Soles for sports shoes
Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.
1. A sole for a shoe, comprising:
a. a first partial region comprising a first expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), wherein adjacent eTPU particles are directly bonded to one another at their surfaces to form a granular but closed plastic foam structure free of gaps passing therethrough; and
b. a second partial region, which is free from eTPU and provides increased stability.
2. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the second partial region comprises at least one of:
(a) ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA);
(b) non-expanded thermoplastic polyurethane;
(c) rubber;
(d) polypropylene (PP);
(e) polyamide (PA);
(f) polystyrene (PS); and
(g) combinations thereof.
3. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the second partial region is arranged in the forefoot region of the sole.
4. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the second partial region is arranged in the heel region of the sole.
5. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the second partial region comprises EVA.
6. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the particles in the first eTPU have diameters in the range of 0.5 mm to 25 mm.
7. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the particles in the first eTPU have diameters in the range of 2 mm to 10 mm.
8. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein properties of the first eTPU vary across the first partial region.
9. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein the first partial region comprises a recess in which the second partial region is arranged.
10. The sole according to claim 1 , further comprising a functional element arranged between the first partial region and the second partial region.
11. The sole according to claim 10 , wherein the functional element provides a cushioning of shear forces.
12. The sole according to claim 10 , wherein the functional element increases the strength/stability of the sole.
13. The sole according to claim 1 , further comprising a fiber-like reinforcement material or a textile reinforcement material.
14. The sole according to claim 13 , wherein the reinforcement material is non-stretchable and/or tear resistant.
15. The sole according to claim 1 , wherein one or more partial regions are at least partially surrounded by a foil.
16. The sole according to claim 15 , wherein the foil attaches at least one inner sole element to at least one of the partial regions and/or the foil modifies the functionality of at least one of the partial regions.
17. A shoe comprising the sole according to claim 1 .