Golf Shoe with Support Structure

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/620,499 filed on Mar. 28, 2024, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The sport of golf can involve a variety of actions that a subject (e.g., a golfer) can perform, such as swinging a golf club, walking a golf course, and/or crouching down to line up a putt. The equipment used to play golf can affect how well or how easily a golfer can perform golf-related actions or movements.

Golf shoes are one example of a piece of equipment that can affect a golfer's performance. In some cases, a functional structure may be embedded in or integrated with the sole assembly of the golf shoes to provide various performance benefits that can enhance a golfer's ability to execute one or more golf-related actions or movements.

Recognized herein are various shortcomings and disadvantages of conventional shoes with functional structures embedded in or integrated with the sole assembly of the shoes. In some cases, conventional shoes may incorporate a structure such as a plate or an insert into the sole assembly to provide additional control, support, and/or stability for golf-related actions or movements. However, the construction of these shoes may involve lamination, over injection, or the application of adhesives/glues to join various components of the shoe together, which can result in a sole assembly that is overly stiff and relatively inflexible. In some cases, the stiffness and inflexibility of the sole assembly can diminish or even negate the fundamental performance benefits that the functional structures were designed or configured to provide.

The present disclosure addresses the abovementioned shortcomings of conventional shoes by providing various embodiments of shoes with functional structures that can be integrated with the sole assembly without compromising the overall flexibility of the shoe. The shoes disclosed herein may be manufactured or assembled to prevent unwanted stiffness in the sole assembly while still allowing the functional structures to provide real performance benefits that can enhance a golfer's ability to execute golf-related actions or movements both on and off the golf course.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf shoe comprising an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. In some embodiments, the sole assembly may comprise a midsole and an outsole.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a footbed. In some embodiments, the footbed may be disposed within an interior region of the upper to support a subject's foot when the subject is wearing the golf shoe.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise an insole component. In some embodiments, the insole component may be configured to extend under or across a lower end or a bottom portion of the upper. In some embodiments, the insole component may be attached to or otherwise fixed or coupled to the lower end or the bottom portion of the upper. In some embodiments, the upper and the insole component may be attached together to form an enclosed or partially enclosed interior region within the upper. In some embodiments, the insole component may be configured to cover the lower end or the bottom portion of the upper to form the enclosed or partially enclosed interior region within the upper. In some embodiments, the insole component may be attached, joined, or coupled to a bottom edge or a bottom end portion of the upper to form the enclosed or partially enclosed interior region within the upper.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a support structure fixed to at least one of the midsole, the footbed, or the insole component. In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise a free floating insert configured to move relative to the sole assembly as the subject executes a golf-related action or movement.

In some embodiments, a heel portion of the support structure may be fixed to a heel portion of the midsole, the footbed, or the insole component. In some embodiments, a remaining portion of the support structure may be detached from the midsole, the footbed, or the insole component. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure may include an area or a surface of the support structure that extends between (i) the heel portion of the support structure and (ii) a forefoot end or a rearfoot end of the support structure. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure may include an area or a surface of the support structure that extends between (i) the heel portion of the support structure and (ii) a lateral side or a medial side of the support structure.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a channel extending through the midsole of the golf shoe. In some embodiments, the support structure may be positioned within the channel extending through the midsole.

In some embodiments, the heel portion of the support structure may be affixed to the heel portion of the midsole using a fastener. In some embodiments, the fastener may be configured to restrict or limit a movement of the heel portion of the support structure relative to the heel portion of the midsole. In some embodiments, the heel portion of the support structure may be secured to the heel portion of the midsole at a single attachment point. In some embodiments, only the heel portion of the support structure may be attached to the midsole. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure may be detached or decoupled from the midsole so that the remaining portion can move or slide within or through the channel as the subject executes the golf-related action or movement.

In some embodiments, the footbed may comprise a channel, a recess, or a groove formed within and extending along a bottom surface of the footbed. In some embodiments, the support structure may be positionable along or within the channel, recess, or groove.

