Shoe having improved impact cushioning and shock absorption

Abstract

Improved impact cushioning within a shoe is provided by a novel heel hammock recess formed beneath the heel of the wearer. The heel hammock recess includes an elastic member supporting the wearer's heel surrounded by a surround surface formed to bear substantial weight. The impact energy transmitted upwardly through the heel to the wearer's foot during heel impact passes through the elastic membrane of the heel hammock allowing flexing and energy absorption to occur as the heel is cradled in the heel hammock. Embodiments are shown in which the impact absorbing member is formed integrally with a molded athletic shoe sole as well as alternative embodiments in which the impact absorbing structure is formed in a removable insole and also formed in a variety of general use shoes.

That which is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A shoe comprising: 
 a sole having a top surface a bottom surface and a heel portion;    an upper joined to said sole, said upper and said sole top surface forming a foot-receiving cavity in which said wearer's heel rests upon said heel portion; and    a recess formed in said heel portion having an elastic membrane in said top surface, a surround surface in said bottom surface and a sidewall extending therebetween.    
     
     
         2 . The shoe set forth in  claim 1  wherein said sole includes a tread formed on said bottom surface.  
     
     
         3 . The shoe set forth in  claim 2  wherein said sole includes a cavity defining a cavity volume and a quantity of viscous gel filling a portion of said cavity volume.  
     
     
         4 . The shoe set forth in  claim 3  wherein said elastic membrane includes an indicia formed on said elastic membrane.  
     
     
         5 . The shoe set forth in  claim 4  wherein said upper includes at least one mesh vent formed of a material permitting airflow into and out from said foot-receiving cavity.  
     
     
         6 . The shoe set forth in  claim 5  wherein said upper includes a closure strap extending downwardly and forwardly across said upper.  
     
     
         7 . The shoe set forth in  claim 1  wherein said sole includes a cavity defining a cavity volume and a quantity of viscous gel filling a portion of said cavity volume.  
     
     
         8 . The shoe set forth in  claim 7  wherein said elastic membrane includes an indicia formed on said elastic membrane.  
     
     
         9 . The shoe set forth in  claim 1  wherein said upper includes at least one mesh vent formed of a material permitting airflow into and out from said foot-receiving cavity.  
     
     
         10 . A shoe comprising: 
 a foot-receiving member including a heel support;    a cushion within said foot-receiving member; and    a recess formed in said cushion at said heel support, said recess including a surround surface, an upwardly extending sidewall and an elastic membrane spanning the upper portion of said recess.    
     
     
         11 . The shoe set forth in  claim 10  wherein said cushion includes a removable insole.  
     
     
         12 . The shoe set forth in  claim 11  wherein said insole is formed of an elastic flexible material.  
     
     
         13 . An insole for use in combination with a shoe having a heel supporting portion, said insole having a recess formed in said cushion at said heel support, said recess including a surround surface, an upwardly extending sidewall and an elastic membrane spanning the upper portion of said recess.