Triathlon shoe

Abstract

A triathlon shoe for use in both the cycling and running segments of a race which includes an outer sole, a midsole, an upper, a cleat for attachment to a pedal of a bike and a rigid insert positioned above, and secured to, the cleat. The rigid insert is secured to the midsole which includes a cushioning material suitable for running. The midsole and outer sole are also configured to allow the cleat to protrude through the bottom of the shoe for attachment to the pedal of a bike. The midsole may also be recessed to provide sufficient space for the pedal of the bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat and to prevent the cleat from striking the ground while the wearer is running.

1 . A shoe for cycling and running comprising:
 an outer sole;   a midsole positioned above the outer sole and secured to the outer sole, the midsole comprising a cushioning material;   an upper secured to the midsole, the upper and midsole in combination defining a space for a foot; and   a rigid insert positioned above a cleat, the rigid insert being secured to the cleat and to the midsole, and the cleat protruding through the bottom of the shoe and being configured for attachment to a pedal of a bike;   wherein the midsole and the outer sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to accommodate the pedal of a bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat.   
     
     
         2 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the cleat is positioned on the shoe such that when the shoe is worn on a foot having an ankle and a ball, the cleat is in a region between under the ankle of the foot and under the ball of the foot. 
     
     
         3 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid insert substantially extends from a side wall of the upper to an opposite side wall of the upper. 
     
     
         4 . The shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising an insole positioned over the rigid insert. 
     
     
         5 . The shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising a heel counter. 
     
     
         6 . The shoe of  claim 5 , wherein the heel counter is integral with the rigid insert. 
     
     
         7 . The shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising a fastening strap. 
     
     
         8 . The shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising a shoe cover. 
     
     
         9 . The shoe of  claim 8 , wherein the shoe cover is fastened to the shoe by hooks. 
     
     
         10 . The shoe of  claim 9 , the shoe further comprising a recessed groove and the shoe cover being secured to the shoe by an elastic band binding a bottom end of the shoe cover within the recessed groove. 
     
     
         11 . The shoe of  claim 1 , further comprising drainage holes in the midsole. 
     
     
         12 . The shoe of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid insert comprises carbon fibre. 
     
     
         13 . A triathlon shoe comprising:
 an outer sole;   a midsole positioned above the outer sole and secured to the outer sole, the midsole comprising a cushioning material;   an upper secured to the midsole, the upper and midsole in combination defining a space for a foot; and   a rigid insert positioned above a cleat, the rigid insert being secured to the cleat and to the midsole, and the cleat protruding through the bottom of the shoe and being configured for attachment to a pedal of a bike;   wherein the midsole and the outer sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to accommodate the pedal of a bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat.   
     
     
         14 . The triathlon shoe of  claim 13 , wherein the midsole and outer sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to permit a wearer of the triathlon shoe to run without the cleat striking a running surface.