bend about the transverse axis 212 of the midfoot portion 108 when the wearer kicks the ball. The forces on the midfoot portion 108 can differ based on the area used to kick the ball, however the midfoot portion 108 bends in the same manner regardless of the area of the upper portion 234 used to kick the ball.

In some cases, a wearer may desire a shoe that provides increased plantarflexion of the foot when kicking a ball in one or more directions to increase the velocity of ball. The wearer may also desire a shoe that provides stability when sprinting, changing directions, etc. Sole structures of typical shoes do not provide a satisfactory solution to address both characteristics (for example, increased plantarflexion and stability). Sole structures of the present disclosure can provide both increased plantarflexion in or more directions and stability of the sole during dorsiflexion in one or more directions.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a sole structure 340 according to some embodiments. The sole structure 340 can be part of a shoe (for example, a football shoe). A foot 342 of a wearer can be positioned on the sole structure 340 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The foot 342 comprises multiple joints that allow the foot to bend in various directions (for example, a plantarflexion direction and a dorsiflexion direction). For example, the foot 342 comprises an ankle joint 344, a transverse tarsal joint 346, a midfoot joint 348, and a metatarsophalangeal (“MTP”) joint 350. The foot 342 comprises a neutral foot axis 352 that extends through the center of each of the ankle joint 344, the transverse tarsal joint 346, the midfoot joint 348, and the MTP joint 350.

The sole structure 340 comprises a forefoot portion 354. The forefoot portion 354 is located underneath the portion of the foot 342 that comprises the toes. More specifically, the forefoot portion 354 can comprise the region extending from the MTP joint 350 to the midfoot joint 348. The sole structure 340 comprises a heel portion 356. The heel portion 356 is located underneath a heel of the foot 342. More specifically, the heel portion 356 can comprise the region extending from the transverse tarsal joint 346 to the ankle joint 344. In some embodiments, the forefoot portion 354 comprises cleats 358 on a ground-facing side 360 of the forefoot portion 354. In some embodiments, the heel portion 356 comprises cleats 362 on a ground-facing side 364 of the heel portion 356.

To bend in, for example, a plantarflexion direction, each of the joints along the neutral foot axis 352 move relative to each other to cause the ground-facing side 364 and the ground-facing side 360 to rotate toward each other.

The sole structure 340 comprises a midfoot portion 366. The midfoot portion 366 is located underneath all or a portion of a midfoot of the foot 342 (for example, the portion of the foot 342 comprises the arch of the foot 342). More specifically, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise the region extending from the midfoot joint 348 to the transverse tarsal joint 346. The midfoot portion 366 is coupled to the forefoot portion 354. The midfoot portion is coupled to the heel portion 356. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can bridge a gap 368 between the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356. In some embodiments, the gap 368 can be open space located between a foremost end of heel portion 356 and a rearmost end of the forefoot portion 354.

In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise a polymer material. For example, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise a polyurethane material, a thermoplastic elastomer material, a polyamide material, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise any other type of material that exhibits the properties of the midfoot portion 366 described herein.

In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can be configured to allow bending in certain directions (for example, the plantarflexion direction). In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can be configured to limit bending in certain directions (for example, a dorsiflexion direction).

In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can be removably coupled to the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356. For example, the midfoot portion 366 can be coupled to the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356 with latches, snaps, removable threaded connectors, or any other type of connector that can provide for a removable connection. The midfoot portion 366 being removable from the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356 allows the wearer to exchange the midfoot portion 366 for another midfoot portion. In some embodiments, the another midfoot portion can be a new version of the midfoot portion removed. In some embodiments, the another midfoot portion can comprise different bending properties than the midfoot portion 366.

As described herein, in some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise a first bending stiffness in a plantarflexion direction (also referred to as a plantarflexion bending stiffness) and a second bending stiffness in a dorsiflexion direction (also referred to as a dorsiflexion bending stiffness).

In some embodiments, the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction can range from 0.8 Newton-meters per degree (N-m/degree) to 1.6 N-m/degree. In some embodiments, the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction can range from 0.5 N-m/degree to 2 N-m/degree.

In some embodiments, as described herein, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be less than 0.8 N-m/degree, less than 0.6 N-m/degree, less than 0.4 N-m/degree, or less than 0.2 N-m/degree. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can range from 0.1 N-m/degree to 0.8 N-m/degree. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can range from 0.1 N-m/degree to 0.4 N-m/degree.

