Multiple layer upper for a shoe

Abstract

The present invention relates to an upper for a shoe, including an inner layer; an outer layer overlapping the inner layer at least partially; wherein the outer layer includes a plurality of cuts; wherein the inner layer includes a plurality of protrusions; wherein each cut at least partially overlaps at least one protrusion; wherein each protrusion causes an extension in width of its corresponding cut when the shoe is worn.

Claims

1. An upper for a shoe, the upper comprising: an inner layer; an outer layer overlapping the inner layer at least partially; wherein the outer layer comprises a plurality of cuts; wherein the inner layer comprises a plurality of protrusions and a continuous layer connecting the plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions is located on an opposite side of the continuous layer from the outer layer; wherein each cut overlaps at least partially at least one protrusion such that each protrusion has at least one corresponding overlapping cut among the plurality of cuts; wherein each protrusion among the plurality of protrusions is configured to cause an extension in width of its at least one corresponding overlapping cut when the shoe is worn.

2. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer or the inner layer comprises rubber.

3. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises a foam material.

4. The upper according to claim 1, wherein a material of the outer layer comprises a greater hardness in comparison to the inner layer.

5. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the outer layer and the inner layer comprise different thicknesses.

6. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the upper further comprises a textile layer that comprises a plurality of cuts coinciding with the plurality of cuts of the outer layer.

7. The upper according to claim 1, wherein an exterior texture of the outer layer comprises a plurality of protrusions.

8. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the inner layer are facing inwards, such that they point into a foot receiving cavity defined within the upper.

9. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the protrusions of the inner layer comprise a hemispherical shape, an elongated shape, or a rib shape.

10. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer comprises at least two unconnected portions, wherein each portion comprises at least one protrusion.

11. The upper according to claim 1, wherein the upper comprises a textile layer arranged on an outer surface of the outer layer.

12. A method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe of claim 1, the method comprising the steps: providing the inner layer; providing the outer layer, such that the outer layer overlaps the inner layer at least partially; providing the plurality of cuts in the outer layer; and providing the plurality of protrusions on the inner layer, such that each cut overlaps at least partially at least one protrusion such that each protrusion has a corresponding overlapping cut among the plurality of cuts and such that each protrusion is configured to cause the extension of width of its corresponding overlapping cut when the shoe is worn.

13. The method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe according to claim 12, further comprising the steps: providing a compression mold with two cavities and three plates; placing the outer layer in a first cavity between a first plate and a second plate; and placing the inner layer in a second cavity between the second plate and a third plate.

14. The method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe according to claim 12, further comprising the steps: providing a compression mold with three cavities and four plates; placing the outer layer in a first cavity between a first plate and a second plate; placing the textile layer in a second cavity between the second plate and a third plate; and placing the inner layer in a third cavity between the third plate and a fourth plate.

15. The method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe according claim 12, further comprising the steps: placing the inner layer and the outer layer in a mold at a first temperature and subsequently placing the inner layer and the outer layer in a mold at a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is higher than the second temperature.

16. The method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe according to claim 12, further comprising the step: arranging a lining underneath the inner layer.

17. The method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe according to claim 12, further comprising the step: arranging a textile layer on an outer surface of the outer layer.

18. The method of manufacturing the upper for a shoe according to claim 12, further comprising the step: arranging the inner layer only on the medial side of the upper.

19. An upper for a shoe, the upper comprising: an inner layer comprising a plurality of protrusions; an outer layer positioned outward of the inner layer, overlapping the inner layer at least partially, movable relative to the protrusions, and comprising a plurality of cuts, wherein each cut at least partially overlaps a protrusion among the plurality of protrusions such that each protrusion has a corresponding overlapping cut among the plurality of cuts; and wherein each protrusion among the plurality of protrusions is configured to cause an extension in width of its corresponding overlapping cut when the shoe is worn, and wherein the inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer such that each protrusion among the plurality of protrusions has a variable inward depth relative to its corresponding overlapping cut.

