SHOE SHAPED WITH BOTTOM AND SIDE LANDING AREAS TO GUIDE MOTION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2024 109 114.2, filed Mar. 28, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure relates to a shoe in particular a sports shoe to control foot positioning of the user during exercise. In particular, the present disclosure relates to plane (including optionally microstructures), respectively flat control portions that are arranged on the lateral and/or medial as well as posterior and/or anterior surface of the shoe and are configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises.

BACKGROUND

[0003]One exercise method that has become increasingly popular in recent years is bodyweight exercise. Bodyweight exercises use the body weight as resistance, without the need for additional equipment or weights. These exercises are versatile, require minimal space and can be performed almost anywhere. Bodyweight training is an effective way to build strength, increase flexibility and improve overall fitness. High-intensity interval training (HIIT), for example, is a form of exercise that focuses on short, intense bursts of activity followed by short periods of rest. The aim is to maximize effort and intensity during exercise, often leading to more efficient and effective results. These exercises are often performed in gyms.

[0004]When exercising, for example in a gym, the most common sports shoes are running shoes or lifting shoes. Running shoes are designed to provide comfort, support and performance for runners. These shoes are designed for outdoor training and focus on dynamic movements and optimizing foot strike. However, they do not prioritize stability in a flat stance during quasi-static movements, bodyweight exercises or weightlifting activities. Specifically, running shoes have a rocker sole to improve cushioning, which does not support the athlete's stability and balance during certain quasi-static exercises. Dynamic and quasi-static strength and HIIT movements both typically involve body positions that are significantly different from standing or running. Thus, a disadvantage of these running shoes is that they are not optimized to stabilize an athlete e.g., during typical gym exercises such as HIIT or bodyweight exercises.

[0005]Weightlifting shoes have a flat sole with little or no cushioning. This provides a stable base for lifting heavy weights, especially during exercises such as squats and deadlifts. While the lack of cushioning helps maintain direct contact with the ground, it does not support the athlete's foot posture when using these shoes for dynamic movements. Similarly, weightlifting shoes are not optimized to support foot positioning and movement during fast and dynamic movements such as jumping or sprinting.

[0006]Normally, and when doing HIIT exercises, the athlete tires quickly as the HIIT exercises are very intense and strenuous. As an athlete tires, the ability to maintain proper form decreases significantly and the quality of the workout can be compromised. A disadvantage of the known soles and footwear in the art is that they do not sufficiently support the athlete's foot and posture when tired. As a result, the athlete will adopt incorrect postures during the exercise, which in the long run will lead to injury and damage to the athlete's health.

[0007]An improved shoe is needed in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems of conventional shoes.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008]The present disclosure is directed to a sole for a shoe (for example, a sports shoe). The sole may comprise plane control portions located on various portions of the sole (for example, a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, a heel portion, etc.). The plane control portions may provide a flat surface for the sole to engage with for example, a floor, the ground, etc., during exercises that may require the user to hold a certain position. In this manner, the shoe according to the present disclosure can allow the user to maintain proper form during exercises.

[0009]A first embodiment (I) of the present disclosure is directed to a shoe, comprising: one or more plane control portions configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of a user during exercise.

[0010]In a second embodiment (II), the shoe according to the first embodiment (I) further comprises: a sole comprising a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion; and a shoe upper, wherein the sole is an outsole and/or a midsole, and wherein the one or more plane control portions are arranged on the sole or on the shoe upper, or both.

[0011]In a third embodiment (III), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(II), a normal of at least one of the one or more plane control portions is essentially perpendicular to a normal of a tread surface of the shoe.

[0012]In a fourth embodiment (IV), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(III), at least one of the one or more plane control portions has a surface area of at least 2 cm².

[0013]In a fifth embodiment (V), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(IV), at least one of the one or more plane control portions comprises a texture to enhance grip.

[0014]In a sixth embodiment (VI), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(V), at least one of the one or more plane control portions is smooth to reduce grip or to allow smoother gliding on a surface.

[0015]In a seventh embodiment (VII), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(VI), at least one of the one or more plane control portions has a surface texture different than a surface texture of a remaining sole surface or shoe upper.

[0016]In an eighth embodiment (VIII), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(VII), at least one of the one or more plane control portions is visually distinguished from a remaining sole surface or shoe upper.

[0017]In a ninth embodiment (IX), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(VIII), at least one of the one or more plane control portions is arranged proximally on a toe portion and is configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing push-ups.

[0018]In a tenth embodiment (X), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(IX), the shoe comprises at least first and second plane control portions that are arranged proximally on a heel portion and are configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges.

