This invention relates generally to shoes, and particularly to shoes for enhanced athletic performance and improved biomechanical function. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A pair of shoes includes a right shoe and a left shoe. Traditionally, in a right shoe, the arch of the shoe is on the left side, and the toebox is curved leftward. In a left shoe, the arch of the shoe is traditionally on the right side, and the toebox is curved rightward.

When one wears a traditional pair of shoes, one eventually feels pressure points. Also, there can be inadequate pronation of each foot. Pronation of the foot is the turning the sole of the foot outward so that the inner edge of the arch of the foot bears the weight when standing.

Further, with each step that one takes in a traditional shoe, the arch of the shoe pushes up against the foot and locks the knee, thereby preventing the knee from beneficially absorbing impacts and mechanical shocks. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Each shoe of the reversed arch shoes of the invention includes an extended toebox that provides better balance and stabilizes the wearer more than a traditional toebox. The extended toebox provides improved leverage, the toebox storing and releasing energy like a spring when the toebox is flexed during each stride.

The reversed arch shoes are innovative in that the location of the arch in each shoe is the opposite of the location of the arch in traditional shoes. Also, the direction of curvature of the “midline curve” of the reversed arch shoes is the opposite of the direction of curvature as compared with traditional shoes. These innovative features serve to alleviate pressure points. The non-traditional fit of the reversed arch shoes relieves pressure from the ankles to the knees and thighs.

Pronation is defined as rotation of the medial bones in the midtarsal region of the foot inward and downward, such that while standing, walking, or running the foot tends to come down on its inner side. To pronate means to turn (the sole of the foot) outward so that the inner edge of the foot bears most of one’s weight while standing, walking, or running.

To encourage pronation, the reversed arch shoe includes an arch support located on the opposite side of a traditional shoe. Also, the toebox of each shoe curves in a direction opposite to a traditional shoe, and extends further forward than the toebox of a traditional shoe, thereby providing a portion of the toebox not covered by the toes that can be leveraged by the toes, thereby acting like a fulcrum, this portion of the toebox also storing energy like a spring. The portion of the toebox not covered by the toes is made to be resilient, thereby storing spring energy that is released with each stride, which can improve athletic performance. The storing and release of spring energy with each step also gives the wearer a “spring” in their step, thereby enhancing one’s natural gait.

Even though the reversed arch shoe includes an arch support on the opposite side of a traditional shoe, the shoe still provides support to the midfoot area.

Thus, there are two aspects of the reversed arch shoes that are different from a typical pair of shoes -- the shape and size of the toebox, and the location of the arch in each shoe.

Traditionally, on a right shoe, the arch is on the left side of the shoe and the toebox is curved leftward, and on a left shoe, the arch is on the right side of the shoe and the toebox is curved rightward.

In the reversed arch shoe of the invention, on the right shoe, the arch is on the right side of the shoe and the toebox is curved rightward, and on the left shoe, the arch is on the left side of the shoe and the toebox is curved leftward. To provide a comfortable fit, the length of the toebox is greater than a standard shoe. In some embodiments, the toebox provides more room for the big toe, providing at least ½ inch to 1 inch of clearance.

Causing each foot to pronate un-locks the knees, so each knee can act more like a shock-absorber, thereby reducing shock and impacts to the rest of the body.

Standing in the shoes of the invention changes standing posture so as to take pressure off the lower back.

With each step that one takes in a traditional shoe, the arch pushes up and one’s knees tend to lock. With the reversed arch shoes of the invention, because the arch is on the outside, one’s knees are encouraged not to lock, instead acting more like shock absorbers while walking. One’s knees become less restricted, and one is able to release pressure more easily, which enables one to propel one’s body forward with less effort.

The shoe of the invention can be used for hiking, athletics, office work, medical, dental, or as everyday shoes.

The reversed arch shoes of the invention provide unprecedented health and athletic performance benefits. For example, the shoes of the invention can alleviate pressure points. The non-traditional fit can relieve pressure from the ankles to the knees and thighs. This can help people recovering from various ailments, including knee or hip replacements.

The shoes can also help to alleviate various conditions which are exacerbated by pain or pressure from walking or running. In a preliminary test, the shoe of the invention assisted a patient who had a loss of equilibrium, resulting in the wearer being able to walk in a more stable manner than before.

The shoe can also release pressure on the back by improving the wearer’s posture, thereby resulting in less back pain.