20. The upper of claim 19, wherein the inner layer is movable with respect to the outer layer between a first position in which the protrusions are covered by the outer layer and a second position in which each protrusion protrudes at least partially outward through its corresponding overlapping cut.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. These figures show:

(2) FIG. 1: An example of a preferred embodiment showing a shoe according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2A: Another example of a preferred embodiment showing three layers of a shoe upper according to the invention with an outer layer, a textile layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer is shown on top;

(4) FIG. 2B: The example of FIG. 2A, wherein the outer layer is shown on top and no pressure forces the inner layer to move outwards;

(5) FIG. 2C: The example of FIG. 2B, wherein a pressure forces the inner layer to move outwards;

(6) FIG. 3: Another example of an embodiment showing three layers of the shoe upper according to the invention with an outer layer, a textile layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer features a plurality of protrusions;

(7) FIG. 4: The opposite side of the shoe upper of FIG. 3 according to the invention, wherein the outer layer features a texture;

(8) FIG. 5: Another example of an outer layer of a shoe upper according to the invention, wherein the outer layer features a texture and is covered at least partially with an additionally layer;

(9) FIG. 6A: An example of a preferred embodiment of a shoe according to the invention showing a side view of the shoe;

(10) FIG. 6B: The example of FIG. 6A showing a front view of the shoe;

(11) FIG. 7A: A graphical illustration of a manufacturing process of an upper according to the invention with an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer features protrusions;

(12) FIG. 7B: A graphical illustration of another embodiment of a manufacturing process of an upper according to the invention showing an outer layer, a textile layer and an inner layer, wherein the textile layer is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer and the inner layer features protrusions;

(13) FIG. 7C: A graphical illustration of another embodiment of a manufacturing process of an upper according to the invention showing an outer layer, a textile layer and an inner layer, wherein the textile layer is positioned on the backsides of the inner layer and of the outer layer;

(14) FIG. 7D: A graphical illustration of another embodiment of a manufacturing process of an upper according to the invention showing an outer layer, a textile layer and an inner layer, wherein the textile layer is positioned only on the backside of the outer layer;

(15) FIG. 8A: A graphical illustration of two manufacturing processes of an upper (“element”) according to the present invention.

(16) FIG. 8B: A graphical illustration of a manufacturing process of an upper (“upper”) according to the present invention;

(17) FIG. 9A: An example of another aspect of the present invention showing a shoe upper with a lining and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer features a plurality of protrusions; and

(18) FIG. 9B: The example of FIG. 9A showing a shoe upper with an outer layer covering the inner layer, wherein the outer layer includes a plurality of cuts, which are not coinciding with the protrusions of the inner layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(19) Possible embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following detailed description primarily with reference to a shoe. It is emphasized, that the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

(20) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an upper 14 of a shoe 10 according to the present invention. The upper 14 includes an inner layer 12 and an outer layer 11 made essentially of rubber. In another embodiment the inner layer can may be made at least partially of foam materials such as EVA, TPU or particles foams (e.g. ePEBA, eTPEE or eTPU). The upper 14 is connected to a shoe sole. The outer layer 11 includes a plurality of cuts 13 and is overlapping the inner layer 12 at least partially. In some embodiments at least one additional textile layer can be arranged on top of the outer layer, between the inner and outer layer and/or underneath the inner layer.

(21) The inner layer 12 may include a plurality of protrusions including shapes that can be described as hemispheres. In other embodiments the protrusion may include a spike-like shape, a rectangular shape, or a rib shape. Generally, the protrusion may have any arbitrary shape. The protrusions point inwardly, such that they face a wearer's foot when the shoe 10 is worn. In different embodiments the protrusions may be arranged in a different pattern, have different shapes or point in the opposite direction, e.g., such that their flat sides point inwardly. In the preferred embodiment the inner layer includes plurality of non-connected protrusions. In other embodiments the inner layer may include a continuous layer, wherein the at least two protrusions are connected to the continuous layer. In another embodiment the protrusions can may be connected to each other such that they form a perforated layer.

(22) The protrusions of the inner layer 12 extend into the cavity formed inside the upper such that the wearer can feel these protrusions as they exert a pressure onto the foot of the wearer, when the shoe 10 is worn. The wearer is pushing with the foot against the inwardly facing protrusions, causing the inner layer 12 to move outwards and partially through the cuts 13 of the outer layer 11 as shown in FIG. 1. During this process the inner layer 12 forces the cuts 13 of the outer layer 11 to extend. Therefore, when the shoe is worn, each protrusion causes an extension of width 16 of its corresponding cut.

(23) The cuts 13 in the outer layer 11 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 have a star-shaped pattern. Different shapes of the cuts are possible, for example a straight line, cross-shaped, V-shaped, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, additional cuts on the flat side of the protrusions of the inner layer 12 coincide with the cuts 13 of the outer layer 11. These cuts do not penetrate the inner layer 12 completely. In other embodiments, the protrusions may not have such additional cuts.

