PRIORITY APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/393,945, filed July 31, 2022, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] The present application is related to footwear, and in particular, to heeled shoes, including high-heeled shoes. Some embodiments relate to high-heeled shoes having an ergonomic configuration that relieves forefoot pressure and other maladies commonly associated with traditional high-heeled shoes.

Description

[0003] High -heeled shoes are common. In general, a high-heeled shoe is configured such that that a wearer’s heel is raised to a position that is higher — and in some cases, much higher — than a position of the wearer’s forefoot. Some find high-heeled shoes to be desirable in that they may make the wearer appear to be taller and may accentuate the length and/or shape of the wearer’s legs.

[0004] A large number of women in today’s society wear high-heeled shoes. Accordingly, high-heeled shoes are available in a wide variety of styles, including pumps, stilettos, block heels, Cuban heels, cone heels, wedge heels, and many others. High-heeled shoes are also available in a variety of different heights (i.e., the raised height of a heel portion of the shoe relative to a forefoot portion of the shoe) from 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 2 inches, 3 inches, or even higher.

[0005] While the term “high-heeled shoe” is not commonly used in reference to men’s shoes, many men’s shoes do include a raised heel portion. The heel heights associated with men’s shoes tend to be less than those associated with women’s shoes, but some men’s shoes can include heel heights of 0.5 to 1.5 inches. A common example of a men’s shoe style with an elevated heel portion is a boot. [0006] While high-heeled shoes have been proven to be desirable, many wearers have commonly lamented the discomfort and foot pain widely known to be associated with their use.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure provides ergonomic heeled shoe designs, which may advantageously reduce or relieve the discomfort and foot pain commonly associated with highheeled shoes. As will be described herein, the heeled shoe designs can include a support surface (which may, for example, be provided as a portion of one or more of an insole or midsole of the shoe) that is ergonomically configured to receive and support a lower front portion of a wearer’s foot. In some embodiments, the support surface is configured to reduce stress concentration on first and second metatarsal head regions of the forefoot as well as to reduce other deforming forces placed on the forefoot. Additionally, in some embodiments, the support surface can be configured to counteract an anterior force vector experienced with increasing heel height.

[0008] In some embodiments, an ergonomic heeled shoe can include a support surface configured to support the forefoot (e.g., to support at least a portion of the foot below the metatarsal heads) in a manner that accounts for the natural and anatomical cascade of the metatarsal heads. The support surface can include a varying height in a transverse direction (e.g., across the lateral width of the foot) at a position generally below the metatarsal heads.

[0009] In some embodiments, the level of support for the head of the first metatarsal (associated with the first or big toe) would be at, above or below the level of support for the head of the second metatarsal, and a level of support for the head of the second metatarsal (associated with the second toe) can be at or below the level of support for the head of the first metatarsal or the relative base of the metatarsals. Moving from the second metatarsal in a lateral direction, a level of support for the head of the third metatarsal (associated with the third toe) can be at, above, or below the level of support for the head of the second metatarsal, a level of support for the head of the fourth metatarsal (associated with the fourth toe) can be at or above the level of support for the head of the third metatarsal, and a level of support for the head of the fifth metatarsal (associated with the fifth or small toe) can be at or above the level of support for the head of the fourth metatarsal. That is, the head of the second metatarsal can be supported at the lowest position, and the support surface can increase in relative height moving away from the second metatarsal head in both lateral (towards the outside) and medial (towards the inside) directions. In some embodiments, the support surface in the region of the metatarsal heads can be highest at the lateral side.

[0010] Further, the support surface in the region of the phalanges or toes can also include a unique configuration that is based upon the natural anatomical configuration of the foot and/or to reduce crowding of the phalanges or toes. For example, the support surface in the region of the phalanges can include a varying height in the transverse direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, the support surface in the region of the phalanges or toes can be configured such that a level of support for the first phalange (first or big toe) would be at, above or slightly below a level of support for the second phalange (second toe), a level of support for the third phalange (third toe) would be at or below the level of support for the second phalange, a level of support for the fourth phalange (fourth toe) would be at or below the level of support for the third phalange, and a level of support for the fifth phalange (small toe) would be at, above, or below the level of support for the fourth phalange. Thus, in some embodiments, the phalanges may be supported such that the third and/or fourth phalanges are generally supported at the lowest height, with the height of the support surface increasing in the medial direction such that the first phalange may be supported at the highest height.

