WO2010111539A1

WO2010111539A1 - Golf shoe

Info

Publication number: WO2010111539A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/028735
Authority: WO
Inventors: Micky Gallas
Original assignee: Tip Tee Toe, Llc
Priority date: 2009-03-26
Filing date: 2010-03-25
Publication date: 2010-09-30
Also published as: US20100242307A1; US20120266498A1; EP2410885A1

Abstract

A golf shoe is disclosed comprising an upper portion coupled to a sole. The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot. The sole may have a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the front portion such that, when worn by a golfer, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.

Description

GOLF SHOE

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of United States Patent

Application No. 12/412,027 filed March 26, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The game of golf continues to draw enthusiasts of many ages and backgrounds. Golf offers a social outlet for networking, skill development, and personal growth for men, women, and young people alike. Typical equipment for the golfer includes golf clubs, a bag, golf balls, a glove, and golf shoes. Most golf shoes are modeled on standard heel saddle-shoe designs. Recently, golf shoes have been designed that align the heel below the toe (recess the heel toward the ground) or increasing the thickness of the inner or outer portion of the heel so that the foot rolls inward or outward.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0003] A golf shoe is disclosed comprising an upper portion coupled to a sole.

The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot. The sole may have a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the front portion such that, when worn by a golfer, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.

[0004] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] Fig. 1 is a view of a user in a golf environment. [0006] Fig. 2 is a first side view of a golf shoe. [0007] Fig. 3 is a view of multiple straps. [0008] Fig. 4 is a view of multiple straps.

[0009] Fig. 5 is a view of multiple ball markers.

[0010] Fig. 6 is a second side view of a golf shoe.

[0011] Fig. 7 is a top view of a golf shoe.

[0012] Fig. 8 is a back view of a golf shoe.

[0013] Fig. 9 is a bottom view of a golf shoe.

[0014] Fig. 10 is a first side view of a golf shoe.

[0015] Fig. 11 is a second side view of a golf shoe.

[0016] Fig. 12 is a back view of a golf shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] As golf becomes more accessible, individuals are increasingly forming small relaxed social golfing groups that are focused more on socializing and less on formal golf rules. Women and children are also increasingly entering the sport as a social activity and have particular interest in golf equipment that addresses their particular needs.

[0018] We disclose shoes that are designed for orienting the feet in a particular manner, such as to improve the golf stance and golf swing. The shoes have a sole.

The sole has a front portion that corresponds to the toes of a foot and a back portion that corresponds to the heel of a foot. The shoe also includes an upper portion that is coupled to the sole. The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot.

[0019] The shoe may position the foot such that the heel of the foot is elevated to a height above the front or toes of the foot. By elevating the heel of the foot above the toes, a golfer may be able to create the proper knee flex, while maintaining proper positioning and easing the weight transfer needed to make an athletic move, thereby enhancing contact and swing.

[0020] When swinging a golf club, many factors contribute to the quality of the swing. For example, the stance, the proper arm positioning throughout the swing, the grip, the dynamics of the swinging motion, and the tempo all contribute to the quality of the swing. [0021] One aspect of a golf swing is the proper foot stance and how to maintain the proper foot stance throughout the swing. Figure 1 shows a golfer 10 performing a typical golf stance. A golfer 10 typically begins the swing with the legs apart and the body (e.g., feet, knees, hips, forearms, shoulders, and eyes) positioned parallel to the target line 12. The target line 12 is the desired path that the ball 14 will take when struck by the golf club 16. The feet are typically spread approximately shoulder width apart and the ball 14 may be positioned forward and between the feet. The foot that is closest to the direction that the ball will travel may be referred to as the front foot 18. The foot that is farthest away may be referred to as the back foot 20.

[0022] The golf swing involves a rotation of a golf club around the body aimed at accelerating the head of the golf club 16 to a great speed at the target, or golf ball 14. The golfer's head and spine create an axis of rotation 21 for the swing plane 22 of the clubhead. For a right-handed golfer 10, the golf swing includes a backswing to the right, a downswing to the left, and a follow through. The ball 14 is hit during the downswing.

