REINFORCEMENT ELEMENT FOR A SPORTS SHOE

Abstract

The sole (2) for a sports shoe (1) includes a reinforcement element (11) intended to extend below the plantar aponeurosis (44) and having a rear part (21), a front part (22) and a central hinge (23) connecting the front part to the rear part, the front part being less rigid than the rear part, the rear part being intended to extend in front of a posterior contact point (41) of the foot and including at least one longitudinal branch (24, 25) intended to extend between an anteromedial contact point (42) and an anterolateral contact point (43) of the foot.

Claims

1. A sole for a sports shoe, comprising: a reinforcement element, the reinforcement element being adapted to extend below a plantar aponeurosis of a foot of a person wearing the sports shoe, the reinforcement element comprising: a rear part, a front part, and a central hinge connecting the front part to the rear part, wherein the front part is less rigid than the rear part, the rear part is adapted to extend in front of a posterior contact point of the foot, the front part comprises at least one longitudinal branch, the at least one longitudinal branch being adapted to extend between an anteromedial contact point and an anterolateral contact point of the foot.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the at least one longitudinal branch comprises a first longitudinal branch and a second longitudinal branch extending parallel to the first longitudinal branch.

3. The sole according to claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal branch has a substantially constant width and thickness, and/or the second longitudinal branch has a substantially constant width and thickness.

4. The sole according to claim 2, wherein the first longitudinal branch comprises a substantially straight inner lateral edge and a substantially straight outer lateral edge, and/or the second longitudinal branch comprises a substantially straight inner lateral edge and a substantially straight outer lateral edge.

5. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element is adapted to extend below a navicular bone, below a cuboid bone, below cuneiform bones, and below a rear part of five metatarsals of the foot, and the at least one longitudinal branch is adapted to extend below a front part of a second metatarsal and/or below a front part of a third metatarsal.

6. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element comprises a set of openings having a closed contour.

7. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element comprises a set of stiffening ribs, the stiffening ribs extending so that the stiffening ribs project relative to a plane within which the rear part extends.

8. The sole according to claim 7, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element comprises a set of openings having a closed contour, and the stiffening ribs are arranged on the closed contour of the openings of the set of openings.

9. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element comprises an inner lateral rim extending upwards and adapted to extend along an inner lateral edge of a plantar aponeurosis, and/or the rear part of the reinforcement element comprises an outer lateral rim extending upwards and adapted to extend along an outer lateral edge of the plantar aponeurosis.

10. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element comprises a rear notch configured so as to space the posterior contact point apart from a rear edge of the reinforcement element by at least one centimetre.

11. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the central hinge forms a narrowest zone of the reinforcement element along a transverse axis.

12. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement element is a monolithic element consisting of plastic and obtained by moulding.

13. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the sole comprises an upper part provided with an upper surface adapted to receive a lower surface of a foot, the upper part comprising an upper shock-absorbing layer, the upper part extending above the reinforcement element, and/or a lower part provided with a lower surface intended to come into contact with the ground, the lower part comprising a lower shock-absorbing layer, the lower part extending below the reinforcement element.

14. The sole according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement element comprises a visible inner face on an inner side of the sole, and/or a visible outer face on an outer side of the sole.

15. A sports shoe comprising a sole according to claim 1.

16. The sports shoe according to claim 15, which is a sports shoe adapted for running.

17. The sports shoe according to claim 16, which is a sports shoe adapted for trail running.

18. The sole according to claim 7, wherein the stiffening ribs project downwards relative to the plane within which the rear part extends.

19. The sole according to claim 3, wherein the first longitudinal branch comprises a substantially straight inner lateral edge and a substantially straight outer lateral edge, and/or the second longitudinal branch comprises a substantially straight inner lateral edge and a substantially straight outer lateral edge.

20. The sole according to claim 19, wherein the rear part of the reinforcement element is adapted to extend below a navicular bone, below a cuboid bone, below cuneiform bones, and below a rear part of five metatarsals of the foot, and the at least one longitudinal branch is adapted to extend below a front part of a second metatarsal and/or below a front part of a third metatarsal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made with no limitation being implied with relation to the attached figures, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view from above of a sports shoe according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view from below of the sports shoe in FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a view in profile of a sole of the sports shoe.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a view from above of a reinforcement element of the sole in FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a view in profile of the reinforcement element.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view from below of the reinforcement element.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from above of the reinforcement element.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic view in profile of the anatomy of a foot of a user of the sports shoe.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic view from above of the anatomy of the foot of the user of the sports shoe.