[0012] Additionally, in some embodiments, the support surface in the region of the metatarsal heads can be configured to counteract or support the wearer’s foot against the anterior force vector associated with elevating the wearer’s heel. This can, for example, be accomplished by configuring the support surface in the region of the wearer’ s metatarsal heads with a slight incline in the anterior direction (i.e., towards the front of the foot or toes).

[0013] In one aspect, a heeled shoe may comprise a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user, wherein metatarsal heads of the user are supported in space relative to a natural cascading anatomy of the metatarsal heads. In some embodiments, the shoe is configured such that a cross-section with one axis vertically oriented parallel with gravity and a second axis generally oriented to pass through approximate load points of the metatarsal heads would tend to have support levels under each metatarsal head at varying heights relative to one another. As examples, the level of support for the head of metatarsal one would be at, above or slightly below the level of support for the head of metatarsal two, the level of support for the head of metatarsal two would he at or below the level of support for the head of metatarsal one, the level of support for the head of metatarsal three would be at, above, or slightly below the level of support for the head of metatarsal two, the level of support for the head of metatarsal four would be above the level of support for the head of metatarsal three, and the level of support for the head of metatarsal five would be above the level of support for the head of metatarsal four.

[0014] In some embodiments, the relative height of metatarsal supports are a function of normal foot anatomy and relative difference between heel height and height of metatarsal support.

[0015] In another aspect, a heeled shoe may comprise a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user, wherein metatarsal heads of the user are supported in space with a weight bearing surface having a component of inclination in a posterior- anterior direction forming an angle with a horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the inclination of the weight bearing surface is a function of heel height.

[0016] In another aspect, a heeled shoe may include a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user wherein there is a medial post at a level equal to a first metatarsal head of the user thereby preventing medial migration of the forefoot relative to the support surface.

[0017] In another aspect, a heeled shoe may include a support surface for receiving a forefoot of a user wherein toes of the user are supported in space relative to natural cascading anatomy of the toes, and a toe box. In some embodiments, a cross-section with one axis vertically oriented parallel with gravity and a second axis generally oriented in a medial-lateral direction would tend to have support levels under each one of a distal aspect of five phalanges of the user at varying heights relative to one another. As examples, the level of support for a first phalange would be at, above, or below the level of support for a second phalange, the level of support for the second phalange would be at, above, or below the level of support for the first phalange, the level of support for a third phalange would be at, above or below the level of support for the second phalange, the level of support for a fourth phalange would be at, above or below the level of support for the third phalange, and the level of support for a fifth phalange would be at, below, or above the level of support for the fourth phalange.

[0018] In some embodiments, there is a general declination of the cross-section from medial to lateral. In some embodiments, there is increased space for lesser toes of the user in the toe box. Tn some embodiments, wherein there is a horizontal to slight incline posterior to anterior for the support under the first phalange. In some embodiments, wherein there is a horizontal to slight incline posterior to anterior for the support under the second phalange. In some embodiments, there is a horizontal to slight decline posterior to anterior for the support under the third, fourth, and fifth phalanges.

[0019] For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize the disclosures herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one or more advantages taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0020] All of the embodiments described herein are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. These and other embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, having reference to the attached figures. The invention is not intended to be limited to any particular disclosed embodiment or embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the heeled shoe designs described herein will be described below with reference to drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, are for the purpose of illustrating concepts disclosed herein and may not be to scale.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe.

[0023] FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating diagrammatically a foot of a wearer in a high-heeled shoe.

[0024] FIG. 2B is an X-ray image of a foot of a wearer in a high-heeled shoe.

[0025] FIGs. 3A and 3B are X-ray images of a right foot and a left foot, respectively, illustrating the anatomic cascade of the metatarsal heads. FIG. 3 A further includes example lengths between the metatarsal heads and the transverse tarsal joint, and FIG. 3B includes an example width measurement for the foot across the metatarsal heads. [0026] FIGs. 4 A-4F provide various views of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe including a support surface configured to support the foot of a wearer. In FIGs. 4A-4D the support surface is shown as a shaded surface to more clearly illustrate the contoured profile thereof. In FIGs. 4E-4F show a more refined view of the support surface to illustrate what the contoured profile may look like in use. The upper portion of the high-heeled shoe is not shown to better allow visualization of the support surface.

