X-Shaped Pillar Sole for Footwear Traction and Comfort

Abstract

A sole ( 10 ) for footwear has a plurality of x-shaped pillars ( 30 ), preferably made of rubber or other elastomer. The x-shaped pillars ( 30 ) are vertical columns in the cross-sectional shape of an “X” having a wider base towards the inside of the footwear and extending, preferable in steps, to a narrower cross-section at the walking surface. The x-shaped pillars are preferably aligned longitudinally on the sole so that the arms of the x-shaped pillar face forward, rearward and to both sides of the footwear. This longitudinal orientation is preferred because it promotes gripping the engaged surface along the vertices of the x-shaped pillar, providing enhanced traction in the longitudinal and lateral directions. One embodiment has a plurality of channels ( 20 ) or cut throughs on a frame surrounding the x-shaped pillars and extending from the base of the x-shaped pillars through the frame to permit ejection of matter engaged between the x-shaped pillars. The sloped x-shaped pillars ( 30 ) compress with the weight of a person walking and inherently eject entrained matter filling the space between the arms of x-shaped pillars.

1 . A sole for footwear comprising, a plurality of x-shaped pillars that extend from a wide base to a narrower terminus wherein said terminus forms an approximate planar wear surface.  
     
     
         2 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein the x-shaped pillars are aligned so that arms of the x-shaped pillar face approximately forward and rearward of a longitudinal axis of the footwear.  
     
     
         3 . The sole of  claim 1  further comprising a frame of elastomeric material surrounding the sole having an end at the approximate planar wear surface.  
     
     
         4 . The sole of  claim 3  wherein the frame is shaped with a plurality of channels extending from the base of the x-shaped pillars through the frame to permit ejection of matter engaged between the x-shaped pillars.  
     
     
         5 . The sole of  claim 3  wherein the frame is extended inwardly comprising a depressed transitional portion containing shortened x-shaped pillars that have a terminus at the wear surface.  
     
     
         6 . The sole of  claim 1  further comprising one or more recesses, each centered on a x-shaped pillars and each recess having a connection to receive a spike.  
     
     
         7 . The sole of  claim 1  further comprising an integral heel segment having x-shaped pillars wherein the thickness of the heal segment is greater than the thickness of a front segment of the sole.  
     
     
         8 . The sole of  claim 7  wherein the integral rear heal segment has a plurality of holes extending from the top of the sole to a point above a plane defined by the bases of the x-shaped pillars in the rear heal segment.  
     
     
         9 . The sole of  claim 1  further comprising an attachment heel.  
     
     
         10 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein the x-shaped pillars rise from the base in steps to the terminus.  
     
     
         11 . The sole of  claim 1  wherein the x-shaped pillars are made of elastomeric materials.