WO2016191617A1

WO2016191617A1 - Heel cup support insole

Info

Publication number: WO2016191617A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/034477
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Bradley Granger; Jacob Martinez
Original assignee: Spenco Medical Corporation
Priority date: 2015-05-28
Filing date: 2016-05-26
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Also published as: KR20180003568A; US20180132565A1; EP3302150A1; CA2985209A1; AU2016268413A1; EP3302150A4; WO2016191597A1; JP2018516117A

Abstract

The present invention is a heel cup shoe insole having four parts: (1) a base layer extending from heel-to-midfoot area, (2) a heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel and positioned in a support cushion indentation of the base layer, (3) a heel pad made of TPR gel or a soft polyurethane positioned in heel pad opening of the heel support cushion, and (4) a top sheet.

Description

HEEL CUP SUPPORT INSOLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/167,797 filed May 28, 2015, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/182,162 filed June 19, 2015, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/214,595 filed September 4, 2015, and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/216,496 filed September 10, 2015.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates in general to an improved heel cup support of a shoe insole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Heel cushions, heel cups and shoe insoles are inserted in the shoes of a user to provide one or more advantages to the comfort of the wearer or the support of the foot. Insoles are generally sold in pairs and one of each pair is adapted for use in a right shoe and the other adapted for use in a left shoe of a user. It is advantageous to provide appropriate structure to an insole so that it serves the purposes of the user.

[0005] The human foot is a very complex biological mechanism. The load on the foot at heel strike is typically about one and a half times a person's body weight when a person walks. When running or carrying extra weight, such as a backpack, loads on the foot can exceed three times the body weight. The many bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the foot function to absorb and dissipate the forces of impact, carry the weight of the body and other loads, and provide forces for propulsion. Properly designed shoe insoles can assist the foot in performing these functions and protect the foot from injury.

[0006] Heel cups and shoe insoles may be custom made to address the specific needs of an individual. They may be made based on casts of the end user's foot or may be made of a thermoplastic material that is molded to the contours of the end user's foot. Like most custom made items, custom insoles tend to be expensive because of the low volume and extensive time needed to make and fit them properly. As such, it is not practical to make such custom made insoles for the general public.

[0007] To be practical for distribution to the general public, an insole must be able to provide benefit to the user without requiring individualized adjustment and fitting. A first type of insole commonly available over-the-counter emphasizes cushioning the foot so as to maximize shock absorption. For typical individuals, cushioning insoles perform adequately while engaged in light to moderate activities, such as walking or running. That is, a cushioning insole provides sufficient cushioning and support for such activities. However, for more strenuous or technically challenging activities, such as carrying a heavy backpack or traversing difficult terrain, a typical cushioning insole will not be adequate. Under such conditions, a cushioning insole by itself would not provide enough support and control, and tends to bottom out during use by fully compressing the cushioning insole.

[0008] Another type of over-the-counter insole emphasizes control. Typically, such insoles are made to be relatively stiff and rigid so as to control the bending and twisting of the foot by limiting foot motion. The rigid structure is good at controlling motion, but is not very forgiving. As a result, when motion of the foot reaches a limit imposed by the rigid structure, the load on the foot tends to change abruptly and increases the load on the structures of the foot. Because biological tissues such as tendons and ligaments are sensitive to the rate at which they are loaded, the abrupt change in load causes injury or damage to the foot, ankle or leg.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an over-the-counter insole that provides both heel cushioning and control. It would also be desirable to provide an insole that provides both heel cushioning and control and is practical for use by the general public during cross-training or triathlon-related activities.