[0027] FIG. 4A is a lateral perspective view thereof.

[0028] FIG. 4B is a medial perspective view thereof.

[0029] FIG. 4C is a front view thereof.

[0030] FIG. 4D is a top view thereof.

[0031] FIG. 4E is an alternate front view thereof.

[0032] FIG. 4F is an alternate top view thereof.

[0033] FIG. 5A is a top view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe including a support surface configured to support the foot of a wearer, such as the embodiment shown in FIGs. 4A-4D.

[0034] FIG. 5B illustrates a transverse profile taken through a position that passes generally through each metatarsal head of a wearer’s foot to illustrate the relative support heights for each metatarsal head.

[0035] FIG. 5C illustrates a transverse profile taken through a position that passes generally through each toe of the wearer’s foot to illustrate the relative support heights for each toe.

[0036] FIG. 5D illustrates the relational heights between the transverse profile of FIG. 5B (taken through the metatarsal heads) and the transverse profile of FIG. 5C (taken through the toes).

[0037] FIG. 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe including a support surface configured to support the foot of a wearer, such as the embodiment shown in FIGs. 4A-5D.

[0038] FIG. 6B illustrates longitudinal profiles for each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth metatarsals and toes. In FIG. 6B, only the forefoot portion is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] As noted at the outset, this application is related to heeled shoes, including high-heeled shoes. In particular, this application describes high-heeled shoes which have an ergonomic configuration that can provide improved comfort and wearability, relieve forefoot pressure and other maladies commonly associated with traditional high-heeled shoes, and/or account for the natural anatomical shape of a wearer’s foot. The high-heeled shoes described herein can reduce or eliminate many of the problems or disadvantages associated with currently available high-heeled shoes.

[0040] Current designs of high-heel shoes may lead to adverse health effects on the wearer. Studies have associated the use of high-heeled shoes with musculoskeletal problems such as lower back discomfort, forefoot pain, and hallux valgus, among others. Several studies have revealed that high-heeled shoes alter the wearer’s balance and can lead to changes in the center of pressure and plantar pressure. Heel rise leads to an uneven distribution of plantar pressure. Stress is shifted from the hindfoot to the forefoot. Such changes in forefoot pressure have been associated with the impact of high-heeled shoes on foot deformities, including the development of metatarsalgia, callus formation, increased rates of ulceration under the metatarsal heads, and painful bony deformities, among other problems. Studies have indicated that anterior-medial force shifts occur within the foot when wearing high-heel shoes, increasing forefoot forces and enhancing force concentration.

[0041] As described herein, a major flaw in prior attempts to create a comfortable high-heel shoe has been a lack of consideration for the anatomy and biomechanics of the foot. By designing high-heel footwear around the anatomy and biomechanical function of the foot (i.e., according to the principals described herein), a more comfortable shoe can be constructed that can reduce or eliminate the musculoskeletal health problems noted above and provide a more comfortable user experience.

[0042] A particularly important anatomical and biomechanical consideration in the development of high-heeled shoes is the cascade of the metatarsal heads of the wearer’s foot, especially when the foot is positioned in an elevated heel position as is done when wearing a high-heeled shoe. Failing to consider the natural cascade of the metatarsal heads can have several direct and indirect consequences. [0043] First, it can directly lead to increased pressure under the first and second metatarsal heads, which, in turn, can cause various secondary consequences. When the heel is elevated, the forefoot assumes a supinated position as the lateral metatarsal heads drop to the insole. This supinated forefoot position can then lead to relative pronation of the great toe, which, along with a narrowed toe box (which is common in high-heeled shoes) and laterally directed forces on the great toe, can have profound implication in developing hallux valgus. The supination of the forefoot can further lead to inversion of the hindfoot, ultimately reducing the suppleness of the subtalar joint and causing reduced ability for ground accommodation.