[0038] FIG. 10 is the schematic view from above of the anatomy of the foot in FIG. 9 on which is superposed a view from above of the sole in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0039] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate, in exploded views, a sports shoe 1 suitable for running, in particular trail running. The sports shoe 1 mainly comprises a sole 2 and an upper 3. The sole 2 refers to the part of the shoe 1 which extends between the lower surface of a foot and the ground that the shoe strikes. The upper 3 refers to the part of the shoe 1 which extends around and over the top of the foot. The upper 3 is shown schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2. The upper 3 comprises in particular an upper opening for inserting the foot into the shoe 1, a tongue and tightening means, for example laces, for tightening the upper around the user's foot. The upper 3 can be made, for example, from fabric. It can comprise one or more pieces of fabric assembled together and may be provided with reinforcement elements. The upper 3 is fixed, for example sewn or glued, to the sole 2.

[0040] The shoe 1 illustrated in the figures is a shoe for a right foot. The invention can of course also be applied to a left shoe and for any size of shoe. It is assumed that the shoe is lying on a horizontal piece of ground by way of its sole 2. The longitudinal axis X refers to the horizontal axis oriented from the rear to the front of the shoe, in other words from the heel to the toes. The transverse axis Y refers to the horizontal axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, oriented from left to right, left and right being defined according to the point of view of the user of the shoe 1 when they are looking straight in front of them. The vertical axis Z refers to the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and to the transverse axis Y. The vertical axis Z is oriented from bottom to top. In the following description, the terms lower and upper characterize an arrangement according to the vertical axis Z. The terms inner and outer characterize an arrangement according to the transverse axis Y: the inner side of the shoe refers to the side of the shoe facing the user's other foot. The outer side of the shoe refers to the side of the shoe opposite the inner side. In the case of a right shoe, the inner side hence relates to the left-hand side of the shoe and the outer side relates to the right-hand side of the shoe.

[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the sole 2 comprises, within a longitudinal and vertical plane, a lower surface with a convex shape to promote the satisfactory rolling forward of the foot when running. In particular, a rear part 4 and a front part 5 of the sole each comprise an arc-shaped lower surface, a centre of the arc being positioned above the ground. The rear part 4 and the front part 5 are connected by an intermediate part 6, the lower surface of which is substantially horizontal. The thickness of the sole 2 along the vertical axis Z can decrease roughly moving from the rear to the front of the sole 2.

[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sole 2 comprises a plurality of superposed layers. The sole 2 comprises in particular an upper part 7 provided with an upper surface 8 in contact with the upper and/or directly with the lower surface of a foot, a lower part 9 provided with a lower surface 10 in contact with the ground, and a reinforcement element 11 interposed between the upper part 7 and the lower part 9. The lower part 9 comprises a lower shock-absorbing layer 12 and a wear layer 13 arranged underneath the lower shock-absorbing layer 12.

[0043] The wear layer 13 advantageously comprises a set of gripping lugs 14 allowing the sole to grip on uneven terrain such as rocks, sand or snow. The wear layer 13 can, for example, be made from rubber, or alternatively from polyurethane (PU). The wear layer 13 also comprises a toe bumper 15 arranged at its front end. The toe bumper 15 is a substantially vertical part of the outsole, protecting the toes from frontal impacts.

[0044] The upper part 7 comprises an upper shock-absorbing layer 16. The lower shock-absorbing layer 12 and the upper shock-absorbing layer 16 can consist of a shock-absorbing synthetic polymer such as a foam. For example, the lower shock-absorbing layer 12 and the upper shock-absorbing layer 16 can be made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and/or from polyurethane (PU). The upper shock-absorbing layer 16 may also comprise an insole intended to come into direct contact with a foot (or of course with a sock pulled over a foot).

[0045] The reinforcement element 11 is embedded in the sole 2, and the majority of it is therefore invisible from outside the shoe 1. The inner and outer lateral edges of the reinforcement element can nevertheless be visible respectively on the inner and outer sides of the sole. The reinforcement element can therefore comprise visible outer faces 81, 82 on the inner and outer sides of the sole 2. The outer face 82 can be seen particularly well in FIG. 3. Advantageously, the top of the reinforcement element 11 remains covered by the upper part 7. The reinforcement element thus does not come into direct contact with the user's foot, thus making it possible to maintain the comfort of the sports shoe. Similarly, the underside of the reinforcement element 11 is covered by the lower part 9. The reinforcement element thus does not come into direct contact with the ground. Damage to the reinforcement element by contact with rough terrain, for example stones, can thus be avoided. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement element 11 could be completely embedded in the sole 2 without any face being visible from outside the sole 2, or alternatively comprise a face which is visible on only one of the two lateral sides of the sole.

