SOLE ELEMENTS AND SHOES

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sole element, such as an insole, for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, as well as to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe. A sole element for a shoe comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion comprises a deformable material, which is adapted to generate heat by being deformed. The sole element moreover comprises a transport element adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion to the first portion.

Claims

1. A sole element for a shoe, comprising: a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion comprises a deformable material which is adapted to generate heat by being deformed; and a transport element adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion to the first portion.

2. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein a resilience of the deformable material is below 80 percent.

3. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises a resilient material having a resilience that is higher than a resilience of the deformable material, and/or having a resilience that is at least 20 percent.

4. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein the deformable material comprises a foam material.

5. The sole element according to claim 4, wherein the foam material comprises a (poly-) urethane foam material.

6. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein the sole element is provided as an insole.

7. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein the transport element comprises a heat conductivity of at least 150 mW/(K.Math.m).

8. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein the sole element comprises a first insulating element extending at least partially below the second portion and/or at least partially below the transport element.

9. The sole element according to claim 1, wherein the sole element comprises a second insulating element extending at least partially above the transport element and/or at least partially above the second portion.

10. The sole element according to claim 9, wherein the transport element comprises a forefoot portion above which no insulating element is arranged.

11. A shoe comprising the sole element according to claim 1.

12. A shoe, comprising: a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is arranged at a sole of the shoe and comprises a deformable material which is adapted to generate heat by being deformed; and a transport element adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion to the first portion.

13. The shoe according to claim 11, wherein the transport element is at least partly arranged in an upper of the shoe.

14. The shoe according to claim 11, wherein the shoe comprises an insulating layer, at least partly arranged in an outsole and/or a midsole of the shoe.

15. The shoe according to claim 14, wherein the insulating layer is at least partially arranged in at least one recess of the outsole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0066] Possible embodiments of the present invention will be further described in the following detailed description with reference to the following Figures:

[0067] FIG. 1A shows a top view of a sole element according to some embodiments;

[0068] FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of individual components of a sole element according to some embodiments;

[0069] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of individual components of a sole element according to some embodiments;

[0070] FIG. 2B shows various views of a sole element according to some embodiments; and

[0071] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a sole element according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] It is noted that in the following, only some possible embodiments of the present invention can be described in detail. The person skilled in the art readily recognizes that the specific details described with reference to these embodiments may be altered, developed further, combined in a different manner and that certain aspects of the specific embodiments described in the following may also be omitted. Moreover, it is noted that the aspects described in the subsequent detailed description may be combined with aspects described in the above summary section.

[0073] Various aspects in the detailed description are described with reference to sole elements that may be provided as insoles. It is noted however that various parts and elements of the described sole elements may be altered in shape and/or size and/or may be omitted such that sole elements, which do not form an insole may be provided. On the other hand, further parts and elements may be added to or exchanged in the described sole elements such that these form a midsole and/or an outsole. In addition, an upper may be added to the described sole elements such that these may form an entire shoe, in particular sports shoe.

[0074] FIG. 1A shows a first example for a sole element 100 according to the present invention. The sole element 100 may be provided as an insole.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 1A, the sole element 100 comprises several areas adapted to be arranged at least partly underneath corresponding areas of a foot of a wearer. In the example of FIG. 1A, the sole element 100 specifically comprises a rearfoot area, which comprises a heel area. Moreover, sole element 100 comprises a midfoot area. Sole element 100 further comprises a forefoot area, which comprises a toe area.

[0076] In other examples, sole element 100 may more generally comprise one or more areas adapted to be arranged at least partly underneath corresponding areas of a foot of a wearer. For example, a sole element 100 may generally comprise a rearfoot area, which may comprise a heel area. Sole element 100 may comprise a midfoot area. Sole element 100 may alternatively or additionally comprise a forefoot area, which may comprise a toe area. The forefoot and midfoot areas may form a front area.

[0077] A sole element 100 may generally comprise one or more first portions 110. In the example of FIG. 1A, the sole element 100 comprises a single first portion 110.

[0078] The first portion 110 of sole element 100 extends in a forefoot area of sole element 100 including a toe area of sole element 100. In other examples, the first portion 110 may at least partially extend in a front area of sole element 100. The first portion 110 may extend at least partially in a midfoot area and/or a forefoot area of the sole element 100 and/or a toe area of the sole element 100. The first portion 110 may also extend at least partially in a rearfoot area of the sole element 100. The first portion 110 may be adapted to extend essentially throughout one or more of said areas of the sole element 100.

[0079] In examples in which a plurality of first portions 110 are provided, one or more different first portions 110 may e.g., extend at least partially in one or more different areas of the sole element 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more different first portions 110 may also extend at least partially in one or more same areas of the sole element 100, e.g., at different heights.

[0080] A portion may generally be understood as a region of space. It may also be understood as comprising one or more elements of the sole element located in that region of space, e.g., in a forefoot area and/or a midfoot area of a sole element. As will be explained below, the first portion 110 of the sole element may comprise, at least in part, a lining element 190, a transport element 130 or one or more heat release portions 132 of the transport element 130, and, e.g., an insulating element 160, possibly having a covering element 150, e.g., as far as these are arranged in a forefoot area and/or a midfoot area of the sole element.

[0081] Sole element 100 may also comprise one or more second portions 120. In the example of FIG. 1A, the sole element comprises a single second portion 120. The single second portion 120 extends in a rearfoot area of the sole element 100 including a heel area of the sole element 100.