[0044] Additionally, the base of the second metatarsal is rigidly fixed to the midfoot, whereas the other rays of the foot are flexible at the midfoot-metatarsal base junction. Thus, it can be important to consider the distal aspect of the second metatarsal (i.e., the second metatarsal head) as the new relative base in developing high-heeled shoes.

[0045] The high-heeled shoe designs described herein are advantageously configured in view of the anatomical considerations noted above and further described throughout this disclosure. In particular, the high-heeled shoes of the present application can be configured to accommodate the forefoot with respect to the relative change in spatial geometry of the foot that comes with the elevated heel position associated with the use of highheeled shoes. Some design features can include a natural cascade of the metatarsal heads, a medial toe box that limits the pronation and valgus force placed on the great toe, and/or a toe box that provides adequate width for the toes and forefoot. Further, some design features can account for the force vector transitioning more anteriorly with increasing heel height. Accordingly, the high-heeled shoe designs of the present application address and resolve the needs and limitations of prior attempts at an ergonomic high-heel shoe.

[0046] These and other features of the high-heeled shoes described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of specific embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. The features of illustrated embodiments can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles of this disclosure. [0047] FTG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe 100. Although a particular configuration for the high-hcclcd shoe 100 is illustrated — the illustrated configuration being that of a stiletto heel — it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other configurations are possible. The illustrated configuration is provided by way of example in order to contextualize the principals described herein.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the high-heeled shoe 100 includes a forefoot portion 102 and a heel portion 104. The forefoot portion 102 is generally configured to receive a wearer’s forefoot at a position that is relatively close to the ground, while the heel portion 104 is configured to receive a wearer’s heel at a position that is elevated above the ground by a heel 106 of the high-heeled shoe 100. Accordingly, the high-heeled shoe 100 generally slopes downward from the heel portion 104 to the forefoot portion 102. A degree of elevation 112 and an angle 110 of the slope is based at least in part on a height of the heel 108. When the high-heel shoe is worn, the elevated heel position and slope of the shoe may tend to cause the wearer’s foot to slide further into the forefoot portion 102 (e.g., into a toe box of the highheeled shoe) leading to the anatomical and biomechanical problems noted above, as well as to general discomfort.

[0049] FIG. 2A is a side view illustrating diagrammatically a foot 116 of a wearer in a high-heeled shoe, and FIG. 2B is an X-ray image of a foot of a wearer in a high-heeled shoe. As is apparent from these figures, the elevated heel position assumed during use of the high-heeled shoe 100 can lead to increased pressure on metatarsal heads 118 of the foot 116, and in particular, on the first and second metatarsal heads 118A and 118B (identified in FIG. 3 A). This is particularly evident in FIG. 2B, which includes an extremely elevated heel position and very aggressive shoe slope.

[0050] Further, as the foot 116 may tend to slide down the slope 114 of the highheeled shoe 100, the toes 120 may become crammed into the generally narrow toe box commonly associated with high-heeled shoes.

[0051] Considering FIGs. 1 and 2A, the high heeled shoe 100 generally includes an outsole 122, a midsole 124, and an insole 126. The outsole 122 generally comprises the bottommost, exterior portion of the shoe. During use, the outsole 122 (or portions thereof) generally contacts the ground. The midsole 124 generally comprises a supportive or cushioning layer positioned above the outsole 122. The midsole 124 may provide structural support for the shoe and/or a degree of cushioning. Tn many high-heeled shoes 100, a shank 130 can be included on or embedded in the midsole to provide further structure support for the shoe (sec FIG. 2B). The shank 130 can be a generally rigid material that extends generally from the heel portion 104 towards the forefoot portion 102. An example shank 130 is visible in the X-ray image of FIG. 2B. Finally, an insole 126 is generally positioned in the shoe above the midsole 124. During use, the foot 116 rests directly on top of the insole 126. The insole 126 can be attached to the shoe or removable. In many cases, the insole 126 comprises a soft, compressible material, such as foam, that provides comfort and cushioning for the shoe.

