Sole part

Abstract

The invention relates to a sole component for a shoe suitable for use with different heels. The sole component comprises a front, a middle and a rear sole portion and comprises a mechanism for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region between the front and the middle sole portion. The mechanism comprises a rotatable supporting element which is provided in such a way that it may have a first angular position which causes a first sole curvature in the transition region and a second angular position which causes a second sole curvature in the transition region, wherein the first sole curvature is different from the second sole curvature.

Claims

1. Changeable heel for use with a sole component comprising a mechanism for adjusting a sole curvature with a first supporting element, wherein the heel comprises: an upper side comprising a recess, a projecting structure arranged in the recess, and an opening for receiving a rear part of the first supporting element, the opening being at least partially arranged in the projecting structure, wherein the opening forms an entrance opening for the first supporting element, wherein the entrance opening is open towards a front of the heel; a locking system that locks the heel when reaching a determined position and conteracts a movement of the heel along a longitudinal direction of the sole component towards the rear, wherein the locking system comprises an interlocking element projecting in an upward direction from the recess; wherein the interlocking element provides an undercut for locking the heel at the sole component, wherein the undercut provides a clearance which is open towards the front or the rear in the longitudinal direction of the sole component.

2. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the opening extends from the upper side and/or a front side of the heel rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction into the heel.

3. Changeable heel according to claim 2, wherein the opening and a face of the upper side which is adapted to abut the sole component when the heel is mounted to the sole component form a substantially wedge-shaped structure for pushing away the first supporting element from a rear portion of the sole component.

4. Changeable heel according to claim 3, wherein the projecting structure projects upwards from the upper side in the heel's longitudinal direction.

5. Changeable heel according to claim 4, wherein the projecting structure comprises an upper inclination which is oblique to the face of the upper side forming the substantially wedge-shaped structure together with the opening.

6. Changeable heel according to claim 4, wherein the recess is U-shaped.

7. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the opening tapers starting from the entrance opening and narrows in an inserting direction of a rear part of the first supporting element.

8. Set comprising: at least two changeable heels according to claim 1, the heels being of different heights.

9. Shoe with a heel according to claim 1; and a sole component; wherein the sole component comprises a front, a middle and a rear sole portion; wherein the sole component comprises a mechanism for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region between the middle sole portion and the rear sole portion; wherein the mechanism comprises the first supporting element; wherein the first supporting element has a front part which is fixedly connected to the middle sole portion; wherein an angle and/or a distance between a rear part of the first supporting element and the rear sole portion is adjustable; wherein reducing the distance and/or angle between the rear part and the rear sole portion leads to an increase in curvature in the transition region; and/or increasing the angle and/or distance between the rear part and the rear sole portion leads to a decrease in curvature in the transition region; wherein the sole component comprises a recess for receiving the interlocking element of the heel in the sole component; wherein the recess for receiving the interlocking element comprises a deflectable and/or moveable locking element.

10. Shoe according to claim 9, wherein the rear part of the supporting element extends below the rear sole portion.

11. Shoe according to claim 10, wherein, in a neutral position without heel, the rear part of the supporting element is spaced from the rear sole portion.

12. Shoe according to claim 11, wherein the rear sole portion and/or the front sole portion is jointly fixed to the supporting element.

13. Shoe according to claim 9, wherein the rear part of the supporting element tapers or becomes narrower towards the rear in the longitudinal direction of the sole.

14. Shoe according to claim 9, wherein the locking element is configured to be deflected and/or moved when the interlocking element of the heel is inserted into the recess for receiving the interlocking element; and wherein the locking element engages with the undercut of the interlocking element when the heel is completely slid onto the sole component.

15. Shoe according to claim 14, wherein the locking element is pushed forwards or rearwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole by the interlocking element when the heel is slid onto the sole component.

16. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking element is a hook.

17. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the interlocking element is a ratchet.

18. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the recess is U-shaped.

19. Shoe according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the rear part and the rear sole portion increases in the longitudinal direction of the sole towards the rear.

20. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the upper side comprises a surface configured for abutting the sole component and wherein the opening extends into the heel from the entrance opening along a direction oblique to said surface.

21. Changeable heel according to claim 1, wherein the clearance is open towards the front in the longitudinal direction of the sole component.

22. Changeable heel according to claim 21, wherein a rear side of the interlocking element that faces away from the undercut is configured to abut the sole component.

Description

(1) The shown embodiments may be modified in many ways within the scope of the claims. The disclosure of the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. It has to be noted that the features of the above described embodiments may be combined in a single embodiment. Embodiments of the invention may, depending on the configuration, thus comprise all or only a few of the above-mentioned features.

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically show the change in sole shape when using heels of different heights,

(3) FIG. 1C schematically shows a comparison of the sole shape when using heels of different heights,

(4) FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically show a sole component with a fixture according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(5) FIGS. 2C and 2D schematically show a first type of changeable heels for the fixture according to FIGS. 2A and 2B,

(6) FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically show a sole component with a fixture according to a further embodiment of the invention,

(7) FIGS. 3C and 3D schematically show a further type of changeable heel for the fixture according to FIGS. 3A and 3B,

(8) FIGS. 4A to 4C schematically show a sole component with a first mechanism for adjusting a first transition region between the rear and the middle sole portion according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(9) FIG. 5A schematically shows a flat heel which can be used in conjunction with the first mechanism according to FIGS. 4A to 4C,

(10) FIG. 5B schematically shows a high heel which can be used in conjunction with the first mechanism according to FIGS. 4A to 4C,

(11) FIGS. 5C and 5D schematically show the functional principle of the first mechanism according to FIGS. 4A to 4C when attaching a flat heel and a high heel,

(12) FIGS. 5E to 5G schematically show a modification of the heels according to FIGS. 5A and 5B,

(13) FIGS. 5H and 5J schematically show a modification of the first mechanism according to FIGS. 4A to 4C,

(14) FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically show a sole component with a first mechanism for adjusting the first transition region between the rear and the middle sole portion according to a further embodiment of the invention,

(15) FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically show a high heel (in a perspective view and a top view) which can be used in conjunction with the first mechanism according to FIGS. 6A and 6B,

(16) FIG. 7C shows the cross-section C-C of FIG. 7B,

(17) FIG. 7D shows the cross-section D-D of FIG. 7B,

(18) FIGS. 7E and 7F schematically show a flat heel (in a perspective view and a top view) which can be used in conjunction with the first mechanism according to FIGS. 6A and 6B,

(19) FIG. 7G shows the cross-section A-A of FIG. 7F,

(20) FIG. 7H shows the cross-section B-B of FIG. 7F,

(21) FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically show a detail of the sole component with the first mechanism according to FIGS. 6A and 6B when mounting a high heel and a flat heel according to FIGS. 7A and 7E,

(22) FIGS. 9A to 10B show a locking system according to a first embodiment,

(23) FIGS. 11A and 11B show a heel according to FIGS. 5E to 5G with a locking system for locking the heel in accordance with a second embodiment,

(24) FIGS. 12A to 12C show the locking system of FIGS. 11A and 11B on a further heel modification,

(25) FIGS. 13A to 13C show a sole component for the locking system of FIGS. 11A to 12C,

(26) FIGS. 14A to 14C schematically show the functional principle of the locking system of FIGS. 11A to 13C,

(27) FIG. 15 schematically shows a mechanism for releasing the locking system of FIGS. 11A to 14C,

(28) FIGS. 16A and 16B schematically show a sole component with a second mechanism for adjusting the second transition region between the middle and front sole portion according to a first embodiment of the invention,

(29) FIG. 17A schematically shows a high heel according to the present invention, which can be used in conjunction with the second mechanism of FIGS. 16A and 16B,

(30) FIG. 17B schematically shows a flat heel according to the present invention, which can be used in conjunction with the second mechanism of FIGS. 16A and 16B,

(31) FIGS. 18A and 18B schematically show a sole component with a second mechanism for adjusting the second transition region between the middle and front sole portion according to a further embodiment of the invention,

(32) FIGS. 19A to 19C show a schematic rear view of the sole component of FIGS. 18A and 18B with various angular positions of the second mechanism,

(33) FIGS. 20A and 20B schematically show the mounting of a second supporting element of the mechanism of FIGS. 18A and 18B according to embodiments of the invention,

(34) FIG. 21 schematically shows the structure of the second supporting element of the mechanism of FIGS. 18A and 18B according to embodiments of the invention,

(35) FIGS. 22A to 22C schematically show heels according to the present invention, which can be used in conjunction with the second mechanism of FIGS. 18A and 18B,

(36) FIG. 22D shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the heel according to FIG. 22A,

(37) FIGS. 23A to 23C schematically show heels according to the present invention, which can be used in conjunction with the second mechanism of FIGS. 18A and 18B according to a further embodiment of the invention,

(38) FIGS. 23D to 23F shows schematic cross-sectional views of the heel according to FIG. 23A,

(39) FIGS. 24A and 24B schematically show a sole component with a second mechanism according to a further embodiment of the invention,

(40) FIGS. 25A and 25B schematically show a sole component with a donning aid according to the present invention for attaching a heel to the sole component in a temporary manner,

(41) FIGS. 26A to 26C show a schematic sequence illustrating the preliminary attachment of a heel to the sole component by means of the donning aid of FIGS. 25A and 25B,

(42) FIGS. 27A to 27C schematically show a mechanism according to the present invention for releasing the donning aid,

(43) FIGS. 28A to 28E show a schematic sequence illustrating the release of the donning aid by means of the mechanism of FIGS. 27A to 27C.

(44) As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sole curvature should be adjusted in a first a region (A) which lies approximately between the foot's heel portion and the arch portion, and in a second region which lies approximately between the arch portion and the forefoot portion of the sole when using heels with different heights (flat heel in FIG. 1A; high heel illustrated by a block in FIG. 1B).

(45) FIG. 1C schematically shows sole components 3 comprising a rear sole portion 4 (foot's heel portion), a middle sole portion 5 (midfoot portion) and a front sole portion 6 (forefoot portion). The overlay of a first sole shape 11 corresponding to the sole shape of a flat shoe with a second sole shape 12 corresponding to the sole shape of a high heel shows that the sole curvature in the first region A and the second region B should be greater when using a higher heel (sole shape 12). The angles <180 between the rear sole portion 4 and the middle sole portion 5 and <180 between the middle sole portion 5 and the front sole portion 6 are preferably smaller for said sole shape 12.