[0023] During the backswing, the arms and shoulders begin to turn. The golfer's legs, which may be positioned such that the left foot is the front foot 18 and the right foot is the back foot 20, resist the rotation, creating torque between the lower and upper body. As the arms and shoulders continue to turn into the backswing, up to 75 percent of the golfer's body weight may be transferred to the back foot 20, in this case, the right foot. During the transition from backswing to downswing, weight is transferred from the back foot 20 to the front foot 18, and the hips may begin to shift down the line toward the ball. During the downswing, the hips may rotate to release the torque, causing a whip-like motion that accelerates the clubhead as it approaches and impacts the ball. The clubhead may impact the ball slightly before the bottom of the downswing, and at impact the hips may be rotated to approximately 45 degrees from the ground. The golfer may push against the ground for added power through the downswing, which may create a more solid foundation creating greater clubhead speed. [0024] A left-handed golfer 10 swings back to the left and forward to the right, a downswing to the left, and a follow through. The ball 14 is hit during the downswing. During the backswing, the arms and shoulders begin to turn. The golfer's legs, which may be positioned such that the right foot is the front foot 18 and the left foot is the back foot 20, resist the rotation, creating torque between the lower and upper body. As the body continues to turn into the back swing, up to 75 percent of the golfer's body weight may be transferred to the back foot 20, in this case, the left foot. During the transition from backswing to downswing, weight is transferred from the back foot 20 to the front foot 18, and the hips may begin to shift down the line toward the ball. During the downswing, the hips may rotate to release the torque, causing a whip-like motion that accelerates the clubhead as it approaches and impacts the ball. The clubhead may impact the ball slightly before the bottom of the downswing, and at impact the hips may be rotated to approximately 45 degrees from the ground.

[0025] With the shoe Fig. 2, 100 the golfer may improve over a standard golf shoe, the ability to maintain a more effective weight distribution (e.g., weight distributed evenly between the toes and the heels during backswing and slightly more on the toes during downswing), spine angle, and knee flex during the set up and throughout the golf swing. For example, one objective for a golfer may be to maintain the golfer's head in a stationary and consistent position while completing the backswing and downswing. Keeping the head in a stationary position may help the golfer maintain a consistent axis of rotation of the clubhead throughout the backswing, downswing and follow-through. However, as the arms and shoulders turn into the backswing, lifting the golf club, the weight may naturally shift back into the heels of the foot so as to compensate for the weight of the golf club. This may cause the head to shift (e.g. lift) from its initial position. Shifting the head may be undesirable because it may cause the axis of rotation to shift throughout the golf swing. As a result, the golfer may miss or shank the golf ball. [0026] The elevated heel of the shoe Fig. 2, 100 may prevent the golfer from shifting weight into the heels of the foot. Thus, the elevated heel may encourage the golfer to maintain a stationary and consistent head position throughout the golf swing. This may result in a more consistent axis of rotation and thus, the clubhead may be more likely to impact the ball at a square and consistent angle. The angle of the shoe, slanting down from the back to the front, may facilitate weight transfer to the toes at impact. The elevation and support provided by the shoe may compensate for lack of flexibility, strength, and/or inconsistency in, for example, amateur players, older players, less athletic players, and others. [0027] The shoe 100 may, by improving the performance of golfers, including less athletic, experienced, or traditional golfers, make the game of golf accessible and enjoyable to a wider range of individuals. For example, elevating the heel at impact may improve the golfer's ability to maintain a consistent axis of rotation and to make a stronger move at the ball 14 on the downswing, which may result in improving the golfer's contact with the ball 14. Additionally, the elevated heel of the shoe 100 may create flex in the knees which may further create torque during the backswing and may eliminate locking of the back leg. The knee flex and resulting torque may allow the golfer to assume a more athletic position to make a stronger move toward the ball 14 than if the weight was maintained differently, for example, with the weight positioned more heavily on either front or back foot. [0028] The shoe Fig. 2, 100 may also prove useful to seasoned golfers who are seeking to improve their foot stance and thus, their swing. Maintaining the head in a stationary position throughout the backswing and downswing is an unnatural activity. As such, golfers often forget and allow the head to shift as they make the backswing and downswing. The result is a less than ideal swing. The elevated heel of the shoe 100 may encourage the golfer to maintain the head in a stationary position by counter-balancing a tendency to shift weight back into the heels during the backswing. The elevated heel may also exaggerate movements of the feet so as to alert the golfer as to undesired movement of the feet. When out on the golf course or driving range, it is not practical to place an object under the foot to approximate the appropriate stance for every swing. Due to changes in surface contours and surface type, a golfer often changes the position of his/her feet several times prior to swinging. Using foreign objects under the shoe is useful only when practicing and not permitted during actual play. [0029] Figure 2 illustrates a first side of a golf shoe 100. The golf shoe 100 has a sole 106 and an upper portion 104 that is coupled to the sole 106. The upper portion 104 may be sized to receive a foot. The upper portion may have an opening 130 for receiving a foot. The sole 106 may have a front portion 108 and a rear portion 110. The front portion 108 may correspond to the toes of the human foot. The rear portion 110 may correspond to the heel of the human foot. [0030] The sole 106 may have an elevation, for example, an elevation at the front of the foot 112 and an elevation at the heel of the foot 114. The sole 106 may vary in elevation along its length from the front portion 108 to the rear portion 110. For example, the rear portion 110 may be elevated and may taper toward the front portion 108. More specifically, the rear portion 110 may have an elevation 114 which is greater than the elevation 112 of the front portion 108, for example, the rear portion 110 may have an elevation of approximately 0.50 inches to approximately 5 inches, or may have a elevation of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or may have a elevation of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, in each case the elevation of the rear portion 110 exceeding the elevation of the front portion 108. As an example, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may exceed the elevation of the front portion 108 by about 25%. In that case, if the elevation of the front portion 108 is 0.5 inches, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may be about 0.625 inches. However, a ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may change depending on implementation. For example, a ration of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may change as a function of the intended user, taking into consideration age (e.g., child versus adult, young adult versus elderly), sex (e.g., male versus female), weight, height, physical handicaps, and other considerations. The ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may be any ratio as long as the rear portion 110 is of greater elevation than the front portion 108. The sole 106 may be continuous or may be discontinuous, for example, the front portion 108 and the rear portion 110 may be on one continuous piece or more than one piece, which pieces may be joined together or otherwise attached to the upper portion 104. [0031] When the shoe 100 is worn by a golfer, the elevation of the rear portion 110 above the front portion 108 may elevate the heel of the foot above the front of the foot. Having the heels elevated at impact may improve the golfer's ability to make a stronger move at the ball on the downswing which may result in improving the golfer's contact with the ball. Additionally, having the heels elevated may create flex in the knees which may create further torque during the backswing and may eliminate locking of the back leg.