[0010] The Applicant has received patents for insoles having a support cushion and multiple pods located thereon. These patents include U. S. Patent Nos. 7,484,319;

7,665,169; 7,908,768; and, 8,250,784. These prior art patents, however, do not address the problems of enhanced cushioning and stability, possible movement of the insole during shoe operation, or establishing enhanced cushioning characteristics to address running and walking usages. [0011] There is a need for a heel cup shoe insoles to be easier to construct and made of materials that: (1) provide increased ankle and foot stability, (2) cushion the heel during push-offs and landings, (3) custom-contour to the inside shape of all types of shoes, (4) are extremely light-weight, (5) provide enhanced cushioning capabilities for the heel area, and (6) have essentially zero movement or sliding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a heel cup shoe insole that provides improved heel cushioning, support, and control and is practical for use by the general public. The above, and other objects and advantages of the present are provided by a heel cup insole that provides improved motion control, support and cushioning. The insole includes a system of interacting components that cooperate to achieve a desired combination of foot cushioning, support and motion control.

[0013] In accordance with principles of the present invention, the heel cup shoe insole four parts: (1) a base layer extending from heel-to-midfoot area, (2) a heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel and positioned in a support cushion indentation of the base layer, (3) a heel pad made of TPR gel or a soft polyurethane positioned in heel pad opening of the heel support cushion, and (4) a top sheet.

[0014] The base layer is low density polyurethane memory foam, ethylene glycol polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), pre-blown EVA, polyurethane (PU), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or other suitable material with hardness of the molded base material ranging from less than 10 Asker ±3 to greater than 30 Asker ±3, and it extends from the area adjacent the distal heel area encompassing the area rearward to the proximal heel area forming a heel receiving cup on the top (foot contact) surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup for receiving a heel pad on the base bottom surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup. The base layer curves around the heel area to form a heel cup on the upper foot contact surface.

[0015] The heel support cushion is made a clear TPR gel having a hardness of about 24

Asker ±3 (range is 10-30 Asker ±3) and extends from the area adjacent the distal heel area encompassing the area rearward to the proximal heel area forming a heel receiving cup on the top (foot contact) surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup for receiving a heel pad on the base bottom surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup. The heel support cushion curves around the heel area to form a heel cup on the bottom shoe contact surface, and it has a lower and upper vertical heel cup walls that support the exterior back of the user's heel with the heel cup.

[0016] The heel pad is located on the bottom surface of the insole. The heel pad is made of a TPR gel or polyurethane and has a hardness of 20 Asker ±3 (range is 10-30 Asker ±3) with an integrally formed diamond-cube pattern with a pattern spacing of 1.5 mm and a depth of about 2 mm dimensioned to fit in the heel pad indentation of the TPR base material. The heel pad modified oval shape that is wider on the proximal end of the heel pad and narrows on the distal end of the heel pad with a diamond-cube pattern molded in the EVA having partem spacing of about 1 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm and which is secured in the heel pad indentation of the base bottom surface. The heel pad has a longitudinal axis alignment that is set a first angle φι from the longitudinal axis of the heel cup.

[0017] The insole has a top sheet layer that extends from heel to midfoot over the top surface of the heel cup. The top sheet is made of knitted or woven polyester and covers the entire foot contact surface of the heel cup, which is treated with an antimicrobial agent.

[0018] A heel pod opening extends through the entirety of the thickness of the support cushion to position the heel pad on the bottom surface of the base layer. The heel pod opening is surrounded by opening border grooves, which surrounds the circumference of the heel pod opening.

[0019] The outer rim of the heel cup is set at a second angle of inclination relative to horizontal, and the inside bottom surface of the heel cup is set at a third angle of inclination relative to horizontal. The back wall of the heel cup is set at a fourth angle of inclination relative to vertical, and the inside back wall of the heel cup is set at a fifth angle of inclination relative to vertical.

[0020] Overall, the above features appear to be novel characteristics for this heel cup insole, are patentably distinct from the other heel cups. The method of construction of the present insole is also a unique and novel feature of the present invention. In accordance with principles of the present invention, a cushioning core or base layer is combined with other components to provide greater cushioning, stability, and control in the heel area than was conventionally known in the state of the art. The current invention is a heel cup insole that provides a balanced approach to improving heel support, prevention of pronation and prevention of supination by incorporation of the combination of the above elements.

