Sole structure able to associated to an upper of a shoe, having first ducts in the area of the plantar arch and of the tip and one or more lateral openings in the heel area. In the heel area is obtained a seat for a counter-shaped insert provided with at least an elastically compressible central area, inferiorly communicating with second ducts communicating in turn with third ducts obtained superiorly to the insert and communicating with the first ducts and with the openings, and through the interposition of a gasket permeable to air but not to water. The insert has an upper surface whereon is obtained a central area, elastically compressible and inferiorly communicating with a cavity, obtained on a lower surface of the insert, in such a way that to a deformation of the central area corresponds a variation of the volume of the cavity.
The present invention provides an unique improvement in foot cushioning constructs and shock absorbing systems for a constructed article of footwear to be worn by a person. The invention employs a deformable and re-formable elastic stretchsole joined as a planar sheet to the perimeter edge of the shoe upper and forms an elastic end closure for the shoe upper; and includes not less than one pre-positioned median cavity able to receive at least a part of the deformed elastic stretchsole layer and cushion the compression forces generated thereon by a person's foot. The foot cushioning construct and system provides a trampoline effect that will lessen the impact on the foot and create greater comfort for the wearer of the shoe.
Disclosed are articles of footwear and soles therefor, in particular sports shoe soles that include openings for ventilation and vapor exchange. The soles include an insole layer with a plurality of first openings, a support layer with a plurality of second openings that partially overlap the plurality of first openings, and an outsole layer with at least one third opening that at least partially overlaps the plurality of second openings to provide fluidic communications through the sole from an interior of the shoe to an exterior of the shoe. A substantial portion of the plurality of first openings in the insole are interconnected to provide a path for diffusion. The shoes and soles can include a cushioning layer, a tread layer, a breathable membrane, and additional support elements. In addition, the shoes can be used with climate control socks to further enhance the climate control properties of the shoes.
Disclosed is a ventilation system for articles of footwear. The ventilation system includes at least one opening in the shoe upper and at least one guiding surface over the opening. The guiding surface is oriented such that airflow is directed into the opening as the shoe moves. For even greater ventilation, the ventilation system may include a plurality of openings and guiding surfaces. Additionally, a discharge outlet may be included in the sole of the shoe.