[0032] The upper portion 104 of the shoe may be made of any material for example but not limited to leather; suede; neoprene; mesh; synthetics; environmentally sustainable materials such as rice husks, latex rubber, recycled materials, plant based materials, or others; materials designed to manage moisture, increase air flow and/or ventilation, increase comfort, increase or decrease foot temperature; fabrics or woven materials, such as fabrics with special moisture, comfort, breathability, or temperature management properties, fabrics with designs or embroidery, and others. Additionally, the upper portion 104 of the shoe may be made of a combination of these materials and/or other materials. The upper portion 104 of the shoe 100 may include stitching 124 or perforations 126 or other physical additions. Additionally, the upper portion 104 of the shoe 100 may include a stretchable material 128 which may be located anywhere around the opening of the shoe 130 in which the foot is inserted. The stretchable material 128 may give the opening 130 flexibility so that the foot can be easily inserted or removed from the shoe 100 while maintaining a snug fit by retracting back once the foot is safely inserted.

[0033] The upper portion of the shoe 100 may be loafer style, sandal style, saddle styles, or alternatively or additionally include laces, Velcro flaps, snaps, buttons, zippers, clasps, buckles, or other closure mechanisms. [0034] The sole 106 of the shoe may be made of for example but not limited to a polymeric foamed material, rubber, leather, foam, gels, vinyl, biodegradable material, or any other material. Additionally, the sole 106 of the shoe may be made of a combination of materials such as a rubber material with a foam and/or gel core. The sole 106 of the shoe may be molded in one piece or in multiple pieces. The sole may include spikes that may be made of any durable material or combinations of materials, for example, but not limited to, biodegradable material, rubber, plastic, or composite materials. The spikes may be formed in a continuous mold with the sole, or may be removable, or may be fixedly attached. The sole may be spikeless. The sole of the shoe may additionally include a random or repeating pattern 116, which may contribute to traction between the shoe 100 and the ground.