(46) The inventive shoes and sole components may be used with multiple different systems for heel fixation. FIGS. 2A-2D and 3A-3D show systems which have proved to be particularly advantageous in the context of the present invention.

(47) FIGS. 2A and 2B show a sole component with a fixture 20 for fixing changeable heels. The fixture 20 is provided at the rear sole portion 4 and preferably comprises one or more projections 21 having a profile 22. The projections 21 and/or the profile 22 preferably extend parallel to the plane E of the rear sole portion and in the longitudinal direction of the sole.

(48) FIGS. 2C and 2D show a first type of changeable heels. On its upper side 35 the heel 30 preferably comprises a groove 32 with a contour that is configured in accordance with the profile 22 of the rear sole portion 4. Hence, the profile 22 and the groove 32 are configured such that they engage with each other and prevent the heel from falling off when the shoe is lifted. To this end, the profile is preferably broader than a part of the projection provided thereover (undercut). The profile 22 and/or the contour of the groove may have, e.g., a dovetail shape, T-shape or L-shape. In FIGS. 2A and 2B the projection 21 is depicted with an L-profile for illustration purposes only.

(49) The groove 32 extends parallel to the upper side 35 an in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The groove is open towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction so that the heel 30 can be slid onto the rear sole portion 4 in the direction of arrow D (forwards in the longitudinal direction of the sole). The heel and/or shoe can further comprise a locking system (not shown) that locks the heel when it reaches a predefined position. The locking system preferably counteracts a movement of the fixed heel in a rearward direction. Different locking systems are further specified below.

(50) FIGS. 3A and 3B show a sole component with a fixture 20 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The fixture 20 is provided at the rear sole portion 4 and comprises a projection 21 having a profile 22 which extends preferably along the lower end of the projection 21.

(51) The profile 22 extends in an inclined manner with respect to the plane E of the rear sole portion 4 and preferably away from the plane E in a downward and forward direction. When looking at the rear sole portion from the side (see FIG. 3B), the profile 22 preferably extends along a first imaginary line or straight line G which forms an angle of 70>>20 with the plane of the rear sole portion E. The angle preferably lies in a plane which is perpendicular to the plane E of the rear sole portion 4 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the sole. As is further illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the protrusion 21 may have a substantially trapezoidal shape.

(52) FIGS. 3C and 3D show a changeable heel 30 for the fixture 20 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The heels comprise a recess 31 extending from a elongate opening 34 at the upper side 35 of the heel 30 into the heel.

(53) The recess 31 preferably comprises a substantially consistent contour 32 along a second imaginary line or straight line H, which is configured in accordance with the profile 22 of the fixture 20. The contour 32 extends along the second imaginary straight line H which preferably extends in angle of 20<<70 with respect to the heel's longitudinal axis F, when the heel 30 is viewed from the side (see FIG. 3D). As can be taken from FIG. 3D, the straight line H preferably lies in a plane which is parallel to the heel's longitudinal axis and the sole's longitudinal direction. The straight lines G and H preferably coincide when the heel 30 is fixed to the rear sole portion 4. The heel 30 can thus be slid onto the fixture 20 rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction along the straight line G and/or H (direction K).

(54) As is further shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the contour 32 is preferably configured such that the recess 31 provides a plane which interacts with the profile 22 in order to prevent the heel from falling off (e.g. when the shoe is lifted). Therefore, the plane preferably faces rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction, wherein the plane's normal vector which points into the clearance of the recess, is directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction. In a cross-section of the recess, which extends parallel to the heel's longitudinal axis F and transversely to the sole's longitudinal direction, the contour 32 is preferably broader than a region of the recess 31 located thereover.

(55) The recess 31 is preferably located inside the heel 30 and is solely open towards the upper side 35. When the heel 30 is slid onto the rear sole portion 4, the recess 31 preferably provides a stop 33 at its front end portion (e.g. at a front wall), to which the projection of the fixture 21 may abut when the heel is fully slid onto the rear sole portion. When the rear sole portion 4 is subsequently exposed to load downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction F (e.g. by the wearer's weight), a self-reinforcing positive lock occurs.

(56) The rear sole portion 4 and/or the heel can further comprise a locking which may, for instance, be mechanical or magnetical. By way of example, the rear sole portion 4 may comprise a projection which is provided and/or configured such that it engages with a recess in the upper side 35 of the heel 30 or abuts on a front side of the heel when the heel is fully attached. Alternatively or additionally, a projection may also be provided or configured at the upper side 35 such that it engages with a recess that is provided at the bottom side of the rear sole portion 4.

(57) FIGS. 4A to 4C schematically show a first embodiment of a first mechanism 100 for adjusting the sole curvature in the first transition region A of a sole component 3.

(58) The mechanism 100 comprises a supporting element 114. Said supporting element 114 is more rigid than a first transition region A, wherein the flexibility of the sole component may, for example, result from the materials used or from the use of a joint in the first transition region. The sole component may comprise a first hinge in the first transition region A and a second hinge in the second transition region B. The first hinge may extend along the first transition region A and the second joint along the second transition region B.

(59) The supporting element 114 extends along the rear sole portion 4 and the middle sole portion 5. Along the middle sole portion 5, the supporting element 114 is fixedly connected to the sole component 3 at least along segments thereof. The supporting element 114 may comprise a substantially flat, elongate structure in this region.

(60) A rear part 115 of the supporting element 114 extends along the rear sole portion 4, but is not connected and/or fixed to the rear sole portion 4. The distance between the rear sole portion 4 and the rear part 115, in particular the angle therebetween, may thus be varied, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. This results in the adjustment of angle between the middle and the rear sole portion and thus in the adjustment of the sole curvature in the first transition region A. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the curvature in the first transition region A is smaller when the angle between the rear part 115 and rear sole portion 4 increases. When the angle is smaller, the sole curvature increases (FIG. 4B). Hence, the sole curvature in the first transition region A is smaller when the rear part 115 of the first supporting element 114 is further spaced away from the rear sole portion 4. If, however, the rear part 115 is pushed closer to the sole component 4 the curvature will increase. Hence, the curvature in the first transition region A can be adapted according to the heel height, wherein a continuous adjustment is possible. Depending on the embodiment of the invention the rear part 115 of the supporting element 114 may be spaced away from or abut the rear sole portion 4 when the first mechanism is in a neutral position.

(61) Depending on the embodiment, the inventive heels may be configured such that the supporting element 114 is pushed towards the rear sole portion or away from it when mounting the heel. According to an embodiment shown from the side and in a cross-section along the sole's longitudinal direction in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the heel 30 comprises a structure 41 in order to push the supporting element 114 away from the bottom side of the rear sole portion. The structure 41 is preferably formed by an opening 43 which extends from the upper side 35 rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downward in the heel's longitudinal direction F into the heel 30 and is open towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction. The opening 43 receives the rear part 115 of the supporting element 114 when the heel 30 is slid onto the rear sole portion 4. Thus, the opening 43 preferably forms a wedge-shaped structure 41, wherein the tapering end of the wedge-shaped structure is directed towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction. Depending on the heel's height, the opening 43 may be configured steeper (FIG. 5A) or less steep (FIG. 5B) and consequently form a greater or smaller angle when the heel 30 is mounted to the sole component 3 (cf. FIGS. 4A to 4C).

(62) Furthermore, the heel 30 may be configured for use with one of the above-described fixation systems 20, 20 and in particular for use with the fixation system 20. Thus, the heel 30 may, for example, comprise one or more of the above-described grooves 32.

(63) According to a modification, the heels of FIGS. 5A and 5B (i.e. high as well as flat or medium heels) may be configured such that the opening 43 tapers or becomes increasingly narrow along the inserting direction of the rear part 115. Such a modification of the heel 30 is for instance shown in FIG. 5E (perspective view), 5F (first sectional plane parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction F and the sole's longitudinal direction L), and FIG. 5G (second sectional plane transverse to the first sectional plane and parallel to the inserting direction E). As shown, in particular, in FIG. 5F, the heel 30 may comprise an opening 43 which, in a first sectional plane that is parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction F, tapers from the entrance opening 44 through which the rear part 115 of the supporting element (not shown) may be inserted into the opening 43 at an angle in the direction of insertion E.

(64) Likewise, the opening 43 may be configured such that it tapers at an angle from the entrance opening 44 in the inserting direction E in a second sectional plane that is transverse to the first sectional plane and parallel to the inserting direction E (see FIG. 5G). The angle and/or may each range between 2 and 70, preferably between 5 and 40, more preferably between 5 and 15 or amount to about 10. For ensuring a fixing of the heel 30 that is free from play in several directions, the opening 43 may have a tapered configuration in several sectional planes, e.g., in the cross-section along the heel's longitudinal direction F (FIG. 5F) and in the cross-section along the inserting direction E (see FIG. 5G). As can be further taken from FIGS. 5E to 5G, the opening 43 for the rear part 115 of the supporting element 114, which forms the wedge-shaped structure 41 with the upper side 35 of the heel 30 (see FIG. 5F), may at least partially be arranged in a projecting structure that projects from the upper side 35. The projecting structure 45 may comprise an upper inclination 48A which may form an angle with the upper side 35 ranging from 20 to 70, 30 to 60 or 40 to 50. The projecting structure 45 may further comprise a chamfer-like or inclined end stop surface 48B which may extend substantially parallel (e.g., with a maximum deviation of 1, 3 or 5) to the upper side 35. The upper inclination 48A and/or the end stop surface 48B may be configured such that they come into contact with the sole component when the heel 30 is fixed to the sole component. A projecting structure 45 according to FIGS. 5E and 5F may be used in combination with a tapering opening 43, but also independently thereof.

(65) FIGS. 5H and 5J show a modification of the first supporting element 114 on a schematically illustrated sole component 3. This modification can be used with different heels according to the present invention, but proves to be particularly advantageous when combined with the heels types of FIGS. 5E to 5G and 11A to 12C (see below).