In some embodiments, the heel portion of the support structure may be affixed to the heel portion of the footbed using a fastener that restricts or limits a movement of the heel portion of the support structure relative to the heel portion of the footbed. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure may be detached or decoupled from the footbed so that the remaining portion can move within, along, or through the channel, recess, or groove as the subject executes the golf-related action or movement.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a foam material provided between the heel region of the footbed and the heel portion of the support structure. In some embodiments, the fastener may be configured to extend through the foam material provided between the heel region of the footbed and the heel portion of the support structure.

In some embodiments, the heel portion of the support structure may be fixed to an upper surface portion of the insole component. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure may be detached from and movable relative to the upper surface portion of the insole component.

In some embodiments, the heel portion of the support structure may be fixed to a lower surface portion of the insole component. In some embodiments, the remaining portion of the support structure may be detached from and movable relative to the lower surface portion of the insole component.

In some embodiments, the support structure may have a first orientation that provides a first flex characteristic and a second orientation that provides a second flex characteristic. In some embodiments, the first flex characteristic may be different than the second flex characteristic. In some embodiments, the orientation of the support structure may be changed in order to provide a different flex characteristic (e.g., in the same shoe or in a different shoe).

In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise one or more markers that visually indicate a relative movement or a deformation of the support structure during the golf-related action or movement. In some embodiments, the sole assembly may comprise a window and/or a transparent material layer that is optically aligned with the one or more markers.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf shoe comprising an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly comprising a midsole and an outsole, a footbed disposed within the upper, wherein the footbed is configured to support a subject's foot when the subject is wearing the golf shoe, an insole component provided below the footbed, and a support structure fixed to the insole component.

In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise a free-floating insert configured to move or slide along or through the sole assembly as the subject executes a golf-related action or movement. In some embodiments, a select portion of the support structure may be fixed to the insole component. In some embodiments, the select portion of the support structure may be offset from a rear end portion of the insole component. In some embodiments, a remaining portion of the support structure may be detached from the insole component.

In some embodiments, the insole component may comprise a protrusion configured to engage the support structure to facilitate a mechanical coupling between the insole component and the support structure. In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise a recess, a window, or an aperture configured to receive the protrusion.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a snap fastening mechanism configured to couple the support structure to the insole component. In some embodiments, the snap fastening mechanism may be integrated with the insole component. In some embodiments, the snap fastening mechanism may be a separate and/or distinct component from the insole component.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a rivet. In some embodiments, the rivet may be configured to couple the support structure to the insole component.

In some embodiments, the support structure may be positioned between the midsole and the insole component. In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise a channel configured to receive or accommodate the support structure. In some embodiments, the channel may be recessed into an upper surface of the midsole. In some embodiments, a clear TPU film may be provided underneath the support structure.

In some embodiments, the support structure may be positioned between the footbed and the insole component. In some embodiments, the insole component or the footbed may comprise a channel configured to receive or accommodate the support structure. In some embodiments, the channel may be recessed into an upper surface of the insole component. In some embodiments, the channel may be recessed into a bottom or lower surface of the footbed. In some embodiments, an additional layer of material may be provided between the support structure and the footbed to promote a sliding movement of the support structure relative to the footbed.

In some embodiments, the support structure may comprise one or more slits or cut outs. In some cases, the one or more slits or cut outs may be configured to enhance a flexibility of the support structure.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

From a performance standpoint, a golf shoe needs to provide sufficient control, support, and stability without limiting or restricting the flexibility of the shoe. Some conventional golf shoes may utilize a functional structure (e.g., an insert) that is integrated with or embedded in the sole assembly of the shoe, but the overall sole construction may be overly stiff and relatively inflexible when assembled. In some cases, a stiff and inflexible sole construction may diminish or negate the performance benefits that the functional structures are designed to provide.

show an example of a conventional shoewith a laminated assembly. In some embodiments, the laminated assembly may comprise a carbon plate that is positioned between a top midsole portion and a bottom midsole portion. In some embodiments, the carbon plate may be coupled to the top and/or bottom midsole portion(s) using a glue, a primer, or other adhesive material. As shown in, in some embodiments, the laminated assembly may overly stiffen the shoe, which can negatively impact the comfort and/or the performance characteristics of the shoe.