[0035] The shoe 106 may also include additional elements. For example, the shoe may include a pull-on strap 118 which may assist the wearer with positioning the foot within the upper portion 104 of the shoe 106 or may allow storage, drying, or carrying of the shoe 106 by hanging the shoe on a hook from a wall, a golf bag, a closet, or other.

[0036] A method, system, and device for using interchangeable decorative elements with golf shoes are also provided herein. For example, the shoe 106 may include a strap 120 which may be interchangeable and may allow adjustment of the shoe 104 and may be a surface for providing aesthetic details such as color, indicia, embroidery, or branding. Addition or removal of such straps and decorative elements may be accomplished easily, quickly, and without the need for tools or other devices. For example, the shoe 106 may include a loop, bracket, snap, or other region to which one end of the strap may fasten, for example, but not limited to, by wrapping an end of a decorative strap 120 through a loop, bracket, or slit, and securing it back to itself using a snap, magnet, Velcro, or other securing mechanism. This may allow the wearer to select decorative elements from a wide variety of possibilities.

[0037] Aesthetic details provided on the strap 120 may include, but are not limited to, images of shamrocks, waves, flowers or sea shells, as in Figure 3. Alternatively, the aesthetic details may include, but are not limited to, geometric patterns, stitched patterns, or a fringe that mimics the tongue of a traditional of golf shoe, as in Figure 4. Alternatively, the strap may include aesthetic details illustrating a theme. For example, the theme may be "The Penny Loafer" and a slot may be provided in the strap to hold and display a penny visibly, as in Figure 11.

[0038] The strap Fig. 2, 120 may be removably attached to the shoe with a snap closure, magnet, VELCRO, or other known ways. Alternatively, the strap 120 may be fixedly attached to the shoe by sewing, gluing or other known ways. Alternatively, the strap may be removably attached to a first side of the shoe, with a snap closure, VELCRO, or other known ways, and fixedly attached to a second side of the shoe by sewing, gluing or other known ways.

[0039] The strap 120 may be removably attached to the shoe on both sides of the shoe, and therefore, the shoe may be used with interchangeable straps 120. [0040] The shoe may also include a ball marker 122 which may be positioned on the strap 120 of the shoe. For example, the strap 120 may be fastened to the shoe at a snap, magnet, Velcro, or otherwise and the ball marker 122 may be positioned on the strap with a magnet, slot, or otherwise. The snap may be metal and the ball marker may be magnetic such that the ball marker may be removably attached to the snap by magnetic force. Alternatively, a magnet may be inserted into the construction of the shoe such that it attracts and holds the metal ball marker 122. Additionally or alternatively, various slots, pockets, or other attaching devices may be used to removably attach a ball marker 122 to the strap 120. The magnetic force may be strong enough to maintain the ball marker on the snap while the shoe is worn by a golfer, but weak enough to allow the golfer to conveniently remove the ball marker for use.

[0041] Alternatively, the strap 120 may be attached to the shoe 100 by VELCRO or any other means and the ball marker 122 may be removably attached to the shoe 100 or strap 120 at any location. For example, the ball marker 122 may be removably attached by a snap, by VELCRO, by magnetic force, or as a pin. Alternatively, a small pocket may be provided at any location along the strap 120 so as to allow the ball marker 122 to be held securely inside the pocket. The pocket may also include a cut-out corresponding to the middle portion of the ball marker 122, such that a golfer may remove the ball marker 122 by placing a thumb on the ball marker through the cut-out and sliding the ball marker out of the pocket. The ball marker may have a thickness of approximately 0.125 inches; a width of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch; and a length of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 1 inch. Dimensions may vary based on application.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the attachment devices that connect the strap 120 to the show 106 may serve a dual purpose. The strap 120 may also be wrapped around the wearer's wrist or ankle and secured in a bracelet fashion at the attachment devices, or at attachment devices located elsewhere for the purpose of creating the bracelet. This may allow multiple straps 120 to be easily carried by the user for a quick change or for maintaining the ball marker 122 nearer the hand. Additionally or alternatively, the strap may include multiple attachment points for ball markers 122 such that the user may collect and display, for use or aesthetics, several markers in the fashion of a charm bracelet. The multiple attachment points may include one continuous magnetic element incorporated with the strap 120, several magnetic elements, several pockets, slits, or otherwise. [0043] The ball marker 122 may also be a surface for providing aesthetic details. For example, the ball marker 122 may include aesthetic detail that matches a theme provided in the aesthetic detail of the strap 120 such as, but not limited to, a shamrock, sailboat, watering pot or sea shell, as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, the ball marker 122 may include aesthetic detail that matches a theme provided in the aesthetic detail of the strap 120 such as, but not limited to, golf clubs or a piggy bank, as shown in Figure 4. Alternatively, the ball marker 122 may include aesthetic detail that does not follow any specific theme, but rather has any image, indicia, color, geometric shapes, patterns, or combination thereof, that a golfer chooses. The aesthetic detail may include, for example, but not limited to, square, triangle, star, hexagon, heart, spade, butterfly, bone, rabbit, fish, snowflake, flower, shamrock, sea shell, watering pot, sailboat, crown, musical note, venus sign, mars sign, male stick figure, female stick figure, shield, paw print, camp fire, nurse's shoe, or recycle sign.