(66) In the modification of the first supporting element 114 according to FIGS. 5H and 5J the supporting element 114 is formed by two rails 114A and 114B, wherein only one or more than two rails may also be used. The rails 114A, 114B extend along the middle sole portion 5, wherein the sole is not shown in the middle sole portions for better illustration of the rails 114A and 114B. For example, the rails 114A and 114B may be made of flat rolled steel.

(67) The rails 114A and 114B provide a first hinge 601 via which the rear sole portion 4 is movably attached to the rails 114A, 114B, and a second joint 602 via which the front sole portion 6 is movably attached to the rails 114A, 114B. For this purpose, the rails 114A and 114B may each comprise a first hole for receiving an axis of the first hinge 601 and a second hole for receiving an axis of the second hinge 602.

(68) In the shown embodiment the rails 114A and 114B are arranged in a substantially parallel or slightly tapering configuration. For use with the heels of FIGS. 5E to 5G and 11A to 12C, the rear parts 115A and 115B of the rails 114A and 114B may taper in the sole's longitudinal direction towards the rear (e.g., at the angle ). The supporting element 114, which is formed by both rails 114A and 114b together, thus becomes narrower. As can be further taken from FIG. 5H, the rear parts 115A and 115B (in FIG. 5H only the rear part 115A is visible, but the rear part 115B may be configured as a mirror image thereof) of each supporting element 114A, 114B may themselves become narrower (e.g., at the angle ). In this way, together with the tapering opening 43, an essentially play-free fixation of different heels to the sole component may be achieved despite potential manufacturing tolerances.

(69) As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the first supporting element 114 comprises a projection 117 in the region of the supporting element's rear part 115 according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the shown example, the projection 117 extends away from the supporting element 114 in a downward direction and provides a surface 119 which substantially extends in the transverse direction of the sole component 3 and is inclined with respect to the plane of the rear sole portion 4. At that, the surface 119 preferably forms an angle of 70>>20 with the plane of the rear sole portion E, wherein said angle is preferably arranged in a plane which is perpendicular to the plane E of the rear sole portion 4 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the sole. The normal vector M of the surface 119, which points away from the projection 117, preferably points forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and upwards in the heel's longitudinal direction.

(70) According to embodiments of the invention, the projection 117 corresponds to the projection 21 of the fixture 20 described above with respect to FIGS. 3A and 3B. The surface 119 may be formed by a profile 122 which corresponds to the profile 22 of the fixture 20 and has an identical shape. Hence, the fixture 20 may be provided on the supporting element 114, wherein the projection 117 may be used for adjusting the first mechanism 100 and, at the same time, for fixing the heel to the shoe.

(71) Alternatively, the projection 117 may be provided in combination with an additional fixture, such as the fixture 20 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The additional fixture may, for instance, be provided on the rear sole portion 4.

(72) The middle sole portion 4 may comprise a recess 8 for receiving the rear part of the supporting element 114.

(73) In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the supporting element 114 is shown to be integral with the middle sole portion 5. However, different elements and materials may be used for the supporting element 114 and the middle sole portion 5 (see FIGS. 4A to 4C) also in this embodiment of the invention.

(74) FIGS. 7A to 7H show a further type of changeable heels according to embodiments of the invention. These heels are particularly advantageous when used in conjunction with the supporting element 114 according to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

(75) The heels 30 of FIGS. 7A to 7H comprise a recess 31 for the projection 117 of the supporting element 114. Said recess 31 may comprise the same features as recess 31 described above with respect to the heels 30.

(76) In a sectional view along the sole's longitudinal direction (see FIG. 7C) the heels 30 comprise a structure 46 in order to push away the supporting element 114 from the bottom side of the rear sole portion. The structure 46 is preferably formed by an opening 47 extending from the upper side 35 forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction F into the heel 30. The opening 47 is preferably provided such that it receives the profile 122 of the supporting element 114 when the heel 30 is slid onto the rear sole portion.

(77) The structure 46 is preferably wedge-shaped, wherein the tapering end of the wedge-shaped structure is directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. Depending on the height of the heel, the opening 47 may be configured steeper (7A to 7D) or less steep (FIGS. 7E to 7H).

(78) In other words, in a sectional view along the sole's longitudinal direction, the heels 30 comprise at least one surface 49 formed by the opening 47. The surface 49 extends in an inclined direction with respect to the heel's longitudinal direction F, wherein the normal vector O of the surface 49, which is directed into the clearance of the opening 47, points rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction.

(79) As can be taken from a comparison of the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D as well as 7G and 7H, the recess 31 has a contour that is broader in a lower region than in an upper region.

(80) Depending on their height, the heels 30 may further comprise a recess 37 for receiving the pressed down rear part of the supporting element 114 (see FIGS. 7E and 7G).

(81) Apart from one or more recesses 31 for the projection 117 of the supporting element 114, the heels 30 may also comprise one or more recesses 31 for an additional fixture (e.g., a fixture 20) which, for example, may be provided directly at the rear sole portion.

(82) FIGS. 8A and 8B show a sole component 3 with a high and a flat heel 30, respectively. Depending on the design of the opening 47 and/or the shape of the wedge-shaped structure 46, the rear part 115 of the supporting element will be spaced away from the rear sole portion 4 to a greater or lesser extent. As depicted in FIG. 8B, the supporting element may be received in the recess 37 of the heel.

(83) Regardless of the embodiment of the first mechanism, the claimed sole components and/or heels may be provided with a locking system for locking different kinds of heels to the sole component. For this purpose, a projection is preferably provided on the heel or the sole component, wherein a recess or cutout into which said projection engages is provided on the other one of these two elements (i.e. on the sole component or heel).

(84) A first embodiment of a locking system 500 according to the present invention is schematically shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D (in conjunction with a first mechanism according to the first embodiment) and in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B (in conjunction with a first mechanism according to the second embodiment). As can be seen in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the locking system 500 is provided by a recess 501 at the rear sole portion 4 which is provided such that a projection 502 on the heel engages with the recess 501 when the heel is fully slid onto the sole component. FIGS. 9A, 9B, 10A and 10B show that the arrangement of recess 501 and projection 502 may also be the other way around so that the recess 501 is provided on the heel while the projection 502 is provided on the sole component. In both cases the locking mechanism of the locking system 500 may be released by lifting the rear sole portion 4. This embodiment is thus particularly advantageous when the heel is pressed onto the rear sole portion by the fixture and/or the first supporting element.

(85) FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12A to 12C show heels with a locking system 500 according to a second embodiment. At its upper side 35, the heel 30 comprises a recess in which a locking element is arranged in the form of a protruding hook 502. The hook 502 provides an undercut forming a recess 506 which is open towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction L. The hook 502 comprises an inclined surface 504 at its rear side opposite the recess 506, said inclined surface 504 being arranged at an angle with respect to the bottom of the recess provided on the upper side 35. The angle may differ from angle between the inclined surface 48A of the projecting structure 45 and the upper side. Angle may range between approximately 90 to 150, approximately 91 to 120 or approximately 95 to 110.

(86) FIGS. 13A to 13C show a rear sole part 4 comprising a recess 501 for receiving the hook 502 of the heels 30 according to FIGS. 11A to 12C. The recess 501 comprises a deflectable locking element 521 (e.g., in the form of a small hollow tube) which is moved in the sole's longitudinal direction towards the front against the force of the springs 523 when the hook 502 is inserted, and engages with the recess 506 of the hook 502 when the heel 30 is fully slid onto the sole component. In this way, the heel 30 is locked on the rear sole part 4.

(87) As can be further taken from FIGS. 13A to 13C, a first abutment surface 511, a second abutment surface 512 and a third abutment surface 513 may be provided for the heel at the rear sole portion 4. While the first abutment surface may be configured to abut the bottom of the recess on the upper side 35 of the heel 30 when the heel 30 is mounted to the sole component, the second abutment surface 512 is preferably arranged at an angel 2 with respect to the first abutment surface 511 and thus provides an abutment surface for the upper inclination 48A of the heel 30. Angle 2 may therefore have an angular measure of 180 minus the angle between the upper side 35 and the upper inclination 48A. The third abutment surface 513 may provide an abutment surface for the end stop 48B, wherein rubber puffers may be arranged on said third abut surface 513 or other abutment surfaces to compensate for manufacturing tolerances between different heels. The third abutment surface 513 may be essentially parallel to the first abutment surface.

(88) The recess 501 may further comprise a wall 507 being arranged at an angle r with respect to the first abutment surface 511 and providing an abutment surface for the inclined surface 504 of the hook 502. Angle r may thus have an angular measure of 180 minus angle between the upper side 35 and the inclined surface 504 of the hook 502. Due to the abutment of heel 30 on the second abutment surface 512 via the upper inclination 48A and the abutment on the wall 507 via the inclined surface 504 of the hook 502, a substantially play-free connection may be achieved between the heel 30 and the rear sole portion 4. For this purpose, angles and preferably have different measures.

(89) In addition, an abutment surface 514 may be provided at the rear sole part 4. Said abutment surface 514 may extend substantially parallel to the first abutment surface 511, but is preferably not arranged in the same plane. The fourth abutment surface 514 may extend in U-shape around the first abutment surface 511, the second abutment surface 512 and/or the third abutment surface 513.

(90) As illustrated in the schematic sequence of FIGS. 14A to 14C, the rear part 115 of the first supporting element is initially inserted into the opening 43 of the heel 30 for locking the heel 30 to the rear sole portion 4 (FIG. 14A). The rear sole portion 4 is then pivoted in order to insert the hook 502 into the recess 501, wherein said hook 502 deflects the locking element 521 against the force of the springs 523 (FIG. 14B). When the heel 30 reaches its final position on the sole component (FIG. 14C) the locking element 521 snaps into the recess 506, whereby the heel 30 is locked.

(91) FIG. 15 shows a mechanism 530 for releasing a heel (not shown) from the sole component (only partially depicted) according to the present invention. For better illustration, the mechanism is shown in conjunction with the locking system of FIGS. 11A to 14C, yet the mechanism is not limited thereto.