[0019]In an eleventh embodiment (XI), in the shoe according to the tenth embodiment (X), the first and second plane control portions are directly adjacent to each other, and a normal of the first plane control portion is tilted in relation to a normal of the second plane control portion.

[0020]In a twelfth embodiment (XII), in the shoe according to the eleventh embodiment (XI), an internal angle between the first and second plane control portions is greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°.

[0021]In a thirteenth embodiment (XIII), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XII), at least one of the one or more plane control portions is arranged on a heel portion and is configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing handstand pushups.

[0022]In a fourteenth embodiment (XIV), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XIII), at least one of the one or more plane control portions is arranged laterally on the sole, medially on the sole, or both laterally on the sole and medially on the sole, and is configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks.

[0023]In a fifteenth embodiment (XV), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XIV), the shoe comprises at least first and second plane control portions that are arranged laterally on a forefoot portion, medially on the forefoot portion, or both laterally and medially on the forefoot portion, and are configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing skater jumps.

[0024]In a sixteenth embodiment, (XVI), in the shoe according to the fifteenth embodiment (XV), the first and second plane control portions are directly adjacent to each other, and a normal of the first plane control portion is tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion.

[0025]In a seventeenth embodiment, (XVII), in the shoe according to the sixteenth embodiment (XVI), an internal angle between the first and second plane control portions is greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°.

[0026]In an eighteenth embodiment (XVIII), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XVII), at least one of the one or more plane control portions has a length of at least 3 cm, and a width of at least 0.5 cm.

[0027]In a nineteenth embodiment (XIX), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XVIII), at least one of the one or more plane control portions is made of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), liquid TPU, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, or foam composite.

[0028]In a twentieth embodiment (XX), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XIX), at least one of the one or more plane control portions has a radius of curvature of at least 5 m.

[0029]In a twenty-first embodiment (XXI), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XX), the at least one of the one or more plane control portions is laterally arranged on the shoe, medially arranged on the shoe, or both.

[0030]In a twenty-second embodiment (XXII), in the shoe according to any one of embodiments (I)-(XXI), the at least one of the one or more plane control portions is anteriorly arranged on the shoe, posteriorly arranged on the shoe, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0031]The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0032]Possible embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in the following detailed description with reference to the following figures:

[0033]FIG. 1 shows a detail of a shoe according to the disclosure.

[0034]FIGS. 2a and 2b show a front view of the shoe and a plane control portion in the toe portion.

[0035]FIGS. 3a and 3b show a bottom and side view of the shoe during a certain exercise.

[0036]FIGS. 4a and 4b show the shoe of FIG. 1 during another exercise.

[0037]FIGS. 5a and 5b show the shoe when performing pushups in a comparative view.

[0038]FIGS. 6a and 6b show the shoe when performing side planks in a comparative view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039]The indefinite articles “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless clearly contradicted or the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0040]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.

[0041]The term “component” according to present disclosure may refer to, but is not limited to, a unit or module that performs a specific function within a larger system. A component may be, for example, a component used in the manufacturing process of a sporting good, such as a sole unit, a midsole, an outsole, an outsole element, a film or foil material, a sole plate, a shoe upper, a functional element.

[0042]The term “plane control portion” according to the present disclosure may be understood, for example, as a part of the shoe, which is arranged on the lateral, and/or medial, posterior and/or anterior side of the shoe. The plane control portion may comprise no significant curvature and may not follow the foot-shape but provides a flat and even surface. It may also be microstructured but still provide a flat and even surface. The plane control portion may be for example linked or connected to the sole of the shoe, or the plane control portion may be molded from the same material as the sole or otherwise incorporated to the sole. The plane control portions may be connected or incorporated into the shoe upper of the shoe, or any other part of the shoe.

[0043]The term “contacting” according to the present disclosure can be understood as any direct physical association that arises when performing a certain exercise.

[0044]The term “plane” according to the present disclosure may generally relate to smooth, level, even, and/or sheet-like characteristics, e.g., relating to any surface with no significant curvature. For example, a plane control portion may form part of the lateral side of the shoe but may not comprise any significant curvature.

[0045]The term “exercise” according to the present disclosure may be understood as any physical activity that is performed to maintain or improve health and fitness. Exercise may involve repetitive and planned movements, often with the goal of enhancing strength, endurance, flexibility, or overall well-being. For example, an exercise may be a workout, training, physical exercise, fitness regimen, conditioning, exercise routine or physical training. Exercises may be dynamic and/or quasi-static motions such as bodyweight exercises including High Intense Interval Training (HIIT) exercises, pushups, side planks, medial planks, backward planks, handstand pushups, skater jumps, forward lunges, Bulgarian lunges, and/or burpees.

