초록 ▼

An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper secured to a longitudinal sole with a frame preferably having a stabilizing band extending between axially decoupled heel and opposite forefoot portions of the sole. The band has a central portion extending above the heel and forefoot portions of t

An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper secured to a longitudinal sole with a frame preferably having a stabilizing band extending between axially decoupled heel and opposite forefoot portions of the sole. The band has a central portion extending above the heel and forefoot portions of the sole and adjacent to an upper such that the forefoot and heel portions of the sole may axially pivot about a longitudinal axis parallel to and above the longitudinal axis of the heel and forefoot portions while resisting deflection in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole, thereby supporting a foot along its entire longitudinal length while permitting the article of footwear to conform with the axial movements of an athlete's foot while running. In a preferred embodiment, the axis of axial pivoting is the axis of pronation of a foot while running in the shoe.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An article of footwear having a heel region, an arch region, and a forefoot region comprising:a sole having at least a heel portion in the heel region and a forefoot portion in the forefoot region; an upper secured to the sole; and a semi-rigid stabilizing member extending from said forefoot regi

1. An article of footwear having a heel region, an arch region, and a forefoot region comprising:a sole having at least a heel portion in the heel region and a forefoot portion in the forefoot region; an upper secured to the sole; and a semi-rigid stabilizing member extending from said forefoot region and through said arch region to said heel region, said stabilizing member including first and second arms, said first arm being connected to the footwear in said forefoot region adjacent said forefoot portion of said sole, said first arm extending both upwardly and backwardly in at least said forefoot region adjacent said forefoot portion of said sole, and said first arm extending into said arch region and to an apex, said second arm being connected to said footwear in said heel region adjacent said heel portion of said sole and extending upward to connect to the apex of said first arm, said first and second arms of said stabilizing member allowing said forefoot and heel portions of said sole to axial twist with respect to one another while generally resisting movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal length of said sole.