[0021] The characteristics of the components, their size and shape, and their position are selected to provide a desired blend of improved cushioning and control, and more specifically to achieve a desired biomechanical function. The firmness of the components used herein can be adjusted to address issues of over/under pronation, over/under supination, and other problems related to foot motion by altering the size, shape, and material properties of the pads. The present invention accomplishes the goals to: (1) improve heel stability, (2) cushion the heel during push-offs and landings, (3) help prevent over pronation and over supination conditions, and (4) provide enhanced cushioning features to the heel areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be understood upon consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0023] FIG. 1A, 1C, ID are bottom perspective views of an illustrative embodiment of a heel shoe insole in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. IB is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a heel cup shoe insole in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2A-2C are bottom planar views showing the base of the heel cup shoe insole;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a front (proximal) view of the heel cup shoe insole; and,

[0027] FIG. 4 is a rear (proximal) view of the heel cup shoe insole,

[0028] FIG. 5 is a medial (inner arch area) side view of the heel cup shoe insole;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a lateral (outer) side view of the heel cup shoe insole; and,

[0030] FIG. 7 is top (dorsal) view of the heel cup shoe insole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1A-1D and 2A-2C, these views are perspective and bottom views of the bottom surface (shoe side) of a heel cup insole 108 according to the invention. The heel cup insole 108 extends from a heel end (proximal) to a midfoot area in a wedge shape, and has a medial border or side 106 on the arch side of the foot connecting said midfoot to said heel end along the arch side of the heel cup insole and a lateral border or side 105 on the other side (opposite side from medial side) thereof connecting said midfoot to said heel end on the other side of the insole.

[0032] In accordance with principles of the present invention, the shoe insole four parts: (1) a base layer 105 extending from heel-to-midfoot area, (2) a heel support cushion 102 (shown in Figure IB) made of a clear TPR gel and positioned in a support cushion indentation of the base layer 105, (3) a heel pad 118 made of TPR gel or a soft polyurethane positioned in heel pad opening 112 of the heel support cushion, and (4) a top sheet 128.

[0033] The base layer 105 is low density polyurethane memory foam, ethylene glycol polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), pre-blown EVA, polyurethane (PU), or thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or other suitable material with hardness of the molded base material ranging from less than 10 Asker ±3 to greater than 30 Asker ±3, and it extends from the area adjacent the distal heel area encompassing the area rearward to the proximal heel area forming a heel receiving cup on the top (foot contact) surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup 108 for receiving a heel pad on the base bottom surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup 108. The base layer 105 curves around the heel area to form a heel cup 108 on the upper foot contact surface. The base layer 105 forms a heel cup on the foot contact surface with an internal heel border 102A and is shaped with a wide base designed to correspond with the fatty area of the heel and generally tapers to a U-shape corresponding with the heel opening defined by the stability cradle.

[0034] The heel support cushion 102 is made a clear TPR gel having a hardness of about 24 Asker ±3 (range is 10-30 Asker ±3) and extends from the area adjacent the distal heel area encompassing the area rearward to the proximal heel area forming a heel receiving cup on the top (foot contact) surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup with an integrally formed indentations for receiving a heel pad on the base bottom surface under the calcaneal (heel) area of the heel cup 108. The heel support cushion curves around the heel area to form a heel cup on the bottom shoe contact surface, and it has a lower and upper vertical heel cup walls that support the exterior back of the user's heel with the heel cup 108.