[0046] The reinforcement element 11 is illustrated in isolation in FIGS. 4 to 7. The reinforcement element 11 preferably consists of a plastic material, optionally reinforced with fibres. For example, the reinforcement element 11 can comprise polyamide (PA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or any other plastic material with similar mechanical properties. The material can also be reinforced with different types of fillers such as glass or carbon fibres. The reinforcement element 11 can be a monolithic element, for example obtained by moulding, in particular by injecting plastic into an injection mould.

[0047] The reinforcement element 11 is a component of the sole which gives it rigidity, stability and dynamism. The reinforcement element has a specific shape and dimensions which allow it to achieve these objectives without making the sole 2 heavy and without impairing the capacity of the sole to absorb shocks, in particular the vertical shocks which occur when the front of the foot or the heel come into contact with the ground.

[0048] In relation to FIGS. 4 to 7, it can be seen that the reinforcement element 11 comprises a rear part 21, a front part 22 and a central hinge 23 connecting the front part 22 to the rear part 21. The rear part 21 has a positioning, shape and rigidity which are suitable for obtaining a particularly stable striking of the ground. The front part 22 has a positioning, shape and rigidity which give the sole a certain elasticity, thus allowing particularly effective transmission of the strike of the user.

[0049] The rear part 21 and the front part 22 have respectively a length L1 and a length L2 with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The total length L3 of the reinforcement element 11 with respect to the longitudinal axis X is equal to the sum of the lengths L1 and L2. The length L2 preferably lies within the range defined by 70% of the length L1 and 100% of the length L1. The total length L3 of the reinforcement element 11 can be between 50% and 80%, preferably between 60% and 70%, of the total length L4 of the sole 2 with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0050] The central hinge 23 can be positioned substantially at the centre of the reinforcement element 11 or slightly towards the front of the reinforcement element with respect to the longitudinal axis X. The central hinge 23 can be positioned at a distance d1 from the rear edge of the sole which is between 50% and 70% of the total length L4 of the sole 2.

[0051] The rear part 21 has a width L5 with respect to the transverse axis Y which is strictly greater than the width L6 of the front part 22 with respect to this same axis. In particular, the width L5 can be at least equal to 150% of the width L6, preferably at least equal to 200% of the width L6. The width L5 of the rear part 21 can be substantially equal to the width L9 of the sole 2 with respect to the transverse axis Y, the width L9 being considered at the midpoint of the length of the sole with respect to the longitudinal axis X.

[0052] In order to fully understand the functioning of the reinforcement element 11, certain characteristics of the anatomy of the foot in relation to FIGS. 8 and 9 should also be pointed out. The bones of the foot comprise various bones including the calcaneus 31, the talus 32, the navicular bone 33, the cuboid bone 34, the cuneiform bones 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, five metatarsals 36.1, 36.2, 36.3, 36.4 and 36.5 and phalanges 37. The first metatarsal 36.1 is positioned on the same side as the big toe and the fifth metatarsal 36.5 is positioned on the same side as the little toe. The phalanges 37 are positioned as an extension of the metatarsals. The tibia 38 and the fibula 39 extend upwards from the talus 32. When running, the phalanges articulate relative to the metatarsals.

[0053] The foot naturally comprises three points 41, 42, 43 of contact with the ground by means of which a person can remain stable when standing on just one foot. A first contact point, or posterior contact point 41, is positioned directly below a lower end of the calcaneus. The first contact point 41 thus corresponds to the zone of the heel which first comes into contact with the ground when walking or running. A second contact point 42, or anteromedial contact point 42, is positioned directly below a head of the first metatarsal 36.1, in other words directly below a front protuberance of the first metatarsal 36.1. A third contact point 43, or anterolateral contact point of the foot 43, is positioned directly below a head of the fifth metatarsal 36.5. The three contact points 41, 42 and 43 are not aligned and are therefore positioned at the three vertices of a triangle.

[0054] The foot also comprises a plantar aponeurosis 44, also known as the plantar fascia. The plantar aponeurosis 44 is a thick band of connective tissue situated on the bottom of the foot. It extends from the calcaneus 31 as far as the heads of the metatarsals 36.1, 36.2, 36.3, 36.4 and 36.5, thus forming the plantar arch or plantar vault. It comprises a set of fibres extending longitudinally, shown by dotted lines in FIG. 9.