[0044] Additionally, or alternatively, the ball marker 122 may be in the shape of, for example, but not limited to, an outline of a square, triangle, star, hexagon, heart, spade, butterfly, bone, rabbit, fish, snowflake, flower, shamrock, sea shell, watering pot, sailboat, crown, musical note, venus sign, mars sign, male stick figure, female stick figure, shield, paw print, camp fire, or recycle sign, as shown in Figure 5. Alternatively, the ball marker 122 may be in the shape of any geometric design or shape, including for example, but not limited to an outline of a nurse's shoe, wave, guitar pick, light bulb, strawberry, cherry, sun, dog, cat, turtle, golf club, beetle, or car.

[0045] The shoe 106 may also include a removable wedge that may be inserted between the sole 106 and a golfer's foot at the rear portion 110, such that the golfer may increase the elevation of the golfer's heel relative to the elevation of the golfer's toes, without creating overpronation or underpronation or supination, or without elevating the right side of the heel or foot above the left side of the heel or foot, or vice versa. The wedge may be made of, for example, but not limited to, a polymeric foamed material, rubber, leather, foam, gels, vinyl, or any other material. Alternatively, the removable wedge insert may be made of a combination of materials such as a rubber material with a foam and/or gel core. [0046] Figure 6 illustrates a right side view of a left shoe 100. This view illustrates the right side view of the sole 106 and upper portion 104, which may be coupled to the sole 106. The shoe 100 may include an attachment point for a removable strap 120. In this example, the strap 120 may be secured with an attachment 200 which may be, e.g., a snap or a button located on the sole 106 of the shoe 100 as shown, or on the upper portion 104 of the shoe, or otherwise. Alternatively, the strap 120 may be attached with VELCRO along its length, magnet, hook and latch, or any other attachment mechanism to maintain the strap across the top of the shoe 100.

[0047] As discussed above, the sole 106 may have a front portion 108 and a rear portion 110. The front portion 108 may correspond to the toes of the human foot. The rear portion 110 may correspond to the heel of the human foot. [0048] The sole 106 may have an elevation, for example, an elevation that corresponds to the front of the foot 112 and an elevation that corresponds to the heel of the foot 114. The sole 106 may vary in elevation along its length from the front portion 108 to the rear portion 110. For example, the rear portion 110 may be elevated and may taper toward the front portion 108. The rear portion 110 may have an elevation 114 which is greater than the elevation 112 of the front portion 108. For example, the rear portion 110 may have an elevation of approximately 0.50 inches to approximately 5 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, in each case the elevation 114 of the rear portion 110 exceeding the elevation 112 of the front portion 108. As an example, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may exceed the elevation of the front portion 108 by about 25%. In that example, if the elevation of the front portion 108 is 0.5 inches, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may be about 0.625 inches. However, a ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may change according to implementation. The ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may be any ratio as long as the rear portion 110 is of greater elevation than the front portion 108. When the shoe 100 is worn by a golfer, the elevation of the rear portion 110 above the front portion 108 may elevate the heel of the foot above the front of the foot.

[0049] Figure 7 provides a top view of the shoe, with the strap 120 removed. The inside 300 of the shoe can be visualized in this view. The inside 300 of the shoe 100 may be made of fabric, leather, or any other material. For example, the inside 300 of the shoe 100 may be lined with materials that provide insulation, ventilation, moisture control, temperature control, antibacterial properties, a combination of these or others. The inside 300 of the shoe 100 may be designed to correct arch deficiencies, provide heel support, correct over or under pronation, or otherwise address foot problems or comfort issues.