The present disclosure addresses the shortcomings discussed above by providing various embodiments of golf shoes comprising a functional insert (e.g., a support structure) that can be integrated with or within one or more other components of the shoes without overly stiffening the sole assembly of the shoes. In some embodiments, the golf shoes disclosed herein may utilize a support structure that is free floating relative to one or more other components of the golf shoes.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf shoe. The golf shoe may comprise an article of footwear (e.g., a shoe) that can be worn by a subject to aid in a physical activity such as golf, or any other physical activity involving one or more actions or movements that can be used in the sport of golf. The golf shoe may be worn by a subject. The subject may be, for example, a golf player or a golfer. When worn by the subject, the golf shoe may provide an optimal balance of comfort, control, support, and stability that allows the subject to focus on his or her game in order to maximize performance.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise an upper. In some embodiments, the upper may comprise one or more layers or panels of material that are configured to extend around and cover a subject's foot.

In some cases, the upper may comprise, for example, a knit material, a woven material, a non-woven material, a natural leather, a synthetic leather, a natural fabric, a synthetic fabric, or any other type of material formed from a natural or synthetic material. In some cases, the upper may comprise a breathable mesh material. In some cases, the upper may comprise a waterproof or water-resistant material. In some cases, the upper may comprise a porous membrane, a non-porous membrane, or a semi-porous membrane that permits a selective movement or passage of water or moisture through the upper.

In some cases, the upper may comprise a toe box and/or a vamp for covering at least a forefoot region of a subject's foot. In some cases, the upper may comprise a quarter and/or a heel piece for covering and/or supporting one or more side or rear portions of a subject's foot (e.g., the area adjacent to, surrounding, and/or below the Achilles tendon, the posterior of the heel, and/or the talus and calcaneus bones).

In some embodiments, the toe box, the vamp, the quarter, and/or the heel piece may comprise separate pieces or panels of material that are connected or fused to each other mechanically, chemically, thermally, or adhesively. In other embodiments, the upper may comprise a continuous piece or panel of material for the toe box, vamp, quarter, and/or heel piece. The continuous piece or panel of material may not or need not have any seams. In some cases, the continuous piece or panel of material may comprise a plurality of regions having different material properties. In some cases, the continuous piece or panel of material may comprise a plurality of materials having different material properties.

In some embodiments, the upper may comprise an instep region with an opening for inserting a subject's foot into an interior region of the upper. In some cases, the instep region may include a tongue member for covering an upper portion of a subject's foot.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise one or more laces or cables that can be manipulated to tighten the upper around the subject's foot after the subject inserts his or her foot into the interior region of the upper. In some cases, the one or more laces or cables may be manipulated by the subject manually to secure the upper around the subject's foot. In other cases, the golf shoe may comprise a tightening system that can be used to engage the one or more laces or cables to tighten the upper around the subject's foot. In some cases, the tightening system may include a reel or a spool mechanism for retaining and/or organizing the one or more laces or cables, and a control mechanism (e.g., a dial) for activating and/or deactivating the tightening system. In some cases, the one or more laces or cables may be attached or operatively coupled to the control mechanism and/or the reel or spool mechanism.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a footbed disposed within the upper. In some embodiments, the footbed may be positioned above a lower end or a bottom portion of the upper. In some embodiments, the footbed may be configured to support a subject's foot when the subject is wearing the golf shoe. In some embodiments, the footbed may be configured to provide a cushioning effect when forces or loads are exerted on the shoe as the subject executes one or more golf-related actions or movements.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise an insole component. The insole component may comprise, for example, an insole board. In some cases, the insole component may be attached or otherwise fixed or coupled to a lower end or a bottom portion of the upper. In some cases, the upper and the insole component may be attached together to form an enclosed or partially enclosed interior region within the upper. In some cases, the enclosed or partially enclosed interior region may be volumetrically sized and shaped to accommodate a subject's foot. In some cases, the insole component may be configured to cover the lower end or the bottom portion of the upper to form an enclosed or partially enclosed interior region within the upper for receiving and accommodating a subject's foot. In some cases, the insole component may be attached, joined, or coupled to the upper material to form the enclosed or partially enclosed interior region within the upper.