[0055] The plantar aponeurosis 44 forms a relatively soft zone on the bottom of the foot, in contrast to the three contact points 41, 42 and 43 which are firmer zones. The plantar aponeurosis 44 plays a crucial role in maintaining the arch of the foot and in transmitting force when walking.

[0056] In FIG. 10, the anatomy of the foot shown in FIG. 9 has been superposed with the reinforcement element 11 in order to clearly display the position of the latter. The reinforcement element 11 is intended to extend below the plantar aponeurosis 44 and at a distance from the three contact points 41, 42, 43. The reinforcement element 11 therefore does not extend below any of the three contact points 41, 42 and 43. The three contact points 41, 42 and 43 of the foot are thus free of the reinforcement element 11. The three contact points 41, 42 and 43 are thus effectively cushioned by the shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16 of the sole without the reinforcement element 11 disturbing the shock-absorbing effect of these layers. Conversely, the soft tissues of the foot are effectively supported and protected by the reinforcement element 11.

[0057] The rear part 21 of the reinforcement element extends in particular within the intermediate part 6 of the sole 2. The rear part 21 extends in particular below the navicular bone 33, below the cuboid bone 34, below the cuneiform bones 35.1, 35.2, 35.3, and below a rear part of the five metatarsals 36.1, 36.2, 36.3, 36.4 and 36.5. The rear part 21 extends mainly in front of the calcaneus 31. The reinforcement element therefore does not extend below the calcaneus 31 or only below a front part of the calcaneus 31. In particular, the rearmost point or edge of the reinforcement element 11 is positioned in front of the first contact point 41. Advantageously, the rearmost point or edge of the reinforcement element 11 is spaced apart from the first contact point 41 by at least approximately one centimetre, or even at least 15 millimetres, or even at least two centimetres.

[0058] The front part 22 of the reinforcement element extends longitudinally between the two contact points 42 and 43. In particular, the front part 22 extends mainly below a front part of the second metatarsal 36.2 and/or below a front part of the third metatarsal 36.3.

[0059] The central hinge 23 of the reinforcement element allows the front part 22 to be decoupled from the rear part 21. The central hinge 23 can in particular be formed by a narrower portion of the reinforcement element 11 along the transverse axis Y. In other words, the dimension of the reinforcement element 11 along the transverse axis Y is smaller at the central hinge 23 than at the level of zones of the reinforcement element 11 situated at the front and at the rear of the central hinge. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the central hinge 23 is positioned inside the triangle formed by the three contact points 41, 42 and 43 of the foot.

[0060] The front part 22 of the reinforcement element is less rigid than the rear part 21. Because of this difference in rigidity, the reinforcement element 11 bends elastically exclusively or almost exclusively at its front part 22 when the foot exerts a vertical bending force on the reinforcement element 11 when running. The rear part 21 remains completely undeformed when such a bending force is exerted. Shown in FIG. 5 in dashed lines T1 and T2 is the shape of the reinforcement element 11 when it is subject to a bending force which is representative of the bending force exerted by the foot when running. By virtue of the difference in rigidity between the rear part 21 and the front part 22, the rear part 21 remains undeformed, which gives the sports shoe stability, whilst the front part provides elasticity and allows effective propulsion of the user.

[0061] As can be clearly seen in FIG. 4, the front part 22 comprises two longitudinal branches 24, 25 extending parallel to each other. The front part 22 thus has substantially the shape of a U or a tuning fork. The two longitudinal branches 24 and 25 meet at the hinge 23. A first longitudinal branch 24 extends below an inner half of the plantar aponeurosis 44, and in particular below the second metatarsal 36.2. A second longitudinal branch 25 extends below an outer half of the plantar aponeurosis 44, and in particular below the third metatarsal 36.3. Each of the two longitudinal branches 24 and 25 can bend independently of the other branch. The use of at least two branches thus allows the sole to better conform to the shapes of uneven terrain. In particular, the presence of two branches improves the lateral stability and the lateral dynamism of the shoe 1 during the phases of striking, or driving off from, the ground. If the foot strikes the ground more on its inner half, the first longitudinal branch 24 will tend to deform more than the second longitudinal branch 25. The first longitudinal branch 24 will provide dynamism to the strike of the foot, whilst the second longitudinal branch 25 will provide stability. Conversely, if the foot strikes the ground more on its outer half, the second longitudinal branch 25 will tend to deform more than the first longitudinal branch 24. The second longitudinal branch 25 will provide dynamism to the strike of the foot, whilst the first longitudinal branch 24 will provide stability. The use of at least two branches is therefore particularly useful for trail running.