[0035] The heel support cushion 102 has an exterior circumferential heel indentation 155 that extends around the exterior heel wall of the heel cup 108, an upper vertical heel cup wall 104A positioned above the exterior circumferential heel indentation 155, a lower vertical heel cup wall 104B positioned below the exterior circumferential heel indention 155, a bottom base surface 102A, a upper rim surface 102C, an inside heel border 102B (shown in Figures 2A-2C), and a flattened midfoot area 148 and a flattened heel area 152 that surround the heel pod opening 112. A thin layer of nylon fabric may be positioned between the heel support cushion 102 and the base layer 105 to increase the adhesion of the heel pad to the base layer 105. The circumferential heel indentation 155 improves the support around the exterior heel surface and improves the durability of the heel cup, with the improved performance supported by an increase in vertical force application that will be absorbed by the heel cup 108.

[0036] The heel pad 118 is located on the bottom surface of the insole. The heel pad is made of a TPR gel or polyurethane and has a hardness of 20 Asker ±3 (range is 10-30 Asker ±3) with an integrally formed diamond-cube pattern with a pattern spacing of 1.5 mm and a depth of about 2 mm dimensioned to fit in the heel pad indentation of the TPR base material. The heel pad 118 modified oval shape that is wider on the proximal end of the heel pad and narrows on the distal end of the heel pad with a diamond-cube pattern molded in the EVA having pattern spacing of about 1 mm and a depth of about 1.5 mm and which is secured on the bottom surface of the base layer 105. The heel pad 118 has a longitudinal axis alignment that is set a first angle φι 193 (shown in Figures 2A-2C) from the longitudinal axis of the heel cup, with the longitudinal axis of the heel pad 118 being in an angled alignment with and toward the to the medial side 106 of the heel cup 108 and away from the lateral side of the heel cup 108. The angle φι 193 is approximately 18 degrees, and within the range of 6-35 degrees.

[0037] The heel pad 118, heel support cushion 102 and base layer 105 is preferably made of a gel which provides added cushioning to the heel area of the foot of a user at heel strike. The gel composition of the heel cushion is preferably TPE. In one embodiment, the TPE is a TPR. The heel cushion gel is preferably a softer gel than that of the second gel layer. In one preferred embodiment, the Compression Set is <11% for the heel pad. In order to select an appropriate gel for use in the invention, gel can be tested with a testing device used for the measurement of the compression set, or shock, in accordance with ASTM F1614-95, "Standard Test Method for Shock Attenuating Properties of Materials Systems for Athletic Footwear," ASTM International.

[0038] For example, CompITS or Computerized Impact Testing System from Exeter Research is a standard machine that tests shock in compliance with ASTM F1614-95.

Tensile and Tear strengths: The preferred embodiment was found to have a tensile strength and tear strength of around 1.0 MPa and 10.6 kN/m for the heel cushion. Breaking

Elongation Rate: The preferred embodiment was found to have a breaking elongation rate of 950% for the heel cushion. A Shore/ Asker Hardness test provides a measure of hardness. In a most preferred embodiment, the heel cushion measures 20 Asker C, but is in the range of 10-30 Asker C.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1A-1B, ID, 2A and 2C, the heel pad 118 has a diamond-cube pattern with pattern spacing of about 1 mm, with groove depth of approximately 1 mm, and a thickness of the heel pad of about 1.5 mm ± 0.5 mm. This heel pad is secured on the bottom surface of the base layer. In another embodiment, the heel pad 118 has a texturized diamond patterned surface 120 shown in Figures 1C and 2B. A thin layer of nylon fabric may be positioned between the heel pad 118 and the base layer 105 to increase the adhesion of the heel pad to the base layer 105.

[0040] The heel cup 108 has a top sheet 128 that extends from heel to midfoot over the top surface of the heel cup 108. The top sheet 128 is made of knitted or woven polyester and covers the entire foot contact surface of the heel cup 128, which is treated with an antimicrobial agent. Top sheet 128 is typically made of a non-woven fabric layer with a low coefficient of friction so as to minimize the possibility of blisters, or preferably, top sheet 128 is made of a cooling fabric which contains a special low temperature jade obtained from a natural source. The top sheet can be made of 65% Nylon/ 35% polyester.