[0052] As described herein, the insole 126 and/or the midsole 124 comprise a support surface 128 that supports the wearer’s foot during use of the high-heeled shoe 100. That is, the wearer’s foot directly rests on the insole 126, which in turn is supported and rests on midsole 124. Accordingly, the shape and configuration of the insole 126 and/or midsole 124 can directly impact the spatial configuration the foot 116 takes when the high-heeled shoe 100 is worn.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 1 , for most traditional high-heeled shoes, the shape of the support surface 128 in the forefoot portion 102 of the shoe 100 is generally substantially flat or slightly concaved with slightly raised lateral and medial edges. This configuration for traditional high-heeled shoes fails to account for the natural cascade of the metatarsal heads 118 of the foot 116, and thus leads to the problems noted above.

[0054] FIGs. 3A and 3B are example X-ray images of a right foot and a left foot, respectively, illustrating an example of the anatomic cascade of the metatarsal heads. FIG. 3A includes example lengths (in mm) between the metatarsal heads 118A-E and transverse tarsal joint 132, and FIG. 3B includes an example width measurement (in mm) for the foot generally across the metatarsal heads 118A-E in a transverse direction 133. It should be appreciated that the included dimensions are provided by way of example and illustration and are not limiting. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the specific anatomy of a foot varies from person to person based on a variety of factors.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3 A, the second metatarsal head 118B is generally positioned furthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132. In the illustrated example, the second metatarsal head 118B is located approximately 117 mm from the transverse tarsal joint 132. The first metatarsal head 118A is, in the illustrated example, the second farthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132, at a distance of 1 15 mm. The third metatarsal head 118C is the third farthest from the transverse tarsal joint 132, at a distance of 113 mm. The fourth and fifth metatarsal heads 118D and 118E are then each positioned at shorter and shorter distances from the transverse tarsal joint 132. In the illustrated example, the fourth metatarsal head 118D is positioned at 105 mm from the transverse tarsal joint 132 and the fifth metatarsal head 118E is positioned at 92 mm from the transverse tarsal joint 132. While the illustrated relative lengths — with the second metatarsal head 118B being positioned the furthest away from the transverse tarsal joint 132, followed by the first 118A, third 118C, fourth 118D, and fifth 118E metatarsal heads positioned at shorter and shorter distances — is generally true from most people’s feet, it is not true in every instance. For example, for some people, the third metatarsal head 118C may be positioned further from the transverse tarsal joint 132 than the first metatarsal head 118 A.

[0056] Moreover, the base of the second metatarsal 118B is rigidly fixed to the midfoot, whereas the other metatarsals of the foot are flexible at the midfoot-metatarsal base junction. Thus, it can be important to consider the distal aspect of the second metatarsal 118B as the new relative base in developing high-heeled shoes.

[0057] This cascading positioning of the metatarsal heads 118 should be considered in configuring the support surface 128 of the high-heeled shoe 100. An example high-heeled shoe, that includes the support surface 128 configured to account for the natural anatomical cascade of the metatarsal heads 118 is shown below in FIGs. 4A-6B.

[0058] FIGs. 4A-6B provide various views of an embodiment of a high-heeled shoe 100 configured with the support surface 128 as described herein that ergonomically supports a forefoot of a wearer’ s foot with a configuration that accounts for the anatomic cascade of the metatarsal heads 118. Because the shape of the support surface 128 is generally complex FIGs. 4A-4D provide various shaded views of the support surface be better illustrate the contours thereof. Further, FIGs. 4A-4D illustrate the high-heeled shoe 100 with an upper of the shoe removed to better allow visualization of the support surface 128. To further understand the configuration of the support surface 128, FIGs. 5A-5C illustrate various transverse profiles associated with the support surface 128, and FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate various longitudinal profiles associated with the support surface 128. [0059] Before considering the various views of FTGs. 4A-6B, it is noted that the support surface 128 may comprise features of the insole 126 and/or the midsole 124 of the high-heeled shoe 100. That is, the insole 126 may be configured with the profiles and configurations described herein, the midsole 124 may be configured with the profiles described herein, and/or a combination of the configurations and shapes of the insole 126 and the midsole 124 may provide the profiles for the support surfaces 128 described herein.

[0060] As shown in FIGs. 4A-4F, the support surface 128 can be configured with varying support levels (i.e., relative heights) for the forefoot. For example, different support levels can be provided at positions that generally support each of the metatarsal heads 118 and different support levels can be provided at positions that generally support each of the phalanges or toes 120.