(24) The outer layer 11 of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a texture which features a plurality of protrusions 15. These protrusions have a shape of a triangular pyramid and are arranged in different configurations. The height of the protrusions generally varies, such that the highest protrusions are located in the midfoot area.

(25) The principle of the present invention is demonstrated in the embodiment, which is shown in the FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, wherein FIGS. 2B and 2C show the outer side and FIG. 2A shows the inner side of a shoe upper 20 according to the invention. In the final upper, the inner side will face a foot of a wearer, whereas the outer side will make contact with a ball.

(26) The upper 20 shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C includes an outer layer 21 and an inner layer 22 made of rubber. These layers are attached to each other. The outer layer 21 features a texture of channels and recesses that resembles an organic arrangement. As shown in FIG. 2B and (more pronounced) in FIG. 2C, some of the channels or recesses include cuts such that the inner layer 22 is visible through the cuts under certain conditions that will be described below.

(27) The inner layer 22 is characterized by a plurality of protrusions 24, which are shown in FIG. 2A. The protrusions point inwards in the direction of a wearer's foot. The protrusions have the shape of elongated small rods. Most of the protrusions 24 are arranged adjacent to each other, such that small channels are formed between adjacent protrusions 24. The protrusions 24 are located in such a way, that a protrusion of the inner layer 22 coincides with a channel or recess of the outer layer 21.

(28) This configuration leads to the effect, that when no force is acting on the protrusions of the inner layer 21, the inner layer is generally not visible through the outer layer (see FIG. 2B). When exerting a force on the protrusions of the inner layer 21 from the inside of the upper 20, the inner layer 21 becomes visible between the protrusions of the outer layer 22 (see FIG. 2C). Due to the pressure on the inwardly pointing protrusions, in direction to the outer side of the upper, the inner protrusions are forced outwards such that the cuts in outer layer extend in width 16. Due to the extending cuts the inner layer 21 becomes visible and changes the texture of the outer side of the upper 20.

(29) FIG. 3 shows another example of an embodiment of a shoe upper according to the present invention. The upper 30 includes three layers: an inner layer 31, an outer layer (visible in FIG. 4) and a textile layer 32 arranged between the inner layer 31 and the outer layer. The inner layer 31 includes a plurality of protrusions, which are not connected to each other. The protrusions have a hemispherical shape and are arranged such they will point into the cavity of the final upper facing the foot of a wearer.

(30) FIG. 4 shows the other side of the embodiment of FIG. 3, which includes an outer layer 40 of an upper according to the present invention, wherein a surface of the outer layer 40 includes a texture 41. This texture is characterized by a plurality of protrusions in different dimensions, which causes an increase of friction. The protrusions form a pattern on an exterior surface of the outer layer 40 such that the control of the foot-to-ball interaction can be increased, for example, giving a ball a spin during kicking.

(31) FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of an outer layer 50 of an upper according to the present invention, wherein a surface of the outer layer includes a textile layer 51 on top of a textured surface 52. The outer layer includes a plurality of cuts 53 and the textile layer 51 includes a plurality of cuts 53 too, which coincide with the cuts 53 of the outer layer. The textile layer 51 covers the exterior surface of the upper at least partially. The covered regions are subject to a higher tension in comparison to the uncovered regions.

(32) FIGS. 6A and 6B show an embodiment of a shoe 60 according to the present invention. The shoe 60 includes an upper 63 which is connected to shoe sole. The upper 63 includes an inner layer (not visible in FIGS. 6A and 6B) and an outer layer 61 made of rubber. In an alternative embodiment, the inner layer may be made of foam. The outer layer 61 includes cuts 62 at positions where the inner layer includes protrusions (see FIG. 6B). The cuts 61 and their associated protrusions are mainly arranged on a medial side of the upper 63.

(33) In the embodiments of the FIGS. 1-6B the outer layer includes a greater hardness compared to the inner layer. In other embodiments the outer layer may include less hardness in comparison to the inner layer. Due to this, the inner layer may have a high energy return, which can create a trampoline effect, wherein the coefficient of restitution between the boot and the ball may increase.