In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be at least 0.1 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be at least 0.2 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be at least 0.4 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be at least 0.1 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction and no more than 1 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction. In some embodiments, the value of the first bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction can be at least 0.1 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction and no more than 1.5 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction.

In some embodiments, the forefoot portion 354 can comprise a forefoot bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction that is less than the second bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 in the dorsiflexion direction. In some embodiments, the value of the forefoot bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction can be at least 0.1 N-m/degree less than the value of the second bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 in the dorsiflexion direction.

Unless specified otherwise, a bending stiffness (for example, first bending stiffness or second bending stiffness) is measured by fixing a heel portion (for example, heel portion 356), rotating a forefoot portion (for example, forefoot portion 354) relative to the heel portion, and measuring the amount of torque (in N-m) per degree required to rotate the forefoot portion relative to the heel portion. For purposes of comparing a forefoot bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction and the bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 in the dorsiflexion direction, the dorsiflexion stiffness of the forefoot portion is measured by fixing the heel end of the forefoot portion and rotating the forefoot end of the forefoot portion.

In some embodiments, the another midfoot portion can comprise a third bending stiffness in the plantarflexion direction that is different than the first bending stiffness, the another midfoot portion can comprise a fourth bending stiffness in the dorsiflexion direction that is different than the second bending stiffness, or both. Thus, the sole structure 340 can comprise a modular system in which various midfoot portions can be coupled to the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356 according to the desired properties of the midfoot portion 366.

In some embodiments, the third bending stiffness can be equal to values, or can be within any of the ranges, described herein for the first bending stiffness. In some embodiments, the third bending stiffness can be at least 0.1 N-m/degree less than or at least 0.1 N-m/degree greater than the first bending stiffness. Similarly, the fourth bending stiffness can be equal to values, or can be within any of the ranges, described herein for the second bending stiffness. In some embodiments, the fourth bending stiffness can be at least 0.1 N-m/degree less than or at least 0.1 N-m/degree greater than the second bending stiffness.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the midfoot portion 366 of the sole structure 340 according to some embodiments. The midfoot portion 366 comprises a longitudinal axis 480. The longitudinal axis 480 extends through a center of the forefoot portion 354 and a center of the heel portion 356. The midfoot portion 366 comprises a transverse axis 482 extending through a center of the midfoot portion 366 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 480. The longitudinal axis 480 and the transverse axis 482 define a midfoot plane 484. In some embodiments where the midfoot plane 484 can be approximately parallel with a ground surface during use.

In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise a medial arch 470. The medial arch 470 is located at a medial side of the foot 342 when the sole structure 340 is worn by the user. The medial arch 470 comprises a medial forefoot arm 472 that extends toward the heel portion 356. In some embodiments, the medial forefoot arm 472 extends toward the heel portion 356 from the forefoot portion 354. In some embodiments, the medial forefoot arm 472 extends toward the heel portion 356 from a support tie, for example support ties 501 and 601 described with respect to FIGS. 5-6. In some embodiments, the medial forefoot arm 472 extends toward the heel portion 356 at an angle A₁ relative to the midfoot plane 484. More specifically, a midline of the medial forefoot arm 472 extends toward the heel portion 356 at the angle A₁. In some embodiments, A₁ is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to the midfoot plane 484.

The medial arch 470 comprises a medial heel arm 474 that extends toward the forefoot portion 354. In some embodiments, the medial heel arm 474 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 from the heel portion 356. In some embodiments, the medial heel arm 474 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 from a support tie, for example support ties 501 and 601 described with respect to FIGS. 5-6. In some embodiments, the medial heel arm 474 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 at an angle A₂ relative to the midfoot plane 484. More specifically, a midline of the medial heel arm 474 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 at the angle A₂. In some embodiments, A₂ is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to the midfoot plane 484.

In some embodiments, the medial forefoot arm 472 and the medial heel arm 474 meet at a medial apex 476 of the medial arch 470. The medial apex 476 is located closer to the neutral foot axis 352 than the heel portion 356 and the forefoot portion 354. Thus, the medial arch 470 extends toward the neutral foot axis 352 of the wearer when the sole structure 340 is worn by the wearer.

In some embodiments, the medial arch 470 can define a medial void 478 in midfoot portion 366. In such embodiments, the medial void 478 is located between the medial forefoot arm 472 and the medial heel arm 474. The medial void 478 is located closer to the midfoot plane 484 than the medial apex 476.

