Patent ID: 6769202
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
A sole unit for a shoe having a heel end and a toe end comprising:a directional element operable to provide flexibility in a longitudinal direction of the sole unit and to provide stiffness in a lateral direction of the sole unit, wherein the directional element includes a top member, a bottom member, and a plurality of resiliently flexible strut members connected therebetween for supporting the top member a spaced distance away from the bottom member in a static condition; and a cushioning element operably coupled to the directional element, the cushioning element operable to absorb an impact force applied to the directional element, wherein the cushioning element includes a top member corresponding to and overlying a portion of the top member of the directional element, and at least one cushioning member extending outwardly therefrom, the cushioning member adapted to be received between two strut members.