Patent Description:
Conventionally, shoes including uppers are known. As disclosed in <CIT>, for example, fibers, resins, and composites of fibers and resins are generally used as materials for uppers. In addition, it is common to produce a planar upper by forming materials for uppers in a linear shape and joining a plurality of linear materials to each other by knitting, weaving, braiding, welding, bonding, or the like.

<CIT> discloses an athletic shoe including a sole, an upper, a plurality of band-shaped members, and a fastening member. The upper has a toe portion, a heel portion, a forefoot portion and a lower periphery. The upper is secured to the sole and has a plurality of elongated through holes at regions except the toe portion and the heel portion. The band-shaped members are secured to the sole or the lower periphery of the upper and extend upwardly toward an instep of a foot of a shoe wearer. The fastening member is connected to each upper end of the band-shaped members.

<CIT> discloses an article of footwear with an upper including a ribbon structure. The ribbon structure comprises ribbon sections running in at least two different directions. Ribbon sections are connected at nodes. Between nodes portions of ribbon act like links joining the nodes. The links can be arranged in various geometries, including a rectangular grid and a triaxial grid. The ribbon structure may extend the entire length of the article of footwear, and may extend through a forefoot, midfoot and heel.

However, if a plurality of linear materials is joined to each other over the entire region of an upper, the stiffness is increased in the entire region of the upper due to the joint of the linear materials. This causes, for example, deterioration in the followability of the upper with respect to bending and twisting of a foot during movement, fatigue failure of the materials during bending of a foot, and other problems.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an upper capable of reducing the stiffness of the upper.

This object is achieved by an upper having the features of claim <NUM>. Advantageous further developments are defined in the dependent claims. A shoe comprising such upper is set out in claim <NUM>.

An upper according to the present invention has an effect of reducing the stiffness of the upper.

Hereinafter, embodiments of an upper according to the present invention and a shoe including the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

In the following embodiments, a direction in which a shoe center axis, which is a perpendicular line passing through a shoe center in a plan view of a shoe, extends is referred to as a front-rear direction, and a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction in a plan view of the shoe is referred to as a right-left direction.

In addition, of the front-rear direction, a direction directed from the end on the side where a portion of an upper covering the rearfoot of a foot is positioned toward the end on the side where a portion covering the forefoot of the foot is positioned is referred to as a front side, and of the front-rear direction, a direction directed from the end on the side where a portion of the upper covering the forefoot of the foot is positioned toward the end on the side where a portion of the upper covering the rearfoot of the foot is positioned is referred to as a rear side.

In addition, a median side of a foot in the anatomical position is referred to as a medial foot side, and the side opposite to the median side of the foot in the anatomical position is referred to as a lateral foot side. That is, the side closer to the median line in the anatomical position is referred to as the medial foot side, and the side farther from the median line in the anatomical position is referred to as the lateral foot side.

In addition, when a line along the right-left direction passing through a position corresponding to <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the dimension in the front-rear direction of the upper from the front end of the upper is defined as a first boundary line, and a line along the right-left direction passing through a position corresponding to <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the dimension in the front-rear direction of the upper from the front end of the upper is defined as a second boundary line, a portion positioned in front of the first boundary line is referred to as an upper forefoot portion, a portion sandwiched between the first boundary line and the second boundary line is referred to as an upper midfoot portion, and a portion positioned behind the second boundary line is referred to as an upper rearfoot portion.

The upper forefoot portion corresponds to a portion covering the forefoot of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, the upper midfoot portion corresponds to a portion covering the midfoot of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, and the upper rearfoot portion corresponds to a portion covering the rearfoot of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape. In other words, the first boundary line is a line roughly along the MP joint of a wearer with a standard body shape, and the second boundary line is a line roughly along the Chopart joint of a wearer with a standard body shape.

Furthermore, a height direction means a direction orthogonal to both the front-rear direction and the right-left direction unless otherwise specified, and a thickness means a dimension in the height direction unless otherwise specified.

<FIG> is a plan view of a shoe <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a side view of the shoe <NUM> on a lateral foot side according to the first embodiment. In <FIG>, only the shoe <NUM> for a left foot is illustrated. Since the shoe <NUM> has a right-left symmetrical structure for a left foot and a right foot, only the shoe <NUM> for a left foot is described in the present embodiment, and the description of the shoe <NUM> for a right foot is omitted. The shoe <NUM> is, for example, a shoe for running or walking, a shoe for climbing, or a shoe for sports such as tennis and basketball. As illustrated in <FIG>, the shoe <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole <NUM> positioned below the upper <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper <NUM> includes an upper body <NUM>, a shoe tongue <NUM>, and a shoelace <NUM>.

The upper body <NUM> mainly covers a part on the instep side of a foot. At the upper portion of the upper body <NUM>, a foot insertion opening 20a for inserting a foot of a wearer and a throat portion 20b communicating with the foot insertion opening 20a and extending from the foot insertion opening 20a to the front side are disposed. At least a part of the upper body <NUM> is an opening region <NUM> disposed with an opening. In the opening region <NUM>, a plurality of first members <NUM> extending in one direction are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. Details of the opening region <NUM> and the first members <NUM> are described later. Although the first members <NUM> are actually linear, in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first members <NUM> are illustrated in a band shape hatched with oblique lines for ease of understanding.