In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 can comprise a lateral arch 486. The lateral arch 486 is located at a lateral side of the foot 342 when the sole structure 340 is worn by the user. The lateral arch 486 comprises a lateral forefoot arm 488 that extends toward the heel portion 356. In some embodiments, the lateral forefoot arm 488 extends toward the heel portion 356 from the forefoot portion 354. In some embodiments, the lateral forefoot arm 488 extends toward the heel portion 356 from a support tie, for example support ties 501 and 601 described with respect to FIGS. 5-6. In some embodiments, the lateral forefoot arm 488 extends toward the heel portion 356 at an angle A₃ relative to the midfoot plane 484. More specifically, a midline of the lateral forefoot arm 488 extends toward the heel portion 356 at the angle A₃. In some embodiments, A₃ is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to the midfoot plane 484.

The lateral arch 486 comprises a lateral heel arm 490 that extends toward the forefoot portion 354. In some embodiments, the lateral heel arm 490 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 from the heel portion 356. In some embodiments, the lateral heel arm 490 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 from a support tie, for example support ties 501 and 601 described with respect to FIGS. 5-6. In some embodiments, the lateral heel arm 490 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 at an angle A₄ relative to the midfoot plane 484. More specifically, a midline of the lateral heel arm 490 extends toward the forefoot portion 354 at the angle A₄. In some embodiments, A₄ is greater than or equal to 30 degrees and less than or equal to 85 degrees relative to the midfoot plane 484.

In some embodiments, the lateral forefoot arm 488 and the lateral heel arm 490 meet at a lateral apex 492 of the lateral arch 486. The lateral apex 492 is located closer to the neutral foot axis 352 than the heel portion 356 and the forefoot portion 354. Thus, the lateral arch 486 extends toward the neutral foot axis 352 of the wearer when the sole structure 340 is worn by the wearer.

In some embodiments, the lateral arch 486 can define a lateral void 494 in midfoot portion 366. In such embodiments, the lateral void 494 is located between the lateral forefoot arm 488 and the lateral heel arm 490. The lateral void 494 is located closer to the midfoot plane 484 than the lateral apex 492.

In some embodiments, the medial arch 470 comprises a medial radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the medial radius of curvature is approximately constant. In some embodiments, the medial radius of curvature varies along the medial forefoot arm 472 and the medial heel arm 474.

In some embodiments, the lateral arch 486 comprises a lateral radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the lateral radius of curvature is approximately constant. In some embodiments, the lateral radius of curvature varies along the lateral forefoot arm 488 and the lateral heel arm 490.

In some embodiments, the medial radius of curvature and the lateral radius of curvature are approximately equal. In some embodiments, the medial radius of curvature and the lateral radius of curvature are different.

In some embodiments, the medial arch 470 comprises at least one of a medial lace aperture 496 extending through the medial arch 470. In some embodiments, the lateral arch 486 comprises at least one of a lateral lace aperture 498 extending through the lateral arch 486. In such embodiments, the medial lace aperture 496 and the lateral lace aperture 498 are sized to receive a lace. In some embodiments, a lace can extend through both the medial lace aperture 496 and the lateral lace aperture 498 to help secure the midfoot portion 366 to the foot 342 of the wearer.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a support tie 501 of the midfoot portion 366 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 366 comprises the support tie 501 located between the medial arch 470 and the lateral arch 486. In some embodiments, the support tie 501, the medial arch 470, and the lateral arch 486 can be integrally formed as a single piece. For example, the support tie 501, the medial arch 470, and the lateral arch 486 can be formed together during a molding process such that the support tic 501, the medial arch 470, and the lateral arch 486 form a single, integral structure. In some embodiments, the support tie 501, the medial arch 470, and the lateral arch 486 comprise two or more pieces. For example, the support tie 501, the medial arch 470, and the lateral arch 486 can be formed separately and then joined together (using, for example, threaded connectors).

In some embodiments, the medial void 478 can be partially defined by the support tic 501. For example, the medial void 478 can be defined by the space between the medial arch 470 and the support tie 501. Similarly, the lateral void 494 can be partially defined by the support tie 501. For example, the lateral void 494 can be defined by the space between the lateral arch 486 and the support tie 501.