[0082] In other examples, the second portion 120 may at least partially extend in a rearfoot area of the sole element 100. The second portion 120 may also extend at least partially in a midfoot area and/or a rearfoot area of the sole element 100 and/or a heel area of the sole element 100. The second portion 120 may also extend at least partially in a forefoot area of the sole element 100. The second portion 120 may be adapted to extend essentially throughout one or more of said areas of the sole element 100.

[0083] In examples in which a plurality of second portions 120 are provided, one or more different second portions 120 may, e.g., extend at least partially in one or more different areas of the sole element 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more different second portions 120 may also extend at least partially in one or more same areas of the sole element 100, e.g., at different heights.

[0084] A second portion 120 may comprise a deformable material, which is adapted to generate heat by being repeatedly deformed. In the example of FIG. 1A, the second portion 120 of the sole element 100 comprises heating element 121 in which the deformable material is arranged at least partly. In the example of FIG. 1A, the heating element 121 extends in a rearfoot area including a heel area of the sole element 100. The heating element 121 also extends partially in a midfoot area of the sole element 100. The heating element 121 may essentially consist of the deformable material such that the terms heating element and deformable material may be used interchangeably. It is also possible that the deformable material is arranged only in one or more selected areas of the second portion 120. For example, it may be located in a heel area of the second portion 120, e.g. in an area arranged to be located underneath the calcaneus of the foot of a wearer. The deformable material may be arranged in one or more areas of the second portion 120 such that it extends through the entire second portion 120 from top to bottom in these areas. Alternatively or additionally, the deformable material may be arranged in one or more areas of the second portion 120 such that it does not extend throughout the entire thickness of the second portion 120 in these areas.

[0085] In other examples, the heating element 121 can be arranged differently. The heating element 121 can be adapted to the specific geometry and/or location of the corresponding second portion 120. In some examples, two or more heating elements may be provided.

[0086] In other examples, the deformable material may be arranged differently within a sole element. For example, no separate heating elements 121 may be geometrically discernible. For example, the deformable material may be integrated into other elements of the second portion 120 of a sole element 100. All aspects set forth herein with respect to one or more heating elements are therefore applicable to one or more second portions 120 in general.

[0087] The deformable material of the second portion 120 of the sole element 110 may be arranged such that it is deformed whenever a wearer of the sole element 110 takes a step: For every step, the corresponding impact forces deform the deformable material of the second portion 120 of the sole element. For example, when the foot of the wearer touches the ground, the deformable material is compressed. During each deformation, a part of the impact energy is dissipated into heat by the deformable material. Hence, heat is generated, at every step, by the deformable material being repeatedly deformed.

[0088] The deformable material may generally comprise a low resilience. Specifically, the deformable material may for example be provided with properties as explained in the section summary of the invention. The deformable material may comprise a viscous material.

[0089] Sole element 100 may generally comprise one or more transport elements 130 adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion 120 to the first portion 110. In the example of FIG. 1A, a single transport element 130 is provided. The single transport element 130 extends from the second portion 120 to the first portion 110. In other examples, two or more transport elements 130 may be provided.

[0090] A transport element 130 may generally comprise one or more heat release portions 132 adapted to release heat to one or more first portions 110 of the sole element 100, e.g., via direct contact. A transport element 130 may moreover comprise one or more heat absorption portions 131 adapted to absorb, e.g., via direct contact, heat from one or more second portions 120 of sole element 100, e.g., with the deformable material of one or more second portions 120 of the sole element 100.

[0091] Transport element 130 may generally be provided with materials and properties as explained in the section summary of the invention.

[0092] In the example of FIG. 1A, the transport element 130 comprises a heat absorption portion 131 that is adapted to provide heat contact with the second portion 120 of sole element 100, and in particular with the heating element 121, e.g., the deformable material of the heating element 121. The heat absorption portion 131 of the transport element 130 extends in the rearfoot area including the heel area of the sole element 100. Moreover, the heat absorption portion 131 of transport element 130 extends partially in the midfoot area of the sole element 100. Generally, the heat absorption portion 131 of the transport element 130 may be adapted to be located above or below but e.g., in contact with the second portion 120 of the sole element 100 and/or the deformable material of the second portion 120 and/or the heating element 121 of the second portion 120. A surface of a heat absorption portion 131 of the transport element 130 may generally be adapted such that heat transfer between the second portion 120 of the sole element 100 and the heat absorption portion 131 is maximized. For example, the surface of a heat absorption portion 131 may at least partly be adapted to directly contact the second portion 120 and/or a heating element 121 of the second portion 120 and/or the deformable material of the second portion 120. In the example of FIG. 1A, the heat absorption portion 131 of the transport element 130 is in one piece without holes.