[0046]The term “surface” according to the present disclosure may be any surface which is in contact with a user when the user performs an exercise. For example, a “surface” may refer to any natural or artificial surface or any construction such as a floor, wall or ceiling. When the term “surface” refers to a floor, the floor may be the floor on which the exercise is performed. The floor may be for example the ground itself when performing pushups, or a wall when performing handstand pushups. Further, “surface” may refer to any surface of an object. This object, for example, may be used during an exercise. For instance, and in this context the “surface” may be the surface of a device, e.g., a sport equipment that is used in the gym.

[0047]The term “executing certain exercises” according to the present disclosure may refer to the performance of a sport exercise. For example, this relates to the process in which the user performs certain sportive postures during a work-out. These exercises for example may be bodyweight exercises that comprise dynamic or quasi-static movements, such as pushups, side planks, medial planks, backward planks, handstand pushups, skater jumps, forward lunges, Bulgarian lunges, and/or burpees.

[0048]The term “control of foot positioning” according to the present disclosure may refer to the property of the shoe that allows for guiding and adjusting the foot position during the exercise. For example, when the user is doing pushups, the shoe may control the foot positioning with the plane control portions which support the user in finding the correct position during this exercise.

[0049]The term “laterally, medially, and posteriorly, anteriorly on the midfoot, forefoot and or heel portion” according to the present disclosure may refer to the arrangement on any portion on the outermost edge of the sole in the midfoot, forefoot and/or heel area.

[0050]The term “essentially perpendicular” according to the present disclosure may refer to a relationship between two surfaces that is within ten degrees of perpendicular.

[0051]The term “essentially parallel” according to the present disclosure may refer to a relationship between two surfaces that is within ten degrees of parallel.

[0052]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.

[0053]Possible embodiments of the different aspects of the present disclosure and disclosure are described below, predominately with respect to sport shoes. It is, however, once again emphasized that the different aspects may also be practiced in different kinds of soles and shoes and are not limited to the specific embodiments set forth below.

[0054]Reference is further made to the fact that in the following only individual embodiments can be described in more detail. The skilled person will understand that the features and possible modifications described with reference to these specific embodiments may also be further modified and/or combined with one another in a different manner or in different sub-combinations, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and disclosure. Individual features or sub-features may also be omitted if they are dispensable to obtain the desired result. In order to avoid redundancies, reference is therefore made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which also apply to the following detailed description.

[0055]The above-outlined problems with conventional shoes are addressed and are solved by the aspects of the present disclosure.

[0056]According to a first aspect of the present disclosure a shoe such as a sports shoe, is provided, comprising a sole, an upper, and one or more plane (i.e., flat) control portions configured to contact a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of the user during exercise.

[0057]When the shoe according to the present disclosure is used on a flat surface, e.g., a flat piece of ground when standing or walking, plane control portions on the shoe will not engage with the flat surface. When the shoe is rolled or tilted upon one of its edges the plane control portions may contact and engage with the surface.

[0058]The present disclosure provides a shoe with one or more plane control portions on the lateral and/or medial surface, which helps the user to perform, e.g., bodyweight exercises while maintaining proper form during dynamic and quasi-static movements.

[0059]By using the shoe according to the present disclosure, the foot positioning may be actively guided by the plane control portions to the correct position. In this way, an improved shoe is provided for, e.g., performing bodyweight exercises. For example, the user's foot positioning may be supported during the exercise, as the shoe guides to the correct foot positioning. The shoe of the present disclosure may provide for one or more flat or textured (for example, microtextured) surfaces that give a stable position to the user within some range of rotation that physically guide the motion. In this manner, the shoe of the present disclosure may allow for a supported guiding of the foot placement during quasi-static and stability-oriented movements.

[0060]Compared to existing sports shoes, the shoe of the present disclosure may provide an enhanced and improved stability of the foot and at the same time may support the user in maintaining the posture by improving balance. Moreover, the user (for example, the athlete) may be able to preserve the quality and consistency of their movements even through fatigue during the workout. Accordingly, the shoe of the present disclosure may allow for an improved endurance and workout performance of the user, and at the same time may help prevent injuries in the long term caused by incorrect execution of the exercise.

[0061]The shoe of the present disclosure may comprise a sole and an upper, wherein the sole may be an outsole and/or a midsole, and wherein the one or more plane control portions may be arranged on the sole or on the shoe upper, or both.

[0062]The plane control portions may be part of the sole of the shoe of the present disclosure. For example, the plane control portions may be made from the same material as used for the sole. Additionally or alternatively, the plane control portions may be made from the same material as used for the shoe upper. In some embodiments, the plane control portion may be part of both the sole and the shoe upper. The sole may be arranged on the outermost surface of the shoe for better rigidity or responsiveness. The plane control portions may be part of the shoe and may be arranged on any part of the shoe such as the shoe upper and/or the sole.