The support tie 501 can comprise a forefoot plate 503. The forefoot plate 503 can be configured to connect to the forefoot portion 354 (using, for example, threaded connectors). The support tic 501 can comprise a heel plate 505. The heel plate 505 can be configured to connect to the heel portion 356 (using, for example, threaded connectors). In some embodiments, the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 can removably connect the support tie 501 to the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356. For example, the support tie 501 can be coupled to the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356 with latches, snaps, removable threaded connectors, or any other type of connector that can provide for a removable connection. The support tie 501 being removable from the forefoot portion 354 and the heel portion 356 can allow the wearer to exchange the support tic 501 with the medial arch 470 and/or the lateral arch 486 for another support tie with the same or different arches. In some embodiments, the another support tic can be a new version of the support tie 501 with the medial arch 470 and/or the lateral arch 486. In some embodiments, the another support tie can comprise different bending properties and/or different arches 470, 486 than the support tic 501.

In some embodiments, the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 can removably connect the support tie 501 to the medial arch 470 and the lateral arch 486 (via, for example, latches, snaps, removable threaded connectors, or any other type of connector that can provide for a removable connection). For example, the medial forefoot arm 472 of the medial arch 470 and the lateral forefoot arm 488 of the lateral arch 486 can connect to the forefoot plate 503, and the medial heel arm 474 of the medial arch 470 and the lateral heel arm 490 of the lateral arch 486 can connect to the heel plate 505. The support tie 501 being removable from the medial arch 470 and the lateral arch 486 can allow the wearer to exchange the support tic 501 for another support tie. In some embodiments, the another support tie can be a new version of the support tie 501. In some embodiments, the another support tie can comprise different bending properties than the support tie 501.

The support tie 501 comprises a flexible portion 507 that extends between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 507 bridges a gap 509 between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. In some embodiments, a length of the gap 509 is approximately equal to a length of the gap 368. In some embodiments, the length of the gap 509 is less than the length of the gap 368. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 507 allows bending of the midfoot portion 366 in a plantarflexion direction 511. The plantarflexion direction 511 is a bending direction in which a ground-facing side 515 of the forefoot plate 503 and a ground-facing side 517 of the heel plate 505 bend toward each other. In some embodiments, the flexible portion 507 limits bending of the midfoot portion 366 in a dorsiflexion direction 513. The dorsiflexion direction 513 is a bending direction in which the ground-facing side 515 and the ground-facing side 517 bend away from each other.

The flexible portion 507 comprises a plurality of segments 519 that extend between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. The plurality of segments 519 comprises a first segment 521 and a second segment 523. In some embodiments, the first segment 521 and the second segment 523 are rotatably coupled by a first hinge 525. The first hinge 525 allows the first segment 521 and the second segment 523 to rotate (for example, bend) relative to each other. In some embodiments, the plurality of segments 519 can comprise a third segment 527. The second segment 523 and the third segment 527 can be rotatably coupled by a second hinge 529. The second hinge 529 allows the second segment 523 and the third segment 527 to rotate relative to each other.

In some embodiments, the first segment 521, the second segment 523, and the third segment 527 have a rotational relationship such that each of the first segment 521, the second segment 523, and the third segment 527 can bend relative to each other when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511 and the dorsiflexion direction 513. For example, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, a ground-facing surface 531 of the first segment 521 and a ground-facing surface 533 of the second segment 523 can rotate toward each other. Additionally, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, an upper-facing surface 535 of the second segment 523 and an upper-facing surface 537 of the third segment 527 can rotate toward each other. In such embodiments, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, adjacent segments of the flexible portion 507 can fold back on each other in an accordion-like fashion.

Alternatively, a similar accordion-like folding mechanism can be formed when the segments fold in the opposite directions than those described above. For example, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, an upper-facing surface 539 of the first segment 521 and the upper-facing surface 535 of the second segment 523 can rotate toward each other. Additionally, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, the ground-facing surface 533 of the second segment 523 and a ground-facing surface 541 of the third segment 527 can rotate toward each other.

In some embodiments, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the dorsiflexion direction 513, the relative movements of the first segment 521, the second segment 523, and the third segment 527 can be reversed. For example, when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the dorsiflexion direction 513, the ground-facing surface 531 of the first segment 521 and the ground-facing surface 533 of the second segment 523 can rotate away from each other.

In some embodiments, the first segment 521, the second segment 523, and the third segment 527 do not have a rotational relationship such that each of the first segment 521, the second segment 523, and the third segment 527 can bend in a different manner relative to each other when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511 and the dorsiflexion direction 513.