[0093] In the example of FIG. 1A, the transport element 130, comprises two heat release portions 132, namely a lateral heat release portion and a medial heat release portion. It is noted that the transport element 130 may be integrally fabricated, for example the heat release portions 132 and the heat absorption portion 131 may be integrally fabricated from the same material. In particular, the heat transport element may be arranged to provide continuous heat transport from the heat absorption portion 131 to the heat release portions 132. As shown in the example of FIG. 1A, the lateral and/or medial heat release portions 132 may originate from a lateral and/or medial side of the midfoot area of the heat absorption portion 131 of the transport element 130. The lateral and/or medial heat release portions 132 may extend along the lateral and/or medial sides of the forefoot area of the sole element 100. The lateral and/or medial heat release portions 132 may terminate in a toe area of the sole element 100. A width of the lateral and/or medial heat release portions may be relatively constant, e.g., throughout the forefoot area of the sole element 100. A width of the lateral and/or medial heat release portions 132 may be increased in a toe area of the sole element 100 compared to a width in the remaining forefoot area of the sole element 100. The increased width of one or more of the heat release portions 132 may help to maximize the amount of heat that can be released in the first portion 110 of the sole element 100, in particular in the toe area of the sole element 100. The width of one or more heat release elements 132 may generally be increased in the first portion 110, or in a sub-portion or specific area thereof in which an increased heat release is desired. In some examples, the medial and lateral heat release portions 132 may partly meet or merge, e.g., in a toe area of the sole element 100.

[0094] In other examples, the one or more heat absorption portions and the one or more heat release portions may be provided differently from the examples shown in FIG. 1A. For example, a different number of these portions may be provided and/or they may be arranged differently with respect to each other and/or with respect to the remaining parts of the sole element 100. For example, besides the approximate U-shape as shown in FIG. 1A, heat release portions may be provided to form a T-shape (a first elongate heat release portion is terminated by a second elongate heat release portion arranged approximately perpendicular to the first, e.g., arranged along the toe area), a V-shape (two non-parallel elongate heat release portions emerging from approximately the same area). Also in these examples, a width of one or more of the heat release portions may be increased in specific areas, e.g., in a toe area, e.g., a width of the ends of the T and/or the V may be increased. In other examples, a single heat release portion may be provided, e.g., extending in the forefoot area and/or the toe area of the sole element 100. Additionally or alternatively, two or more heat absorption portions may be provided. For example, two heat absorption portions may be provided, e.g., arranged along a medial side and a lateral side, respectively, of the rearfoot area and/or of the heel area of the sole element 100.

[0095] Properties as explained in the section summary of the invention with respect to an overlap of a transport element and a second portion as well as possible extension of a transport element into a second portion may, more generally, be applied to one or more transport elements 130, one or more heat absorption portions 131 and/or one or more heat release portions 132. The latter transport elements 130 and/or its heat absorption portions 131 and/or its heat release portions may overlap with or extend into one or more second portions 120 and/or one or more first portions 110, respectively, as described.

[0096] The sole element 100 may comprise one or more insulating elements 140. The one or more insulating elements 140 may extend at least partially above and/or below the second portion 120 and/or the transport element 130.

[0097] In the example of FIG. 1A, the sole element 100 comprises a single insulating element 140. The insulating element 140 of FIG. 1A extends partially in a rearfoot area of the sole element 100 and in particular extends in a heel area of the sole element 100. The insulating element 140 may be arranged at least partially above the second portion 120 and/or the transport element 130. Thus, a transfer of the generated heat towards the foot may be prevented above the second portion 120 and/or at least partially above the transport element 130 by the insulating element 140. This may increase the amount of heat that is selectively directed to the first portion 110 by the transport element 130. Alternatively or additionally, the insulating element 140 may be arranged at least partially below the second portion 120 and/or at least partially below the transport element 130. An insulating element 140 arranged to extend at least partially below the second portion 120 and/or the transport element 130 may help to avoid that the heat generated in the second portion 120 is released towards the ground. Again, this increases the amount of heat that is selectively directed to the first portion 110 by the transport element 130. Seen from a different perspective, an insulating element 140 arranged to extend at least partially below the second portion 120 and/or the transport element 130 may help to avoid that cold from the ground enters the sole element 100.

[0098] In other examples, a plurality of insulating elements 140 may be provided. For example, one or more insulating elements 140 may additionally or alternatively be provided such as to extend at least partially below the first portion 110. Such insulating elements may insulate the sole element from the ground also in areas where the first portion 110 is arranged. Additionally or alternatively, one or more insulating elements 140 may be provided that extend at least partially above the first portion 110. Thus, heat may only be released to the foot in selected areas of the first portion 110.

[0099] Generally, one or more insulating elements 140 may be provided as layers, coatings, foils etc. with materials, geometries and further properties as explained in the section summary of the invention.

[0100] The sole element 100 may further comprise one or more lining elements 190. In the example of FIG. 1A, a single lining element 190 is provided. The lining element 190 extends in a front area of the sole element 100. In particular, the lining element 190 extends in a forefoot area including a toe area of the sole element 100. Moreover, the lining element 190 extends at least partially in a midfoot area of the sole element 100. The lining element 190 may be adapted to be arranged above the transport element 130. The lining element 190 may be adapted to be heat-permeable. It may be adapted such that heat generated in the second portion 120 and selectively directed to the first portion 110 by the transport element 130 may be released towards the foot of the wearer in the first portion 110 through the lining element 190. For example, the lining element 190 may be provided with one or more openings and/or holes, and/or the lining element 190 may comprise a lattice structure and/or a web-structure etc. letting the transport element 130 bare in some portions so as to allow a good transmission of heat between said transport element 130in particular the heat release portions 132and the foot of the wearer. Alternatively or in combination, the lining element 190 may have a low thermal conductivity. Generally, the lining element 190 may be adapted to contact a foot of the wearer. The lining element 190 may be adapted to provide a nice feel and/or wearing comfort with materials known in the art.