[0050] Figure 8 illustrates a rear view of the shoe 100. The golf shoe 100 has a sole 106 and an upper portion 104 that is coupled to the sole 106. The upper portion 104 may be sized to receive a foot. The sole 106 may have a front portion Fig. 1, 108 and a rear portion 110. The rear portion 110 may correspond to the heel of the human foot. The rear portion may have an elevation 114 of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 5 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. The rear portion 110 may have a width, for example, a width where the sole 106 connects to the upper portion 104 indicated by 400 and a second width 402 where the sole 106 meets the ground. The widths 400 and 402 may be identical or nearly identical, and the rear portion 110 may be approximately square to the ground. Alternatively, the width 402 may be narrower than the width 400, or vice versa. The width 400 and 402 may vary with the size of the shoe 100. However, by way of example, the widths 400, 402 may range from approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches. For example, the widths 400, 402 may be approximately 1.5 inches to 2 inches, or approximately 1 5/8 inches. The stability of the shoe maybe improved by varying factors such as the widths 400, 402, the ratios of the widths (e.g., 400:402), and the ratios of the elevation 114 to the width 400, 402. The stability may also be improved by other means such as weight of the materials, addition of stabilizing elements, and other ways.

[0051] Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary view of a bottom of a shoe 100. This view illustrates that the shoe 100 may be spikeless or may include spikes. In this example, the shoe is spikeless. Figure 9 further illustrates an alternative spikeless tread 116 that may improve traction. The tread 116 may be of any pattern or design, such as squares, triangles, circles, or other shapes. The tread 116 may be arranged roughly in columns 602 or other patterns. The columns 602 or other patterns may be spaced apart and may define channels 604 in the sole of the shoe. The depth of a channel 604, for example measured from the sole to the ground, may be defined by the height of the columns 602. Alternatively, a channel 604 may be impressed into the sole of the shoe 100. The channel 604 may have a depth of 0.50cm to 7.0 cm. When a golfer wearing the shoe 100 is standing on grass, the grass may be pressed down beneath the columns 602but may be fully extended into the channel 604. The grass in the channel 604 may create resistance against lateral movement of the foot, which may improve lateral stability. [0052] The tread 116 may cover the entire bottom of the shoe, or may cover only parts of the shoe, such as only the locations on the shoe which make contact with the ground. The spikeless tread 116 may allow easy transfer from the golf course to the street. It may also reduce wear on the golf course. [0053] Figure 10 illustrates another exemplary view of a first side of a golf shoe 100. The golf shoe 100 has a sole 106 and an upper portion 104 that is coupled to the sole 106. The upper portion 104 may be sized to receive a foot. The upper portion may have an opening 130 for receiving a foot. The sole 106 may have a front portion 108 and a rear portion 110. The front portion 108 may correspond to the toes of the human foot. The rear portion 110 may correspond to the heel of the human foot. The upper portion 104 may be coupled to the sole 106 at a location along the rear portion 110 such that the material of the upper portion 104 partially or fully covers the rear portion 110. In this way, the upper portion 104 may partially or fully cover the rear portion 110 so as to create an illusion that the rear portion is of a lesser elevation than its actual elevation. [0054] The sole 106 may have an elevation, for example, an elevation at the front of the foot 112 and an elevation at the heel of the foot 114. The sole 106 may vary in elevation along its length from the front portion 108 to the rear portion 110. For example, the rear portion 110 may be elevated and may taper toward the front portion 108. More specifically, the rear portion 110 may have an elevation 114 which is greater than the elevation 112 of the front portion 108, for example, the rear portion 110 may have an elevation of approximately 0.50 inches to approximately 5 inches, or may have a elevation of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or may have a elevation of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, in each case the elevation of the rear portion 110 exceeding the elevation of the front portion 108. As an example, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may exceed the elevation of the front portion 108 by about 25%. In that case, if the elevation of the front portion 108 is 0.5 inches, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may be about 0.625 inches. However, a ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may change depending on implementation. The ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may be any ratio as long as the rear portion 110 is of greater elevation than the front portion 108. The sole 106 may be continuous or may be discontinuous, for example, the front portion 108 and the rear portion 110 may be on one continuous piece or more than one piece, which pieces may be joined together or otherwise attached to the upper portion 104.