[0041] A heel pod opening 118 extends through the entirety of the thickness of the support cushion 102 to position the heel pad on the bottom surface of the base layer. The heel pod opening 118 is surrounded by heel pad opening border grooves 138, which surrounds the circumference of the heel pod opening 118. The heel pod opening 112 is surrounded circumferentially by heel pod opening border grooves 138, which surrounds the circumference of the heel pod opening 112. These grooves isolate the heel pad 118 from the midfoot-to-heel support cushion 105, which improves the performance of the heel pad 118 by isolating the heel pad 118 and preventing migration of the cushioning effect laterally (cushioning effect absorbs directional impact force better with supporting grooves).

[0042] FIG. 3 is a front (proximal) view of the heel cup shoe insole; and, FIG. 4 is a rear (proximal) view of the heel cup shoe insole. As shown in these figures, the heel support cushion 102 has a vertical heel cup wall 104 (104A), a bottom base surface 102A, a upper rim surface 102C, an inside heel border 102B. The top sheet 128 of the heel pad 128 is shown in Figure 3, and the medical flattened area 148 is shown in Figure 4.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a medial (inner arch area) side 106 view of the heel cup 108, and FIG. 6 is a lateral (outer) side view of the heel cup 108. As shown in these figures, the heel support cushion 102 has an exterior circumferential heel indentation 155 that extends around the exterior heel wall of the heel cup 108, an upper vertical heel cup wall 104A positioned above the exterior circumferential heel indentation 155, a lower vertical heel cup wall 104B positioned below the exterior circumferential heel indention 155, a bottom base surface 102A, a upper rim surface 102C, an inside heel border 102B. Base layer 105 is shown in Figure 5.

[0044] The outer rim 102C of the heel cup is set at a second angle φ2 194 of inclination relative to horizontal, and the inside bottom surface 102B of the heel cup is set at a third angle φ3 195 of inclination relative to horizontal. The angle φ2 194 is approximately 15 degrees, and within the range of 8-24 degrees. The angle φ3 195 is approximately 4 degrees, and within the range of 1-9 degrees. These angles of inclination for angle φ2 194 and angle φ3 195 are most conducive for supporting and cushioning the heel on the heel base while extending the rim of the heel cup 108 around the internal surface of the shoe to prevent slippage or misalignment inside the shoe.

[0045] The back wall 104A and 104B of the heel cup are set at a fourth angle φ4 196 of inclination relative to vertical, and the inside back wall of the heel cup is set at a fifth angle φ¾ 197 of inclination relative to vertical. The angle φ4 196 is approximately 11 degrees, and within the range of 7-16 degrees. The angle φ¾ 197 is approximately 19 degrees, and within the range of 8-29 degrees. These angles of inclination for angle φ4 196 and angle φ¾ 197 are most conducive for supporting and cushioning the heel on the heel base while extending the rim of the heel cup 108 around the internal surface of the shoe to prevent slippage or misalignment inside the shoe, as well as promoting easy insertion of the heel cup inside the shoe and preventing the dislodging of the heel cup 108 with the user's foot is extracted from the shoe.

[0046] FIG. 7 is top (dorsal) view of the heel cup shoe insole, which shows an upper vertical heel cup wall 104 (104 A) positioned above the exterior circumferential heel indentation 155 (shown in Figures 1A-D and Figure 4-6), a bottom base surface 102A, a upper rim surface 102C, and an inside heel border 102B (shown in Figures 2A-2C).

[0047] The heel cup 108 has a top sheet 128 that extends from heel to midfoot over the top surface of the heel cup 108. The top sheet 128 is made of knitted or woven polyester and covers the entire foot contact surface of the heel cup 128, which is treated with an antimicrobial agent. Top sheet 128 is typically made of a non-woven fabric layer with a low coefficient of friction so as to minimize the possibility of blisters, or preferably, top sheet 128 is made of a cooling fabric which contains a special low temperature jade obtained from a natural source. The top sheet can be made of 65% Nylon/ 35% polyester. The base layer 105 is shown under the top sheet 128, with the medial side 106 of the heel cup 108 shown.