The shoe tongue <NUM> is a member for protecting the instep of a wearer. The shoe tongue <NUM> covers the throat portion 20b inside the upper body <NUM>. The shoe tongue <NUM> is fixed to the upper body <NUM> by stitching, welding, bonding, or a combination thereof. As the material of the upper body <NUM> and the shoe tongue <NUM>, woven fabric, knitted fabric, synthetic leather, or resin is used for example. In particular, in the shoe <NUM> required to have air permeability and lightweight property, a double raschel warp knitted fabric knitted with polyester yarn is preferably used as the material of the upper body <NUM> and the shoe tongue <NUM>. Note that the material of the upper body <NUM> and the shoe tongue <NUM> is not limited to those exemplified.

The shoelace <NUM> is a string-like member alternately hooked to the first members <NUM> disposed on both side edges of the throat portion 20b in the right-left direction, and is detachably attached to the upper body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sole <NUM> covers the sole of a foot. The sole <NUM> includes an outsole <NUM> and a midsole <NUM>. The sole <NUM> is fixed to the upper body <NUM> by stitching, welding, bonding, or a combination thereof. The lower surface of the outsole <NUM> serves as a ground contact surface 30a to be contacted on the ground. The midsole <NUM> is positioned on the upper surface of the outsole <NUM> and has a cushioning property. Note that the outsole <NUM> may be integrated with the midsole <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> integrated with the outsole <NUM> is also referred to as a "unisole".

Next, the structure of the upper body <NUM> is described in more detail with reference to <FIG> is a developed view of the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper body <NUM> includes an upper forefoot portion <NUM> which is a portion covering a forefoot of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, an upper midfoot portion <NUM> which is a portion covering a midfoot of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, an upper rearfoot portion <NUM> which is a portion covering a rearfoot of a foot of a wearer with a standard body shape, and an upper sole portion <NUM> which is a portion covering a sole of a wearer with a standard body shape. The upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper rearfoot portion <NUM> are connected in this order in the front-rear direction from the front side of the upper body <NUM>. The upper forefoot portion <NUM> is positioned in front of the first boundary line S1. The upper midfoot portion <NUM> is positioned between the first boundary line S1 and the second boundary line S2. The upper rearfoot portion <NUM> is positioned behind the second boundary line S2. The upper sole portion <NUM> is connected to a lateral -foot-side lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The upper sole portion <NUM> serves as an inner sole that covers a lower opening disposed by being surrounded by a lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, a lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and a lower edge of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. The upper sole portion <NUM> is fixed to the upper surface of the midsole <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> by bonding or welding. Note that the shoe <NUM> may include an insole. If the shoe <NUM> includes an insole, the insole is installed on the upper sole portion <NUM> inside the upper <NUM>.

The upper body <NUM> is disposed with the opening region <NUM> in which the first members <NUM> are disposed, and a joint region <NUM> to which the first members <NUM> are fixed. The opening region <NUM> is a region other than the throat portion 20b and the foot insertion opening 20a in the region opening to the upper body <NUM>. The opening region <NUM> is disposed over the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper sole portion <NUM>. The opening region <NUM> is disposed in a portion of the upper body <NUM> other than the edge of the throat portion 20b, the edge of the foot insertion opening 20a, the lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM> and the outer edge of the upper sole portion <NUM> excluding the boundary between the upper midfoot portion <NUM> and the upper sole portion <NUM>, the lower edge of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, and the end edge on the heel side.

The joint region <NUM> is a planar region disposed around the opening region <NUM>. In other words, the opening region <NUM> is disposed in the region surrounded by the joint region <NUM>. The structure of the joint region <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as the joint region <NUM> has higher stiffness than the opening region <NUM> in which the first members <NUM> are disposed. As the material of the joint region <NUM>, for example, films, fibers, resins, and composites of fibers and resins, or the like is used. Fibers, resins, and composites of fibers and resins are joined by knitting, weaving, braiding, welding, bonding, or the like. The joint region <NUM> is disposed along the outline of the upper body <NUM> in the developed state.

The joint region <NUM> includes a first joint region <NUM> disposed at the lateral-foot-side lower edges of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, a second joint region <NUM> disposed at the medial-foot-side lower edges of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, and a third joint region <NUM> disposed at the heel-side end edge of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. The joint region <NUM> further includes a fourth joint region <NUM> disposed at the front-side edge of the throat portion 20b, a fifth joint region <NUM> disposed at the lateral-foot-side edges of the throat portion 20b and the foot insertion opening 20a, and a sixth joint region <NUM> disposed at the medial-foot-side edges of the throat portion 20b and the foot insertion opening 20a. The joint region <NUM> further includes a seventh joint region <NUM> disposed at the lateral-foot-side edge of the upper sole portion <NUM>, an eighth joint region <NUM> disposed at the medial-foot-side edge of the upper sole portion <NUM>, and a ninth joint region <NUM> disposed at the heel-side end edge of the upper sole portion <NUM>.

The first joint region <NUM> is not disposed in a part of the boundary between the upper midfoot portion <NUM> and the upper sole portion <NUM>. The first joint region <NUM> and the second joint region <NUM> extend to be closer to a shoe center axis C from the rear side toward the front side. The front ends of the first joint region <NUM> and the second joint region <NUM> are connected to each other. The rear end of the first joint region <NUM> and the rear end of the second joint region <NUM> are connected to the lower end of the third joint region <NUM>. The fifth joint region <NUM> and the sixth joint region <NUM> extend forward from the upper end of the third joint region <NUM> toward the fourth joint region <NUM>. The front ends of the seventh joint region <NUM> and the eighth joint region <NUM> are connected to each other. The rear end of the seventh joint region <NUM> is connected to the first joint region <NUM>. The lateral-foot-side end of the ninth joint region <NUM> is connected to the first joint region <NUM>.