(92) The locking element 521 may be moved against the force of the springs 523 via the mechanism 530 until the locking element 521 is moved out of the recess 506 (see FIGS. 14A to 14C). The engagement between the hook 502 and the locking element 521 is thereby released so that the heel can be taken off the sole component.

(93) The mechanism 530 comprises an actuation element 531 which can be grasped by the user and thus provides an interface for the user. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, the actuation element 531 is configured as a lever. Said lever is rotatably attached to the sole component, for example, to the first supporting element 114. For this purpose, the lever may, for example, be arranged between two rails 114A and 114B which form the supporting element 114. Yet, the mechanism 530 is not limited thereto.

(94) The actuation element 531 is mechanically coupled to the locking element 521. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 15, the coupling is achieved by means of a string or wire 535 (e.g., a synthetic string, such as a nylon string) which extends from the actuation element 531 to the locking element 521 and back. A tensile force is exerted by actuation of the actuation element 531, which is transferred onto the locking element 521 via the string and moves it.

(95) With reference again to FIGS. 12A to 12C, it can be seen that the projecting structure 45 of the heel 30 essentially forms the shape of a T in a top view of the upper side 35. A ridge 48C projecting from the base of the recess on the upper side 35 of the heel 30 extends from the inclined surface 48A to the hook 502. A section 48D between the left and right tip of the T-shaped structure may be recessed, wherein one horn that may provide the upper inclination 48A and the end stop surface 48B remains at each right and left tip. The T-shaped structure may be arranged completely within the recess on the upper side 35, as also shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 12A to 12C.

(96) FIGS. 16A and 16B show a first embodiment of a second mechanism 300 for adjusting the second transition region B between the middle sole portion 5 and the front sole portion 6.

(97) The mechanism 300 comprises a slidable supporting element 302 which may be slid along the sole's longitudinal direction from a first position (FIG. 16A), which causes a first sole curvature in the transition region B to a second position (FIG. 16B) which causes a second sole curvature in the transition region B. At that, the first sole curvature differs from the second sole curvature.

(98) In the transition region B the sole component 3 is preferably more flexible than the supporting element 302. The transition region B may, for example, comprise a joint (see, e.g., FIGS. 5H and 5J) and/or have a more flexible design than the rear, middle and/or front sole portions 4, 5, 6.

(99) In the first position (FIG. 16A) the supporting element 302 does preferably not project into the transition region 13 and/or into the front sole portion 6. The sole curvature in the transition region B thus corresponds to the manufacturing curvature of the sole component 3.

(100) When the supporting element is slid into the second position (FIG. 16B), it projects into the second transition region B and into the front sole portion 6. As the supporting element is guided along the transition region B and/or in the front sole portion 6 (e.g., in an opening in the front sole portion 6 which is not shown for reasons of clarity), the transition region B and/or the front sole portion 6 in this case follows the shape of the supporting element 302. The movement of the supporting element 302 thus leads to a change in sole curvature in the transition region B.

(101) As further shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the supporting element 302 is preferably also guided in a guide 306 in the region of the middle sole portion. In the shown example said guide is configured as a rail. The guide 306 holds the supporting element 302 to the middle sole portion 5 when the supporting element 302 is slid forwards and extends into the transition region B. In this way, buckling or bending of the supporting element along the middle sole portion is prevented.

(102) According to the depicted embodiment of the invention, the second mechanism further comprises a Bowden mechanism 310 with a Bowden cable 312 and a Bowden cable sleeve 314. The Bowden cable 312 extends from the rear sole portion 4 to the supporting element 302 and is fixedly connected therewith. Hence, movement of the Bowden cable results in movement of the supporting element 302. The supporting element 302 may thus be moved between the first and second position through actuation of the transmission link (Bowden cable).

(103) Preferably, the transmission link is actuated during attachment and/or removal of the heel. For this purpose, an actuator 316 is provided at the rear end of the Bowden cable 312, which interacts with changeable heels to allow adjustment of the moving device during attachment and/or removal of the heel. The actuator 316 is fixedly connected to the Bowden cable 312.

(104) The Bowden cable sleeve 314 may be fixed to the sole component 3 and/or to the first supporting element 114, wherein the Bowden mechanism may extend through the cutout of the first supporting element (see FIGS. 16A and 16B).

(105) The second mechanism of FIGS. 16A and 16B may be used with different first supporting elements 114, 114.

(106) As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the claimed heels 330, 330 may comprise a recess 360, 360 on their upper side 335, 335, said recess being provided and/or configured such that it interacts or avoids interaction with an element of the second mechanism according to the embodiment of FIGS. 16A and 16B when the heel is being attached to the sole component. The heel 330 of FIG. 17A comprises, for example, an elongate recess 360 designed such that no movement of the actuator 316 occurs when the heel is pushed on or pulled off the rear sole portion 4. Therefore, the recess is designed such that it does not contact the actuator 316. The longer dimension of the recess 360 preferably extends in the sole's longitudinal direction, wherein the recess may extend approximately 20 to 30 mm in said direction (length of the recess).

(107) On the other hand, the recess 360 of the heel 330 shown in FIG. 17B is shorter (e.g., 5 mm at most or 10 mm at most) and has approximately the shape of the actuator 316. When the heel 306 is attached, the actuator 316 is received in the recess 360 and slid with the heel 306 whereby the mechanism 300 is adjusted. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17B the recess 360 is configured such that the actuator is moved forward when the heel 330 is slid onto the rear sole portion 4 from the rear to the front. Hence, the shape of the sole component changes from that shown in FIG. 16A into that of FIG. 16B.

(108) FIGS. 18A to 19C show a further second mechanism 400 for adjusting the second transition region B according to a further embodiment of the invention from the side and from the rear in different positions.

(109) The mechanism 400 comprises a rotatable supporting element 402 which is configured as an elongate shaft in the illustrated example. The supporting element 402 extends from the middle sole portion 5 into the transition region B and preferably also into the front sole portion 6 and/or the rear sole portion 4.

(110) In the front end portion the second supporting element 402 comprises a curved portion 403 that has a predetermined, defined curvature and extends at least in the transition region B. A front end portion 404 of the supporting element 402 may follow the curved portion 403. Preferably, said front end portion is received in a recess 407 in the region of the front sole portion 6, which allows for a movement of the end portion 404 in the plane of the front sole portion 6.

(111) The supporting element 402 is rotatably mounted in the region of the middle sole portion 5 and/or the rear sole portion 4. During rotation of the supporting element 402 from a first angular position (FIGS. 18A and 19A) to a second angular position (FIGS. 18B, 19B and 19C), the front end portion 404 turns in the recess 407. Hence, the projection of the curved portion 403 onto a projection plane which extends along the rotation axis of the supporting element 402 and is perpendicular to the plane of the front sole portion 6, alters its curvature and preferably increases when the supporting element 402 is rotated from the first into the second position. In such case, the second sole curvature is larger than the first one.

(112) The curved portion 403 of the supporting element 402 preferably spans an imaginary plane of curvature in which also the radius of curvature is located. Said plane of curvature may be perpendicular to the plane of the front sole portion 6 when the supporting element 402 is rotated into the second angular position (see FIG. 19C).

(113) The rotation of the supporting element 402 further causes the front end portion 404 to project into the recess 401 to a varying extent.

(114) The supporting element 402 may further comprise a crank 416 by means of which the supporting element is rotated. The crank 416 is preferably provided in the region of the rear sole portion 4.

(115) FIGS. 19A to 19 C show a rear view of the sole component 3, wherein the supporting element 402 is depicted at different angular positions resulting in different sole curvatures in the transition region B because the curved portion 402 is turned.

(116) By way of example, FIGS. 20A and 20B show various options for rotatable mounting of the supporting element 402. The supporting element 402 may, for example, be mounted in a recess of the sole component (FIG. 20A) or in a mounting arrangement, for instance, the sleeves (e.g., brass tubes) of FIG. 20B, which preferably are fixedly connected to the sole component 3 (e.g., by gluing, welding, soldering etc.). When combined with the crank 416 or other projections of the supporting element 402, the mounting arrangement may also prevent an axial movement of the second supporting element in the sole's longitudinal direction.

(117) As is further shown in FIG. 21, the crank 416 and/or the curved portion 403 may be formed by sliding a sleeve (e.g., a brass tube) over the rear end portion of the second supporting element 402 and by bending the sleeve together with the supporting element.

(118) FIGS. 22A to 22D show heels with different heights 330, 330, 330 having a recess 360, 360, 360 which interacts with the crank 416 of the supporting element 402 of the second mechanism according to FIGS. 18A-19C. In particular, the shape of recess 360, 360, 360 is configured such that the recess interacts with the crank 416 when the heel 330, 330, 330 is fixed to sole component 3.

(119) According to an embodiment, the recess 360, 360 comprises a surface 361, 361 for adjusting the crank 416, said surface 361, 361 being inclined with respect to the heel's longitudinal direction F in a cross-section of the heel that extends parallel to the heel's longitudinal axis and is traverse to the sole's longitudinal direction (FIG. 22D). The surface 361, 361 gets in contact with the crank 416 when the heel is slid onto the sole component so that the crank is rotated according to the inclination of the surface 361, 361. In the shown embodiment the angle formed between the inclined surface 361, 361 and the upper side 335, 335 of the heel 330, 330 preferably becomes flatter in the sole's longitudinal direction so that the crank 416 is gradually rotated until a desired final position is reached.

(120) According to a further embodiment shown in FIGS. 23A-23F, the recess or groove 360, 360, 360 may wind along the sole's or groove's longitudinal direction. Depending on the heel's height, the groove may be wound differently so that the desired rotation of the crank is achieved when the heel is slid onto the rear sole portion 4 (see FIGS. 23A, 23B and 23C, each depicting the achieved rotation of the crank).

(121) Preferably, the groove 360, 360 winds gradually in the sole's longitudinal direction and forms different angles relative to the heel's longitudinal axis in different cross-sections that extend parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction. The groove 360 extends, for example, substantially parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction F (see FIG. 23D) in the region of the entrance opening through which the crank 416 may enter the groove at an angle .sub.1 relative to the heel's longitudinal direction F (see FIG. 23E) in a first cross-section parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction F, and at an angle .sub.2>.sub.1 relative to the heel's longitudinal axis F (see FIG. 23F) in a second cross-section likewise parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction F, but further away from the entrance opening of the groove 360 than the first intersection. The crank 416 is therefore adjusted when the heel is attached as shown in the illustrations of FIGS. 23A to 23 C.