[0063]In some embodiments, a normal of at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be essentially perpendicular to the normal of the tread surface of the shoe.

[0064]The tread surface of the shoe may comprise the lower level of the shoe which comes into direct contact with the surface under normal conditions. In some embodiments, the plane control portion may be arranged in the heel portion essentially perpendicular to the tread surface of the shoe.

[0065]In various embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may have a surface area of at least 2 cm², at least 2.5 cm², at least 3 cm², or at least 4 cm². In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may have a surface area of at least 10 cm², at least 15 cm², at least 20 cm², or at least 25 cm².

[0066]The surface area may be the surface area of a plane control portion of the one or more plane control portions arranged on the shoe for better foot positioning, balance, and stability of the user. The plane control portion may have any geometric shape, e.g., may be circular or rectangular shaped with a surface area of at least 2 cm², at least 2.5 cm², at least 3 cm², or at least 4 cm², and may be formed by several smaller portions. In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise one or more plane control portions which have the same surface area, of e.g., at least 2 cm², at least 2.5 cm², at least 3 cm², or at least 4 cm². In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise one or more plane control portions wherein only one plane control portion comprises the surface area of e.g., at least 2 cm², at least 2.5 cm², at least 3 cm², or at least 4 cm². In some embodiments, each of the one or more plane control portion may have a different surface area with respect to each other. Typically, the larger the plane control portion, the better the effect of foot positioning control.

[0067]In some embodiments, the plane control portions may be formed from several smaller portions that are arranged in one plane. For example, a control portion of 4 cm² may be formed from four smaller portions of 1 cm² each that are arranged in the same plane. In some embodiments, the smaller portions forming the control portion may be arranged close to each other, with or without gaps in-between.

[0068]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may comprise a texture.

[0069]A texture may relate to a surface finish and may refer to the arrangement, orientation, or distribution of particles (e.g., grains or crystals) within a material for improved grip of the plane control portion through increased friction and the interlocking of surface irregularities which enhances the control of the foot positioning and thus of the user's posture. Moreover, the texture may provide for a better friction and traction of the shoe (as compared to a conventional shoe) due to the improved tactile feedback and prevention of fluid film formation.

[0070]For example, the texture may comprise flutes, scratches, hatches, and may be arranged in circles. In some embodiments, the texture of the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may have a different material than the rest of the shoe for a better grip and friction when used.

[0071]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be smooth to reduce grip and/or allow smoother gliding on a surface.

[0072]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may comprise an even and/or un-textured surface portions that may be described as sleek, slick, or slippery. In some embodiments, the even and/or un-textured surface may comprise a coefficient of friction of greater than or equal to 0.1 and less than or equal to 0.3.

[0073]For example, when doing handstand pushups, the plane control portions that are in direct contact with the surface, e.g., the wall, may enable smoother gliding against the wall.

[0074]In some embodiments, the shoe according to the present disclosure may comprise a textured and/or un-textured surface on the sole and/or on the upper for improved positioning and guidance. For example, the sole and/or the upper may comprise textured zones for improved grip and stability on the surface while un-textured zones may provide better alignment with the surface and in turn also provide increased stability while also allowing them smoother movements depending on the needs of the user and the specific exercise that is being performed.

[0075]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may have a surface texture different than the surface texture of the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper.

[0076]In some embodiments, the difference in surface texture may arise from using different materials or a different texture pattern (e.g., geometry, shape, etc.) of the surface of the at least one of the one or more plane control portions, which may enhance the control of the foot positioning. A different surface texture may be useful to address individual plane control portions for individually designing different portions of the shoe. Moreover, individually addressed plane control portions on the shoe may be adapted to the specific needs of the user.

[0077]The remaining sole surface may be the portion of the shoe which does not include the plane control portions. For example, the plane control portion which may be arranged on the heel portion may have a different surface texture than the remaining heel portion of the sole surface of the shoe. In some embodiments, the plane control portion on the heel portion may have a different surface texture than the midfoot, forefoot or toe portion of the shoe.

[0078]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be visually distinguished from the remaining sole surface and/or the shoe upper.

[0079]For example, visually distinguished may refer to a different texture, color, material, shape, or the like, to provide a feedback mechanism for the user. For example, when using the shoe of the present disclosure, the user may visually recognize if the foot and thus the user's overall posture is in the correct position based on visually distinguishing between the at least one of the one or more plane control portions and the remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper. The remaining sole surface and/or shoe upper may refer to portions of the shoe which do not include the plane control portion.