The first members <NUM> are linear members extending to cross the opening region <NUM> in the right-left direction or the height direction. The first members <NUM> are disposed with a space from each other in the front-rear direction. The first members <NUM> are disposed of a single material. Each of the first members <NUM> is, for example, a fiber, a thread obtained by bundling a plurality of fibers, or a resin disposed into a linear shape, and has flexibility. The first members <NUM> have elasticity in only one direction. The first members <NUM> are disposed on the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper sole portion <NUM>. The first members <NUM> on the upper forefoot portion <NUM> extend in the right-left direction between the first joint region <NUM> and the second joint region <NUM>. The first members <NUM> positioned on the lateral foot side of the upper midfoot portion <NUM> extend from the fifth joint region <NUM> to the eighth joint region <NUM> through the boundary between the upper midfoot portion <NUM> and the upper sole portion <NUM>. The first members <NUM> positioned on the medial foot side of the upper midfoot portion <NUM> extend in the height direction between the sixth joint region <NUM> and the second joint region <NUM>. The first members <NUM> positioned on the lateral foot side of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM> extend in the height direction between the fifth joint region <NUM> and the first joint region <NUM>. The first members <NUM> positioned on the medial foot side of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM> extend in the height direction between the sixth joint region <NUM> and the second joint region <NUM>. The first members <NUM> positioned on the upper sole portion <NUM> extend in the right-left direction between the seventh joint region <NUM> and the eighth joint region <NUM>, or extend in the right-left direction between the boundary between the upper midfoot portion <NUM> and the upper sole portion <NUM> and the eighth joint region <NUM>.

Both ends of each of the first members <NUM> are fixed ends <NUM> fixed to the joint region <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> adjacent to the opening region <NUM>. Hereinafter, when the fixed ends <NUM> at both ends of the first members <NUM> are distinguished, the fixed ends <NUM> on one end side of the first members <NUM> are referred to as fixed ends <NUM>, and the fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the first members <NUM> are referred to as fixed ends <NUM>. The fixed ends <NUM> on the one end side of the first members <NUM> are arranged in the front-rear direction. The fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the first members <NUM> are arranged in the front-rear direction. The order in which the fixed ends <NUM> on the one end side of the first members <NUM> are arranged is equal to the order in which the fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the first members <NUM> are arranged. The space between adjacent fixed ends <NUM> in the front-rear direction on the one end side may be different from that on the other end side, but the space on the one end side is the same as that on the other end side in the present embodiment. The first members <NUM> are disposed in parallel to each other. Note that the shoelace <NUM> is passed through a gap disposed between adjacent first members <NUM> and hooked to one of the first members <NUM>.

Next, an effect of the upper <NUM> according to the present embodiment is described.

In the present embodiment, the upper <NUM> includes the upper body <NUM> that covers the instep of a foot as illustrated in <FIG>, and at least a part of the upper body <NUM> is the opening region <NUM> disposed with an opening as illustrated in <FIG>. In the opening region <NUM>, the first members <NUM> extending in one direction are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. Both ends of the first members <NUM> are the fixed ends <NUM> fixed to the joint region <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> adjacent to the opening region <NUM>, and the order in which the fixed ends <NUM> on the one end side of the first members <NUM> are arranged is equal to the order in which the fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the first members <NUM> are arranged. With these structures, since the stiffness of the opening region <NUM> in which the first members <NUM> are disposed is lower than that of the joint region <NUM> adjacent to the opening region <NUM>, it is possible to locally reduce the stiffness of the upper body <NUM>.

When the upper rearfoot portion <NUM> is contacted the ground while the upper forefoot portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is in contact with the ground, the forefoot of a foot bends, which generates a bending point in the upper forefoot portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, since the first members <NUM> are disposed on the upper forefoot portion <NUM> where the bending point is generated, it is possible to reduce the bending stiffness of the portion where the bending point is generated in the upper forefoot portion <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce bending resistance of the upper body <NUM> during bending of a foot. In addition, since the first members <NUM> are easily deformed following the bending of the foot, it is possible to ease the contact of the upper body <NUM> with the foot and reduce fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body <NUM>. By reducing the fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body <NUM>, the strength required for the materials of the upper body <NUM> can be reduced, and it is possible to lead to weight reduction of the shoe <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, since the first members <NUM> are disposed at a part of a foot where the curvature in multiple directions is large as illustrated in <FIG>, it is possible to make the upper body <NUM> fit the foot well.

During movement, the skin of the midfoot of a foot mainly shrinks, twists, or distorts, and the upper midfoot portion <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is sheared and deformed. In the present embodiment, since the first members <NUM> are disposed on the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the stiffness of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the first members <NUM> are easily deformed following the strain of the skin of the foot, and it is possible to reduce wrinkles generated in the upper body <NUM> and fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body <NUM>. By reducing the fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body <NUM>, the strength required for the materials of the upper body <NUM> can be reduced, and it is possible to lead to weight reduction of the shoe <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, by hooking the shoelace <NUM> to the first members <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, the first members <NUM> serve as a substitute for eyelets, and the eyelets do not need to be disposed separately. In addition, by hooking the shoelace <NUM> to some of the first members <NUM>, a tightening force generated by tensioning the shoelace is applied to some of the first members <NUM>, and it is possible to locally tighten the upper body <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, since the first members <NUM> extending in one direction are disposed in the opening region <NUM> in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to improve air permeability between the inside and the outside of the upper body <NUM> and to reduce the weight of the shoe <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, the space between the adjacent fixed ends <NUM> on the one end side is the same as that on the other end side, and this makes it difficult for the first members <NUM> to intersect with each other. Accordingly, the first members <NUM> are easily sheared and deformed, and the first members <NUM> are more easily deformed following the strain of the skin of the foot during movement.