(34) FIG. 7A shows an illustration of a manufacturing process of an upper according to the present invention. To this end, a 3-plate mold construction (not shown in FIG. 7A) is used in one embodiment. An outer layer 71 of the upper is placed in a first cavity formed between a first plate and a second plate of the mold construction. An inner layer 72 of the upper is placed in a second cavity between the second plate and a third plate of the mold construction. The mold compression process (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7A) joins the layers 71 and 72. Moreover protrusions are formed in the inner layer 72 by the mold process. One of the mold plates acts as a cutter which creates the intended cuts at least in the outer layer 72 of the upper. In some embodiments, the cutter also creates cuts in at least some of the protrusions of the inner layer 71 as described herein. The molding process may be a two-stage process, i.e. a hot and a cold press.

(35) FIG. 7B shows an illustration of an alternative manufacturing process of an upper of shoe according to the present invention. In this case a mold construction (not shown in FIG. 7B) with three cavities and four plates is used, wherein an outer layer 71 of the upper is placed in the first cavity between the first and the second plate, a textile layer 73 is placed in the second cavity between the second and the third plate and an inner layer 72 is placed in the third cavity between the third and the fourth plate. The mold compression process (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7A) joins the layers 71, 72 and 73 such that the textile layer 73 is arranged between the outer layer 71 and the inner layer 72 and the inner layer 72 forms at least one protrusion.

(36) FIG. 7C shows an illustration of an alternative manufacturing process of an upper 74 of a shoe according to the present invention. Here, a 3-plate mold construction is used like in FIG. 7A, wherein an outer layer 71 and an inner layer 72 are directly mounted together. A textile layer 73 is bonded on a backside of the outer layer 71 as well as on a curved side of the protrusion 72 and forms a continuous surface.

(37) FIG. 7D shows an illustration of an alternative manufacturing process of an upper 75 of a shoe according to the present invention. Similar to FIG. 7C a 3-plate mold construction is used and the outer layer 71 and the inner layer 72 are directly attached to each other. A textile layer 73 includes holes such that this perforated layer 71 covers only the backside of the outer layer 71.

(38) By varying the temperature, pressure as well as the time during the molding compression process one can achieve different mechanical properties like tension strength and/or binding strength of the respective layer of the shoe upper. The inner and the outer layer could also be combined at different stages and not in a single step as mentioned before. Likewise, the curing process can be achieved in one step or in a plurality of separate steps. In case of a process with a single step, one mold plate may act like a cutter as described with respect to FIG. 7A.

(39) FIGS. 8A and 8B show an illustration of an exemplary manufacturing process according to the embodiments in the FIGS. 1-6B of the present invention. The manufacturing process generally includes a first group of manufacturing steps which are illustrated in FIG. 8A and a second group of manufacturing steps which are illustrated in FIG. 8B.

(40) In FIG. 8A the manufacturing and joining of the inner layer and outer layer according to the embodiments in the FIGS. 1-6B of the present invention is illustrated. In a first step 81, an outer layer (denoted as “top element” in FIG. 8A) and an inner layer (denoted as “reveal element” in FIG. 8B) are provided. The outer layer includes rubber with a thickness of 1-1.5 mm and a hardness of 50-70 Shore A. The inner layer includes rubber with a weight of 0.5-0.6 g and a volume of 0.5072 cm.sup.3 as well as a hardness of 20-50 Shore A. In other embodiments different materials can be used with different thicknesses as well as hardnesses (between 30-50 Shore A), whereby the outer layer should be less soft than the inner layer.

(41) In method step 82, the outer layer and the inner layer are pressed separately in a hot press for 20 seconds. The hot press process is defined by a pressure force of 160 kg/cm.sup.2 at a temperature of 180° C. In step 83, both layers are cooled down for 70 seconds with no excess pressure at a temperature of 10-15° C.

(42) After cleaning the layers in step 84, the outer layer and the inner layer are joined by a hot press step 85 with a duration of 180 seconds at a pressure of 160 kg/cm.sup.2 and a temperature of 180° C. Subsequently, the joined layers are cooled down in step 86 for 40 seconds with no excess pressure at a temperature of 10-15° C. Finally, the compressed layers are cleaned in step 87 (the resulting element 88 is denoted “element” in FIG. 9A).

(43) In a second alternative method 80B the hot press 82 can be done for 180 seconds and the cold press 83 for 40 seconds.

(44) Further, in the alternative method 80B, in step 84, the outer and the inner layer is cleaned, a primer is applied and both layers are baked separately at 50-55° C. for 180 seconds. A joining of the two layers occurs during a hot press step 85 for 25 seconds at a pressure of 20 kg/cm.sup.2 and a temperature of 150° C. Furthermore, a cold press step 86 can be applied with a pressure of 20 kg/cm.sup.2 and a duration of 20 seconds at a temperature of 10-15° C. The joined layers are cleaned in step 87 in the alternative method 80B.