[0080]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be arranged proximally on a toe portion, for example at the toe cap, and may be configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing pushups.

[0081]A pushup is a common bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the muscles of the chest, shoulders, triceps, and core. The pushup position may be characterized by facing down on the floor, and supporting the body with the hands and toes.

[0082]In some embodiments, the user may be in an essentially parallel position with respect to a surface, e.g., the chest facing the floor and their feet are arranged essentially perpendicular to the floor, e.g., pointing with the toes towards the floor.

[0083]In some embodiments, the at least one or more plane control portions may be proximally at the toe portion when doing pushups to provide for stability and an enhanced foot positioning during this exercise. The rest of the shoe may not be in contact with the surface during the exercise, but only the flat, plane control portion. In some embodiments, the flat, plane control portion may comprise microstructures but still provide a plane portion. In some embodiments, the flat, plane control portion may comprise a flat portion as well as a portion comprising microstructures.

[0084]In some embodiments, the shoe of the present disclosure may comprise at least first and second plane control portions that may be arranged proximally on a heel portion and may be configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges.

[0085]A forward lunge is a lower body exercise that involves stepping forward with one leg while keeping the other leg stationary behind. It is commonly used to target and strengthen the muscles in the thighs, hips, and buttocks. For example, when doing forward lunges the user usually takes a large step with the front foot and needs to land on a stable position with the same. The first and second control portions may provide for stability during this step of the forward lunge exercise.

[0086]In some embodiments, the first and second control portions may be directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion may be tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion.

[0087]In some embodiments, the first and second control portions may be directly next to each other, for example they may be in direct contact with each other and may be arranged such that they share a common edge on the shoe.

[0088]In some embodiments, the normal of the first and second control portions may be tilted to each other, which may provide for a tilted second plane control portion with respect to the first plane control portion.

[0089]For example, when doing forward lunges, the user may take a big step forward and may need to land using proper and correct position with the front foot. By providing at least two plane control portions that are tilted towards each other, the user's foot will first land on the first plane control portion, which may be essentially perpendicular to the surface of the sole and subsequently be guided to the second plane control portion (which may tilted toward the first plane control portion). Thus, the first and second plane control portions may help to stabilize and guide the user's foot during the exercise.

[0090]In some embodiments, an internal angle between the first and second control portions may be greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°, greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 150°, or greater than or equal to 130° and less than or equal to 140°.

[0091]The internal angle of greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°, greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 150°, or greater than or equal to 130° and less than or equal to 140° may allow for an enhanced and improved guiding and stabilizing property of the sole.

[0092]In some embodiments, the internal angle can refer to the angle between the two plane control portions, facing inwards along a length axis of the shoe. For example, when the first and second plane control portions are arranged at the heel portion, the internal angle faces medially towards the center of the shoe.

[0093]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be arranged on the heel portion, for example at the heel portion, and may be configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing handstand pushups.

[0094]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be arranged at the heel portion, for example in the center of the outer most distal portion of the heel portion. For example, when doing handstand pushups, the user does a handstand leaned on the wall. Thus, the user is in an upside-down position, while holding their weight using only the hands, while for stability reasons, the user keeps the foot, and in particular the heels leaned on the wall. During this exercise, the smooth one or more plane control portions may provide improved alignment and positioning against the wall and lead to better stability and balance while the heels are leaned on the wall. Further, the smooth one or more plane control portions may allow for an improved and more smooth movement of the lower body (as compared to conventional shoes without a plane control portion) as the heels slide more easily along the wall while doing handstand pushups.

[0095]When doing handstand pushups with the shoe of the present disclosure, the heels may provide for stable positioning during the handstand and moreover, may provide for enhanced foot control during the handstand pushups when sliding up and down on the wall.

[0096]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be arranged laterally and/or medially on the midfoot, forefoot and/or heel portion and may be configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks.

[0097]A side plank is a core-strengthening exercise that targets the muscles on the side of the torso, including the obliques. For example, when doing side planks the user may be lying on a mat either on the left or right side, with the corresponding forearm on the ground and lifts the hip in order to create a diagonal plank.

[0098]The user may rest the first foot on the surface and may position the second foot on top of the first foot, which is in contact with the surface. The foot in contact with the surface, such as a mat, bears the body's load on the lateral side region of the shoe. In a Copenhagen plank, the first foot may contact the surface on the medial side region of the shoe, and the second foot may be positioned on top of the first foot.

[0099]When using the shoe of the present disclosure, the user finds a stable position during the side plank and/or the Copenhagen plank exercise and may obtain an improved balance supported by the shoe.

[0100]In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise at least first and second plane control portions that are arranged laterally and/or medially on the forefoot portion configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing skater jumps.