[0101] In other examples, no lining element 190 may be provided or one or more lining elements 190 may be provided differently. For example, one or more lining elements may be adapted to extend throughout the sole element 100. One or more lining elements 190 may be adapted to be at least partially heat insulating. For example, a lining element or a part of a lining element adapted to be arranged at least partially above a second portion 120 of the sole element 100 and/or at least partially above a transport element 130 may be adapted as an insulating element.

[0102] While the heating element 121, the transport element 130, the insulating element 140 are shown as contiguous elements in the example of FIG. 1A, in other examples, one or more of these elements may be provided having one or more openings and/or holes. Moreover, one or more of these elements may comprise a lattice structure and/or a web-structure etc.

[0103] FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of the sole element 100 as shown in FIG. 1A with its individual exemplary components in an exemplary order from top to bottom of the sole element 100.

[0104] According to the example shown in FIG. 1B, the heating element 121 and the lining element 190 may be arranged above the transport element 130. Therein, the heating element 121 may be at least partially arranged above the lining element 190. Specifically, in a midfoot area, the heating element 121 may be arranged above the lining element 190. In other examples, the heating element may be arranged below the lining element 190 in this area and/or in other areas. Alternatively, the lining element 190 and the heating element 121 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0105] Further, according to the example shown in FIG. 1B, the insulating element 140 is arranged below the transport element 130. In between the transport element 130 and the insulating element 140, possibly a further insulating element 160 and/or a covering element 150 of the insulating element may be provided. In the example of FIG. 1B, the further insulating element 160 and the covering element 150 are arranged to extend throughout the entire sole element 100. In other examples, the insulating element 160 and/or the covering element 150 may only extend in one or more selected areas of the sole element 100. The covering element 150 may be arranged above the insulating element 160, as shown in the example of FIG. 1B.

[0106] The insulating element 160 may comprise a foam material, e.g., a TPU foam, and/or an aerogel, with properties and dimensions as generally explained for first and second insulating elements in the section summary of the invention. The insulating element 160 may be adapted to provide insulation between the ground and those parts of the sole element 100 located above the insulating element 160. This way, cold may be prevented from entering the sole element 100 from the ground. Moreover, heat generated by the deformable material may be prevented from being released by the sole element 100 towards the ground. When the sole element is provided as an insole, such insulating element may impede heat from the foot and created in the insole to leak toward the midsole, thereby limiting the amount of heat leaking toward the ground and the environment around the midsole's sides. Besides providing insulation, the insulating element 160 may be adapted to provide cushioning. A similar insulating element may alternatively or additionally be provided above the transport element 130 and or above the second portion 120, wherein the similar insulating element may, e.g., extend in a rearfoot area and/or a midfoot area, such that heat release towards the foot is prevented in these areas.

[0107] A covering element 150 may optionally be provided above (or, in other examples, below) the insulating element 160. The covering element may be provided as a coating and/or a layer comprising insulating material. It may increase the insulation provided by the insulating element 160. Additionally or alternatively, the covering element 150 may be provided as being water-resistant or water-repellent. Hence, humidity may be prevented from entering the sole element 100 from the ground.

[0108] It is noted that, while the various parts of sole element 100 are depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B as being homogenous, the various parts may comprise further elements and sub-structures that are not depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B for simplicity. For example, individual parts may comprise several layers and/or several areas in which different materials and/or different properties are provided. Moreover, the aspects as explained with reference to the examples in FIGS. 1A and 1B may also be replaced by or combined with further aspects explained herein.

[0109] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of another example for a sole element 200. FIG. 2B shows a bottom view and various side and sectional views of sole element 200. In the example of FIGS. 2A-B, the sole element 200 comprises a heating element 221, a transport element 230, a first insulating element 260, a second insulating element 270, and a lining element 290. Sole element 200 may be adapted to be provided as an insole.

[0110] The heating element 221, the transport element 230, the first insulating element 260, and the lining element 290 of exemplary sole element 200 may generally be provided as explained above with respect to the heating element 121, the transport element 130, the first insulating element 160 and the lining element 190, respectively, of exemplary sole element 100. For example, the first insulating element 160 may comprise a covering element. Moreover, it is noted that sole element 200 may generally comprise one or more of said heating element 221, transport element 230, first insulating element 260, and/or lining element 290.

[0111] Transport element 230 of sole element 200 may generally be provided similarly as transport element 130 of sole element 100, e.g., with similar materials, geometries, and other properties. For example, similarly to transport element 130 of sole element 100, transport element 230 of sole element 200 may be arranged at least partly above or at least partly below the heating element 221 and/or the second portion 220 of the sole element (cf. FIG. 2B for reference sign 220). Additionally, transport element 230 may comprise one or more openings 233, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A. The one or more openings 233 may be arranged in a heat absorption portion 231 of transport element 230 and/or in a rearfoot area of transport element 230. For example, the openings may allow a better attachment of the heat transport element 130 to the first insulating element 260 and the second insulating element 270, e.g., an adhesive may be applied between the surfaces of the first and second insulating elements 260, 270.

[0112] The one or more openings 233 may be arranged symmetrically around a longitudinal axis of sole element 200 and/or of transport element 230. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, two openings 233 may be arranged at a lateral side of the rearfoot area and two further openings 233 may be provided at a medial side of the rearfoot area of the sole element 200. The openings 233 may be elongate and/or they may extend along the lateral and medial sides, respectively. In other examples, only one opening 233 or more than two openings 233 may be provided at the lateral and medial sides, respectively, of the sole element 200. Additionally or alternatively, an opening 233 may for example be provided at a rear side of sole element 200, as shown in FIG. 2A. Such an opening 233 at a rear side may also be elongate and/or be arranged along the rear side. It may be provided as a section of a circle or approximately in a U-shape such that it may extend along an approximately circular rear side of the sole element 200. In other examples, one or more of the described openings may be omitted such that the openings may not be arranged symmetrically.