In some cases, the insole component may comprise a stiff or rigid component configured to provide additional support, stability, balance, or control characteristics to the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the insole component may comprise a board that is positionable between the upper component and the midsole component. In some cases, the board may comprise an insole board, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) board, a polypropylene (PP) board, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) strobel board, or any other type of board that can be used to provide additional support, stability, balance, or control for golf-related actions or movements.

In some cases, the insole component may have an upper surface and a lower surface. In some cases, the upper surface and/or the lower surface may include one or more structural ribs configured to strengthen or stiffen the insole component. In other cases, the upper surface and/or the lower surface may be smooth or substantially smooth. In some cases, the upper surface may include one or more structural ribs, and the lower surface may be smooth or substantially smooth. In other cases, the upper surface may be smooth or substantially smooth, and the lower surface may include one or more structural ribs.

In some cases, the insole component may be configured to extend under the bottom end or lower portion of the upper. In some cases, the insole component may be configured to extend along the bottom end or lower portion of the upper. In some cases, the insole component may be positioned below the footbed provided within the interior region of the upper. In some cases, the insole component may be positioned above the sole assembly of the shoe.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may comprise a sole assembly. In some embodiments, the sole assembly may be connected to the upper. In some embodiments, the sole assembly may be attached or coupled to the insole component of the shoe. In some embodiments, the sole assembly may comprise a midsole and/or an outsole.

In some embodiments, the sole assembly may comprise a midsole. In some cases, the midsole may comprise a relatively lightweight material configured to provide cushioning and/or support to the shoe. In some embodiments, the midsole may be made from one or more midsole materials. In some cases, the one or more midsole material may comprise a foam material. In some cases, the foam material may comprise an open cell foam comprising one or more open or partially open cells. In other cases, the foam material may comprise a closed cell foam comprising one or more closed or partially closed cells. In some non-limiting embodiments, the foam material may comprise an elastic foam. The elastic foam may include, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), an elasticized closed-cell foam with rubber-like softness and flexibility. In other non-limiting embodiments, the foam material may comprise a viscous foam. The viscous foam may include, for example, a polyurethane foam or a polyethylene foam. In some alternative embodiments, the foam material may comprise a viscoelastic foam. In some cases, the viscoelastic foam may have the elastic properties of an elastic foam and/or the viscous properties of a viscous foam. In some cases, the viscoelastic foam may comprise a memory foam or a memory foam-like material. In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise a plurality of different foam materials. The plurality of different foam materials may include, for example, foamed ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and/or foamed polyurethane compositions.

In some embodiments, the sole assembly may comprise an outsole. In some embodiments, the outsole may be configured to provide traction on various different types of ground surfaces, including on course and off course ground surfaces.

In some embodiments, the outsole may comprise an outsole material. In some cases, the outsole material may be configured to grip a ground surface underneath the shoe (e.g., during a golf-related action or movement). In some embodiments, the outsole material may comprise a plastic material, a thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane), or a thermoset plastic material. In some embodiments, the outsole material may include a rubber material or a thermoplastic rubber material, such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene-propylene rubber (“EPR”), ethylene-propylene-diene (“EPDM”) rubber, and/or styrene-butadiene rubber. In some non-limiting embodiments, the outsole material may include a combination or a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and rubber.

In some embodiments, the outsole may comprise one or more traction elements configured to enhance shoe traction, grip, and stability on a plurality of different surface types. In some embodiments, the one or more traction elements may be configured to frictionally engage the ground surface under the shoe. In some embodiments, the one or more traction elements may be configured to mechanically interlock with the ground surface under the shoe.

In some embodiments, the plurality of traction elements may comprise one or more spikes (e.g., hard spikes or soft spikes). In some embodiments, the plurality of traction elements may comprise one or more cleats. In some embodiments, the one or more spikes or cleats may comprise one or more arms, legs, extensions, or high aspect ratio structures configured to at least partially penetrate or otherwise physically interface with or contact the ground surface.

In some embodiments, the plurality of traction elements may not or need not comprise any spikes. For example, in some cases, the traction elements may comprise a spikeless feature that is configured to reduce a lateral or translational movement of the shoe relative to a ground surface when a force is exerted on the shoe. In some embodiments, the spikeless feature may comprise a protrusion, a depression, or a textured surface or material provided on or integrally formed with the outsole.