[0101]The skater jump is a dynamic, plyometric exercise that engages multiple muscle groups, including the lower body, core, and stabilizing muscles. It mimics the lateral movement of a skater on the ice and is commonly included in agility and cardiovascular training.

[0102]When doing a skater jump, the athlete jumps sideways to one side, landing on the opposite leg with a slight bend in the knee. As the user lands on one leg, they position the other leg behind and slightly across the body, hovering above the ground. Finally, the user pushes off the landed leg and jumps sideways to the opposite side, repeating the process.

[0103]In some embodiment, the first and second control portions may provide for stability and balance during the skater jumps and landings. For example, the two plane control portions may be arranged such that the user lands on one of the first and second plane control portions while being guided to the second plane control portion, which may enhance the stability and balance during the movement.

[0104]In some embodiments, the first and second control portions may be directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion may be tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion.

[0105]For example, in the skater jump exercises, the tilted first and second plane control portions may lead to an increased stability and balancing of the user by positioning the foot in a correct position.

[0106]In some embodiments, the tilted arrangement of the first and second control portions may allow for guiding of the movement by the shoe during an exercise. For example, the user may land on the first plane control portion which puts the foot in the correct position, and subsequently during a lateral jump, the foot may be guided to the adjacent second plane control portion, which is tilted toward the first plane control portion.

[0107]In some embodiments, the internal angle between the first and second control portions may be greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°, greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 150°, or greater than or equal to 130° and less than or equal to 140°.

[0108]In some embodiments, the internal angle of greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°, greater than or equal to 120° and less than or equal to 150°, or greater than or equal to 130° and less than or equal to 140° allows for an enhanced and improved guiding and stabilizing property of the shoe.

[0109]The internal angle may refer to the angle between the two plane control portions, facing inwards, along the length axis of the shoe. For example, when the first and second plane control portions are arranged at the heel portion, the internal angle faces towards the center of the shoe.

[0110]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may have a length of at least 3 cm, at least 3.5 cm, or at least 4 cm, and a width of at least 0.5 cm, at least 0.8 cm, or at least 1 cm. In some embodiments, the plane control portion may have a length of at least 15 cm, at least 20 cm, or at least 25 cm.

[0111]For example, the length of at least 3 cm, at least 3.5 cm, or at least 4 cm may provide a sufficiently long axis for enhancing stability when the plane control portion is stressed, e.g., when the bodyweight is predominantly loaded on the plane control portion.

[0112]Likewise, the width of at least 0.5 cm, at least 0.8 cm, or at least 1 cm may be sufficient in combination with the length to provide improved stability and balance.

[0113]In some embodiments, the shoe may comprise more than one plane control portion and that the at least one of the one or more plane control portions comprises a different length (e.g., longer or shorter) and/or width (e.g., wider or narrower) than the other plane control portion of the one or more plane control portions.

[0114]For example, a first plane control portion may be centrally arranged on the outermost side of the toe cap, and may have a square shaped form and a length of e.g., 2 cm and a width of e.g., 1 cm, while a second plane control portion may be arranged laterally and medially at the outer foot region in the forefoot portion, which comprises e.g., a length of 4 cm and e.g., a width of 0.5 cm. The second plane control portion may be of various shapes, such as square, round, rectangular, oval, triangular, or any other known shape.

[0115]The at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be made of one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), liquid TPU, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and/or foam composite.

[0116]For example, TPU is a versatile polymer that combines the properties of rubber and plastic. It is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion, oils, and chemicals. Liquid TPU, or TPU may be preferably used for plane control portions due to its excellent flexibility and toughness. It provides good support, shock absorption, and is often used in sports and outdoor footwear.

[0117]The materials may be used during injection-molding. The at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be further made of one or more of: a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material, a polyamide (PA) material, a polyurethane (PU) material, for example, polyether block amide (PEBA), polyamide 11 (PA11), polyamide 12 (PA12), and/or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), for example, liquid TPU, or TPU with a 95A Shore Hardness. Other materials or material mixtures are also possible.

[0118]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may have a radius of curvature of at least 5 m, at least 7 m, or at least 10 m. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature may be at least 50 m. In embodiments where the at least one of the one or more plane control portions have a radius of curvature of at least 50 m, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be considered significantly flat/even, to stabilize and control the foot when in contact with the ground. Being significantly flat may provide for stabilizing and “locking” the foot position.

[0119]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be laterally and/or medially arranged on the shoe. In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions can be arranged on either one or both sides of the shoe. For example, a plane control portion may be arranged only on the lateral portion of the shoe. In some embodiments, a plane control portion may be arranged only on the medial portion of the shoe. Thus, the shoe of the present disclosure may comprise plane control portions either on the lateral or medial side, or on both, which may allow for a better and improved foot positioning and controlling during specific exercises (as compared to a conventional shoe).