The reversed arch shoe can help any athlete who wishes to run faster than others, and will provide an edge in any sport. The takeoff of a runner wearing the reversed arch shoes can be almost two times faster than typical runners. The shoe also provides in an increase in acceleration for the person wearing them. When used by a high-jump athlete, the athlete can jump higher than when wearing normal shoes. A general aspect of the invention is a reversed arch pair of shoes for enhanced performance and reduced injury, each shoe configured to support a foot, each shoe having an area configured to support a big toe of the foot, and an area configured to support a ball of the foot. The pair of shoes includes: a right shoe configured to be worn on a right foot, the right shoe having a right side and a left side, the right shoe having an arch on the right side, and having an extended toebox that is extends forward and rightward, the extended toebox extending forward a distance beyond a center of an area configured to support the right big toe, the distance being at least a distance from a center of the area configured to support the ball of the right foot to a center of the area configured to support the right big toe; and a left shoe configured to be worn on a left foot, the left shoe having a right side and a left side, the left shoe having an arch on the left side, and having an extended toebox that is extends forward and leftward, the extended toebox extending forward a distance beyond a center of an area configured to support the left big toe, the distance being at least a distance from a center of the area configured to support the ball of the left foot to a center of the area configured to support the left big toe.

In some embodiments, the extended toebox of the right shoe and the left shoe includes an area that extends at least ½ inch to 1 inch beyond the area configured to support the right big toe and the left big toe, respectively.

In some embodiments, for both the right shoe and the left shoe, the extended toebox is configured to store and release spring energy with each stride.

In some embodiments, the arch of both the right shoe and the left shoe is configured to encourage pronation of the right food and the left foot, respectively. Another general aspect of the invention is a reversed arch pair of shoes for enhanced performance and reduced injury, each shoe of the reversed arch pair of shoes having a right side and a left side. This reversed arch pair of shoes includes: a right shoe configured to be worn on a right foot having an arch on the right side, and having an extended toebox that extends forward and rightward; and a left shoe configured to be worn on a left foot having an arch on the left side, and having an extended toebox that extends forward and leftward.

In some embodiments, for both the right shoe and the left shoe, the extended toebox extends forward a substantial distance beyond an area of the shoe that is configured to support a big toe. In some embodiments, the substantial distance is equal to at least a distance from a center of the area configured to support a ball of the foot to a center of the area configured to support a big toe of the foot.

In some embodiments, the extended toebox of each shoe includes an area that extends forward at least ½ inch to 1 inch beyond the area configured to support a big toe of the foot.

In some embodiments, for both the right shoe and the left shoe, the extended toebox is configured to store and release spring energy with each stride.

In some embodiments, the arch of both the right shoe and the left shoe is configured to encourage pronation of the right food and the left foot, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following Detailed Description, in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a reversed arch shoe for a right foot, showing the toe guard, toe box vent holes, foxing, and triple stich. FIG. 2 is a top view of the right shoe of FIG. 1 , also showing a dashed outline of a right foot while wearing the shoe.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the right shoe of FIG. 1 , also showing the reversed arch on the right side of the right shoe.

FIG. 4 is front right side view of the right shoe of FIG. 1, also showing a dashed outline of a right foot while wearing the shoe, the reversed arch supporting the right side of the right foot.

FIG. 5A is a rear view of the right shoe of FIG. 1, showing the heel of the right shoe.

FIG. 5B is a rear cross-sectional view of the right shoe of FIG. 1 , showing a cross section of the arch located on the right side of the right shoe.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the outline of the sole of the reversed arch right shoe of FIG 1 , superimposed upon the outline of the sole of a standard right shoe, and showing how the toebox of the reversed arch right shoe extends beyond the toebox of a standard right shoe. FIG. 7 is a top view of the outline of the sole of the reversed arch right shoe of FIG 1 , superimposed upon the dashed outline of a right foot wearing the right shoe, showing how the toebox of the reversed arch right shoe extends beyond the smaller toes of the right foot, thereby providing a resilient portion that stores and releases energy with each stride.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the outline of the sole of the reversed arch right shoe of FIG 1 , superimposed upon the dashed outline of a right foot wearing the right shoe, showing some exemplary dimensions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a top view is presented of a reversed arch shoe 100 for a right foot. This view shows that the reversed arch shoe 100 has some recognizable features similar to the features of typical known shoes, such as a toe guard 102, a vamp 104, vent holes 106, triple stich 108, and foxing 110. Also shown is the rear flat portion 112 of the insole, and a tongue 114.