[0113] The one or more openings 233 may facilitate an improved connection of the respective part of the sole since they may allow a direct connection, e.g., by bonding, between the first insulating element 260 and the one or more second insulating elements 270 through openings 233. Transport element 230, in particular when comprising a metal, may exhibit a relatively weak bonding with the first insulating element 260 and the one or more second insulating elements 270, in particular when the latter elements comprise a polymer. By means of a direct connection between the first insulating element 260 and the one or more second insulating elements 270 through openings 233 in transport element 230, e.g., by gluing and/or heat-pressing, transport element 230 may be secured within the sole more safely.

[0114] At the same time, openings 233 may be optimized to still allow sufficient transfer of the heat generated by the heating element 221 of the second portion 220 to the heat absorption portion 231 of the transport element 230, such that the generated heat can be selectively directed to the first portion 210 of sole element 200 by means of the transport element 230 (cf. FIG. 2B for reference signs 210 and 220).

[0115] The sole element 200 may, as mentioned, also comprise one or more second insulating elements 270. The one or more second insulating elements 270 may generally be provided similarly as the first insulating element 260. However, the one or more second insulating elements 270 may generally be adapted to be at least partially arranged above the transport element 230, i.e., between the transport element 230 and the foot of the wearer.

[0116] Moreover, the one or more second insulating elements 270 may not extend through the entire area of the sole element 200. For example, the one or more second insulating elements 270 may be provided such that no insulating element is arranged above a first portion 210 of the sole element 200. For example, a toe area and/or a forefoot area of the sole element 200 may not have any insulating element arranged above it, e.g., between the toe area and/or the forefoot area of the sole element 200 and the foot of the wearer. Hence, heat release towards the foot may be promoted in such areas where the transport element 230 is not covered by second insulating elements 270 and/or other insulating elements, thereby making these portions of the transport element heat release portions.

[0117] In other examples, however, the one or more second insulating elements 270 may in fact extend essentially through the entire area of the sole element. This may for example be the case if the sole element 200 is intended for a shoe with one or more transport elements arranged in an upper of the shoe. For example in such cases, the one or more second insulating elements 270 may be provided to form an essentially continuous layer, which may however be penetrated by one or more transport elements 230 extending from the second portion 220 of the sole element to a first portion 210 which may, e.g., be located in the upper of the shoe.

[0118] Coming back to FIG. 2A, the second insulating element 270 may generally extend in an area of the second portion 220 of the sole element 200. In the example of FIG. 2A, the second insulating element 270 extends in a rearfoot area including a heel area and it also extends at least partially also in a midfoot area. The part of the second insulating element 270 extending in the rearfoot area may form a rearfoot portion of the insulating element 270. In other examples, the second insulating element 270 may additionally or alternatively extend in one or more other areas.

[0119] The second insulating element 270 may be adapted to be arranged at least partly above the heating element 221, or more generally above the second portion 220 of sole element 200. In other words, the second insulating element 270 may be arranged at least partly between the second portion 220 of sole element 200 and the foot of a wearer. The insulating element 270 may thus provide insulation between the second portion 220 of the sole element 200, including heating element 221, and the foot of the wearer. Hence, the second insulating element 270 may help to avoid that heat generated by the second material of the heating element 221 is released from the second portion 220 towards the foot in the area of the second portion 220. For example, in realizations in which the transport element 230, in particular the heat absorption portion 231 of the transport element 230 is arranged above the heating element 221 of the second portion 220, one or more second insulating elements 270 may for example be arranged at least partially directly above the transport element 230. On the other hand, for example, if the heat absorption portion 231 of the transport element 230 is arranged below the heating element 221, one or more insulating elements 270 may be arranged at least partly directly above the second portion 220 and/or the heating element 221 and/or the deformable material of the second portion 220.

[0120] One or more second insulating elements 270 may, however, also be adapted to be arranged below the heating element 221. Generally, one or more second insulating elements 270 may be arranged above the transport element 230, e.g., at least partly directly above the transport element 230. One or more second insulating elements 270 may be arranged between the transport element 230 and a foot of a wearer.

[0121] Specifically, the second insulating element 270 may also be arranged between the transport element 230 and the heating element 221. This may help to maximize the deformation in the second portion 220, e.g., of the heating element 221, at each step. The second insulating element 270 may comprise one or more openings and/or holes 273. The one or more openings and/or holes 273 may be adapted to be arranged in an area of the sole element 200, where the deformable material, e.g., the deformable material of the heating element 221, is provided. The one or more openings and/or holes 273 may be adapted to be elongate. The one or more openings and/or holes 273 may be provided to ensure that the heat generated by the deformable material of the heating element 221 can be transferred to the heat absorption portion 231 of the transfer element 230.

[0122] In the example of FIG. 2A, the second insulating element 270 comprises an opening 273, which extends from a center of a midfoot area of the sole element 200 to a center of a heel area of the sole element 200. The opening 273 is elongate. A width of the opening 273 may increase from the midfoot area to the heel area. The opening 273 may be adapted to allow heat generated in the second portion 220, e.g., in the heating element 221, to be absorbed by the heat absorption portion 231 of the transport element 230. In particular, the transport element 230 may be in mechanical contact with the heating element 221 in at least part of the surface of the opening 273 through the second insulating element 270.