(122) FIGS. 22A to 23F show heels 330, 330, 330 with grooves 32 for a fixture 20 at the rear sole portion 4. Yet, it is to be pointed out that the other fixtures described above are equally suitable (e.g., the fixture 20, where the heel is preferably slid rearwards onto the sole component 3 in the sole's longitudinal direction). In this case, the angle between the surface 361, 361 and the upper side of the heel 335, 335 preferably becomes flatter towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction.

(123) FIGS. 24A and 24B show a modification of the second mechanism 400 of FIGS. 18A to 21 on a sole component 3. The sole component is shown in an arrangement for a flat heel (FIG. 24A) and in an arrangement for a high heel (FIG. 24B).

(124) The second supporting element 402 of FIGS. 24A and 24B comprises a first curved or angled portion 403 in the second transition region B and a second curved or angled portion 405 in a first transition region A. The front end portion 404 of the second supporting element 402 is flexibly received in the front sole portion 6, and the rear end portion 406 is flexibly received in the rear sole portion 4. In the shown embodiment the front sole portion 6 comprises a recess 407 for receiving the front end portion 404, and the rear sole portion 4 comprises a recess 408 for receiving the rear end portion 406.

(125) By means of a second supporting element 402 according to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the sole curvature in the first transition region A is coupled to the sole curvature in the second transition region B. The adjustment of the sole curvature in the first transition region A may lead to rotation of the supporting element 402 via the second curved or angled portion 405, which, in turn, leads to a change in sole curvature in the second transition region B through rotation of the second curved or angled portion 403. Hence, the sole curvature in the first transition region A determines the sole curvature in the second transition region B (and vice versa).

(126) Consequently, by adjusting the sole curvature and/or the angle in the first transition region A, the mechanism of FIGS. 24A and 24B may also adjust the sole curvature and/or angle in the second transition region B (and vice versa). It is, for example, possible to adjust the sole curvature in the first transition region A via one of the mechanisms described above, which then automatically leads to the adjustment of the second transition region B by means of the modified second mechanism 400 of FIGS. 24A and 24B. Therefore, a further mechanism for rotating the supporting element (e.g., a gear or crank) is not necessarily required, but may be provided in addition.

(127) FIGS. 25A and 25B show a sole component 3 with a claimed donning aid 700 which allows a provisional fixation of a heel to the sole component 3 before locking the heel. The donning aid 700 according to the present invention may, however, also be used on the sole component 3 without a further locking system. For better illustration of the donning aid 700, FIGS. 25A and 25B only depict the front sole portion 6 and the middle sole portion 5, wherein the skilled person will understand that the sole component 3 may also comprise a rear sole portion.

(128) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B the donning aid 700 comprises an cantilevered arm 710 extending rearwards from the middle sole portion 5 in the sole's longitudinal direction L. A locking protrusion 712 is provided on the arm 710 configured to engage with a corresponding recess of a heel. The cantilevered arm 710 is preferably not rigid, but configured such that it is elastically deflected during attachment of a heel.

(129) As further shown in FIG. 25B, the cantilevered arm 710 may be provided in the region of the first supporting element's rear part. In this way, the cantilevered arm 710 may preferably be inserted into the same recess of the heel as the rear part of the first supporting element. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 25B, the cantilevered arm 710 is arranged between the rear part 115A of a first rail and the rear part 115B of a second rail which together form the first supporting element. The cantilevered arm 710 is moveable with respect to the rear part 115A, 115B of the first supporting element.

(130) FIGS. 26A to 26C show a sequence demonstrating the provisional fixation of a heel to the sole component by use of the donning aid 700. Although a heel 30 is shown in these Figures, the claimed donning aid may also be used with other kinds of heels according to the present invention.

(131) The heel 30 comprises an opening 720 for receiving the cantilevered arm 710, wherein said opening 720 may optionally correspond to the opening 43 for the receiving the rear part 115 of the first supporting element (see FIG. 26A). When pushing the heel 30 onto the rear part 115, the cantilevered arm 710 is deflected downwards (see FIG. 26B), and, when reaching an undercut 721 in the opening 720, engages with the undercut 721 so that a removal of the heel 30 from the rear part 115 is counteracted (see FIG. 26C). In the shown embodiment of the heel 30 the undercut 721 is provided at the upper ceiling 723 of the opening 720.

(132) FIGS. 27A to 27C show a mechanism 740 for releasing the donning aid 700, which allows for decoupling of the locking protrusion 712 from the undercut 721 (see FIG. 26A) and thus enables removal of the heel 30 from the sole component.

(133) In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 27A to 27C the mechanism 740 comprises two levers 741A and 741B which act upon the cantilevered arm 710 in an end portion 742 thereof in order to deflect the cantilevered arm 710. On their other end portion 743 the levers 741A and 741B are coupled to a user interface 745. The actuation of the user interface 745 (in the shown embodiment configured as a lever which may be rotated around a fulcrum 747) is transferred onto the cantilevered arm 710 via the levers 741A and 741B, thereby deflecting the cantilevered arm 710 (downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction according to the shown embodiment). Rotating the user interface 745 around the fulcrum 747 thus leads to the downwards deflection of locking protrusion 712 which is thereby decoupled from the undercut 721.

(134) As further shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the cranks 741A and 741B and/or the user interface may be rotatably mounted via the first supporting element which, in this example, is formed by two rails 114A and 114B. The levers 741A and 741B and/or the user interface 745 may be arranged between the rails 114A and 114B. In addition, the levers 741A and 741B may optionally have a curved configuration by which means a particularly space-saving arrangement of the cranks may be achieved. Instead of two levers 741A and 741B one single crank or more than two cranks may be provided as long as they fulfill the required functionality.

(135) Moreover, the donning aid 700 may be configured such that the cantilevered arm 710 is prevented from snapping into the undercut 721 again after being released. For this purpose, an inclination 725 and/or 726 may be provided in the opening 720 and/or on the cantilevered arm 710 (see FIG. 26A), said inclination leading to a rearwards movement of the heel in the sole's longitudinal direction L during deflection of the cantilevered arm 710 when releasing the donning aid 700. In this way, the cantilevered arm 710 may no longer engage with the undercut 721 of the heel.

(136) FIGS. 28A to 28E show a sequence demonstrating the releasing of the donning aid by means of the mechanism 740 according to FIGS. 27A to 27C. As described above, the locking element 712 is deflected by means of the lever 741 which is actuated through the user interface 745. The cantilevered arm 710 slides along the inclination 725 (see FIGS. 28B and 28C) thereby triggering a relative movement between the heel 30 and the sole component (not shown in detail) on which the mechanism 740 is provided. The locking protrusion 712 can thus no longer move into engagement with the recess 721 when the user interface is released and the cantilevered arm 710 snaps back (see FIG. 28D). Hence, the donning aid no longer impedes removal of the heel 30 so that the heel may be detached from the sole component (see FIG. 28E). According to embodiments of the invention, the user interface 745 and the actuation element 531 of the mechanism for releasing the locking system 500 may be configured as a single component (e.g. as a single lever).

(137) The invention therefore discloses improved mechanisms which, irrespective of the heel height of a changeable heel, ensure ideal adjustment of the sole shape. Furthermore, improved fixtures are disclosed which allow for easy and safe fixation of changeable heels to the sole of a shoe. Hence, the shoes according to the present invention may be adapted depending on the situation, whereby the user is provided with a fully functional shoe irrespective of the heel height.

(138) In addition, the heel's changeability allows for a customized design, e.g., of its shape and color.

(139) As far as the term substantially has been used, also the embodiments which fully provide the respective feature are encompassed.

(140) The invention particularly refers to the following aspects: Aspect 1: Sole component (3) for a shoe suitable for use with different heels, wherein the sole component (3) comprises a front (6), a middle (5) and a rear sole portion (4); wherein the sole component (3) comprises a mechanism (100) for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region (A) between the middle (5) and the rear (4) sole portion; wherein the mechanism (100) comprises a supporting element (114, 114).