In the present embodiment, since the first members <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are disposed of a single material, it is possible to easily manufacture the upper body <NUM> including the first members <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of a shoe 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a side view of the shoe 1A on a lateral foot side according to the second embodiment. <FIG> is a developed view of an upper 2A according to the second embodiment. The upper 2A according to the second embodiment is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in that the upper 2A has a monosock structure and that the ranges of an opening region 4A and first members 5A. In the second embodiment, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper 2A has a monosock structure in which a portion corresponding to the shoe tongue <NUM> in the first embodiment is integrated with an ankle portion of an upper body 20A. As illustrated in <FIG>, a part of a joint region 6A is disposed in front of a foot insertion opening 20a of the upper body 20A. Hereinafter, this part of the joint region 6A is referred to as a center joint region 6B. In the present embodiment, the opening region 4A is disposed over an upper forefoot portion <NUM>, an upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and an upper sole portion <NUM>. The opening region 4A is disposed from the front edge of the center joint region 6B to the vicinity of the center portion of the upper forefoot portion <NUM> in the front-rear direction. In addition, the opening region 4A is disposed from the lateral-foot-side edge of the center joint region 6B to the vicinity of the lateral-foot-side lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM> and the midfoot portion of the upper sole portion <NUM>. The opening region 4A is further disposed from the medial-foot-side edge of the center joint region 6B to the vicinity of the medial-foot-side lower edges of the upper forefoot portion <NUM> and the upper midfoot portion <NUM>.

In the opening region 4A, a plurality of first members 5A extending in one direction is disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. The first members 5A are disposed on the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper sole portion <NUM>. The first members 5A are bridged in portions of the joint region 6A that are positioned across the opening region 4A. With the present embodiment, it is also possible to achieve an effect similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

<FIG> is a plan view of a shoe 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a side view of the shoe 1B on a lateral foot side according to the third embodiment. An upper 2B according to the third embodiment is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in the ranges of an opening region 4B and first members 5B. In the third embodiment, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening region 4B is disposed in an upper midfoot portion <NUM> in the present embodiment. The opening region 4B is disposed on each of the lateral foot side and the medial foot side of a throat portion 20b. The opening region 4B is disposed from the vicinity of the lateral-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b to the vicinity of the lateral-foot-side lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The opening region 4B is disposed from the vicinity of the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b to the vicinity of the medial-foot-side lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The first members 5B are disposed on the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first members 5B extend from the lateral-foot-side edge or the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b toward a sole <NUM>. The lower ends of the first members 5B reach the vicinity of the lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The extending direction of the first members 5B is inclined to be positioned rearward from the edge of the throat portion 20b toward the sole <NUM>.

With the present embodiment, it is also possible to achieve an effect substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above. That is, in the present embodiment, since the first members 5B are disposed on the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, which causes the first members 5B to be easily deformed following the strain of the skin of a foot, it is possible to reduce wrinkles generated in the upper body 20B and fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body 20B. By reducing the fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body 20B, the strength required for the materials of the upper body 20B can be reduced, and it is possible to lead to weight reduction of the shoe 1B. In the present embodiment, by hooking a shoelace <NUM> to the first members 5B, the first members 5B serve as a substitute for eyelets, and the eyelets do not need to be disposed separately. Since the shoelace <NUM> is hooked on some of the first members 5B, a tightening force generated by tensioning the shoelace is applied to some of the first members 5B, and it is possible to locally tighten the upper body 20B. In the present embodiment, since the first members 5B extending in one direction are disposed in the opening region 4B in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to improve air permeability between the inside and the outside of the upper body 20B and to reduce the weight of the shoe 1B.

<FIG> is a plan view of a shoe 1C according to a fourth example, not according to the present invention. <FIG> is a side view of the shoe 1C on a lateral foot side according to the fourth example. An upper 2C according to the fourth example is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in the ranges of an opening region 4C and first members 5C and in that an upper body 20C is disposed with a string passing portion <NUM>. In the fourth example, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening region 4C is disposed in an upper forefoot portion <NUM> in the present embodiment. The opening region 4C is disposed from the lateral-foot-side lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM> through the front of a throat portion 20b to the medial-foot-side lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>. The first members 5C are disposed on the upper forefoot portion <NUM> and extend in the right-left direction. The lateral-foot-side ends of the first members 5C reach the lateral-foot-side lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>. The medial-foot-side ends of the first members 5C reach the medial-foot-side lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the extending direction of the first members 5C is inclined to be positioned rearward from the shoe center axis toward the lower edge of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, on both edges of the throat portion 20b in the right-left direction, a plurality of string passing portions <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction is disposed. The structure of the string passing portions <NUM> is not particularly limited as long as a shoelace <NUM> can be passed therethrough, but in the present example, the string passing portions <NUM> are through holes that pass through the upper body 20C in the vertical direction.