[0123] The one or more second insulating elements 270 may generally extend in areas in which the second portion 220 is arranged and/or in areas in which the transport element 230 is arranged. A second insulating element 270 may generally be provided in order to provide insulation for a second portion 220 and/or for a transport element 230. In the example of FIG. 2A, the rearfoot portion of the second insulating element 270 may provide insulation for a corresponding rearfoot portion of transport element 230 and/or for the second portion 220 arranged in a rearfoot area.

[0124] The one or more second insulating elements 270 may extend, as mentioned, at least partially in a forefoot area. In the example of FIG. 2A, the second portion 220, e.g., the heating element 221, is not arranged in a forefoot area of the sole element 200 but the transport element 230 at least partially extends in the forefoot area. Hence, the second insulating element 270 extending in the forefoot area in the example of FIG. 2A may be provided in order to insulate the transport element 230 in that area. As shown in FIG. 2A, the second insulating element 270 may comprise a lateral and a medial forefoot portion 272, each of which extends at the lateral and medial sides of the sole element 200 in a rear part of the forefoot area. The lateral and medial forefoot portions 272 of the second insulating element 270 may be adapted to be arranged at least partially above corresponding lateral and medial heat release portions 232 of the transport element 230. For example, the lateral and medial forefoot portions 272 may be arranged directly above the transport element 230 in a forefoot area. Generally, one or more second insulating elements 270 may be arranged at least partly above, e.g., directly above, the transport element 230 in an area, where the second portion 220, or more specifically the heating element 221, does not extend. This may for example be in a forefoot area of the sole element 200, as in the example of FIGS. 2A-B.

[0125] Generally, one or more second insulating elements 270 may be adapted such that heat can be directed to the foot only in a certain area of the sole element 200, e.g., in a toe area or in a forefoot area. For example, one or more second insulating elements 270 may be adapted to be arranged at least partly above a transport element 230, wherein no insulating element is arranged above a front area of the transport element 230.

[0126] As can best be seen from the medial, lateral and cross-sectional view along section A-A of FIG. 2B, the heating element 221 may be arranged above a first insulating element 260. The transport element 230, the second insulating element 270 and the lining element 290 are not indicated in these views for ease of representation. These elements may be arranged above the first insulating element 260 as explained above, e.g., with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A. These elements may moreover be arranged above or below the heating element 221 or, more generally, above or below the second portion 220 of the sole element 200, as also explained above.

[0127] As can be seen from the example shown in FIG. 2B, the heating element 221 (which in the example of FIGS. 2A-B may consist of the heating element 221) extends in a rearfoot area, including a heel area and, in particular, an area below the calcaneus. It also extends partially in a midfoot area of the sole element 200. The first insulating element 260 may extend throughout the entire area of the sole element 200. The first insulating element 260 may have a constant thickness. Its thickness may be in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, e.g., 2 mm to 4 mm, or approximately 3 mm. An average thickness of the heating element 221 may be larger than an average thickness of the first insulating element 260, e.g., by a factor of 1.5 to 5 or of 2 to 4. An average thickness of the heating element 221 may be larger than an average thickness of the sole element 200, e.g., by a factor of 1.5 to 5 or of 2 to 4.

[0128] An average thickness of the transport element 230 and/or of the second insulating element 270 may be lower than an average thickness of the heating element 221, e.g., by a factor of more than 10, or more than 50, or more than 100, or more than 200. An average thickness of the heating element 221 may be 4 mm to 20 mm, 6 mm to 16 mm or 8 mm to 13 mm.

[0129] The heating element 221 may, in at least an area, e.g., an area below the calcaneus, have a thickness, which amounts to 40% to 100%, or 50% to 95%, or 75% to 90%, or approximately 85% of the sole element.

[0130] The heating element 221 may comprise a profile with varying thickness. A thickness of the heating element 221 in a center (between lateral and medial sides) of the heating element 221 may increase from the midfoot area towards the heel area (cf. sectional view A-A in FIG. 2B). For example, a thickness of the heating element 221 may increase by approximately 30% to 70%, e.g., 50%, from a front part of the rearfoot area (section B-B) towards a central part of the rearfoot area (section C-C). The thickness in a center (between lateral and medial sides) of the heating element 221 in a central part of the rearfoot area (section C-C) may be approximately 6 mm to 14 mm, or 8 mm to 10 mm, or 9 mm. The thickness of the heating element 221 may then remain relatively constant in a central part (e.g., when moving further towards the rear part) of the rearfoot area. However, the thickness of the heating element 221 may then again increase at a rear rim of the sole element 200 and/or of the heating element 221, e.g., to provide support for the foot. For example, within a range of approximately 0.2 cm to 4 cm, or approximately 0.5 cm to 2 cm, to the rear rim, the thickness of the heating element 221 may increase to a value of approximately 10 mm to 20 mm, or 12 mm to 18 mm, or 16 mm to 17 mm.

[0131] Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the heating element 221 may be relatively in the center of lateral-medial cross sections (cf. sections B-B and C-C) of the heating element 221. For example, a thickness of approximately 6 mm to 14 mm, or 8 mm to 10 mm, or 9 mm may be provided in a central part of the rearfoot area. The thickness may however increase at lateral and/or medial rims of the heating element 221, e.g., to provide support for the foot. For example, within a range of approximately 0.2 cm to 4 cm, or approximately 0.5 cm to 2 cm, to the lateral and/or medial rim, the thickness of the heating element 221 may increase to a value of approximately 10 mm to 20 mm, or 12 mm to 18 mm, or 16 mm to 17 mm. Generally, a thickness profile of the heating element 221 may be adapted to follow the shape of a wearer's heel.