(141) Aspect 1a: Sole component (3) according to aspect 1, wherein the supporting element may be pushed away from the sole component (3) in the region of rear sole portion (4) in order to reduce the curvature of the sole component (3) in the transition region (A) and/or wherein the supporting element may be pushed towards the sole component (3) in the region of the sole portion (4) in order to increase the curvature of the sole component (3) in the transition region (A). Aspect 2: Sole component (3) according to aspect 1 or 1 a, wherein the supporting element is more rigid than the transition region (A) of the sole component (3). Aspect 3: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the transition region (A) is more flexible than the rear sole portion (4) and/or the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 4: Sole component (3) according to aspect 3, wherein the transition region (A) comprises a hinge (601). Aspect 5: Sole component (3) according to aspect 4, wherein the middle sole portion (5) may be rotated about a rotation axis relative to the rear sole portion (4), wherein the axis of rotation preferably is transverse to the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 6: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sole component (3) comprises a leaf spring which is fixedly connected to the rear sole portion (4) and the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 7: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) comprises a front part extending into the region of the middle sole portion (5) and/or being fixedly connected to the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 8: Sole component (3) according to aspect 7, wherein the front part and the middle sole portion (5) are configured integrally. Aspect 9: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) comprises a rear part (115, 115) which extends along the rear sole portion (4) and which is preferably not fixed to or connected with the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 10: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein an angle and/or a distance between a rear part (115, 115) of the supporting element (114, 114) and the rear sole portion (4) is adjustable. Aspect 11: Sole component (3) according to aspect 10, wherein reducing the distance and/or angle between the rear part (115, 115) and the rear sole portion (4) leads to an increase in curvature in the transition region (A). Aspect 12: Sole component (3) according to aspect 10 or 11, wherein increasing the angle and/or distance between the rear part (115, 115) and the rear sole portion (4) leads to a decrease in curvature in the transition region (A). Aspect 13: Sole component (3) according to aspects 9 to 12, wherein the rear part (115, 115) extends below the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 14: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) is loose from the rear sole portion (4) along a rear part (115, 115). Aspect 15: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) may be pushed away from the sole component (3), in particular a rear part (115, 115) from the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 16: Sole component (3) according to aspect 15, wherein the rear part of the supporting element may be pushed away from the rear sole portion (4) by means of a wedge-shaped structure (41, 46) on a heel, which may be slid between the supporting element (114, 114) and the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 17: Sole component (3) according to aspects 9 to 16, wherein, in a neutral position without heel, the rear part (115, 115) is spaced from the rear sole portion (4), wherein the distance between the rear part (115, 115) and the rear sole portion (4) preferably increases in the sole's longitudinal direction towards the rear. Aspect 18: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein supporting element (114, 114) comprises a projection (117, 117). Aspect 19: Sole component (3) according to aspect 18, wherein the projection (117, 117) extends away from the supporting element (114, 114) in a lateral and/or downwards direction. Aspect 20: Sole component (3) according to aspect 18 or 19, wherein the projection (117, 117) provides at least one surface (119) which extends substantially transversely to the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 21: Sole component (3) according to aspects 18, 19 or 20, wherein the projection (117, 117) provides at least one surface (119) whose normal vector (M), which is directed away from the projection (117, 117), points forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and/or upwards in the heel's longitudinal direction (F). Aspect 22: Sole component (3) according to aspects 20 or 21, wherein the surface (119) extends inclined to the plane of the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 23: Sole component (3) according to aspect 20, 21 or 22, wherein the surface (119) extends away from the plane of the rear sole portion (4) in the sole's longitudinal direction towards the front. Aspect 24: Sole component (3) according to aspects 18 to 23, wherein the projection (117, 117) may be used for adjustment of the mechanism (100). Aspect 25: Sole component (3) according to aspects 18 to 24, wherein the projection (117, 117) may be used for fixation of a heel to the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 26: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) has a substantially flat and/or elongated configuration along the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 27: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) comprises a cutout through which an element of the second mechanism (300, 400) may extend. Aspect 28: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first supporting element (114, 114) is made of one of the following materials or a combination thereof: steel, metals, metal alloys, plastics or composites. Aspect 29: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first supporting element (114, 114) is made of V2A steel plate. Aspect 29a: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein an angle between the rear part (11, 115) of the supporting element (114, 114) and the middle sole portion (5) remains essentially the same when the sole curvature in the transition region (A) is changed. Aspect 29b: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the rear sole portion (4) is jointly fixed to the supporting element (114, 114). Aspect 29c: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the front sole portion (6) is jointly fixed to the supporting element (114, 114). Aspect 29d: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (114, 114) is formed by several, preferably two, rails (114A, 114B). Aspect 29e: Sole component (3) according to any on the preceding aspects, wherein the rear part (115, 115) of the supporting element (114, 114) tapers or becomes narrower towards the rear in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 30: Sole component (3) for a shoe suitable for use with different heels, wherein the sole component (3) comprises a front (6), a middle (5) and a rear sole portion (4); wherein the sole component (3) comprises a mechanism (300, 400) for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region (B) between the front (6) and the middle (5) sole portion; wherein the mechanism (300, 400) comprises a slidable and/or rotatable supporting element (302, 402) which is provided and/or configured such that sliding and/or rotating the supporting element (302, 402) leads to a change of the sole curvature in the transition region (B). Aspect 31: Sole component (3) according to aspect 28, wherein sliding and/or rotating the supporting element (302, 402) leads to a change of the angle between the front sole portion (6) and the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 32: Sole component (3) for a shoe suitable for use with different heels, wherein the sole component (3) comprises a front (6), a middle (5) and a rear sole portion (4); wherein the sole component (3) comprises a mechanism (300) for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region (B) between the front sole portion (6) and the middle sole portion (5); wherein the mechanism (300) comprises a slidable supporting element (302) which is provided and/or configured such that it may slide in the sole's longitudinal direction from a first position, which causes a first sole curvature in the transition region (B) to a second position which causes a second sole curvature in the transition region (B). Aspect 33: Sole component (3) according to aspect 32, wherein the first sole curvature differs from the second sole curvature. Aspect 34: Sole component (3) according to aspect 32 or 33, wherein the supporting element (302) is configured as an elongate supporting steel plate. Aspect 35: Sole component (3) according to aspect 32, 33 or 34, wherein the supporting element (302) is guided in a guide (306) at least along a segment thereof in the region of the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 36: Sole component (3) according to aspects 32 to 35, wherein the guide (306) is fixedly connected to the sole component (3). Aspect 37: Sole component (3) according to aspect 36, wherein the guide (306) is fixedly connected to the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 38: Sole component (3) according to aspects 35, 36 or 37, wherein the guide (306) hinders buckling and/or bending of the supporting element (302) in the front region of the middle sole portion (5) and/or in the transition region (B). Aspect 39: Sole component (3) according to aspects 32 to 38, wherein the supporting element (302) does not project into the front sole portion (6) in the first position. Aspect 40: Sole component (3) according to aspects 32 to 39, wherein in the first position the sole curvature in the transition region (B) corresponds to the manufacturing curvature of the sole component (3). Aspect 41: Sole component (3) according to aspects 32 to 40, wherein the supporting element (302) projects into the transition region (B) and/or into the front sole portion (6) when it is slid into the second position. Aspect 42: Sole component (3) according to aspects 32 to 41, wherein the transition region (B) essentially adopts the shape of the supporting element (302) when the supporting element (302) is slid into the second position. Aspect 43: Sole component according to aspects 32 to 42, wherein the mechanism (300) comprises a moving device (310) which is provided or configured such that the supporting element (302) is slidable during attachment and removal of a heel. Aspect 44: Sole component (3) according to aspect 43, wherein the moving device (310) comprises a transmission link (312) which preferably extends from the rear sole portion (4) to the supporting element (302). Aspect 45: Sole component (3) according to aspect 44, wherein the transmission link (312) is fixedly connected to the supporting element (302). Aspect 46: Sole component (3) according to aspect 44 or 45, wherein the transmission link (312) is bendable. Aspect 47: Sole component (3) according to aspects 43 to 46, wherein the moving device (310) is configured as a Bowden mechanism. Aspect 48: Sole component (3) according to aspects 43 to 47, wherein the Bowden mechanism comprises a Bowden cable sleeve which is fixed to the sole component (3) and/or to a supporting element (114, 114) of a mechanism (100) for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region (A) between the rear sole portion (4) and the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 49: Sole component (3) according to aspects 43 to 48, wherein the moving device (310) comprises an actuator (316) for interacting with changeable heels. Aspect 50: Sole component (3) for a shoe suitable for use with different heels, wherein the sole component (3) comprises a front (6), a middle (5) and a rear sole portion (4); wherein the sole component (3) comprises a mechanism (400) for adjusting the sole curvature in a transition region (B) between the front (6) and the middle (5) sole portion; wherein the mechanism (400) comprises a rotatable supporting element (402) which is provided in such a way that it may assume a first angular position which causes a first sole curvature in the transition region (B) and a second angular position which causes a second sole curvature in the transition region (B); wherein the first sole curvature is different from the second sole curvature. Aspect 51: Sole component (3) according to aspect 50, wherein the supporting element (402) is configured as a shaft, preferably a shaft with a first and/or second curved and/or angled portion. Aspect 52: Sole component (3) according to aspect 50 or 51, wherein the first sole curvature is smaller than the second sole curvature and wherein the supporting element (402) comprises a curved and/or angled portion (403) along the transition region (B). Aspect 53: Sole component (3) according to aspect 52, wherein, when the supporting element (402) is in the first angular position, a projection of the curved portion (403) onto a projection plane that extends along the rotation axis of the supporting element (402) and is perpendicular to the plane of the front sole portion (6) has a first curvature, which preferably corresponds to the first sole curvature. Aspect 54: Sole component (3) according to aspect 53, wherein, when the supporting element (402) is in the second angular position, the projection of the curved portion (403) onto the projection plane assumes a second curvature that is larger than the first curvature and preferably corresponds to the second sole curvature. Aspect 55: Sole component (3) according to aspects 50 to 54, wherein the supporting element (402), when assuming the second angular position, extends further into the front sole portion (6) in the longitudinal direction of the sole than when assuming the first angular position. Aspect 56: Sole component (3) according to aspects 50 to 55, wherein the supporting element (402) comprises a crank (416) and/or a gear in the region of the rear sole portion (4) for adjusting the angular position. Aspect 57: Sole component (3) according to aspects 50 to 56, wherein the sole component (3) further comprises a changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) designed for fixation in the region of the rear sole portion (4) and which may, preferably, be slid onto the sole component in the region of the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 58: Sole component (3) according to aspect 57, wherein the heel (330, 330, 330) comprises at least one recess (360, 360, 360) provided such that it interacts with the crank (416) during fixation of the heel (330, 330, 330) onto the sole component (3) and thereby adjusts the angular position of the supporting element (402). Aspect 59: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 58, wherein the second supporting element is integrated into the sole component (3). Aspect 60: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 59, wherein the transition region (B) is more flexible than the supporting element (302, 402). Aspect 