With the present example, it is also possible to achieve an effect substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above. That is, in the present example, since the first members 5C are disposed on the upper forefoot portion <NUM> where a bending point is generated, which causes the first members 5C to be easily deformed following the bending of a foot, it is possible to ease the contact of the upper body 20C with the foot and reduce fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body 20C. By reducing the fatigue failure of the materials of the upper body 20C, the strength required for the materials of the upper body 20C can be reduced, and it is possible to lead to weight reduction of the shoe 1C. In the present example, since the first members 5C extending in one direction are disposed in the opening region 4C in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to improve air permeability between the inside and the outside of the upper body 20C and to reduce the weight of the shoe 1C.

<FIG> is a plan view of a shoe 1D according to a fifth example, not according to the present invention. <FIG> is a side view of the shoe 1D on a lateral foot side according to the fifth example. An upper 2D according to the fifth example is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in the ranges of an opening region 4D and first members 5D and in that an upper body 20D is disposed with a string passing portion <NUM>. In the fifth example, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening region 4D is disposed from an upper midfoot portion <NUM> to an upper rearfoot portion <NUM> in the present example. As illustrated in <FIG>, the opening region 4D is disposed from the lateral-foot-side edge of a throat portion 20b through the heel-side end edge of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM> to the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b. The first members 5D are disposed from the upper midfoot portion <NUM> to the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. The first members 5D extend from the lateral-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b toward the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, and then extend to the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b through the heel-side end edge of the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. The first members 5D extend to surround a foot insertion opening 20a. As illustrated in <FIG>, the extending direction of the first members 5D is inclined to be positioned downward from the lateral-foot-side edge and the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b toward the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, on both edges of the throat portion 20b in the right-left direction, a plurality of string passing portions <NUM> spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction is disposed. Each rear end of a shoelace <NUM> is hooked to the first members <NUM> and exposed to the outside of the upper body 20D from a gap between adjacent first members <NUM>.

With the present example, it is also possible to achieve an effect substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above. That is, in the present example, by hooking the shoelace <NUM> to the first members 5D, the first members 5D serve as a substitute for eyelets, and the eyelets do not need to be disposed separately. In addition, by hooking the shoelace <NUM> to some of the first members 5D, a tightening force generated by tensioning the shoelace <NUM> is applied to some of the first members 5D, and it is possible to locally tighten the upper body 20D. In particular, in the present example, since the first members 5D extend to surround the foot insertion opening 20a, it is possible to locally tighten a portion around the foot insertion opening 20a of the upper body 20D. In addition, in the present example, since the first members 5D extending in one direction are disposed in the opening region 4D in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to improve air permeability between the inside and the outside of the upper body 20D and to reduce the weight of the shoe 1D.

<FIG> is a plan view of a shoe 1E according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention and illustrates a state before a shoelace <NUM> is pulled. <FIG> is a side view of the shoe 1E on a lateral foot side according to the sixth embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view of the shoe 1E according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention and illustrates a state in which the shoelace <NUM> is pulled from the state illustrated in <FIG>. An upper 2E according to the sixth embodiment is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in the ranges and structures of an opening region 4E and first members 5E. In the sixth embodiment, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted. In <FIG>, for ease of understanding, the opening region 4E is illustrated with dot hatching, and the first members 5E are omitted in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening region 4E is disposed in an upper midfoot portion <NUM> in the present embodiment. The opening region 4E is adjacent to the lateral-foot-side edge of a throat portion 20b, and is disposed from the lateral-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b to the vicinity of the lateral-foot-side lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The opening region 4E is adjacent to the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b, and is disposed from the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b to the vicinity of the medial-foot-side lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first members 5E are disposed on the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The first members 5E extend from the lateral-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b toward a sole <NUM> in the opening region 4E on the lateral foot side. The lateral-foot-side lower ends of the first members 5E reach the vicinity of the lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the first members 5E similarly extend from the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b toward the sole <NUM> in the opening region 4E on the medial foot side. The medial-foot-side lower ends of the first members 5E reach the vicinity of the lower edge of the upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The extending direction of the first members 5E is inclined to be positioned rearward from the lateral-foot-side edge and the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b toward the sole <NUM>.

The first members 5E include a first extendable member <NUM> and a second extendable member <NUM> having higher extensibility in one direction than the first extendable member <NUM>. The opening region 4E includes a first region <NUM> in which a plurality of first extendable members <NUM> is arranged in the front-rear direction, and a second region <NUM> in which a plurality of second extendable members <NUM> is arranged in the front-rear direction. The first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> are alternately disposed in the front-rear direction on the lateral foot side and the medial foot side of the throat portion 20b. In <FIG>, the first regions <NUM> and the second regions <NUM> are distinguished from each other by shading of dot hatching.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the upper 2E includes a front edge portion 20c, a first side edge portion 20d, a second side edge portion 20e, a plurality of first disposed portions 20f, a plurality of second disposed portions <NUM>, and a plurality of string passing portions <NUM>. Hereinafter, when the string passing portions <NUM> are distinguished, they are referred to as a lateral-foot-side string passing portion 27a, a medial-foot-side string passing portion 27b, a toe-side string passing portion 27c, and a heel-side string passing portion 27d. The lateral-foot-side string passing portion 27a, the medial-foot-side string passing portion 27b, the toe-side string passing portion 27c, and the heel-side string passing portion 27d are actually gaps disposed between adjacent first members 5E, but in <FIG>, the string passing portions <NUM> are illustrated as circular holes for ease of understanding.