(45) In some embodiments an additional textile layer between the outer layer and the inner lay as well as alternatively or additionally a textile layer on top of the outer layer can be provided in the group of process steps illustrated in FIG. 9A by adapting the process accordingly.

(46) FIG. 8B illustrates the process of joining the element 88 obtained by the group of steps of FIG. 8A (the “element”) to an upper element to obtain an upper according to the invention. In step 89a, the element 88 obtained by the group of steps of FIG. 8A is provided. In step 88b, an upper element is provided, which refers to a base textile. In step 810, the element 88a is cleaned. Primers are applied to both the element 88 and the upper element in steps 811a and 811b, respectively. The primers may be applied by a screen-printing process. In step 812, the element 88 is subject to a heat treatment in a heat chamber for 180 seconds at 50-55° C. In steps 813a and 813b, respectively, cement is applied to both the element 88 and the upper element.

(47) In step 814, the element 88 is subject to laser cleaning. Exemplary process parameters of this step include a mark speed of 700.000 mm/s, a jump speed of 2.000.000 mm/s, a frequency of 7 MHz and an energy of 60% of the maximum energy of the laser of 180 W. In step 815, which may be performed simultaneously with step 814, the upper element is conditioned for three hours.

(48) In step 816, the conditioned upper element and the laser cleaned element 88 are compressed and joined in hot press at a pressure of 20 kg/cm.sup.2 and a temperature of 150° for 25 seconds. This step is followed by a cold press step 917 with the same pressure, but a temperature of 10-15° C. for 20 seconds. In some embodiments, steps 816 and 817 of the manufacturing process can be combined into a single step.

(49) FIGS. 9A and 9B show an embodiment of another aspect of the present invention, namely an upper 90 with a movable inner layer. The upper 90 includes an inner layer 93, a textile layer 91 and an outer layer 94. As shown in FIG. 9A, the inner layer 93 includes a plurality of protrusions 92 having the shape of a pyramid. The inner layer 93 is made off non-stretch rubber (TPU) and is arranged on a textile layer 81 that acts like a lining in the final shoe. The inner layer 93 is connected to the textile layer 91 by a stretch element 94 made which is made of a textile in the preferred embodiment. In generally, other elastic materials like e.g. rubber, spandex could be used as well. With assistance of the stretch element 94, which is located in the toe area of the shoe upper 90, the non-stretchable inner layer 93 can partially float between a textile layer and an outer layer 94. The outer layer 94, which is shown in FIG. 8B, includes a plurality of cuts, which—in a first position—do not coincide with the protrusions 92 of the inner layer 93. A lug 95, located at the heel area, is formed by the inner layer 93. The lug 95 is automatically pushed when a wearer steps in the shoe, because then the heel of the foot interacts with the lug 95. When the lug 95 is pushed by the heel of the foot, the inner layer 93 moves relative to the outer layer 94, such that the protrusions 92 protrude outwards through the cuts of the outer layer 94, when the shoe is worn.