[0048] The top sheet 128 bottom surface secured to base layer 102 top surface and a top sheet upper surface which contacts the foot of a user during use. The top sheet 128 is oriented to engage the user's foot on the top surface of the insole, and it serves an upper cooling and ventilation function, and the top sheet 101 can be made of suitable materials, such as a jadeite top cloth material. Preferably, the top sheet 128 is made of a low-friction fabric which prevents blisters on the user's foot. The top sheet 128 may also contain an antimicrobial treatment in order to keep bacteria from multiplying and therefore reduce odor.

[0049] Foot contact with the ground is generally divided into three phases: heel strike, midfoot support, and toe off. During heel strike, the heel of the foot impacts the ground with significant force. Following the initial impact of the heel with the ground, the foot twists, or pronates, bringing the medial side of the heel into contact with the ground. The foot is sensitive to the amount of pronation as well as the rate at which the pronation occurs. Pronation is natural, and some degree of pronation is desirable because it serves to absorb the stresses and forces on the foot during walking or running. However, an excessive amount or rate of pronation can result in injury.

[0050] To cushion the impact, the heel pad 108 accomplishes the goals of the invention, such as: (1) improving ankle and foot stability, (2) cushioning the heel during landings, (3) helping prevent over pronation and over supination conditions, and (4) providing enhanced cushioning features to the heel areas.

[0051] An improved heel cup insole 108 has been disclosed. It will be readily apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the heel cup insole 108 thus disclosed may be useful in cushioning the heel and controlling pronation during activities such as hiking, backpacking, and the like. However, one will understand that the components of the insole system may be modified to accommodate other activities or to control other kinds of foot motion. Thus, the description provided herein, including the presentation of specific thicknesses, materials, and properties of the insole components, is provided for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation, and that the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heel cup shoe insole used inside a shoe and having a top side that contacts the users foot, a bottom side that contacts the interior of a shoe after insertion therein, a lateral side that lies adjacent to the outer side of a user's foot in use and a medial side that lies adjacent the inner side, or arch, of a user's foot, said heel cup shoe insole comprising:

(a) a base layer extending from heel-to-midfoot area, having a contoured shape which receives and supports the heel of the foot of the user, a heel end, a midfoot end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side, said lateral and medial sides extending approximately from said heel end to said midfoot end, said base layer having a heel support cushion indentation extending from the midfoot to the heel area of the insole and supporting the insertion of a stability cushion therein, said base layer having:

(1) an outer rim of the heel cup set at a second angle φ2 of inclination relative to horizontal;

(2) an inside bottom surface of the heel cup is set at a third angle φ3 of inclination relative to horizontal;

(3) an upper vertical heel cup wall on the upper exterior wall of the heel cup;

(4) a lower vertical heel cup wall on the lower exterior wall of the heel cup; and,

(5) an exterior circumferential heel indentation,

(b) a heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel and positioned in a support cushion indentation of the base layer, said heel support cushion having a heel pad aperture on the bottom surface of the base layer in the heel area;

(c) a heel pad positioned in the heel pad aperture of the heel support cushion, and extending through the stability cushion to be secured to the bottom surface of the base layer, said heel aperture being surrounded by heel aperture grooves, said heel pad being positioned at an angled inclination φι toward the medial side of the heel cup; and,

(d) a top sheet that extends across the top surface of the base layer from the heel end to the toe end of the insole.