[0061] In some embodiments, a level of support 144B for the head of the second metatarsal 118B can be at, above or below the level of support 144A for the head of the first metatarsal 118A. The level of support 144B for the head of second metatarsal 118B may generally be the lowest support level for any of the metatarsal heads 118, and thus may be considered a base level. Moving from the second metatarsal head 118B in a lateral direction, a level of support 144C for the head of the third metatarsal 118C can be at, above, or below the level of support 144B for the head of the second metatarsal 118B, a level of support 144D for the head of the fourth metatarsal 118D can be at or above the level of support 144C for the head of third metatarsal 118C, and a level of support 144E for the head of the fifth metatarsal 118E can be at or above the level of support 144D for the head of the fourth metatarsal 118D. That is, the head of the second metatarsal 118B can be supported at the base position, and the support surface 128 can increase in height moving away from the second metatarsal head 118B in both lateral (towards the outside) and medial (towards the inside) directions. In some embodiments, the support surface 128 in the region of the metatarsal heads 118 can be highest at the lateral side (i.e., under the fifth metatarsal head 118E).

[0062] A few examples are provided here using average dimensions associated with a women’s foot. Again, the specific numbers are provided by way of example and illustration and should not be construed as limiting. As a first example, for an angle of inclination 110 (see FIG. 1) from the forefoot to the heel measuring 45 degrees, the second metatarsal head 118B would be positioned at the base or lowest level, the first metatarsal head 1 18A may be positioned at approximately 1.4 mm higher than the base level, the third metatarsal head 118C may be positioned at approximately 2.8 mm higher than the base level, the fourth metatarsal head 118D may be positioned at approximately 8.5 mm higher than the base level, and the fifth metatarsal head 118E may be positioned approximately 17.7 mm higher than the base level.

[0063] As a second example, for an angle of inclination 110 from the forefoot to the heel measuring 30 degrees, the second metatarsal head 118B may be positioned at the base level, the first metatarsal head 118A may be approximately 1 mm higher than the base level, the third metatarsal head 118C may be positioned approximately 2 mm above the base level, the fourth metatarsal head 118D may be positioned approximately 6 mm higher than the base level, and the fifth metatarsal head 118E may be positioned at a level approximately 12.5 mm above the base level.

[0064] From these examples, it can be seen that, in some instances, the relative height differences associated with the various metatarsal heads 118 increase with increasing heel height and decrease with decreasing heel height. The illustrated examples provide an example function for linking the change in metatarsal height to heel height and should not be taken to explicitly represent the determination of metatarsal rise. This is merely one demonstration of how the metatarsal support levels 144A-144E may vary as a function of heel height due to the anatomic cascade of the metatarsal heads 118. Anatomy varies between individuals and these numbers may also vary slightly in additional embodiments.

[0065] Further, in some embodiments, the support surface 128 in the region of the metatarsal heads 118 can be configured to counteract or support the wearer’s foot 116 against the anterior force vector associated with elevating the wearer’s heel. This can, for example, be accomplished by configuring the support surface 128 in the region of the wearer’s metatarsal heads 118 with a slight incline in the anterior direction (i.e., towards the front of the foot or toes), for example, as shown in the longitudinal profiles illustrated in FIG. 6B. In some embodiments, the angle of the slight anterior incline of the support surface 128 below the metatarsal heads may be determined as a function of the heel height. In many cases, the angle of the incline may increase with the height of the heel.

[0066] In the region of the toes 120, the support surface 128 can comprise a configuration where different toes are supported at different support levels 146. For example, the support surface 128 in the region of the phalanges or toes can be configured such that a level of support 146A for the first phalange 120A is positioned at or above a level of support 146B for the second phalange 120B, a level of support 146C for the third phalange 120C is positioned at or below the level of support 146B for the second phalange 120B, a level of support 146D for the fourth phalange 120D is positioned at or below the level of support 146C for the third phalange 120C, and a level of support 146E for the fifth phalange 120E is positioned above, at, or below the level of support 146E for the fourth phalange 120E. Thus, in some embodiments, the phalanges 120 may be supported such that the third and/or fourth phalanges 120C and 120D are generally supported at the lowest height, with the height of the support surface 128 increasing in the medial direction such that the first phalange 120A may be supported at the highest height.