[0132] FIG. 3 shows a further example of a sole element 300, which is adapted to be provided as an insole. The exemplary sole element 300 comprises a first portion 310. Generally, the first portion 310 may be provided with aspects as described herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B. Specifically, the first portion 310 may be adapted to extend in a forefoot area including a toe area of the sole element 300 and/or to extend at least partly in a midfoot area of the sole element 300. The exemplary sole element 300 may moreover comprise a second portion 320. Generally, the second portion 320 may be provided with aspects as described herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B. In particular, the second portion 320 may be adapted to extend in a rearfoot area including a heel area (e.g., including an area below the calcaneus) and/or to extend at least partly in a midfoot area of the sole element 300. The second portion 320 may be adapted to be arranged at least partly above the first portion 310, e.g., in the midfoot area of sole element 320.

[0133] The second portion 320 may comprise a deformable material, which is adapted to generate heat by being repeatedly deformed. The deformable material may be arranged in a heating element 321 of the second portion 320. The heating element 321 may be arranged to be located in an area underneath a calcaneus of the foot of a wearer. Frequently, the largest impact forces arise in this area during walking or running. Hence, locating the heating element 321 in this area may maximize the amount of heat that can be generated by means of the deformable material of the second portion 320. The heating element 321 may not be arranged at a rim of the sole element 300 or of the sole provided by sole element 300, so as to minimize heat leaks toward the sides of the sole.

[0134] The second portion 320 may further comprise one or more stabilizing element 322, which may generally be arranged at least partly adjacent to the heating element 321. In the example of FIG. 3, the stabilizing element 322 is arranged around the heating element 321. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilizing element 322 may also be arranged at least partly below the heating element 321. For example, the stabilizing element 322 may comprise one or more recesses in which the heating element 321 is inserted. In some examples, the heating element 321 may form at least one protrusion extending above the stabilizing element 322. In some examples, two or more heating elements 321 may be provided in the second portion 320 in the manner described. The heating element 321 may also be given a shape so as to have the structure and/or the function of the stabilizing element 322.

[0135] Similarly, two or more stabilizing elements 322 may be provided in the second portion 320. In other examples, the stabilizing element 322 and the heating element 321 may be integrally formed from the same material. In particular, the second portion 320 may consist of heating element 321.

[0136] The one or more stabilizing elements 322 may generally be provided to increase the stability of the deformable material in the sole element 300. Additionally or alternatively, the stabilizing elements 322 may be provided such as to include an insulating material, e.g., as described with reference to the first portions or any of the insulating elements further above, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A-B, 2A-B, 3. The main function of the stabilizing elements 322 may thus also be to insulate the heating element 321, for example to insulate it from an upper of a shoe, and more generally from the lateral sides of a shoe, e.g., a heel counter. In such a case, a stabilizing element 322 may also simply be implemented by an insulating element as described herein without providing additional stability functionality.

[0137] The first portion 310, and possibly also the second portion 320, may comprise a lining element 390. The lining element 390 may be provided with aspects similar as described with reference to lining elements 190 and 290 of sole elements 100 and 200, respectively. Specifically, lining element 390 may be the topmost element of the first portion 310. It may be provided in the first portion 310 only, or it may at least partially also extend in the area of the second portion 320. In the latter case, the lining element 390 may e.g., also be arranged above the second portion 320.

[0138] The lining 390 may generally be provided to be heat permeable. In the example of FIG. 3, the lining 390 comprises a plurality of openings. In other examples, only a single opening or no opening may be provided in the lining 390. The openings 390 of the lining may contribute to the heat permeability of the lining element 390. The openings may be regularly arranged over the lining element 390 in the area of the first portion 310, as e.g., shown in FIG. 3. The lining 390 may comprise a material with a high thermal conductivity.

[0139] In the example of FIG. 3, one or more transport elements 330 may be arranged below the second portion 320 in the rearfoot area or below the heating element 321 of the second portion 320, e.g., extending in the area below the calcaneus of the foot. The one or more transport elements 330 may be adapted to at least partially extend in the area of the first portion 310. The one or more transport elements 330 may be adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion 320 to the first portion 310. For example, one or more transport elements similar to those as described with reference to transport elements 130 and 230 of sole element 100 and 200, respectively, may be provided. Suitable insulating elements may additionally be provided, e.g., similarly as described above, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B. As explained, these may help to avoid that heat generated in the second portion 320 is released towards to ground and/or towards the foot in areas in which this is not desired, e.g., in areas in which the first portion 310 is not arranged.

[0140] The sole element 300 may in addition comprise one or more further parts as described herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B.

[0141] An aspect of the present invention may also relate to manufacturing a sole element and/or a shoe as described herein. The various constituents of the sole elements and shoes described herein may be attached to each other by means of applying a hot melt adhesive and applying heat and pressure (heat pressing). For example, TPU may be used as a hot melt adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, other adhesives and/or primer may be used. Specifically regarding the deformable material of the second portion, this material may be attached to the other constituents of the sole element or shoe, respectively, by using an adhesive, which does not require heat pressing. These adhesives can be non-reactive adhesives such as pressure- or contact-adhesives; or reactive adhesives such as single- or multi-component adhesives. These adhesives can be for example polyurethanes (thermoplastic or thermosetting), epoxies, polyimides, etc. For example, the deformable material, e.g., when provided as a foam material, may be molded onto, e.g., directly molded onto, the sole element or the shoe, respectively. The sole element, e.g., when provided as an insole may be stitched to a shoe or attached to the using adhesive.