(50) In the following, embodiments of the additional aspect of the invention relating to an upper with a movable inner layer are described. 1. Upper for a shoe comprising: an inner layer; an outer layer overlapping the inner layer at least partially; wherein the outer layer comprises a plurality of cuts; wherein the inner layer comprises a plurality of protrusions; wherein each cut is associated with at least one protrusion; wherein the inner layer is movable with respect to the outer layer between a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the protrusions are covered by the outer layer and wherein in the second position, each protrusion protrudes through its associated cut at least partially. 2. Upper according to embodiment 1, wherein the upper further comprises a stretchable piece that connects the inner layer to the outer layer and/or an optional lining. 3. Upper according to embodiment 2, wherein the stretchable piece is located in the forefoot region of the upper. 4. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the inner layer comprises a non-stretchable material. 5. Upper according to embodiment 4, wherein the inner layer comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). 6. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the inner layer forms a lug at the heel region. 7. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the stretchable piece and/or the inner layer and/or the outer layer comprises rubber or a textile. 8. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the first position of the movable inner layer is an initial position. 9. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the second position of the movable inner is reached when the shoe is worn. 10. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the outer layer comprises a textile layer coated on both sides. 11. Upper according to embodiment 10, wherein the cuts in the coatings of the outer layer are smaller than the cuts in the textile layer. 12. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the material of the outer layer and the inner layer comprises different hardnesses. 13. Upper according to embodiment 12, wherein the material of the outer layer comprises a greater hardness in comparison to the inner layer. 14. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the upper comprises a lining arranged underneath the inner layer. 15. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-14, wherein an outer side of the outer layer comprises a texture. 16. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the protrusions of the inner layer point outwards, such that they protrude through the cuts of the outer layer, when the inner layer is in the second position. 17. Upper according to one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the upper comprises a textile layer arranged on an outer surface of the outer layer. 18. Upper according to embodiment 17, wherein the protrusions of the inner layer are only arranged on the medial and/or lateral side of the upper. 19. A shoe comprising: an upper according to one of embodiments 1-18; and a sole attached to the upper. 20. A method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe, comprising the steps: providing an inner layer; providing an outer layer, such that the outer layer overlaps the inner layer at least partially; providing a plurality of cuts in the outer layer; providing a plurality of protrusions on the inner layer, such that each cut is associated with at least one protrusion; and providing a movable inner layer with respect to the outer layer between a first position and a second position such that in the first position the protrusions are covered by the outer layer and in the second position, each protrusion protrudes through its associated cut at least partially. 21. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to embodiment 20, further comprising the steps: providing a compression mold with at least two plates. 22. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according embodiments 21, further comprising the steps: providing that at least one of the mold plates acts as a cutter. 23. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-22, wherein the material of outer layer and the inner layer comprises different hardnesses. 24. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to embodiment 23, wherein the material of the outer layer comprises a greater hardness in comparison to the inner layer. 25. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-24, further comprising the step: providing a stretchable piece which connects the inner layer to the outer layer and/or an optional lining. 26. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-25, further comprising the step: placing the stretchable piece in the forefoot region of the upper. 27. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-26, wherein the inner layer comprises a non-stretchable material. 28. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-27, wherein the inner layer comprises TPU or a textile. 29. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-28, wherein the stretchable piece and/or the inner layer and/or the outer layer comprise rubber. 30. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-29, further comprising the step: forming the inner layer in the heel region as a lug. 31. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-30, further comprising the step: forming the outer layer as a textile layer and coating the textile layer on both sides. 32. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to embodiments 31, further comprising the step: forming the cuts in the coatings of the outer layer smaller than the cuts in the textile layer. 33. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-31, further comprising the step: arranging a lining underneath the inner layer. 34. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-33, further comprising the step: providing the outer side of the outer layer with a texture. 35. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-34, further comprising the step: arranging the protrusions of the inner layer such that the protrusions face outwards and protrude through the cuts of the outer layer when the inner layer is in the second position. 36. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to one of embodiments 21-35, further comprising the step: arranging a textile layer on an outer surface of the outer layer. 37. Method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe according to embodiments 36, further comprising the step: arranging the protrusions only on the medial side of the upper.

(51) In any various embodiments, an upper comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the material of the outer layer and the inner layer comprises different hardnesses.

(52) In any various embodiments, wherein the upper further comprises a lining arranged underneath the inner layer.

(53) In any various embodiments, wherein the upper further comprises a textile layer arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer.

(54) In any various embodiments, wherein the inner layer is only arranged on the medial or lateral side of the upper.

(55) In any various embodiments, a shoe comprising an upper according to one of claims 1; and a sole attached to the upper.

(56) In any various embodiments, a method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe, wherein the first temperature is a range of 150-180° C. and the second temperature is in a range of 10-15° C.

(57) In any various embodiments, wherein the inner layer comprises a foam material.

(58) In any various embodiments, wherein the material of the outer layer and the inner layer comprises different hardnesses.

(59) In any various embodiments, wherein the material of the outer layer comprises a greater hardness in comparison to the inner layer.

(60) In any various embodiments, the method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe, further comprising the step: arranging a textile layer between the outer layer and the inner layer.

(61) In any various embodiments, the method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe, further comprising the step: providing a plurality of cuts coinciding with the cuts of the outer layer of the textile layer.

(62) In any various embodiments, the method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe, further comprising the step: providing an exterior texture of the outer layer with a plurality of protrusions.

(63) In any various embodiments, the method of manufacturing an upper for a shoe, further comprising the step: placing the protrusions of the inner layer facing inwards such they point in the direction of a foot of a wearer of the shoe.

(64) In any various embodiments, wherein the protrusions of the inner layer comprise a hemispherical shape, an elongated shape, or a rib shape.

(65) In any various embodiments, wherein the inner layer comprises at least two unconnected portions, wherein each portion comprises at least one protrusion.