With reference to FIG. 2, unlike all known shoes, the reversed arch shoe 100 has a uniquely shaped toe box 200, the toe box 200 being the section that surrounds the toes 202 (shown in dashed line) of the right foot 204 (shown in dashed line) that wears the reversed arch shoe 100. The toe box 200 starts so as to include the right-most toe, and ends at the toe guard 102, substantially beyond even the left-most toe. The vent holes 106 provide ventilation for the toes 202. A reversed arch shoe for a left foot is the structural mirror image of the reversed arch shoe 100 for the right foot.

With reference to FIG. 3, a reversed arch 300 is located on the right side of the reversed arch shoe 100 for the right foot. The reversed arch 300 includes an arch support 302, and an arch ramp 304 that rises from the flat portion 112 of the insole at the rear and at the left side of the shoe 100, to the arch support 302 on the right side of the shoe 100. The arch ramp 304 then extends as a layer under the arch support 302. See FIG. 5B for a rear cross-sectional view of the arch 300.

Referring to FIG. 4, a front right side view of the right reversed arch shoe 100 is presented, also showing a dotted outline of the right foot 204 with toes 202 while wearing the shoe 100. The arch 300 is shown supporting the right side of the right foot 204. The arch ramp 304 is shown as a layer under the arch support 302 on the right side of the shoe 100. The toes 202 have generous clearance within the toe box 200, which has an extended foxing 110 that extends up to the toe guard 102.

Referring to FIG. 5A is a rear view of the right shoe of FIG. 1 , showing the outsole 500 and the midsole 502 of the right shoe 100. This view shows that the rear of the reversed arch shoe 100 has some of the recognizable features similar to the features of typical known shoes, such as the triple stitch 108, and the tongue 114.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional rear view of the right shoe of FIG. 1 , showing a cross section of the arch 300 located on the right side of the middle area along the right shoe 100. Also shown is the tongue 114 and the midsole 502 of the right shoe 100. The key is that the arch 300 is on the right side of the right reversed arch shoe 100, as compared with a standard shoe having an arch on its left side.

With reference to FIG. 6, a top view is shown of an outline 600 of the sole of the reversed arch right shoe 100, superimposed upon the outline 602 of the sole of a typical known right shoe of the same shoe size, e.g., “size 10”, showing how the extended toebox 200 of the reversed arch right shoe 100 extends beyond the toebox of a typical known right shoe.

The shoe 100 has an area 604 of the insole that can support the big toe of the foot 204, and has an area 606 of the insole that can support the ball of the foot 204.

The right shoe 100 is configured to be worn on a right foot, has an arch 300 on the right side, and has an extended toebox 200 that extends in the front-rightward direction.

The extended toebox 200 extends forward a distance beyond a center 610 of the area 604 that is configured to support the right big toe, the distance being at least a distance from a center 608 of the area 606 configured to support the ball of the right foot to the center of 610 the area 604 configured to support the right big toe.

For example, the extended toebox 200 of the right shoe (and the left shoe) includes an area that extends forward at least ½ inch to 1 inch beyond the farthest extent of the area 604 configured to support the right big toe (and the left big toe).

The extended toebox 200 is able to bend with each stride, and therefore can store and release spring energy with each stride, which provides functional and athletic performance enhancement. The arch 300 of both the right shoe and the left shoe is able to encourage pronation of the right food and the left foot, respectively, which confers therapeutic and athletic performance enhancement.

Referring to FIG. 7, a top view is provided of the outline 600 of the sole of the reversed arch right shoe 100 of FIG 1 , surrounding the dashed outline 204 of a right foot wearing the right shoe 100, showing how the toebox 200 of the reversed arch right shoe 100 extends both frontward and rightward beyond the smaller toes 203 of the right foot, thereby providing a resilient portion 700 of the shoe 100 that extends from the ends of the toes 202, 203 of the foot 204 to the frontmost and rightmost boundary of the outline 600, the resilient portion 700 being capable of storing and releasing energy with each stride.

With reference to FIG. 8, a top view is provided of the outline 600 of the sole of the reversed arch right shoe 100 of FIG. 1, superimposed upon a dashed outline of a right foot 204 wearing the right shoe 100, showing some exemplary dimensions for a Size 10 right shoe. The length of this version of the shoe 100 is 12.5 inches. There is a span of 1.0 inches from the tip of the largest toe 202 to the toe guard 102 of the shoe. The width of the shoe 100 at its widest point is 4.658 inches, and the width at the narrowest point is 3 inches.

Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.