In some embodiments, the plurality of segments 519 is configured to limit bending of the midfoot portion 366 in the dorsiflexion direction 513. For example, as the ground-facing side 515 of the forefoot plate 503 moves away from the ground-facing side 517 of the heel plate 505, the plurality of segments 519 rotate away from each other until the plurality of segments exerts a force on the midfoot portion 366. More specifically, the plurality of segments 519 exerts a force on the forefoot plate 503 directed toward the transverse axis 482, and the plurality of segments 519 exerts a force on the heel plate 505 directed toward the transverse axis 482. These forces increase a resistance to bending in the dorsiflexion direction 513. At least some of the dorsiflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 can also be provided by the medial arch 470, the lateral arch 486, or both. For example, as the midfoot portion 366 moves in the dorsiflexion direction 513, the medial forefoot arm 472 and the medial heel arm 474 can resist rotating away from each other, and the lateral forefoot arm 488 and the lateral heel arm 490 can resist rotating away from each other. Thus, the dorsiflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 can be provided in part by the plurality of segments 519 and in part by the medial arch 470 and/or the lateral arch 486.

In some embodiments, the plurality of segments 519 is configured to allow bending of the midfoot portion 366 in the plantarflexion direction 511. For example, as the ground-facing side 515 of the forefoot plate 503 moves toward the ground-facing side 517 of the heel plate 505, the plurality of segments 519 moves toward each other as described above. The plurality of segments 519 moving toward each other does not provide resistance to bending of the midfoot portion 366 in the plantarflexion direction 511. Instead, resistance to bending of the midfoot portion 366 in the plantarflexion direction 511 can be provided by the medial arch 470, the lateral arch 486, or both. For example, as the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, the medial forefoot arm 472 and the medial heel arm 474 can resist rotating toward each other, and the lateral forefoot arm 488 and the lateral heel arm 490 can resist rotating toward each other. Thus, the plantarflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 can be provided by the medial arch 470 and/or the lateral arch 486.

Returning to FIG. 4, the medial arch 470 and the lateral arch 486 can rotate toward and away from each other (for example, in the plantarflexion direction 511 and the dorsiflexion direction 513, respectively) about an apex axis 499 that extends between the medial apex 476 and the lateral apex 492. The apex axis 499 can be closer to the neutral foot axis 352 than a bending axis of a typical shoe. The proximity of the apex axis 499 to the neutral foot axis 352 allows the midfoot portion 366 to bend in the plantarflexion direction 511 to a greater degree than a typical midfoot portion of a typical shoe. Such plantarflexion of the midfoot portion 366 can result in a higher velocity of a kicked ball as compared to a ball kicked with a typical shoe.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a support tie 601 of the midfoot portion 366, according to some embodiments. The support tie 601 comprises some of the same features as the support tie 501. However, instead of the plurality of segments 519, the flexible portion 507 of the support tic 601 comprises a resilient structure 641 extending between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. In some embodiments, the resilient structure 641 comprises one or more elastic bands or one or more elastic straps. The resilient structure 641 can be formed from a material that allows the resilient structure 641 to be elastically deformed under a tensile load and return to its original configuration (for example, its configuration prior to the tensile load being applied) after the tensile load is removed. In some embodiments, the resilient structure 641 can be formed from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or any other type of material that exhibits the properties described herein.

In some embodiments, when the resilient structure 641 is coupled to the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505, the resilient structure 641 can be in tension. More specifically, the resilient structure 641 can be stretched between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 such that the resilient structure 641 exerts a compressive force between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. Because the resilient structure 641 is configured for elastic deformation, a force F that the resilient structure 641 applies to the midfoot portion 366 is determined using equation (1) below:

F = kx ( 1 )

In equation (1), k is a constant based on the material used for the resilient structure 641 that is indicative of the stiffness of the material, and x is the distance the resilient structure 641 is stretched beyond its resting state. Thus, the force exerted by the resilient structure 641 on the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 (and thus, the midfoot portion 366) increases as the resilient structure 641 is stretched further from its resting state. Similarly, the force exerted by the resilient structure 641 on the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 decreases as the resilient structure 641 is relaxed from a stretched state.

When the midfoot portion 366 is in a resting state (for example, when the midfoot portion 366 is not bending in the plantarflexion direction 511 or the dorsiflexion direction 513), the resilient structure 641 has a first length. In some embodiments, the first length can be longer than a resting length (for example, the length of the resilient structure 641 under no tensile load) of the resilient structure 641. In some embodiments, the first length can be equal to the resting length. In some embodiments, the first length can be shorter than the resting length (for example, a distance between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 480 is less than the resting length of the resilient structure 641). Thus, in some embodiments, when the midfoot portion 366 is in the resting state, the resilient structure 641 can exert a first compressive force between the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. In embodiments where the first length is greater than the resting length of the resilient structure 641, the compressive force is greater than zero. In embodiments where the first length is less than or equal to the resting length of the resilient structure 641, the compressive force is zero.