[0062] The first longitudinal branch 24 comprises a substantially straight inner lateral edge 26 and a substantially straight outer lateral edge 27. Similarly, the second longitudinal branch 25 comprises a substantially straight inner lateral edge 28 and a substantially straight outer lateral edge 29. The four edges 26, 27, 28, 29 are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X or possibly slightly inclined towards the inner edge of the foot in order to take account of the natural shape of the foot. The width L7, L8 of the two longitudinal branches 24 and 25 is therefore substantially constant along these longitudinal branches. Each longitudinal branch 24, 25 can comprise a free end. For each longitudinal branch, a terminal zone can be defined as a zone including the free end and whose length along the longitudinal axis is equal to 10% of the length of the branch in question. The width of each longitudinal branch 24, 25 at its terminal zone can be strictly decreasing. The width L7 is substantially equal to the width L8. The distance d2 separating the two longitudinal branches 24 and 25 is also substantially constant along these longitudinal branches. The thickness e1 of the two longitudinal branches 24 and 25 along the vertical axis Z can be uniform, in other words constant along these longitudinal branches, for example in the order of one or two millimetres.

[0063] In one alternative embodiment, the front part 22 could comprise a different number of longitudinal branches, for example a single longitudinal branch. Conversely, the front part could comprise at least three longitudinal branches. In all cases, the longitudinal branch or branches extend at a distance from the contact points 41, 42 and 43.

[0064] The rear part 21 of the reinforcement element extends overall within a horizontal plane. The rear part 21 can be plane or slightly curved upwards. The rear part 21 has the form of a perforated plate. The rear part 21 thus comprises a set of openings 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 with a closed contour. An opening with a closed contour is understood to be a hole traversing the rear part 21, the contour of which forms a line closed on itself. The integration of contoured openings makes it possible to lighten the rear part 21 without significantly impairing its rigidity. The openings 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 can each comprise at least one dimension greater than or equal to 1 cm, even greater than or equal to 2 cm. The openings 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 can comprise non-circular shapes, in particular polygonal shapes. The adjacent sides of each polygonal shape can be connected by rounded portions.

[0065] The rear part also comprises a set of substantially straight arms 61, 62, 63, 64 delimiting the openings 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. The arms 61, 62, 63, 64 are connected to one another in a network pattern. A first arm 61 extends from the hinge 23 rearwards and towards an inner side of the reinforcement element. An angle formed between the first arm 61 and the longitudinal axis X can be, for example, between 30 and 45 inclusive. A second arm 62 extends from the hinge 23 towards the rear end of the inner side of the reinforcement element. An angle formed between the second arm 62 and the longitudinal axis X can be, for example, between 10 and 30 inclusive. A third arm 63 extends from the hinge 23 towards the rear end of the outer side of the reinforcement element. An angle formed between the third arm 63 and the longitudinal axis X can be, for example, between 10 and 30 inclusive. A fourth arm 64 extends from the hinge 23 rearwards and towards an outer side of the reinforcement element.

[0066] An angle formed between the fourth arm 64 and the longitudinal axis X can be, for example, between 30 and 45 inclusive. The four arms 61, 62, 63, 64 thus form four spokes which extend from the hinge 23 rearwards and in different directions.

[0067] In order to stiffen the rear part 21, the latter also comprises a set of stiffening ribs 71, 72, 73. The stiffening ribs 71, 72, 73 extend so that they project relative to a plane in which the rear part extends. Advantageously, the stiffening ribs 71, 72, 73 extend downwards from the plane in which the rear part 21 extends, for example in the order of a few millimetres, for example between one and three millimetres. The rear part 21 thus maintains an overall flat upper surface and the formation of pressure points below the plantar aponeurosis 44 is avoided. In particular, the stiffening ribs 71, 72, 73 are formed respectively on the contour of the openings 51, 54 and 55. Such a positioning is particularly effective for stiffening the rear part of the reinforcement element whilst limiting its volume and its weight.