61: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 60, wherein the transition region (B) essentially adopts the shape determined by the second supporting element. Aspect 62: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 61, wherein the transition region (B) is more flexible than the front, middle and/or rear sole portion (6, 5, 4). Aspect 63: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 62, wherein the transition region (B) comprises a hinge (602). Aspect 64: Sole component (3) according to aspect 63, wherein the front sole portion (6) is rotatable relative to the middle sole portion (5) along an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation preferably extends substantially transversely to the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 65: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 64, wherein the supporting element (302, 304) is made of one of the following materials or a combination thereof: steel, metal, metal alloys, plastics, composites. Aspect 66: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 65, wherein the supporting element (302, 402) is made of spring steel. Aspect 67: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 66, wherein the sole component comprises a leaf spring which is fixedly connected to the middle sole portion (5) and/or the front sole portion (4). Aspect 68: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 67, wherein, due to manufacturing, the sole component (3) comprises a sole curvature for a heel with a heel height of at least 2, preferably at least 5 cm in a neutral position. Aspect 69: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 68, wherein, due to manufacturing, the sole component (3) comprises a sole curvature for a heel with a heel height of no more than 7 cm, preferably no more than 3 cm in a neutral position. Aspect 69a: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (400) comprises a second curved and/or angled portion (405) in a transition region (A) between the rear sole portion (4) and the middle sole portion (5). Aspect 69b: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (400) is moveably received on or in the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 69c: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the change in sole curvature in the transition region (A) between the rear sole portion (4) and the middle sole portion (5) leads to a change in sole curvature in the transition region (B) between the middle sole portion (5) and the front sole portion (6) via the supporting element (400). Aspect 69d: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the supporting element (400, 400) is formed by a plurality of shafts, wherein the shafts preferably rest against each other. Aspect 70: Sole component (3) according to aspects 30 to 69d with a mechanism (100) of the sole component according to any one of aspects 1 to 29. Aspect 71: Sole component (3) according to aspect 70, wherein the moving device (310) and/or the supporting element (402) of the mechanism (300, 400) for adjusting the transition region (B) between the front and middle sole portion (4, 5) extends through the cutout of the supporting element (114) of the mechanism (100) for adjusting the transition region (A) between the middle and rear sole portion (5, 6). Aspect 72: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the front sole portion (6) is a ball or forefoot region. Aspect 73: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the middle sole portion (5) is an arch or midfoot region. Aspect 74: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the rear sole portion (4) is a region of a foot's heel. Aspect 75: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sole component (3) comprises an insole, a liner and/or an outsole. Aspect 76: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sole component (3) is an insole. Aspect 77: Sole component (3) for a shoe suitable for use with different heels (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330), wherein the sole component (3) comprises a rear sole portion (4) having one or more fixtures (20, 20) for changeable heels (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330). Aspect 78: Sole component (3) according to aspect 77, wherein the fixture (20, 20) comprises at least one projection (21, 21) having a profile (22, 22) which is provided or configured such that it may engage with a recess of a heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) to prevent said heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) from falling off when the shoe is lifted. Aspect 79: Sole component (3) according to aspect 78, wherein the profile (22, 22) comprises an undercut. Aspect 80: Sole component (3) according to aspect 78 or 79, wherein the profile is a dovetail profile, T-profile or L-profile. Aspect 81: Sole component (3) according to aspects 77 to 80, wherein the fixture (20, 20) is configured such that a relative movement between the heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) and the sole component (3) is required for fixing the heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) to the sole component (3). Aspect 82: Sole component (3) according to aspect 81, wherein the relative movement comprises at least one directional component in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 83: Sole component (3) according to aspects 77 to 82, wherein the fixture (20, 20) is provided and/or configured such that the heel (30, 30, 330, 330, 330) may be slid onto the sole component (3) substantially in the sole's longitudinal direction from rear to front. Aspect 84: Sole component (3) according to aspects 78 to 83, wherein the projection extends substantially in the sole's longitudinal direction and preferably parallel to the plane (E) of the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 85: Sole component (3) according to aspects 77 to 82, wherein the fixture (20, 20) is provided and/or configured such that the fixation is reinforced when the heel (30, 30) is exposed to a load along the heel's longitudinal axis (F). Aspect 86: Sole component (3) according to aspects 77 to 85, wherein the profile (22, 22) extends along an imaginary straight line (G) that forms an angle () 89>>1, preferably 70>>20 with the plane (E) of the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 87: Sole component (3) according to aspect 86, wherein the angle () lies in a plane which is perpendicular to the plane (E) of the rear sole portion (4) and extends in the heel's longitudinal direction. Aspect 88: Sole component (3) according to aspect 85, 86, or 87, wherein the profile (22) extends in a direction that has at least one component in the heel's longitudinal direction (F). Aspect 89: Sole component (3) according to aspects 85 to 88, wherein, when following the rear sole portion (4) in a direction from the rear to the front in the sole's longitudinal direction, the profile (22) extends away from the rear sole portion (4) in a downward direction. Aspect 90: Sole component (3) according to aspects 85 to 89, wherein, in a cross-section transverse to the sole's longitudinal direction, the profile (22) is broader than a part of the projection (21) located thereover that connects the profile (22) to the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 91: Sole component (3) according aspects 85 to 90, wherein the projection (21) has a substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape and/or wherein the distance between a lower edge of the projection (21) and the rear sole portion (4) increases in the sole's longitudinal direction towards the front. Aspect 92: Sole component (3) according to aspects 77 to 91 further comprising one or more mechanisms (100) of the sole component according to aspects 1 to 29 and/or one or more mechanisms (300, 400) of the sole component according to aspects 30 to 76. Aspect 93: Sole component (3) according to aspect 92, wherein the fixture (20, 20) is provided on a supporting element (114). Aspect 94: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the sole component (3) comprises a locking system (500, 500) in order to lock a heel when reaching a determined position. Aspect 95: Sole component (3) according to aspect 94, wherein the locking system (500, 500) counteracts a movement of the mounted heel in a rearward or forward direction. Aspect 96: Sole component (3) according to aspect 94 or 95, wherein the locking system (500, 500) comprises a groove or recess (501) and/or a projection (502, 502). Aspect 96a: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96, wherein the heel and/or the sole component (3) comprises an interlocking element in the form of a hook (502), a ratchet or a snap-in lug. Aspect 96b: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96a, wherein the interlocking element provides an undercut for locking the heel to the sole component, wherein the undercut preferably comprises a recess which is open towards the front or the rear in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 96c: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96b, wherein the interlocking element is configured as a hook. Aspect 96d: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96c, wherein the interlocking element provides an inclined surface which is preferably located at the side of the interlocking element facing away from and/or lying opposite the undercut. Aspect 96e: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96d, wherein the inclined surface is arranged at the rear and/or front side of the hook. Aspect 96f: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96e, wherein the inclined surface is arranged at an angle of 90 to 150, 91 to 120 or 95 to 110 relative to upper side of the heel. Aspect 96g: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96f, wherein the angle is formed between the inclined surface and the bottom of a recess which is provided on the upper side of the heel, wherein the sole component (in particular the rear sole portion) may preferably be received in the recess. Aspect 96h: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96g, wherein a recess for receiving the supporting element at the sole component comprises a deflectable and/or moveable locking element. Aspect 96i: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96h, wherein the locking element is moved when inserting the interlocking element and engages with the undercut of the interlocking element when the heel is completely slid onto the sole component. Aspect 96j: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96i, wherein the locking element is pushed forwards or rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction by the interlocking element when the heel is slid onto the sole component. Aspect 96k: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96j, wherein the locking element is coupled to one or more springs (e.g., coil springs). Aspect 96m: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96k, wherein the locking element is provided by a, preferably hollow, cylindrical or prism-shaped body. Aspect 96n: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the rear sole portion provides a first, second and/or third abutment surface for the heel (preferably for the upper side of the heel). Aspect 96o: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96n, wherein the first abutment surface is configured such that it abuts the bottom of the recess on the upper side of the heel when the heel is mounted to the sole component. Aspect 96p: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96n or 96o, wherein the second abutment surface is arranged at an angle ranging from 10 to 60, 20 to 40 or 25 to 35 relative to the first abutment surface. Aspect 96q: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96n, 96o, or 96p, wherein the second abutment surface is configured to adjoin and/or to be adjacent to the first abutment surface. Aspect 96r: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96n to 96q, wherein the third abutment surface is substantially parallel to the first abutment surface, but preferably not arranged in the same plane. Aspect 96s: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96n to 96r, wherein the third abutment surface is arranged adjacent to the second abutment surface and/or connected to the first abutment surface via the second abutment surface. Aspect 96t: Sole component (3) according to sole component (3) according to aspects 96n to 96s, wherein the rear sole portion provides a fourth abutment surface. Aspect 96u: Sole component (3) according to sole component (3) according to aspect 96t, wherein the fourth abutment surface is substantially parallel to the first abutment surface. Aspect 96v: Sole component (3) according to sole component (3) according to aspect 96t or 96u, wherein the fourth abutment surface extends in U-shape around the first, second and/or third abutment surface. Aspect 96w: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96v, wherein the recess for receiving the interlocking element comprises a wall which is arranged at an angle relative to the first abutment surface, wherein the angle ranges between 60 to 140, 80 to 120 or 91 to 110 and preferably has an angle measure of 180 minus angle of the interlocking element. Aspect 96x: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96w, wherein the wall is a back wall of the recess on which the inclined surface of the locking element abuts when the heel is mounted to the sole component. Aspect 96y: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96x, wherein angles and differ from each other. Aspect 96z: Sole component (3) according to aspects 94 to 96y, wherein the heel and/or the sole component (3) comprise a mechanism for releasing the locking system. Aspect 96aa: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96z, wherein the mechanism allows for an elastic movement of the interlocking element and/or the locking element, preferably such that the undercut of the interlocking element and the locking element may be decoupled and/or detached from each other. Aspect 96ab: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96z or 96aa, wherein the mechanism for releasing the locking system comprises an actuation element which provides an interface for the user. Aspect 96ac: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96ab, wherein the actuation element is a lever which is mechanically coupled to the locking element. Aspect 96ad: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96ac, wherein the lever is rotatably supported at the sole component (e.g., at the middle sole portion). Aspect 96ad: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96z to 96ad, wherein the locking element is connected to the actuation element via one or more strings (e.g., nylon strings) or wires. Aspect 96ae: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects further comprising a donning aid by means of which a heel may be retained and/or provided on the sole component before locking the heel to the sole component via a locking system. Aspect 96af: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96ae, wherein the donning aid comprises