[0120]In some embodiments, the at least one of the one or more plane control portions may be anteriorly and/or posteriorly arranged on the shoe. The at least one of the one or more plane control portions can be arranged on either one or both sides of the shoe. Thus, the shoe of the present disclosure may comprise plane control portions either on the anterior or posterior side, or on both sides, which may allow for a better and improved foot positioning and controlling during specific exercises (as compared to a conventional shoe). The shoe of the present disclosure, or any other of the described embodiments, options, and features can be combined to obtain the desired exercising- and performance characteristics for the shoe, even if not all possible combinations have been explicitly mentioned and discussed above. Individual features or sub-features can also be omitted, if deemed dispensable to obtain the desired result.

[0121]In some embodiments, the shoe of the present disclosure may be a sports shoe.

[0122]The sports shoe may be used for example for gym exercises. In some embodiments, the sports shoe of the present disclosure may be used indoor and outdoor, and may comprise optionally high-level cushioning properties while providing for the enhanced and superior stability and controlling features of the shoe.

[0123]Various aspects, features, and options discussed and disclosed herein within the context of the embodiments of the disclosure may be applied to, or combined with, each other, unless physically or technically ruled out, even if not every possible combination or sub-combination of features is explicitly disclosed. The technical advantages of such options and features that have already been discussed above are therefore not repeated, at least not to the same degree of detail, and reference is instead made to the corresponding explanations above, for conciseness.

[0124]FIG. 1 presents a detail of a shoe 10, such as a sports shoe, the shoe 10 comprising a sole 1 and several plane control portions (for example, a first plane control portion 26 and a second plane control portion 28) configured to be in contact with a surface upon executing certain exercises, to control foot positioning of the user during exercise. An exercise making use of the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b.

[0125]As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 may be arranged at an inner foot side on a forefoot portion 38 of the shoe 10.

[0126]As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 are directly adjacent to each other, and a normal of the first plane control portion 26 is tilted in relation to a normal of the second plane control portion 28. The first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 are arranged on the sole 1, wherein the first plane control portion 26 is vertically arranged in a twofold implementation comprising a first part 26a and a second part 26b, with respect to a tread surface 30 of the sole, in particular where the sole 1 is overlapping onto the shoe upper. In other words, the first plane control portion 26 is split into two parts, a first part 26a and a second part 26b. In some embodiments, the first part 26a and the second part 26b may be partially textured. The second plane control portion 28 may be arranged proximally to the tread surface 30 at an angle thereto.

[0127]In some embodiments, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 may each have a surface area of at least 2 cm². In some embodiments, the first plane control portion 26 may be smooth to reduce grip and/or allow smoother gliding on a surface, while the second plane control portion 28 may have a texture 28′ (e.g., striped) to enhance grip.

[0128]In FIG. 1, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 may be arranged laterally on the forefoot portion 38 to control foot positioning of the user when doing side planks. In some embodiments, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 may be directly adjacent to each other, and the normal of the first plane control portion 26 may be tilted in relation to the normal of the second plane control portion 28.

[0129]As can be seen in FIG. 1, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 may be partially even and flat and partially textured. In some embodiments, the first plane control portion 26 and the second plane control portion 28 in FIG. 1, and generally plane control portions in all of the embodiments disclosed herein, may comprise a high radius of curvature (for example, of at least 1 m) which due to the specific surface, length and width size of a shoe sole leads to practically no conceivable curvature and an essentially planar surface (for example, within ten percent of being planar). Conventional shoes typically exhibit a high degree of curvature as they follow the shape of the foot, and thus comprise a low radius of curvature (as compared to the shoe 10 disclosed herein), as they follow the natural shape of the foot.

[0130]FIGS. 2a and 2b present a front view of the shoe 10 of FIG. 1. As shown, the shoe 10 may comprise on a toe portion 32 a third plane control portion 21 adapted for better control during pushups.

[0131]In FIG. 2a, the shoe 10 is shown in front view, and the third plane control portion 21 may be arranged proximally on the toe portion 32, for example, in the center of the toc cap 27, to control foot positioning of the user when doing pushups. The third plane control portion 21 shown in FIG. 2a may be essentially perpendicular to the tread surface 30 of the sole 1.