[0067] The configuration of the support surface will now be further considered in relation to various transverse and longitudinal profiles as shown in FIGs. 5A-5C (relating to the transverse profiles) and FIGs. 6A and 6B (relating to the longitudinal profiles).

[0068] FIG. 5A is a top view of an embodiment of the high-heeled shoe 100 including the support surface 128 configured to support the foot of a wearer. The general relative positions of the metatarsal heads 118 and the toes 120 are illustrated. Further illustrated are two transverse profiles, a first profile (as shown in FIG. 5B) extending in a generally transverse direction through the metatarsal heads 118, and a second profile (as shown in FIG. 5C) extending in a generally transverse direction through the toes 120.

[0069] FIG. 5B illustrates a transverse profile taken through a position that passes generally through each metatarsal head 118 of the wearer’s foot to illustrate an example of the relative support 144 heights for each metatarsal head 146. As shown, the second metatarsal head 118B is supported at the lowest support height 144B, which can be considered a base height. The first metatarsal head 118A is supported at a support height 144A that is greater than the support height 144B of the second metatarsal head 144B. In other embodiments, the support height 144B of the second metatarsal head 118B may be supported at or above a support height 144A of the first metatarsal head 118A. The third metatarsal head 118C is supported at a support height 144C that is greater than the support height 144B of the second metatarsal head 144B. In some embodiments, the support height 144A of the first metatarsal head 118A can be at, below, or above the support height 144C of the third metatarsal head 1 18C. The support height 144D of the fourth metatarsal head 118D is generally higher than the support height 144C of the third metatarsal head 118C. And the support height 144E of the fifth metatarsal head 118E is generally higher than the support height 144D of the fourth metatarsal head 118D.

[0070] As noted above, the second metatarsal head 118B may generally be supported at the lowest support height 144B, and thus support height 144B can be considered a base or reference height with respect to which the support heights 144A, 144C, 144D, and 144E are considered.

[0071] In some embodiments, support height 144A is greater than support height 144B. For example, support height 144 A can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144B. In some embodiments support height 144 A and support height 144B are equal.

[0072] In some embodiments, support height 144C is greater than support height 144B. For example, support height 144C can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144B. In some embodiments support height 144A and support height 144C are equal. In some embodiments, support height 144C can be equal to support height 144A. In some embodiments, support height 144C can be higher than support height 144 A, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144 A. In some embodiments, support height 144C can be lower than support height 144 A, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm lower than support height 144A.

[0073] In some embodiments, support height 144D is greater than support height 144C. For example, support height 144D can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144C. In some embodiments support height 144C and support height 144D are equal.

[0074] In some embodiments, support height 144E is greater than support height 144D. For example, support height 144E can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 nun, 5 mm, 6 nun, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 144D. In some embodiments support height 144D and support height 144E are equal.

[0075] FIGs. 4E-4F show a more refined view of the support surface 128 to demonstrate what may be utilized in an actual design of a high-heeled shoe 100 with cascading smoothed topography of the insole 126 and forefoot portion that support the metatarsal heads 118 as well as the toes 120.

[0076] These ranges of heights are provided by way of example and other relative heights are also possible. Those of skill in the art, upon consideration of this disclosure will appreciate that the relative support heights 144 A - 144E may vary based on foot or shoe size (with larger foot or shoe sizes generally including more variation in the heights) as well as with different heel heights (with higher heel heights generally leading to more variation in the heights).

[0077] FIG. 5C illustrates a transverse profile taken through a position that passes generally through each toe 120 of the wearer’s foot to illustrate the relative support heights 146 for each toe 120. As shown, the third and fourth toes 120C and 120D can be supported at the lowest support heights 146C and 146D. The support heights 146C and 146D need not be equal in all embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the support height 146C can be greater than or less than the support height 146D. The support height 146E associated with the small toe 120E may generally be higher than the support height 146D of the fourth toe 120D. In some embodiments, the support heights 146D and 146E can be equal. The support height 146B associated with the second toe 120B may generally be higher than the support height 146C of the third toe 120C. In some embodiments, the support heights 146B and 146C can be equal. The support height 146A associated with the first or big toe 120A may generally be higher than the support height 146B of the second toe 120B. In some embodiments, the support heights 146 A and 146B can be equal.