a cantilevered arm. Aspect 96ag: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96af, wherein the cantilevered arm extends rearwards from the middle sole portion in the sole's longitudinal direction and/or is provided under the rear sole portion. Aspect 96ah: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96af or 96ag, wherein a locking protrusion is provided at the rear end portion of the arm. Aspect 96ai: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96af, 96ag or 96ah, wherein the heel comprises an opening for receiving the rear part of the first supporting element, and wherein the cantilevered arm is inserted into the same opening. Aspect 96aj: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96af to 96ai, wherein the cantilevered arm is configured such that it is elastically deflected when mounting the heel to the sole component and/or the donning aid and, upon reaching an undercut in the heel, snaps into said undercut. Aspect 96ak: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96af to 96aj, wherein the cantilevered arm is moveable with respect to the rear end of the first supporting element. Aspect 96am: Sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising a mechanism for releasing the donning aid, wherein the mechanism preferably allows for elastic deflection of the cantilevered arm (e.g., downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction). Aspect 96an: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96am, wherein the mechanism comprises one or more levers which are positioned around a first fulcrum in a seesaw-like manner Aspect 96an: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96am or 96an, wherein the first fulcrum is arranged between the first and second ends and/or in the middle sole portion. Aspect 96ap: Sole component (3) according to aspect 96am, 96an or 96ap, wherein the mechanism comprises a user interface by means of which the seesaw-like lever(s) may be deflected. Aspect 96aq: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96an to 96ap, wherein the seesaw-like lever(s) has/have an arcuate shape. Aspect 96ar: Sole component (3) according to aspects 96ae to 96aq, wherein the mechanism for releasing the donning aid is configured such that the cantilevered arm is prevented from snapping into the undercut again after being released. Aspect 97: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) for use with a sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects. Aspect 98: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 97, wherein the heel may be fixed to a sole component (3) according to any one of the preceding aspects. Aspect 99: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 98, wherein the heel may be fixed in the region of the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 100: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspects 97 to 99, wherein the heel comprises a groove (32) at an upper side (35, 35, 335, 335, 335, 335), said groove being configured analogously to the projection (21, 21) of a sole component according to aspects 78 to 97. Aspect 101: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 100, wherein the groove (32) has a contour that is configured analogously to the profile (22, 22) of the projection (21, 21). Aspect 102: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 100 or 101, wherein the groove (32) comprises an undercut. Aspect 103: Changeable heel (30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 100, 101 or 102, wherein the groove (32) extends parallel to the upper side and in the sole's longitudinal direction Aspect 104: Changeable heel (30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 100 to 103, wherein the groove (32) is open towards the front. Aspect 105: Changeable heel (30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 100 to 104, wherein the heel may be slid forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction onto the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 106: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 97 to 102, wherein the heel comprises a recess (31, 31) with a contour (32) extending from the heel's upper side (35, 35) along an imaginary straight line (H) into the heel. Aspect 107: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspect 106, wherein the straight line (H) lies in a plane that is parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction (F) and the sole's longitudinal direction and, wherein the straight line (H) extends at an angle 1<<89 relative to the heel's longitudinal direction. Aspect 108: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspect 107, wherein the angle is 20<<70. Aspect 109: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspect 106, 107 or 108, wherein the straight line (H) corresponds to an imaginary straight line (G) along which a profile (22, 22) of fixture (22) of the sole component (3) is extending when the heel is mounted to the sole component (3). Aspect 110: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 106 to 109, wherein the contour (32) is configured analogously to the profile (22, 22). Aspect 111: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 106 to 110, wherein the profile (22, 22) may be inserted into the heel along the contour (32). Aspect 112: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 106 to 111, wherein the contour (32) comprises an undercut and/or is broader than a part of the recess (31, 31) located thereover in a cross-section transverse to the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 113: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 106 to 112, wherein the contour (32) comprises a plane that extends rearwards/upwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and is inclined with respect to the heel's longitudinal direction (F). Aspect 114: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspect 113, wherein the normal vector of the plane, which points into the clearance of the recess (31, 31), is directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction (F). Aspect 115: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 106 to 114, wherein the recess (31, 31) provides a stop (33). Aspect 116: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 106 to 115, wherein the recess (31, 31) is located inside the heel and/or is solely open towards the upper side (35, 35). Aspect 117: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspect 116, wherein the other outer surfaces of the heel are not penetrated by the recess (31, 31). Aspect 118: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 97 to 117, wherein the heel is provided or configured such that fixing the heel to a sole component (3) leads to an adjustment of a mechanism (100) for adjusting a sole curvature in a transition region (A) between a rear sole portion (4) and a middle sole portion (5). Aspect 119: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspect 118, wherein the heel comprises on its upper side (35, 35) a recess (31) and/or an opening (43, 47) for receiving a rear part (115, 115) of a supporting element (114, 114) of the mechanism (100). Aspect 120: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect according to aspect 119, wherein the opening (43) extends from the upper side (35) and/or the front side of the heel rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction (F) into the heel and/or is open towards the front in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 121: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 119 or 120, wherein the heel comprises an essentially wedge-shaped structured (41) that is provided and/or configured such that it is inserted between the first supporting element (114) and the rear sole portion (4) when sliding the heel forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 122: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 121, wherein a tapering end of the wedge-shaped structure (41) is directed substantially forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 123: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 121 or 122, wherein the wedge-shaped structure is provided and/or configured such that it may interact with a projection and/or a rail of the supporting element. Aspect 124: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 119, wherein the opening (47) extends from the upper side (35) of the heel forwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction into the heel. Aspect 125: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 124, wherein the opening (47) is provided and/or configured such that it receives a projection (122) at the rear part (115) of the supporting element (114) when the heel is slid onto the rear sole portion (4). Aspect 126: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 124 or 125, wherein the opening (47) provides at least one surface (49) having an inclined extension relative to the heel's longitudinal direction (F). Aspect 127: Changeable heel (30) according to aspect 126, wherein the normal vector (0) of the surface (49), that points into the clearance of the opening (47), is directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction and downwards in the heel's longitudinal direction. Aspect 128: Changeable heel (30) according to aspects 124 to 127, wherein, in a sectional plane extending parallel to the sole's longitudinal direction and parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction (F) through the opening (47), the heel comprises a substantially wedge-shaped structure (46) whose tapering end is substantially directed rearwards in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 129: Changeable heel (30, 30) according to aspects 119 to 128, wherein the opening (43, 47) serves for fixation of the heel to the sole component (3). Aspect 130: Changeable heel (330, 330, 330) according to aspects 97 to 129, wherein the heel is provided and/or configured such that the fixation of the heel to the sole component (3) leads to an adjustment of the mechanism (300, 400) for adjusting a sole curvature in a transition region (B) between a middle sole portion (5) and a front sole portion (6). Aspect 131: Changeable heel (330, 330, 330) according to aspect 130, wherein the heel comprises a recess or groove (360, 360, 360) which is provided and/or configured such that it interacts with an element of the mechanism (300, 400) or such that the element of the mechanism (300, 400) is not moved when fixing the heel to the sole component (3). Aspect 132: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspect 131, wherein the recess (360, 360) is provided and/or configured such that it interacts with a gear of the mechanism (300, 400). Aspect 133: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspect 131 or 132, wherein the heel is configured such that the fixation of the heel (330, 330, 330) to the sole component (3) causes the rotation of a rotatable supporting element (402). Aspect 133a: Changeable heel according to aspect 133, wherein the groove causes the rotation of a rotatable supporting element (402). Aspect 134: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspect 133a, wherein the groove (360, 360) is provided and/or configured such that it interacts with a crank (416) of the supporting element (402). Aspect 135: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspect 133a or 134, wherein the groove (360, 360) comprises a surface (361, 361) that extends along the direction of fixation and is at least partially inclined relative to a plane spanned by the heel's longitudinal direction (F) and the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 136: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspect 135, wherein the surface (361, 361) is inclined relative to the heel's longitudinal direction (F) in a cross-section extending parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction (F) and transversely to the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 137: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspects 133 to 136, wherein the depth of the groove (360, 360) decreases in the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 138: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspects 133 to 137, wherein the groove (360, 360) narrows, rotates and/or winds along a direction in which the heel has to be moved relative to the rear sole portion (4) during attachment. Aspect 139: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspects 133 to 138, wherein the groove (360, 360) is configured at different angles (.sub.1, .sub.2) relative to the heel's longitudinal direction (F) in different cross-sections extending parallel to the heel's longitudinal direction (F) and transversely to the sole's longitudinal direction. Aspect 140: Changeable heel (330, 330) according to aspect 139, wherein the groove is configured at a first angle (.sub.1) in a first cross-section and at a second angle (.sub.2) in a second cross-section relative to the heel's longitudinal direction (F), wherein the second cross-section is further away from an entrance opening of the groove through which the crank (416) may enter the groove (360,360) than the first cross-section, and wherein the second angel (.sub.2) is larger than the first angle .sub.1. Aspect 141: Changeable heel (330, 330, 330) according to aspects 133 to 140, wherein the groove (360, 360, 360) is wider in the region of the entrance opening and/or symmetrical relative to the heel's longitudinal direction (F). Aspect 142: Changeable heel (330, 330, 330) according to aspects 131 to 141, wherein the groove (360, 360) is open towards the front and/or upper side (335, 335, 335) of the heel. Aspect 143: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspects 97 to 142, wherein the heel comprises a locking system (500, 500) which locks the heel when reaching a defined position. Aspect 144: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 143, wherein the locking system (500, 500) counteracts a rearward or forward movement of the mounted heel. Aspect 145: Changeable heel (30, 30, 30, 30, 330, 330, 330) according to aspect 143 or 144, wherein the locking system (500, 500) comprises a groove (501) or a projection (502). Aspect 145a: Changeable heel according to aspects 143 to 145, wherein the locking system comprises the features according to any one of aspects 95 to 96ad, wherein said features are preferably provided on the heel. Aspect 146: Shoe with a sole component (3) according to aspects 1 to 96 and/or a changeable heel according to aspects 97 to 145. Aspect 147: Kit consisting of a sole component according to aspects 1 to 96 and/or a changeable heel according to aspects 97 to 145. Aspect 148: Set with at least two changeable heels of different heights according to aspects 97 to 145. Aspect 149: Locking system for locking a changeable heel to a sole component, wherein the locking system may comprise the features according to any one of the claims 95 to 96ad (on the heel or on the sole component). Aspect 150: Donning aid for a changeable heel, wherein the donning aid may comprise the features according to any one of the claims 96ae to 96ar (on a heel or on a sole component).