The front edge portion 20c is the front-side edge of the throat portion 20b. The front edge portion 20c extends in the right-left direction. The first side edge portion 20d is the lateral-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b. The second side edge portion 20e is the medial-foot-side edge of the throat portion 20b. The first side edge portion 20d and the second side edge portion 20e extend in the front-rear direction.

Each first disposed portion 20f is a part of the second region <NUM> and protrudes from the first side edge portion 20d toward the second side edge portion 20e. The shape of each first disposed portion 20f in plan view is not particularly limited, but is a rectangle with rounded corners in the present embodiment. The shape of each first disposed portion 20f in plan view may be a polygon or a semicircle. The number of the first disposed portions 20f is not particularly limited, but is two in the present embodiment. The two first disposed portions 20f are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. Note that each first disposed portion 20f may be a part of one of the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

Each second disposed portion <NUM> is a part of the second region <NUM> and protrudes from the second side edge portion 20e toward the first side edge portion 20d. The shape of each second disposed portion <NUM> in plan view is not particularly limited, but is a rectangle with rounded corners in the present embodiment. The shape of each second disposed portion <NUM> in plan view may be a polygon or a semicircle. The number of the second disposed portions <NUM> is not particularly limited, but is two in the present embodiment. The two second disposed portions <NUM> are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The first disposed portion 20f and the second disposed portion <NUM> are alternately disposed in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, the second disposed portion <NUM> and the first disposed portion 20f are alternately disposed from the front side to the rear side in this order. Note that each second disposed portion <NUM> may be a part of one of the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

One toe-side string passing portion 27c is disposed on the lateral foot side of the throat portion 20b. The toe-side string passing portion 27c is disposed in front of the lateral-foot-side string passing portion 27a. The toe-side string passing portion 27c is disposed in the vicinity of the boundary between the first side edge portion 20d and the front edge portion 20c.

The lateral-foot-side string passing portion 27a is constituted by a pair of one first string passing portion 27e disposed in the first disposed portion 20f and one second string passing portion 27f spaced apart on the lateral foot side from the first string passing portion 27e. The first string passing portion 27e is disposed in the second region <NUM>. The second string passing portion 27f is disposed in the first region <NUM>. The number of pairs of lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a is not particularly limited, but is two in the present embodiment. The two pairs of lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The first string passing portion 27e and the second string passing portion 27f are disposed to be shifted in the front-rear direction and the right-left direction. In a pair of lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a, the second string passing portion 27f is spaced apart on the lateral foot side and the rear side from the first string passing portion 27e. The second string passing portion 27f is positioned closer to the lateral foot side than the first side edge portion 20d. Note that each lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a may be disposed in at least one of the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

The medial-foot-side string passing portion 27b is constituted by a pair of one third string passing portion <NUM> disposed in the second disposed portion <NUM> and one fourth string passing portion <NUM> spaced apart on the medial foot side from the third string passing portion <NUM>. The third string passing portion <NUM> is disposed in the second region <NUM>. The fourth string passing portion <NUM> is disposed in the first region <NUM>. The number of pairs of medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b is not particularly limited, but is two in the present embodiment. The two pairs of medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The third string passing portion <NUM> and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> are disposed to be shifted in the right-left direction and the front-rear direction. In a pair of medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b, the fourth string passing portion <NUM> is spaced apart on the medial foot side and the front side from the third string passing portion <NUM>. The fourth string passing portion <NUM> is positioned closer to the medial foot side than the second side edge portion 20e. The fourth string passing portion <NUM>, which is positioned at the foremost side among the two pairs of medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b, is disposed at a position right-left symmetrical to the toe-side string passing portion 27c across the throat portion 20b. In the present embodiment, the first string passing portion 27e is spaced apart on the lateral foot side and the rear side from the third string passing portion <NUM>, but the first string passing portion 27e and the third string passing portion <NUM> may be disposed side by side in the front-rear direction. Note that each medial-foot-side string passing portion 27b may be disposed in at least one of the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

The heel-side string passing portion 27d is disposed behind the lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a and the medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b. In the present embodiment, there are two heel-side string passing portions 27d; one is disposed on the lateral foot side of the throat portion 20b, and the other is disposed on the medial foot side. The two heel-side string passing portions 27d are disposed at right-left symmetrical positions across the throat portion 20b. The heel-side string passing portions 27d are disposed in the vicinity of the boundary between the edge of the throat portion 20b and the edge of the foot insertion opening 20a.

The shoelace <NUM> is passed through the toe-side string passing portion 27c, the lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a, the medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b, and the heel-side string passing portions 27d. Although not illustrated, both ends of the shoelace <NUM> in the length direction are tied together with a bow knot or the like. The shoelace <NUM> includes a first portion 22a alternately passed through the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM>, a second portion 22b alternately passed through the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM>, and a third portion 22c extending between the toe-side string passing portion 27c and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> positioned at the foremost position and connecting the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b. The third portion 22c extends in the right-left direction across the throat portion 20b.

The first portion 22a extends obliquely rearward from the toe-side string passing portion 27c, is alternately passed through the third string passing portion <NUM> and the second string passing portion 27f, and is then passed through the heel-side string passing portion 27d on the lateral foot side. In a state before the shoelace <NUM> is pulled as illustrated in <FIG>, the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM> are disposed to be shifted in the front-rear direction and the right-left direction. Therefore, the first portion 22a alternately passed through the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM> extends in a zigzag shape in the right-left direction from the front side toward the rear side.