[0142] In the following, further embodiments are described to facilitate the understanding of the invention: 1. Sole element for a shoe, wherein the sole element comprises: [0143] a. a first portion (110; 210; 310) and a second portion (120; 220; 320); [0144] b. wherein the second portion comprises a deformable material (121; 221; 321) which is adapted to generate heat by being deformed; [0145] c. a transport element (130; 230; 330) adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion to the first portion.
2. Sole element according to embodiment 1, wherein a resilience of the deformable material is below 80%, preferably below 50%, particularly preferably below 15%.
3. Sole element according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the first portion comprises a resilient material (150, 160; 260) having a resilience that is higher than a resilience of the deformable material (121; 221; 321), preferably higher by at least 15%, particularly preferably by at least 25%, and/or having a resilience that is at least 20%, preferably at least 35%, particularly preferably at least 50%.
4. Sole element according to embodiment 3, wherein the resilient material (150, 160; 260) comprises a thermal conductivity below 100 mW/(K.Math.m), preferably below 75 mW/(K.Math.m), particularly preferably below 60 mW(K.Math.m).
5. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-4, wherein the deformable material (121; 221; 321) comprises a foam material, in particular a (poly-)urethane foam material.
6. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the sole element is provided as an insole (100; 200; 300).
7. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the second portion (120; 220; 320) has a thickness that is larger than a thickness of the first portion (110; 210; 310).
8. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-7, wherein in at least a part of the second portion (120; 220; 320), the deformable material (121; 221; 321) is arranged such that it extends through at least 40% of a thickness of the sole element, preferably through between 50% and 95% of the thickness of the sole element, particularly preferably between 75% and 90% of the thickness of the sole element.
9. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-8, wherein in at least a part of the second portion (120; 220; 320), the deformable material (121; 221; 321) is arranged such that it comprises a vertical extension that is larger than an average thickness of the sole element.
10. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the second portion (120; 230; 320) forms at least one protrusion on an upper surface of the sole element.
11. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the second portion (120; 220; 320) is adapted to extend at least partially in a rear half of a foot, preferably in a heel area of the foot.
12. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the first portion (110; 210; 310) is adapted to extend at least partially in a midfoot and/or a forefoot area of a foot.
13. Sole element according to any embodiments 1-12, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) overlaps with an upper and/or lower surface of the second portion (120; 220; 320), preferably at least throughout 50% of the upper and/or lower surface of the second portion, particularly preferably at least throughout 80% of the upper and/or lower surface of the second portion.
14. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) comprises a heat conductive element.
15. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) comprises a heat conductivity of at least 150 mW/(K.Math.m), preferably of at least 200 mW/(K.Math.m).
16. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-15, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) comprises metal, in particular copper and/or aluminum.
17. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-16, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) has a thickness below 1 mm, preferably below 0.3 mm, particularly preferably below 0.2 mm.
18. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) comprises at least one air channel.
19. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-18, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) is arranged at least partly above the first portion.
20. Sole element according to any embodiments 1-19, wherein the sole element comprises a first insulating element (140, 150; 260) extending at least partially below the second portion (120; 220) and/or at least partially below the transport element (130; 230).
21. Sole element according to embodiment 20, wherein the first insulating element (140, 150; 260) and the first portion comprise the same material.
22. Sole element according to any of embodiments 1-21, wherein the sole element comprises a second insulating element (270) extending at least partially above the transport element (230) and/or at least partially above the second portion (220).
23. Sole element according to embodiment 22, wherein the transport element (130; 230; 330) comprises a forefoot portion above which no insulating element is arranged.
24. Sole element according to any of embodiments 20 to 23, wherein the first insulating element (140, 150; 260) and/or the second insulating element (270) comprises an aerogel.
25. Sole element according to any of embodiments 20 to 24, wherein the first insulating element (140, 150; 260) and/or the second insulating element (270) comprises a thickness below 1 mm, preferably below 0.5 mm.
26. Sole element according to any of embodiments 20 to 25, wherein the first insulating element (140, 150; 260) and/or the second insulating element (270) comprise a thermal conductivity below 50 mW/(K.Math.m).
27. Shoe, in particular sports shoe, comprising a sole element according to any of embodiments 1-26.

28. Shoe,

[0146] a. comprising a first portion and a second portion; [0147] b. wherein the second portion is arranged at a sole of the shoe and comprises a deformable material which is adapted to generate heat by being deformed; [0148] c. the shoe further comprising a transport element adapted for selectively directing the generated heat from the second portion to the first portion.
29. Shoe according to embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the transport element is at least partly arranged in an upper of the shoe.
30. Shoe according to any of embodiments 27-29, wherein the shoe comprises an insulating layer, at least partly arranged in an outsole and/or a midsole of the shoe.
31. Shoe according to embodiment 30, wherein the insulating layer is at least partially arranged in at least one recess of the outsole.
32. Shoe according to embodiment 31, further comprising at least one profile element formed on the outsole opposite to the at least one recess.
33. Shoe according to any of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the insulating layer comprises a foam material, in particular a (poly-)urethane foam material.