ANISOTROPIC DEFORMATION PAD FOR FOOTWEAR ANISOTROPIC DEFORMATION PAD FOR FOOTWEAR

摘要

A deformation pad is disclosed for outsoles of footwear to simulate footwear response associated with sports activity on gravel surfaces. It has been noted that there is a slight forward sliding of a shoe on a runner during each step when runners run on dirt or gravel roads. It has been theorized that this sliding minimizes impact forces on the lower leg. The present invention simulates the performance and response force characteristics of sports activities on granulated surfaces by providing a deformation pad including elongate anisotropic deformation elements having resistances to deformation that are different along longitudinal, transverse, and vertical axes. The deformation pad is designed to provide deformation along transverse and vertical axes while substantially resisting deformation along a longitudinal axis. The deformation pads may be oriented to provide optimum response characteristics for different sports having different load characteristics. For example, the deformation pads on running shoes may be oriented differently than the deformation pads on tennis shoes wherein athletes subject their shoes to substantial lateral motion and stops. Shoes having deformation pads may also be combined with support elements having a thickness less than the deformation pad. The support elements provide additional cushioning and stability and a platform for pushing off when initiating movement of the foot.