When the midfoot portion 366 bends in the dorsiflexion direction 513, the ground-facing side 515 of the forefoot plate 503 and the ground-facing side 517 of the heel plate 505 move toward each other. The relative movement of the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 pulls the resilient structure 641 to a second length that is longer than the first length. Thus, the resilient structure 641 exerts a second compressive force on the midfoot portion 366 when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the dorsiflexion direction 513. In some embodiments, the second compressive force can be higher than the first compressive force.

When the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511, the ground-facing side 515 of the forefoot plate 503 and the ground-facing side 517 of the heel plate 505 move toward each other such that the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 are closer to each other than when the midfoot portion 366 is in the resting state. The relative movement of the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505 toward each other allows the resilient structure 641 to relax to a third length that is shorter than the first length. Thus, the resilient structure 641 can exert a third compressive force on the midfoot portion 366 when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511. In some embodiments, the third compressive force can be lower than the first compressive force and the second compressive force when the midfoot portion 366 is bending in the plantarflexion direction 511.

The dorsiflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 can be higher than the plantarflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366. Similar to the embodiment described with respect to FIG. 5, the dorsiflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 is a combination of the bending stiffness provided by the medial arch 470, the lateral arch 486, or both, and the resilient structure 641. In contrast, the plantarflexion bending stiffness of the midfoot portion 366 can be provided by only the medial arch 470 and/or the lateral arch 486.

In some embodiments, the resilient structure 641 can be removably coupled to the forefoot plate 503 and the heel plate 505. In such embodiments, the wearer can replace the resilient structure 641 with a different resilient structure that can have different elastic properties based on the preferences of the wearer. For example, the wearer can replace the resilient structure 641 with a different resilient structure that comprises a higher stiffness than the resilient structure 641 to provide a higher dorsiflexion bending stiffness. As another example, the wearer can replace the resilient structure 641 with a different resilient structure that comprises a lower stiffness than the resilient structure 641 to provide a lower dorsiflexion bending stiffness.

In some embodiments, various features of embodiments described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 can be combined. For example, a support tie (for example, a support tic for a midfoot portion) can comprise a flexible portion that has both a plurality of rotatable segments and one or more resilient structures. In some embodiments, the plurality of rotatable segments and the one or more resilient structures can be arranged spaced apart along a transverse axis (such as the transverse axis 482) of the midfoot portion. In some embodiments, the plurality of rotatable segments and the one or more resilient structures can be arranged in a stacked configuration, with one on top of the other. In some embodiments, the plurality of rotatable segments and the one or more resilient structures can be removably coupled to the support tie such that the plurality of rotatable segments can be replaced by the one or more resilient structures, and vice versa.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the foot 342 on the midfoot portion 366, according to some embodiments. As referenced above, the medial arch 470 and the lateral arch 486 (shown in FIG. 4) can rotate about the apex axis 499 (shown in FIG. 4 extending through the medial apex 476 and the lateral apex 492) when the midfoot portion 366 bends in the plantarflexion direction 511 and the dorsiflexion direction 513. The medial apex 476 is offset from the neutral foot axis 352 in a vertical direction (for example, a direction approximately perpendicular to the midfoot plane 484, shown in FIG. 4) by a distance D₁. In contrast, a typical shoe sole can bend about an axis that is offset from the neutral foot axis 352 in the vertical direction by a distance D₂ that is greater than D₁. For example, a typical shoe sole can bend about an axis that is at or near a bottom of the foot 342. Having the apex axis 499 closer to the neutral foot axis 352 than a typical bending axis of a typical shoe allows for more bending of the midfoot portion 366 in the plantarflexion direction 511 as compared to a typical shoe.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a shoe 800 comprising the sole structure 340, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe 800 can be a football shoe. Thus, in some embodiments, the forefoot portion 354 comprises the cleats 358. Additionally or alternatively, the heel portion 356 comprises the cleats 362. The shoe 800 comprises a shoelace 802 that is laced through at least one lateral lace aperture 498 and/or at least one medial lace aperture 496.

While various embodiments have been described herein, they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but can be interchanged to meet various situations as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

The examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.