2. The insole of claim 1, wherein the angle φ2 is approximately 15 degrees.

3. The insole of claim 1, wherein the angle φ2 is within the range of 8-24 degrees.

4. The insole of claim 1, wherein the angle φ3 is approximately 4 degrees.

5. The insole of claim 1, wherein the angle φ3 is within the range of 1-9 degrees.

6. The insole of claim 1, wherein a base layer made of a clear TPR gel.

7. The insole of claim 1, wherein a heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel.

8. The insole of claim 1, wherein a heel pad made of TPR gel in heel pad opening of the heel support cushion.

9. The insole of claim 1, wherein said base layer is formed of a gel material.

10. The insole of claim 1, wherein said base layer is made of polyurethane polyester glycol with a hardness 10-30 Asker ±3.

1 1. The insole of claim 1, wherein said heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel (thermoplastic rubber).

12. The insole of claim 11 , wherein said TPR gel has a hardness rating of 10-20 Asker ±3.

13. The insole of claim 1, wherein said heel pad has a groove pattern with a width spacing of approximately 1.0mm- 1.50mm.

14. The insole of claim 1, wherein said heel pad is made of pre-blown EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) material.

15. The insole of claim 7, wherein said heel pad has a hardness rating of 10-35 Asker ±3.

16. The insole of claim 1, wherein said heel pad aperture is surrounded by heel aperture grooves.

17. The insole of claim 1, wherein said heel pad has a groove pattern with a width spacing of approximately 1.0mm- 1.50mm.

18. The insole of claim 1, wherein said top sheet is made of 65% Nylon/ 35% polyester.

19. The insole of claim 1, wherein the angle φι is approximately 18 degrees

20. The insole of claim 1, wherein the angle φι is within the range of 6-35 degrees.

21. A heel cup shoe insole used inside a shoe and having a top side that contacts the users foot, a bottom side that contacts the interior of a shoe after insertion therein, a lateral side that lies adjacent to the outer side of a user's foot in use and a medial side that lies adjacent the inner side, or arch, of a user's foot, said heel cup shoe insole comprising:

(2) an inside bottom surface of the heel cup is set at a third angle φ3 of inclination relative to horizontal; (b) a heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel and positioned in a support cushion indentation of the base layer, said heel support cushion having a heel pad aperture on the bottom surface of the base layer in the heel area;

22. The insole of claim 21, wherein the angle φ2 is approximately 15 degrees.

23. The insole of claim 21, wherein the angle φ2 is within the range of 8-24 degrees.

24. The insole of claim 21, wherein the angle φ3 is approximately 4 degrees.

25. The insole of claim 21, wherein the angle φ3 is within the range of 1-9 degrees.

26. The insole of claim 21, wherein a base layer made of a clear TPR gel.

27. The insole of claim 21, wherein a heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel.

28. The insole of claim 21 , wherein a heel pad made of TPR gel in heel pad opening of the heel support cushion.

29. The insole of claim 21, wherein said base layer is formed of a gel material.

30. The insole of claim 21, wherein said base layer is made of polyurethane polyester glycol with a hardness 10-30 Asker ±3.

31. The insole of claim 21 , wherein said heel support cushion made of a clear TPR gel (thermoplastic rubber).

32. The insole of claim 31, wherein said TPR gel has a hardness rating of 10-20 Asker ±3.

33. The insole of claim 21, wherein said heel pad has a groove pattern with a width spacing of approximately 1.0mm- 1.50mm.

34. The insole of claim 21, wherein said heel pad is made of pre-blown EVA (ethylene- vinyl acetate) material.

35. The insole of claim 34, wherein said heel pad has a hardness rating of 10-35 Asker ±3.

36. The insole of claim 21, wherein said heel pad aperture is surrounded by heel aperture grooves.

37. The insole of claim 21, wherein said heel pad has a groove pattern with a width spacing of approximately 1.0mm- 1.50mm.

38. The insole of claim 21, wherein said top sheet is made of 65% Nylon/ 35% polyester.

39. The insole of claim 21 , wherein the angle φι is approximately 18 degrees.

40. The insole of claim 21 , wherein the angle φι is within the range of 6-35 degrees.