The second portion 22b extends obliquely rearward from the fourth string passing portion <NUM> positioned at the foremost position, is alternately passed through the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM>, and is then passed through the heel-side string passing portion 27d on the medial foot side. In a state before the shoelace <NUM> is pulled, the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> are disposed to be shifted in the front-rear direction and the right-left direction. Therefore, the second portion 22b alternately passed through the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> extends in a zigzag shape in the right-left direction from the front side to the rear side. In a state before the shoelace <NUM> is pulled, the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b do not intersect with each other. In a state before the shoelace <NUM> is pulled, a portion of the first portion 22a alternately passed through the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM> and a portion of the second portion 22b alternately passed through the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> are parallel to each other.

As illustrated in <FIG>, by pulling the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b toward the rear side from the state illustrated in <FIG>, the first side edge portion 20d and the second side edge portion 20e of the upper body 20E are pulled together. Accordingly, the distance in the right-left direction between the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM> is reduced, and the distance in the right-left direction between the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> is reduced. Therefore, the first portion 22a alternately passed through the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM> approaches a state of linearly extending in the front-rear direction, and the second portion 22b alternately passed through the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> approaches a state of linearly extending in the front-rear direction. In a state in which the shoelace <NUM> passed through the lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a and the medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b is pulled, the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b do not intersect with each other. In a state in which the shoelace <NUM> passed through the lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a and the medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b is pulled, a portion of the first portion 22a alternately passed through the second string passing portion 27f and the third string passing portion <NUM> and a portion of the second portion 22b alternately passed through the first string passing portion 27e and the fourth string passing portion <NUM> are parallel to each other.

With the present embodiment, it is also possible to achieve an effect substantially similar to that of the first embodiment described above. That is, in the present embodiment, since the first members 5E extending in one direction are disposed in the opening region 4E in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to improve air permeability between the inside and the outside of the upper body 20E and to reduce the weight of the shoe 1E.

In the present embodiment, in a state in which the shoelace <NUM> is pulled as illustrated in <FIG>, the first portion 22a and the second portion 22b do not intersect with each other over the instep of a foot. Therefore, as compared with a case where the shoelace <NUM> intersects over the instep of a foot, the pressure on the instep of the foot is reduced, and it is possible to reduce the tightening feeling on the instep of the foot.

In the present embodiment, since the first region <NUM> in which the first extendable members <NUM> are arranged and the second region <NUM> in which the second extendable members <NUM> are arranged are alternately disposed in the front-rear direction on the lateral foot side and the medial foot side of the throat portion 20b as illustrated in <FIG>, and the lateral-foot-side string passing portions 27a and the medial-foot-side string passing portions 27b are disposed in the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, the first side edge portion 20d and the second side edge portion 20e are easily pulled together when the shoelace <NUM> is pulled. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably bring the upper 2E into close contact with the foot.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the lateral-foot-side string passing portion 27a constituted by a pair of one first string passing portion 27e and one second string passing portion 27f and the medial-foot-side string passing portion 27b constituted by a pair of one third string passing portion <NUM> and one fourth string passing portion <NUM> are alternately disposed in the front-rear direction. That is, since there are two string passing portions <NUM> alternately disposed on each of the lateral foot side and the medial foot side of the throat portion 20b, a force for pulling the first side edge portion 20d and the second side edge portion 20e together when the shoelace <NUM> is pulled is stronger than a case where one string passing portion <NUM> is alternately disposed on each of the lateral foot side and the medial foot side of the throat portion 20b. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably bring the upper 2E into close contact with the foot.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of a first member 5F according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. An upper 2F according to the seventh embodiment is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in the structure of the first member 5F. In the seventh embodiment, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

The first member 5F is a flexible tubular tube. The first member 5F has a cylindrical shape in the present embodiment, but may have a quadrangular cylindrical shape or the like. With the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect similar to that of the first embodiment described above.

<FIG> is a developed view of an upper <NUM> of a shoe according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The upper <NUM> according to the eighth embodiment is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in that the upper <NUM> includes a second member <NUM>. In the eighth embodiment, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

In an opening region <NUM>, a plurality of second members <NUM> extending in one direction is disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. The second members <NUM> are linear members extending to longitudinally cross the opening region <NUM> in the front-rear direction. The second members <NUM> are disposed with a space from each other in the right-left direction. The second members <NUM> are disposed of a single material. Each of the second members <NUM> is, for example, a fiber, a thread obtained by bundling a plurality of fibers, or a resin disposed into a linear shape, and has flexibility. The second members <NUM> have elasticity in only one direction. The second members <NUM> are disposed to overlap with first members <NUM>. The second members <NUM> extend in a direction intersecting with the first members <NUM>. The second members <NUM> are disposed over an upper forefoot portion <NUM>, an upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and an upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. In each of the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>, the number of the first members <NUM> is greater than the number of the second members <NUM>. The first members <NUM> and the second members <NUM> are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. The second members <NUM> may be disposed by combining a plurality of materials.