[0132]In FIG. 2a, the third plane control portion 21 may have a length of about 3 cm and a width of about 2 cm. Specifically, when using the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the user controls the foot position when placing the body weight on the toe cap, e.g., when doing pushups. This particular movement can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 2b, which shows the sole 1, and shoe 10 of FIG. 2a in a tilted position of 90° relative to a surface 29 (for example, a floor, ground, etc.). FIG. 2b illustrates the placement of the foot onto the third plane control portion 21 on the toe cap during a pushup. The third plane control portion 21 in this particular region, i.e., toe portion 32, is in contact with the surface, typically the ground, when executing the exercise for providing a stable and correct foot position.

[0133]The third plane control portion 21 in FIG. 2a may have a surface texture which different than a surface texture of the remaining surface of the sole 1 and shoe upper, which may be striped and textured. The term “remaining sole surface and shoe upper” denotes the parts of the surface of the sole 1 and shoe upper that are not a control surfaces. The third plane control portion 21 in FIG. 2a may be visually distinguished from the remaining surface of the sole 1, as it may comprise a different surface texture. In some embodiments, the material used for the third plane control portion 21 and for the remaining surface of the sole 1 may be the same. Suitable materials for producing the shoe 10 (including the sole 1, the first plane control portion 26, the second plane control portion 28, the third plane control portion 21, and other plane control portions disclosed herein) may be one or more of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and/or foam composite. In some embodiments, the material used for the plane control portions 26, 28, 21 is liquid TPU.

[0134]FIG. 3a shows a rear view of the shoe 10 with the sole 1 and FIG. 3b shows the shoe 10 when performing a forward lunge. In particular, the shoe 10 comprises a fourth plane control portion 22 and a fifth plane control portion 24 that are arranged proximally on a heel portion 34 and are configured to control foot positioning of the user when doing forward lunges.

[0135]This particular movement can be seen in greater detail in FIG. 3b, which shows the sole 1, and shoe 10 of FIG. 3a in a tilted position of approximately 60° relative to the surface 29. FIG. 3b illustrates the placement of the foot onto the fourth plane control portion 22 on the heel portion during a forward lunge. As can be seen in FIG. 3a, the fourth and fifth plane control portions 22, 24 are directly adjacent to each other, e.g., neighboring and sharing a common edge 31. The fourth plane control portion 22 is arranged below the fifth plane control portion 24.

[0136]In some embodiments, the fourth and fifth plane control portions 22, 24 may be tilted to each other, for example the normal of the fourth plane control portion 22 may be tilted in relation to the normal of the fifth plane control portion 24. This angle, the internal tilting angle between the fourth and fifth plane control portions 22, 24, may be greater than or equal to 100° and less than or equal to 160°. In some embodiments, the internal tilting angle may be greater than 160° for certain exercises. In some embodiments, the internal tilting angle may be adjusted depending on the exercise. In some cases, it may be desirable that the internal tilting angle is larger or smaller, depending on the foot position that requires stabilization throughout the exercise. In some embodiments, the fourth and fifth plane control portions 22, 24 may each have a surface area that is about 2 cm².

[0137]FIG. 4a shows the shoe 10 from the same perspective as FIG. 1. FIG. 4b shows the shoe 10 in a position when doing a skater jump. As shown in FIG. 4b, the shoe 10 may be arranged in a tilted position of 45° relative to the surface 29 and the foot may rest completely on the second plane control portion 28. Due to the flatness of the second plane control portion 28 the posture of the athlete may be stabilized during this part of the exercise.

[0138]FIG. 5a shows the shoe 10 when performing pushups and FIG. 5b shows a conventional shoe without plane control portions for comparison. As can be seen in FIG. 5a, the user using the shoe 10 comprising the sole 1 has a correct foot positioning when performing pushups. The foot has a precise vertical arrangement and the weight rests on the toe cap of the shoe 10, which comprises the third plane control portion 21. In FIG. 5b, the foot is not vertical but tilted when using a conventional shoe, thereby reducing the efficiency of the exercise as compared to when the shoe 10 is used.

[0139]FIGS. 6a and 6b show a user doing side planks. In FIG. 6a, the shoe 10 is used while FIG. 6b shows a conventional shoe without plane control portions for comparison. In FIG. 6a, the user using the shoe 10 comprising the sole 1 has a correct foot positioning when performing a side plank. The user's bodyweight is loaded onto the second plane control portion 28. The straight line 35 indicates the horizontal arrangement of the user during the side plank. In contrast thereto, in FIG. 6b the user's ankle is tilted (denoted by the broken line 36), thereby reducing the efficiency of the exercise and potentially harming the ankle joint.

[0140]It is noted that the above embodiments and/or examples may be combined with further aspects as described herein and details of the embodiments and/or examples may also be omitted, as will be understood by the skilled person. The scope of protection is determined by the claims and is not limited by the embodiments and/or examples disclosed in the above figures.

[0141]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.

[0142]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.

[0143]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