[0068] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the upper surface of the lower shock-absorbing layer 12 comprises an impression 74 matching the shape of the reinforcement element 11. In particular, the impression 74 can in particular comprise indentations with a shape complementing the stiffening ribs 71, 72, 73 and/or protuberances with a shape complementing the openings 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. Similarly, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the upper shock-absorbing layer 16 comprises an impression 75 matching the shape of the reinforcement element 11. The impression 75 can also comprise protuberances with a shape complementing the openings 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. The integration of the reinforcement element 11 between the lower shock-absorbing layer 12 and the upper shock-absorbing layer 16 thus does not create any tension in the material which constitutes these shock-absorbing layers. The shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16 thus preserve all their shock-absorbing power for absorbing the shocks associated with sporting activity. Furthermore, the shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16 can also be in direct contact with each other outside the reinforcement element 11, in particular below each of the three contact points 41, 42 and 43. The formation of air pockets between the shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16 is thus avoided.

[0069] The shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16 provided with their impressions 74 and 75 can, for example, be obtained by moulding. The two shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16 can be glued to each other, thus trapping the reinforcement element between the two shock-absorbing layers. The reinforcement element 11 could additionally possibly be glued to the lower shock-absorbing layer 12 and/or to the upper shock-absorbing layer 16. In another manufacturing technique, the reinforcement element 11 could be integrated in a mould for manufacturing the lower shock-absorbing layer 12 or the upper shock-absorbing layer 16. The material forming the shock-absorbing layer 12 or 16 would then be moulded over the reinforcement element 11.

[0070] The rear part 21 of the reinforcement element also comprises an inner lateral rim 65 and an outer lateral rim 66. The inner lateral rim 65 and the outer lateral rim 66 are positioned respectively along the inner side and along the outer side of the sole. The inner lateral rim 65 and the outer lateral rim 66 therefore extend respectively along an inner lateral edge and along an outer lateral edge of the plantar aponeurosis 44. In other words, the inner lateral rim 65 and the outer lateral rim 66 frame the plantar aponeurosis 44. The lateral rims 65 and 66 make it possible, on the one hand, to increase the rigidity of the reinforcement element 11 but also contribute to maintaining the overall stability of the foot. The lateral rims 65 and 66 therefore reduce the risk of a wearer twisting their ankle when trail running.

[0071] As mentioned above, the inner lateral rim 65 comprises an inner face 81 which can be seen from outside the sole. Similarly, the outer lateral rim 66 comprises an outer face 82 which can be seen from outside the sole. It will therefore be understood that the rear part 21 of the reinforcement element extends over the entire width of the sole 2.

[0072] The inner lateral rim 65 and the outer lateral rim 66 both extend upwards from the plane in which the rear part 21 extends. These rims can, for example, project upwards by a few millimetres.

[0073] The inner lateral rim 65 can connect a rear end of the first arm 61 to a rear end of the second arm 62. Secondary arms 67 can also connect the second arm 62 to the inner lateral rim 65. The outer lateral rim 66 can connect a rear end of the third arm 63 to a rear end of the fourth arm 64. Secondary arms 68 can also connect the third arm 63 to the outer lateral rim 66.

[0074] The rear part 21 of the reinforcement element also comprises a rear notch 58 configured so as to completely space the reinforcement element apart from the posterior contact point 41 of the foot. The rear notch 58 makes it possible in particular to space the posterior contact point 41 apart from the rear edge of the reinforcement element by at least one centimetre. This makes it possible to preserve a high-performance shock-absorbing effect of the shock-absorbing layers 12 and 16. The rear notch 58 imparts a concave shape to a rear edge of the rear part 21.

[0075] The rear notch 58 is an opening with an open contour. The rear notch 58 can have a shape in the arc of a circle or a U shape extending from a rear end of the inner lateral rim 65 as far as a rear end of the outer lateral rim 66. The centre of the said arc of a circle is positioned behind the reinforcement element, substantially at the posterior contact point 41. The rear ends of the inner lateral rim 65 and of the outer lateral rim 66 form respectively the rearmost points 76 and 77 of the reinforcement element 11. The edge of the rear notch 58 can be formed by a rear portion of the second arm 62, a rear portion of the third arm 63, and a fifth arm 69 connecting the second arm 62 to the third arm 63. The distance L10 (identified in FIG. 2) defined between the rear edge of the fifth arm 69 and the rear edge of the sole 2 according to the longitudinal axis X can be at least equal to 20% of the total length L4 of the sole according to this same axis, preferably at least 30%, or even at least 40% of the total length L4.

[0076] Lastly, by virtue of the invention a shoe is obtained which is suitable for trail running and effectively absorbs the shocks, in particular below the three natural contact points of the foot, and which is particularly stable, thus limiting the risk of the user twisting their ankle.