The second members <NUM> are disposed on the lateral foot side and the medial foot side of a throat portion 20b and a foot insertion opening 20a. The second members <NUM> on the lateral foot side extend in the front-rear direction between a first joint region <NUM> and a third joint region <NUM> to longitudinally cross the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. The second members <NUM> on the medial foot side extend in the front-rear direction between a second joint region <NUM> and the third joint region <NUM> to longitudinally cross the upper forefoot portion <NUM>, the upper midfoot portion <NUM>, and the upper rearfoot portion <NUM>. Both ends of each of the second members <NUM> are fixed ends <NUM> fixed to a joint region <NUM> of an upper body <NUM> adjacent to the opening region <NUM>. Hereinafter, when the fixed ends <NUM> at both ends of the second members <NUM> are distinguished, the fixed ends <NUM> on one end side of the second members <NUM> are referred to as fixed ends <NUM>, and the fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the second members <NUM> are referred to as fixed ends <NUM>. The fixed ends <NUM> on the one end side of the second members <NUM> are arranged in the right-left direction. The fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the second members <NUM> are arranged in the right-left direction. The order in which the fixed ends <NUM> on the one end side of the second members <NUM> are arranged is equal to the order in which the fixed ends <NUM> on the other end side of the second members <NUM> are arranged. The space between adjacent fixed ends <NUM> in the right-left direction on the one end side may be different from that on the other end side, but the space on the one end side is the same as that on the other end side in the present embodiment. The second members <NUM> are disposed in parallel to each other.

With the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect similar to that of the first embodiment described above. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the second members <NUM> extending in the direction intersecting with the first members <NUM> are disposed in the opening region <NUM> in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to reduce the damage of the first members <NUM> and to increase variations in the strength of stiffness of the upper body <NUM>, as compared with a portion in which only the first members <NUM> are disposed in the opening region <NUM>. In addition, since the first members <NUM> and the second members <NUM> are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other and the number of the first members <NUM> is greater than the number of the second members <NUM>, it is possible to control the excessive increase in the stiffness of the region where the second members <NUM> are disposed. The position at which the second members <NUM> are disposed is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be appropriately changed. In addition, the first members <NUM> and the second members <NUM> are only required to intersect with each other. For example, the first members <NUM> may be disposed to extend in the front-rear direction, and the second members <NUM> may be disposed to extend in the right-left direction.

<FIG> is a developed view of an upper <NUM> of a shoe according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. The upper <NUM> according to the ninth embodiment is different from the upper <NUM> according to the first embodiment in that the upper <NUM> includes a second member <NUM>. In the ninth embodiment, portions that overlap with the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference signs, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

In an opening region <NUM>, a plurality of second members <NUM> disposed to overlap a plurality of first members <NUM> is disposed. The second members <NUM> are flexible sheet-like members. The second members <NUM> are disposed of a single material. The material of the second members <NUM> is, for example, resin. The second members <NUM> are disposed on an upper midfoot portion <NUM>. The number of second members <NUM> is not particularly limited, but is two in the present embodiment. One of the two second members <NUM> is disposed on the lateral foot side of a throat portion 20b and a foot insertion opening 20a, and the other is disposed on the medial foot side. The first members <NUM> and the second members <NUM> are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other. The second members <NUM> are fixed to a joint region <NUM> adjacent to the opening region <NUM>. The second members <NUM> may be disposed by combining a plurality of materials.

With the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve an effect similar to that of the first embodiment described above. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the second members <NUM> disposed to overlap the first members <NUM> are disposed in the opening region <NUM>, it is possible to reduce the damage of the first members <NUM> and to increase variations in the strength of stiffness of the upper body <NUM>, as compared with a portion in which only the first members <NUM> are disposed in the opening region <NUM>. In addition, since the first members <NUM> and the second members <NUM> are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other, it is possible to control the excessive increase in the stiffness of the region where the second members <NUM> are disposed. The position at which the second members <NUM> are disposed is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be appropriately changed.

The configurations described in the above embodiments merely show examples of the present invention and can be combined with another known technique, and a part of each configuration can be omitted or changed without departing from the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. The ranges of the opening regions <NUM> to 4E and the first members <NUM> to 5E are not limited to the examples illustrated in the above embodiments, and may be appropriately changed according to portions of the upper bodies <NUM> to 20E where stiffness is desired to be reduced.

Claim 1:
An upper (<NUM>) comprising
an upper body (<NUM>) covering an instep of a foot, wherein
at least a part of the upper body includes an opening region (<NUM>) disposed with an opening and a joint region (<NUM>) that is a planar region disposed around the opening region,
a plurality of linear first members (<NUM>) extending in one direction are arranged in the opening region in a state of not being coupled with each other,
both ends of the plurality of linear first members are fixed ends (<NUM>) fixed to the joint region (<NUM>) of the upper body adjacent to the opening region,
order in which fixed ends on one end side of the plurality of linear first members are arranged is equal to order in which fixed ends on the other end side of the plurality of linear first members are arranged,
the upper body includes an upper midfoot portion (<NUM>) covering a midfoot of a foot,
the plurality of first members are disposed on the upper midfoot portion,
the upper midfoot portion is disposed with a foot insertion opening (20a) for inserting a foot, and a throat portion (20b) communicating with the foot insertion opening and extending forward from the foot insertion opening,
the plurality of first members extend from an edge of the throat portion toward a sole (<NUM>) positioned below the upper body,
the upper body includes a second member (<NUM>) disposed to overlap the plurality of first members, and
the plurality of first members and the second member are disposed in a state of not being coupled with each other,
characterized in that
stiffness of the opening region in which the linear first members are disposed is lower than that of the joint region adjacent to the opening region,
the plurality of first members includes a first extendable member (<NUM>) and a second extendable member (<NUM>) having higher extensibility in the one direction than the first extendable member,
the opening region includes a first region (<NUM>) in which a plurality of the first extendable members is arranged, and a second region (<NUM>) in which a plurality of the second extendable members is arranged, and
the first region and the second region are alternately disposed in a front-rear direction.