[0055] When the shoe 100 is worn by a golfer, the elevation of the rear portion 110 above the front portion 108 may elevate the heel of the foot above the front of the foot. Having the heels elevated at impact may improve the golfer's ability to make a stronger move at the ball on the downswing which may result in improving the golfer's contact with the ball. Additionally, having the heels elevated may create flex in the knees which may create further torque during the backswing and may eliminate locking of the back leg.

[0056] The upper portion 104 of the shoe may be made of any material for example but not limited to leather; suede; neoprene; mesh; synthetics; environmentally sustainable materials such as rice husks, latex rubber, recycled materials, plant based materials, or others; materials designed to manage moisture, increase air flow and/or ventilation, increase comfort, increase or decrease foot temperature; fabrics or woven materials, such as fabrics with special moisture, comfort, breathability, or temperature management properties, fabrics with designs or embroidery, and others. Additionally, the upper portion 104 of the shoe may be made of a combination of these materials and/or other materials. The upper portion 104 of the shoe 100 may include stitching 124 or perforations 126 or other physical additions. Additionally, the upper portion 104 of the shoe 100 may include a stretchable material 128 which may be located anywhere around the opening of the shoe 130 in which the foot is inserted. The stretchable material 128 may give the opening 130 flexibility so that the foot can be easily inserted or removed from the shoe 100 while maintaining a snug fit by retracting back once the foot is safely inserted.

[0057] The sole 106 of the shoe may be made of for example but not limited to a polymeric foamed material, rubber, leather, foam, gels, vinyl, or any other material. Additionally, the sole 106 of the shoe may be made of a combination of materials such as a rubber material with a foam and/or gel core. The sole 106 of the shoe may be molded in one piece or in multiple pieces and may include spikes or may be spikeless. The sole of the shoe may additionally include a random or repeating pattern 116, which may contribute to traction between the shoe 100 and the ground.

[0058] Figure 11 illustrates a right side view of a left shoe 100. This view illustrates the right side view of the sole 106 and upper portion 104, which may be coupled to the sole 106. As discussed above, the sole 106 may have a front portion 108 and a rear portion 110. The front portion 108 may correspond to the toes of the human foot. The rear portion 110 may correspond to the heel of the human foot. The upper portion 104 may be coupled to the sole 106 at a location along the rear portion 110 such that the material of the upper portion 104 partially or fully covers the rear portion 110. In this way, the upper portion 104 may partially or fully cover the rear portion 110 so as to create an illusion that the rear portion is of a lesser elevation than its actual elevation. [0059] The sole 106 may have an elevation, for example, an elevation that corresponds to the front of the foot 112 and an elevation that corresponds to the heel of the foot 114. The sole 106 may vary in elevation along its length from the front portion 108 to the rear portion 110. For example, the rear portion 110 may be elevated and may taper toward the front portion 108. The rear portion 110 may have an elevation 114 which is greater than the elevation 112 of the front portion 108. For example, the rear portion 110 may have an elevation of approximately 0.50 inches to approximately 5 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches, in each case the elevation 114 of the rear portion 110 exceeding the elevation 112 of the front portion 108. As an example, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may exceed the elevation of the front portion 108 by about 25%. In that example, if the elevation of the front portion 108 is 0.5 inches, the elevation of the rear portion 110 may be about 0.625 inches. However, a ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may change according to implementation. The ratio of front portion 108 to rear portion 110 may be any ratio as long as the rear portion 110 is of greater elevation than the front portion 108. When the shoe 100 is worn by a golfer, the elevation of the rear portion 110 above the front portion 108 may elevate the heel of the foot above the front of the foot.

[0060] Figure 12 illustrates a rear view of the shoe 100. The golf shoe 100 has a sole 106 and an upper portion 104 that is coupled to the sole 106. The upper portion 104 may be sized to receive a foot. The sole 106 may have a front portion Fig. 1, 108 and a rear portion 110. The rear portion 110 may correspond to the heel of the human foot. The upper portion 104 may be coupled to the sole 106 at a location along the rear portion 110 such that the material of the upper portion 104 partially or fully covers the rear portion 110. In this way, the upper portion 104 may partially or fully cover the rear portion 110 so as to create an illusion that the rear portion is of a lesser elevation than its actual elevation.