[0078] As noted above, the third and fourth toes 120C and 120D can be supported at the lowest support heights 146C and 146D. The support heights 146C and 146D need not be equal in all embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the support height 146C can be greater than or less than the support height 146D by 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm, ranges between such values, and the like.

[0079] The support height 146E associated with the small toe 120E may generally be higher than the support height 146D of the fourth toe 120D by 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, ranges between such values, or higher. In some embodiments, the support heights 146D and 146E can be equal. [0080] The support height 146B associated with the second toe 120B may generally be higher than the support height 146C of the third toe 120C by 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, ranges between such values, or higher.

[0081] In some embodiments, the support heights 146B and 146C can be equal. The support height 146 A associated with the first or big toe 120A may generally be higher than the support height 146B of the second toe 120B by 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, ranges between such values, and the like. In some embodiments, the support heights 146A and 146B can be equal.

[0082] In some embodiments, support height 146A is greater than support height 146B. For example, support height 146 A can be between 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, or 10 mm higher than support height 146B. In some embodiments support height 146A and support height 146B are equal.

[0083] These ranges of heights are provided by way of example and other relative heights are also possible. Those of skill in the art, upon consideration of this disclosure will appreciate that the relative support heights 146A-E to the toes 120 may vary based on foot or shoe size (with larger foot or shoe sizes generally including more variation in the heights) as well as with different heel heights (with higher heel heights generally leading to more variation in the heights).

[0084] FIG. 5D illustrates example relational heights between the transverse profile of FIG. 5B (taken through the metatarsal heads 118) and the transverse profile of FIG. 5C (taken through the toes 120). As shown, the support height 144B generally associated with the second metatarsal head 118B is generally at the lowest or base height relative to all other metatarsal heads 118A, 118C, 118D, and 118E and all the toes 120.

[0085] FIG. 6 A is a top view of an embodiment of the high-heeled shoe 100 including the support surface 128 configured to support the foot of a wearer. FIG. 6A illustrates various longitudinal profiles that generally extend along the first through fifth rays of the foot, passing through both the metatarsal heads and the toes.

[0086] FIG. 6B illustrates the longitudinal profiles taken along the lines illustrated in FIG. 6A for each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth rays of the foot extending through the metatarsal heads 118 and toes 120. In FIG. 6B, only the forefoot portion is illustrated. FIG. 6B illustrates, among other things, that for each longitudinal profile, the support surface can be configured with a slight slope or angle under the region configured to support the metatarsal head 118 configured to counteract the anterior force caused by the increased height of the heel. This can, for example, help to prevent the wearer’s foot from sliding down into the toe box of the shoe. In some embodiments, this angle of the support surface below can be about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, or about 15 degrees, although other angles both higher and lower can be used.

[0087] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0088] Indeed, although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

[0089] It will be appreciated that the systems and methods of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible or required for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. [0090] Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments also may be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment also may be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. No single feature or group of features is necessary or indispensable to each and every embodiment.

[0091] It will also be appreciated that conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open- ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. In addition, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. In addition, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” as used in this application and the appended claims are to be construed to mean “one or more” or “at least one” unless specified otherwise. Similarly, while operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, it is to be recognized that such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Further, the drawings may schematically depict one more example processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations that are not depicted may be incorporated in the example methods and processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other embodiments. Tn certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Additionally, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

[0092] Further, while the methods and devices described herein may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the various implementations described and the appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an implementation or embodiment can be used in all other implementations or embodiments set forth herein. Any methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by implication. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about” or “approximately” include the recited numbers and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example ±5%, ±10%, ±15%, etc.). For example, “about 3.5 mm” includes “3.5 mm.” Phrases preceded by a term such as “substantially” include the recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For example, “substantially constant” includes “constant.” Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard conditions including temperature and pressure.

[0093] As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A, B, and C. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be at least one of X, Y or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present. The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the devices and methods disclosed herein.

[0094] Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.