[0061] The rear portion may have an elevation 114 of approximately 0.5 inches to approximately 5 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.0 inches to approximately 3.0 inches, or may have an elevation of approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 2.5 inches. The rear portion 110 may have a width, for example, a width where the sole 106 connects to the upper portion 104 indicated by 400 and a second width 402 where the sole 106 meets the ground. The widths 400 and 402 may be identical or nearly identical, and the rear portion 110 may be approximately square to the ground. Alternatively, the width 402 may be narrower than the width 400, or vice versa. The width 400 and 402 may vary with the size of the shoe 100. However, by way of example, the widths 400, 402 may range from approximately 1 inch to approximately 2 inches. For example, the widths 400, 402 may be approximately 1.5 inches to 2 inches, or approximately 1 5/8 inches. The stability of the shoe maybe improved by varying factors such as the widths 400, 402, the ratios of the widths (e.g., 400:402), and the ratios of the elevation 114 to the width 400, 402. The stability may also be improved by other means such as weight of the materials, addition of stabilizing elements, and other ways.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A golf shoe comprising:

an upper portion coupled to a sole;

the upper portion sized to receive a foot;

the sole comprising a front portion and a rear portion; wherein

the front portion and the rear portion each comprising an elevation, the elevation of the rear portion being greater than the elevation of the front portion such that when the foot is inserted, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.

2. The golf shoe of claim 1, further comprising a strap positioned across the upper portion of the shoe.

3. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the rear portion of the sole has an elevation of about 1 inch to about 3 inches.

4. The golf shoe of claim 3, wherein the rear portion of the sole has an elevation of about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches.

5. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole comprises a first width where the upper portion is coupled to the sole and a second width where the sole terminates on a surface, and wherein the first width and the second width are approximately equal in size.

6. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole comprises a first width where the upper portion is coupled to a sole and a second width where the sole terminates on a surface, and wherein the first width is larger in size than the second width.

7. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the sole comprises a first width where the upper portion is coupled to a sole and a second width where the sole terminates on a surface, and wherein the second width is larger than the first width.

8. The golf shoe according to claim 5, wherein the size of the first width and the second width is between about 1.5 inches to about 2 inches.

9. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the opening further comprises a stretchable material.

10. The golf shoe of claim 1, wherein the strap includes a surface for providing aesthetic details selected from a group consisting of: color, indicia, geometric shapes, patterns, embroidery, or branding.

11. A golf shoe comprising:

an upper portion coupled to a sole;

the upper portion sized to receive a foot;

the sole comprising a front portion and a rear portion;

the front portion and the rear portion each comprising an elevation, the elevation of the rear portion being greater than the elevation of the front portion such that when the foot is inserted, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot;

an opening for receiving a foot;

a strap positioned across the upper portion and near the opening; and

a ball marker removably attached at a location along the strap.

12. The golf shoe of claim 11, wherein the elevation of the rear portion of the sole is at least 25 percent greater than the elevation of the front portion of the sole.

13. The golf shoe of claim 11, wherein the sole comprises a first width where the upper portion is coupled to the sole and a second width where the sole terminates on a surface, and wherein the first width and the second width are approximately equal in size.

14. The golf shoe of claim 11, wherein the sole comprises a first width where the upper portion is coupled to a sole and a second width where the sole terminates on a surface, and wherein the first width is larger in size than the second width.

15. The golf shoe of claim 11, wherein the sole comprises a first width where the upper portion is coupled to a sole and a second width where the sole terminates on a surface, and wherein the second width is larger than the first width.

16. The golf shoe of claim 11 , wherein the ball marker is removably attached to the strap by a fastening means selected from a group consisting of: magnetic force, VELCRO, snap, slot, pin, pocket, or glue.

17. A golf shoe comprising:

an upper portion coupled to a sole;

the upper portion sized to receive a foot;

the sole comprising a front portion and a rear portion, the rear portion being partially or fully concealed by the upper portion;

the front portion and the rear portion each comprising an elevation, the elevation of the rear portion being greater than the elevation of the front portion such that when the foot is inserted, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot; and

an opening for receiving a foot.

18. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the elevation of the rear portion of the sole is at least 25 percent greater than the elevation of the front portion of the sole.

19. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein the rear portion of the sole has an elevation of about 1 inch to about 3 inches.

20. The golf shoe of claim 19, wherein the rear portion of the sole has an elevation of about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches.