>In addition, the beveled edge provides for reduced mechanical stresses. In particular, peaks of stresses often occur in proximity of sharp corners, and/or pointy portions.

The one or both ends may be understood as edges that form one or both opposing ends that may be free to the environment.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a travel trajectory may be defined on the upper, wherein the longitudinal axis of each protrusion is oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel trajectory.

The travel trajectory may comprise one or more travel directions, wherein a first travel direction is arranged in a toe portion of the upper and extends from the toe portion, in particular from a toe tip, towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper, wherein a second travel direction may be arranged in a medial portion of the upper and extends from a lower medial midfoot portion towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion of the upper. In some embodiments, one or more intermediate travel directions are arranged in between the first travel direction and the second travel direction and an orientation of the one or more intermediate travel directions varies between an orientation corresponding to the first travel direction and an orientation corresponding to the second travel direction. In some embodiments, the variation in one or more intermediate travel directions is continuous and/or monotonous from a toe portion of the upper to a medial portion of the upper.

This has the advantage that the protrusions bend substantially in the direction into which the travel trajectory is defined.

The travel trajectory may depend to some extent to a personal preference, on the type of shot, and/or on the strength of the shot.

As described elsewhere herein, this travel trajectory applies to ordinary striking shots, which are commonly performed during soccer. Furthermore, it may be possible that the travel trajectory of the ball is reversed for instance in case of so-called “top spin shots”, as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of protrusions protrudes from the outer surface of the upper.

This may be understood such that the protrusion distinctly extends from the outer surface of the upper. This means that in one example, the protrusion may not be understood as an element that is placed in a recessed portion of outer surface of the upper. Rather, the protrusion substantially starts from an outer surface of the upper and extends into the free environment. This may add to assisting with shooting a ball as described herein.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a height in a protruding direction of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, and/or at most 5 mm, at most 4.5 mm, at most 4 mm, at most 3.5 mm, at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the protrusion may not have an excessively large height, as this may adversely affect the natural feeling of the upper on a wearer's foot. In addition, this could lead to a rather high weight. The protrusions may additionally or alternatively not have a rather short height, as this may compromise the desired benefits in assisting with shooting the ball.

The protruding direction as described herein is the direction along which the protrusions extend from the outer surface of the upper. The protruding direction may be defined in a state when the protrusion is not bent. The protruding direction may be a direction that corresponds to a direction normal to the outer surface of the upper.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a width perpendicular to a protruding direction and to the longitudinal axis of the protrusion of at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm; and/or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1.25 mm, or at most 1.0 mm, or at most 0.9 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm.

With the width specified in here, an optimal balance can be struck between sufficient bendability, savings in terms of material, and/or a natural feeling with less disturbance (low width would be desired) and sufficient support and/or mechanical integrity (large width would be desired).

In some embodiments, the width may vary along the height of the protrusion. For instance, the width at a bottom portion of the protrusion may be larger than the width of a top portion of the protrusion (or vice versa).

In some embodiments, the width at the bottom portion of the protrusion may be about 1 mm to 1.5 mm, or about 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm, or about 1.2 mm to 1.3 mm. At about halfway of the height of the protrusion, the width may be about 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm, or about 0.6 mm to 0.7 mm. The width at a top portion of the protrusion may be smaller compared to the width at about halfway of the height of the protrusion.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a length along the longitudinal axis of at least 2 mm, or at least 4 mm, or at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm; and/or at most 40 mm, or at most 30 mm, or at most 25 mm, or at most 20 mm, or at most 15 mm.

Protrusions having a larger length facilitate that assisting with shooting the ball is improved. Protrusions having a shorter length have the advantage that stiffness of upper and/or a risk of breakage is reduced.

By way of the proposed lengths specified in here, an optimal balance can be struck between these opposing features.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the top edge of the protrusions has a length along the longitudinal axis of the protrusion of at most 100% of a length of the bottom edge along the longitudinal axis, or at most 90%, or at most 80%, or at most 70%, or at most 60%, or at most 50%, and/or of at least 50% of a length of the bottom edge along the longitudinal axis, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 100%.

The length of the top edge may be smaller compared to the bottom edge. In such embodiments, this can improve bending and promotes assisting with shooting the ball. However, the present disclosure also encompasses embodiments in which the top edge is larger compared to the bottom edge.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance between two adjacent protrusions is at least 0.5 times the height of one of the protrusions, or at least 0.75 times the height of one of the protrusions, or at least 1 time the height of one of the protrusions.

This has the advantage that there is sufficient space between two adjacent protrusions to allow one or both of them to bend as described herein.

The protrusion that serves as a reference in determining the distance may be the anterior protrusion. The anterior protrusion may be the protrusion that is arranged closer to a toe portion of the upper as seen along the heel to toe axis of the upper. It may alternatively be possible that the protrusion that serves as a reference in determining the distance is a rear protrusion, i.e., the protrusion on an opposing side of the anterior protrusion.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is configured to bend by a bending angle of at least 5°, or at least 10°, or at least 15°, or at least 20°, or at least 25°, or at least 30°, or at least 35°, or at least 40°, or at least 45°.

This facilitates that each protrusion can be bent to a relatively large amount. This provides improved grip, and an increased contact time on the ball. As described herein, when a protrusion is bent, the instep facing side portion may be able to touch an outer surface of the upper or an adjacent protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. In this manner, increasing the bending angle supports such touching.

Prior art solutions are usually rather stiff and/or rigid, which do not allow for such bending. Such stiff and/or hard geometries cause a ball that gets in contact therewith during shooting to deform. This limits the creation of grip between the upper and the ball. Grip may then solely depend on the material. In addition, the prior art solutions reveal a rather harsh movement transition when the upper impacts the ball.

The bending angle may be understood as the acute angle of a line projecting from a base portion to a tip portion of each protrusion when bent, with respect to a line along the protruding direction of the protrusion when not bent.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion is spaced apart in a medial portion of the upper from a sole of the shoe by at least 5 mm, or at least 6 mm, or at least 7 mm, or at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 12 mm, or at least 16 mm, or at least 20 mm.

In such embodiments, a better placement of the protrusions for striking shots, compared to, e.g., curling shots can be achieved. In particular, striking shots may be characterized in that the ball may not contact such portion in proximity of the sole in the medial portion of the upper. Hence, it is advantageous that the protrusions are spaced apart therefrom to a sufficient extent and/or are not present in such a portion. In particular, finer ball control movements, such as dribbling or flat passes are not impaired thereby. Moreover, since the protrusions are placed at the desired places only, this reduces the amount thereof and the weight arising therefrom.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, no protrusion is arranged in a lower medial portion of the upper in direct proximity of at least one of a sole of the shoe, a lateral portion of the upper, and/or a heel portion of the upper.

In such embodiments, this can facilitate a better placement of the protrusions for striking shots, compared to passing shots. As described elsewhere and particularly in the foregoing embodiment, it is beneficial that the protrusions are not present in such a portion. Thereby, finer ball control movements, such as dribbling or flat passes are not impaired, since such ball control movements typically entail that the lower medial portion of the upper in proximity of, e.g., the sole, predominantly contacts the ball. In addition, such embodiments reduce the amount of protrusions and the weight arising therefrom.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball contact area is arranged at least partially in at least one of a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, a first metatarsal joint portion, a first metatarsal bone portion, an upper medial midfoot portion, and/or an intermediate midfoot portion. In one example, one or more of the plurality of protrusions is/are arranged at least partially in at least one of a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, a first metatarsal joint portion, a first metatarsal bone portion, an upper medial midfoot portion, and/or an intermediate midfoot portion.

Such embodiments promote the ball contact area and/or the protrusions being arranged in strategically highly relevant portions of the upper. This may particularly be the case for striking shots.

The upper medial midfoot portion may include bones such as the cuneiform and navicular bones. The intermediate midfoot portion may be the dorsal portion, i.e., the portion between the medial and lateral portion. The ball contact area comprising the protrusions may be present in the intermediate midfoot portion when no laces are present.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, no protrusion is arranged in a lower medial midfoot portion of the upper. Additionally or alternatively, only flat or non-bendable protrusions are arranged in the lower medial midfoot portion of the upper.

Respective advantages of such embodiments may be derivable from the foregoing embodiments. Moreover, the flat or non-bendable protrusions may correspond to protrusions of a different type than the protrusions described elsewhere herein (which are bendable). In particular, the flat or non-bendable protrusions may be printed protrusions, or the like.

The term non-bendable may describe an object and/or material that is not easily bent, flexed, and/or deformed under ordinary conditions. The non-bendable protrusions may reveal a strong resistance to bending. The non-bendable protrusions may reveal an inability to be bent.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, at least two protrusions from the plurality of protrusions are connected by a base element on the outer surface of the upper.

In such embodiments, the protrusions are provided with sufficient support, which additionally facilitates positioning of the protrusions and their attachment. The base element can be implemented by a stiffer material than the protrusions. Alternatively, the base element can be implemented by substantially the same or a similar material than the protrusions.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base element passes substantially through a middle part of each protrusion.

The middle part of each protrusion may be understood as the middle with respect to its length along its longitudinal axis. In such embodiments, the protrusions may be held together at a portion which may be subject to the largest external forces during use. Thereby, the base element further supports that the protrusions are firmly attached. This can improve durability of the upper and its longevity. In turn, the upper may be more cost-effective.

In some embodiments, the base element may additionally encompass a larger portion of the protrusion on the outer surface of the upper. For example, it could encompass at least 20%, at least 50%, or at least 80% of a protrusion's length along its longitudinal axis. Nevertheless, in some embodiments, the base element may be rather thin with respect to its expansion along the outer surface of the upper. For example, the base element may encompass at most 30%, or at most 20% of the protrusion's length along its longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base element has a thickness of at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm; and/or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm.

This has generally the advantage that a bulky and/or stiff feeling of the upper is avoided. Hence, a more natural feeling on the wearer's foot is provided.

The thickness that is too large, may adversely affect the natural feeling of the upper on a wearer's foot. In addition, a large thickness could lead to a rather large weight. Conversely, a thickness that is too small, may compromise the desired benefits in supporting the protrusions and providing a firm attachment.

By way of the proposed thicknesses specified in here, an optimal balance can be struck between these opposing features.

The thickness may be measured parallel to a protruding direction of the protrusions. In other words, the thickness may be measured parallel to a direction normal to the outer surface of the upper.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least two protrusions are integrally formed with the base element and are arranged in a first group of the ball contact area.

The at least two protrusions being integrally formed with the base element has the advantage that manufacturing thereof can be improved. Further, mechanical integrity can be enhanced, and, thereby, longevity of the upper can be improved. In particular, there may be less portions which are subject to stress peaks or the like. This may be due to the absence of any means for attachment, such as adhesives or the like.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball contact area comprises at least two further protrusions being integrally formed with a further base element and arranged in a second group. In some embodiments, the first group and the second group are spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than the distance between any two neighboring protrusions of the first group or the second group.

Similar advantages as mentioned in the foregoing embodiment also apply to such embodiments.

In addition, such embodiments can have the advantage that the ball contact area may be increased and/or that more protrusions are comprised by said ball contact area. Thereby a multitude of different designs can be established. For instance, the second group may be arranged at any desired portion of the upper, e.g., on the toe/vamp/instep area, which promotes that the desired properties in assisting with shooting the ball can be achieved.

In various examples, the first group and/or the second group comprises two, three, four, five or six protrusions, or the first group comprises six protrusions. When the second group is arranged further rearward as seen from the toe portion, the second group may comprise less protrusions compared to the first group. For instance, when the second group constitutes the most rearward group, said group may comprise no more than two or three protrusions.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball contact area comprises a recess arranged between the first group and the second group.

The recess may have the advantage that water and/or dirt can be guided therethrough, which improves that the portions of the upper that get in contact with a ball remain substantially dry and/or clean. Thereby, grip is improved, and a spin imparted to the ball is enhanced.

The recess may be particularly beneficial in wet weather conditions. In such conditions, the moisture could adversely affect friction as the water may stay on the outer surface of the upper.

The recess may be implemented in various ways including but not limited to a recess having the shape of a channel, a pipe or the like. The recess may be continuous. The recess may additionally or alternatively comprise sections with a varying depth, so as to provide a multitude of different constructions for improving properties of the upper in certain portions thereof.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protrusions of the first group and/or the second group are arranged substantially parallel to one another along their longitudinal axis, wherein the protrusions of the first group and/or the second group may be spaced substantially equidistantly from one another.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a material including at least one of rubber, elastomer, casting polyurethane (CPU) and/or silicone.

Depending on the desired degree of bendability, a softer or harder material may be used. This allows to fine-tune the response of the upper to a ball. In addition, the choice of the material for the protrusions may depend on the remaining material of the upper, e.g., the underlying material of the upper. This may have an advantage with respect to attachment. In some embodiments comprising rubber and/or CPU, the material can be utilized fine-tune and to customize the grip and the assistance with shooting a ball.

Rubber comprises a high energy transfer, which is preferable in the ball contact area described herein. CPU and/or silicone materials may be employed in case a better bonding compared to rubber materials is desired. In particular, CPU and/or silicone materials are particularly suitable when bonding with textiles is to be performed.

Generally, the materials have the advantage of having a high energy transfer, which promotes that bending of the protrusions leads to a high restoring force. Hence, energy stored in the bent protrusions may be returned to the ball to provide for the desired spin.

The protrusions may be manufactured by any kind of manufacturing method including but not limited to overmoulding, additive manufacturing methods (e.g. 3D printing methods) and/or composite processing methods.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions comprises a material having a hardness in the range of 30-60 Shore A, or 35-55 Shore A, or 40-50 Shore A, or 40-45 Shore A.

A Shore A hardness within any of the ranges disclosed above can provide advantages in terms of bending of the protrusions and a respective restoring force once the protrusions are bent. This may give additional benefits in providing a desired spin to a ball.

Moreover, a Shore A hardness within any of the ranges disclosed above can ensure a smoother transition for striking shots (e.g., compared to rather hard geometries known in the prior art). This can be particularly advantageous for striking shots (e.g., compared to other shots like passing).

Shore hardness may be a measure of the resistance a material has to indentation. Different kind of shore hardness scales pertain for measuring the hardness of different materials, e.g., (soft rubbers, rigid plastics, and super soft gels, for example). Generally, the higher the number on the scale, the harder the material. A difference between the scales, e.g., Shore A and Shore D is that Shore A may be specified to measure flexible rubbers while Shore D may be specified for harder, rigid materials. The ranges may overlap at some levels, for instance at higher levels.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the upper further comprises a tongue configured to be folded so as to overlap, at least partially, laces of the upper.

The tongue has the advantage that it covers at least partially the laces of the upper. Accordingly, the tongue may improve the ball contact. In particular, the tongue may provide for a smooth surface for the ball. Thereby, impairment of ball contact by way of the laces can be reduced and/or substantially alleviated.

In some embodiments, the tongue may be arranged in an instep portion and/or an intermediate midfoot.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ball contact area is a first ball contact area, and the tongue comprises a second ball contact area comprising a plurality of protrusions according to any one of the embodiments described herein.

This has the advantage that the beneficial properties provided by way of the plurality of protrusions is extended to a larger area of the upper. In particular, the portion of the foot at which the tongue is arranged may be a portion along which the ball travels during the travel trajectory. Hence, it was found that providing for a second ball contact area on said tongue improves the provision of the spin to the ball.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second ball contact area is configured to substantially abut the first ball contact area when the tongue is folded.

This may be understood in such a manner that the second ball contact area continuously provides for an increased overall ball contact area without any gaps or the like in between. Thereby, a smooth and coherent overall ball contact area can be provided.

Abutting may be understood such that a border of the second ball contact area is in direct proximity to a border of the first ball contact area. In some embodiments, the first ball contact area and the second ball contact area are spaced distantly apart to some extent. This may depend on the exact position of the tongue and/or the extent to which the tongue is folded, as understood by the skilled person.

As an alternative to the upper comprising a tongue, the upper may be a lace-less upper. Such a lace-less upper bears the potential that the athlete saves time while putting on a shoe comprising such upper. Moreover, it becomes easier to clean the shoe. In addition, a lace-less upper avoids the possibility that the laces might tangle and result in accidents or injuries. Further, a lace-less upper also avoids the problem of a sudden unfastening of the laces during performing exercises, such as playing soccer.

In embodiments where the upper is a lace-less upper, the ball contact area be arranged at least partially in the intermediate midfoot portion, i.e., the portion in which laces are typically arranged for uppers with laces. This increases the ball contact area.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sole facing side portion and the instep facing side portion of protrusions extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protrusions.

This may have benefits in terms of manufacturing. In some embodiments, that the sole facing side portion and the instep facing side portion do not extend perfectly parallel to the longitudinal axis. For instance, as described elsewhere, the cross-section may have a triangular shape. In this regard, the term substantially may emphasize that for the parallel alignment, manufacturing tolerances may be included.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sole facing side portion and the instep facing side portion are on opposing sides of a plane along the longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the upper.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more protrusions is/are arranged in a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, an intermediate midfoot portion, and/or a lateral portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions being spaced apart by a first average distance. Further, one or more protrusions is/are arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion and/or a first metatarsal joint portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions being spaced apart by a second average distance. The first average distance may be greater than the second average distance.

The advantage of the described embodiment with different spacing of protrusions in various parts of the upper of a shoe lies in its ability to provide tailored structural support and comfort to the wearer's foot. This may include for instance a targeted support and flexibility. For instance, by arranging protrusions with different spacing in specific areas of the upper, the shoe can offer more support where it can be desirable, such as around the big toe and knuckle portions, while allowing greater flexibility in other areas like the medial midfoot or first metatarsal joint. This can help in accommodating natural foot movements and providing stability. In addition, the varying distances between protrusions can help the upper conform more closely to the unique shape of the wearer's foot, potentially enhancing the fit and reducing slippage inside the shoe.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more protrusions is/are arranged in a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, an intermediate midfoot portion, and/or a lateral portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions having a first average density of protrusions. Further, one or more protrusions is/are arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion and/or a first metatarsal joint portion of the upper, each of the one or more protrusions having a first average density of protrusions. The first average density may be lower than the second average density.

Similar advantages as set forth above in the preceding embodiment may be applicable.

Further, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a shoe, for example a sports shoe, the shoe comprising: an upper according to any one of the embodiments described herein; and a sole attached to the upper.

It goes without saying that the technical properties shown or described for the upper, the advantages and the improvements over the state of the art are likewise applicable to the shoe, such as the sports shoe.

A first embodiment (1) of the present disclosure is directed to an upper (101, 201) for a shoe (100, 200, 300), such as a sports shoe, comprising: a ball contact area (150) comprising a plurality of protrusions (151); wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis (LA), a sole (102, 202) facing side portion and an instep facing side portion; wherein the ball contact area (150) is configured to assist with shooting a ball (80) in that each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) is elastically bendable such that each protrusion (151) is configured to bend substantially in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis (LA) upon contact with the ball (80), and such that each of the plurality of protrusions (151) is configured to bend such that the instep facing side portion (151b) touches an outer surface of the upper (101, 201) or an adjacent protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (151).

A second embodiment (2) of the present disclosure is directed to upper (101, 201) according to the first embodiment (1), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a substantially triangular cross-section.

A third embodiment (3) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one the first embodiment (1) or the second embodiment (2), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a top edge and a bottom edge along the longitudinal axis (LA) being substantially parallel to each other.

A fourth embodiment (4) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(3), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a substantially quadrangular-shaped longitudinal section, such as a trapezoidal-shaped longitudinal section.

A fifth embodiment (5) of the present disclosure is directed to upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(4), wherein the longitudinal axis (LA) forms an acute angle (α) with a heel to toe axis (HT) of the upper (101, 201) of at least 45°, or at least 50°, or at least 65°, or at least 85° in a toe portion (105) of the upper (101, 201); and/or at most 45°, or at most 35°, or at most 25°, or at most 15° in an upper (101, 201) medial midfoot portion of the upper (101, 201).

A sixth embodiment (6) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(5), wherein a first protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (151) is arranged in a toe portion (105) of the upper (101, 201) and a second protrusion is arranged further rearward with respect to the first protrusion, and wherein an acute angle of the first protrusion is greater than an acute angle of the second protrusion by at least 10°, or at least 20°, or at least 30°, or at least 40°.

A seventh embodiment (7) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(6), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has the shape of at least one of a ridge, a rip, a lamella or a fin.

An eighth embodiment (8) of the present disclosure is directed to upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(7), wherein at least two protrusions (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) differ in at least one of their shape, dimensions, and/or orientation.

A ninth embodiment (9) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(8), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a beveled edge on one, or on both ends, along the longitudinal axis (LA).

A tenth embodiment (10) of the present disclosure is directed to upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(9), wherein a travel trajectory (TT) is defined on the upper (101, 201), wherein the longitudinal axis (LA) of each protrusion (151) is oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel trajectory (TT), wherein the travel trajectory (TT) comprises one or more travel directions (TD1, TDi, TD2) wherein a first travel direction (TD1) is arranged in a toe portion (105) of the upper (101, 201) and extends from the toe portion (105), in particular from a toe tip, towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion (120) of the upper (101, 201), wherein a second travel direction (TD2) is arranged in a medial portion (110) of the upper (101, 201) and extends from a lower medial mid-foot portion (111) towards an instep portion or an intermediate midfoot portion (120) of the upper (101, 201), wherein one or more intermediate travel directions (TDi) are arranged in between the first travel direction (TD1) and the second travel direction (TD2) and wherein an orientation of the one or more intermediate travel directions (TDi) varies between an orientation corresponding to the one of the first travel direction (TD1) and an orientation corresponding to the one of the second travel direction (TD2), wherein the variation may be continuous and/or monotonous from a toe portion (105) of the upper (101, 201) to a medial portion (110) of the upper (101, 201).

An eleventh embodiment (11) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(10), wherein the plurality of protrusions protrudes from the outer surface of the upper (101, 201).

A twelfth embodiment (12) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(11), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a height in a protruding direction (PT) of at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, and/or at most 5 mm, or at most 4.5 mm, or at most 4 mm, or at most 3.5 mm, or at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm.

A thirteenth embodiment (13) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(12), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a width perpendicular to a protruding direction (PT) and to the longitudinal axis (LA) of at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm; and/or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1.25 mm, or at most 1.0 mm, or at most 0.9 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm.

A fourteenth embodiment (14) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(13), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) has a length along the longitudinal axis (LA) of at least 2 mm, or at least 4 mm, or at least 6 mm, or at least 8 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm; and/or at most 40 mm, or at most 30 mm, or at most 25 mm, or at most 20 mm, or at most 15 mm.

A fifteenth embodiment (15) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the third embodiment (3), wherein the top edge has a length along the longitudinal axis (LA) of at most 100% of a length of the bottom edge along the longitudinal axis (LA), or at most 90%, or at most 80%, or at most 70%, or at most 60%, or at most 50%, and/or at least 50% of a length of the bottom edge along the longitudinal axis (LA), or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 100%.

A sixteenth embodiment (16) of the present disclosure is directed to upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(15), wherein the distance between two adjacent protrusions (151) is at least 0.5 times the height of one of the protrusions (151), or at least 0.75 times the height of one of the protrusions (151), or at least 1 time the height of one of the protrusions (151).

A seventeenth embodiment (17) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(16), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) is configured to bend by a bending angle (β) of at least 5°, or at least 10°, or at least 15°, or at least 20°, or at least 25°, or at least 30°, or at least 35°, or at least 40°, or at least 45°.

An eighteenth embodiment (18) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(17), wherein each protrusion (151) is spaced apart in a medial portion (110) of the upper (101, 201) from a sole (102, 202) of the shoe (100, 200, 300) by at least 5 mm, or at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm, or at least 16 mm, or at least 20 mm.

A nineteenth embodiment (19) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(18), wherein no protrusion (151) is arranged in a lower medial portion (111) of the upper (101, 201) in direct proximity of at least one of a sole (102, 202) of the shoe (100, 200, 300), a lateral portion (115) of the upper (101, 201), and/or a heel portion (125) of the upper (101, 201).

A twentieth embodiment (20) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(19), wherein the ball contact area (150) is arranged at least partially in at least one of a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, a first metatarsal joint portion, a first metatarsal bone portion, an upper (101, 201) medial midfoot portion, and/or an intermediate midfoot portion (120).

A twenty-first embodiment (21) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(20), wherein no protrusion (151) is arranged in a lower medial midfoot portion of the upper (101, 201) or wherein flat or non-bendable protrusions (151) are arranged in the lower medial midfoot portion of the upper (101, 201).

A twenty-second embodiment (22) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(21), wherein at least two protrusions (151) from the plurality of protrusions (151) are connected by a base element (156) on the outer surface of the upper (101, 201).

A twenty-third embodiment (23) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the twenty-second embodiment (22), wherein the base element (156) passes substantially through a middle part of each protrusion (151).

A twenty-fourth embodiment (24) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the twenty-second embodiments (22) or the twenty-third embodiment (23), wherein the base element (156) has a thickness of at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm; and/or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm.

A twenty-fifth embodiment (25) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (22)-(24), wherein the at least two protrusions (151) are integrally formed with the base element (156) and are arranged in a first group (160) of the ball contact area (150).

A twenty-sixth embodiment (26) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the twenty-fifth embodiment (25), wherein the ball contact area (150) comprises at least two further protrusions (151) being integrally formed with a further base element and arranged in a second group (160′), wherein the first group (160) and the second group (160′) are spaced apart greater than any two protrusions (151), which may be neighboring, of the first group (160) or the second group (160′).

A twenty-seventh embodiment (27) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the twenty-sixth embodiment (26), wherein the ball contact area (150) comprises a recess (155) arranged between the first group (160) and the second group (160′).

A twenty-eighth embodiment (28) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the twenty-sixth embodiment (26) or the twenty-seventh embodiment (27), wherein the protrusions (151) of the first group (160) and/or the second group (160′) are arranged substantially parallel to one another along their longitudinal axis (LA), and wherein the protrusions (151) of the first group (160) and/or the second group (160′) are spaced substantially equidistantly from one another.

A twenty-ninth embodiment (29) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(28), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) comprises a material including at least one of rubber, elastomer, casting polyurethane, and/or silicone.

A thirtieth embodiment (30) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(29), wherein each protrusion (151) of the plurality of protrusions (151) comprises a material having a hardness in the range of 30-60 Shore A, or 35-55 Shore A, or 40-50 Shore A, or 40-45 Shore A.

A thirty-first embodiment (31) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(30), wherein the upper (101, 201) further comprises a tongue configured to be folded so as to overlap at least partially the laces of the upper (101, 201).

A thirty-second embodiment (32) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the thirty-first embodiment (31), wherein the ball contact area (150) is a first ball contact area and the tongue comprises a second ball contact area comprising a plurality of protrusions (151) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(31).

A thirty-third embodiment (33) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to the thirty-second embodiment (32), wherein the second ball contact area is configured to substantially abut the first ball contact area when the tongue is folded.

A thirty-fourth embodiment (34) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(33), wherein the sole (102, 202) facing side portion and the instep facing side portion (151b) extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA).

A thirty-fifth embodiment (35) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(34), wherein the sole (102, 202) facing side portion and the instep facing side portion (151b) are on opposing sides of a plane along the longitudinal axis (LA) substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the upper (101, 201).

A thirty-sixth embodiment (36) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(35), wherein one or more protrusions (151) is/are arranged in a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, an intermediate midfoot portion, and/or a lateral portion (115) of the upper (101, 201), each of the one or more protrusions (151) being spaced apart by a first average distance, wherein one or more protrusions (151) is/are arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion and/or a first metatarsal joint portion of the upper (101, 201), each of the one or more protrusions (151) being spaced apart by a second average distance, and wherein the first average distance is greater than the second average distance.

A thirty-seventh embodiment (37) of the present disclosure is directed to the upper (101, 201) according to any one of embodiments (1)-(36), wherein one or more protrusions (151) is/are arranged in a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, an intermediate midfoot portion, and/or a lateral portion (115) of the upper (101, 201), each of the one or more protrusions (151) having a first average density of protrusions (151), wherein one or more protrusions (151) is/are arranged in an upper medial midfoot portion and/or a first metatarsal joint portion of the upper (101, 201), each of the one or more protrusions (151) having a first average density of protrusions (151), and wherein the first average density is lower than the second average density.

A thirty-eighth embodiment (38) of the present disclosure is directed to a shoe, such as a sports shoe, comprising an upper according to any of embodiments (1)-(37) and a sole attached to the upper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein, form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Together with the description, the figures further serve to explain the principles of and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the disclosed embodiments. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these particular embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary upper for a shoe, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a different perspective.

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a different perspective.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic figure of protrusions in an ordinary state and in a bent state, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary upper for a shoe, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a different perspective.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 in a different perspective.

FIG. 8 shows a zoomed in view of a portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary upper for a shoe, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a portion of FIG. 9 in a different perspective.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Enhanced grip bears the potential that a player can control the ball to a greater extent. In particular, the contact of the shoe with the ball is of great importance, and the surface of the shoe upper plays an important role. One way to realize an increased grip between the upper and ball is to provide a texture on an exterior surface of the shoe upper. Another way to realize an increased grip is to provide the upper with protrusions. Both ways can increase the energy transfer from the upper to the ball during shooting.

For instance, there are curled passes, flat passes, striking shots or the like. For the different types of shots different arrangements on the upper of the shoe can be produce unique spin. Proper spin is desired for any kind of shot, because otherwise, the ball would be fluttering. Shoe uppers according to embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhanced grip to achieve various advantages described herein.

In the following possible embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these, and a multitude of other embodiments are applicable without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The presented embodiments can be modified in a number of ways and combined with each other whenever compatible and certain features may be omitted in so far as they appear dispensable. In particular, the disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment.

It is to be understood that not all features of the described embodiments have to be present for realizing the technical advantages provided by the present disclosure. The disclosed embodiments may be modified by combining certain features of one embodiment with one or more features of another embodiment. Specifically, the skilled person will understand that features, and/or functional elements of one embodiment can be combined with technically compatible features, and/or functional elements of any other embodiment of the present disclosure given that the resulting combination falls within the definition of the present disclosure.

While the embodiments below are described primarily with reference to an upper for a shoe, such as a sports shoe, the skilled person will recognize that the disclosure according to the disclosure can equally be applied in a plurality of different technical fields and/or use cases.

Throughout the present figures and specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain features, parts, elements, aspects, components and/or steps of certain embodiments are presented without undue detail where such detail would be apparent to those skilled persons in the art in light of the teachings herein and/or where such detail would obfuscate an understanding of more pertinent aspects of the embodiments.

To avoid redundancies, reference is also made to the explanations in the preceding sections, which also apply to the following detailed description.

The “toe portion” as used herein may comprise portions in proximity of the big toe, and/or of the big toe knuckle.

The “upper medial midfoot portion” as used herein may comprise portions in proximity of the first metatarsal bone, and/or the medial midfoot bones such as the cuneiform and navicular bones.

Unless otherwise stated, the term “substantial” or “substantially” as used in the present context may be understood to a great or significant extent or for the most part or essentially. In particular, manufacturing tolerances are included by this term. Unless specified otherwise, when referring to a direction or dimension, the term “about,” “substantial” or “substantially” means a first direction or dimension is +/−10% of a second direction or dimension.

The term “and/or” is only an association relationship describing associated objects and represents that three relationships may exist. For example, A and/or B may represent three conditions: i.e., independent existence of A, existence of both A and B, and independent existence of B. In addition, the character “/” in the disclosure usually represents that previous and next associated objects form an “or”relationship.

The terms “bottom”, “top”, “one end”, “the other end”, “outer side”, “upper”, “above”, “inner side”, “under”, “below”, “horizontal”, “coaxial”, “central”, “end” “part”, “length”, “outer end” etc., which indicate the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings.

The terms “upper”, “above”, “below”, “under” and the like as used in the present disclosure to indicate a relative position in space are used for the purpose of facilitating explanation to describe a garment, element, part, object and/or feature shown in the drawings relative to the relationship of another garment, element, part, object and/or feature.

The indefinite articles “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless clearly contradicted or the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “comprising” is an open-ended transitional phrase. A list of elements following the transitional phrase “comprising” is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list can also be present. The phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the component. The phrase “consisting of” limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and excludes any material not specified.

Where a range of numerical values comprising upper and lower values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the disclosure or claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more ranges, or as list of upper values and lower values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or value and any lower range limit or value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show an exemplary upper 101 for a shoe 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in three different perspectives (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3).

The upper 101 comprises a ball contact area 150 comprising a plurality of protrusions 151. Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis LA (as indicated in FIG. 2), a sole facing side portion 151a (as seen for example in FIG. 4) and an instep facing side portion 151b (as seen for example in FIG. 4). The ball contact area 150 is configured to assist with shooting a ball 80 (as seen for example in FIG. 4) in that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is elastically bendable such that each protrusion 151 is configured to bend substantially in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal axis LA upon contact with the ball 80, and such that each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is configured to bend such that the instep facing side portion 151b touches an outer surface of the upper 101 or an adjacent protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151.

As can be gathered from FIG. 1, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may have the shape of at least one of a ridge, a rip, a lamella or a fin. For instance, the protrusions 151 may have a major axis, such as a length, which is greater than a minor axis, such as a width. Moreover, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may have a beveled edge on one, or on both ends, along the longitudinal axis LA. The beveled edge may be formed by removing material from the edge at a specific angle and/or by cutting a sloping surface along the edge. The angle of the bevel may vary depending on the intended purpose and/or aesthetic considerations.

As shown in FIG. 2, a heel to toe axis HT is shown. Further, a longitudinal axis LA is indicated of an exemplary protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 of a toe portion 105 (the respective longitudinal axis LA has the suffix 105). The longitudinal axis LA_105 forms an acute angle α with the heel to toe axis HT of the upper 101 of at least 45°, or at least 50°, or at least 65°, or at least 85°in a toe portion 105 of the upper. In addition, a longitudinal axis LA is indicated of an exemplary protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 of an upper medial midfoot portion 112 of the upper 101 (the respective longitudinal axis LA has the suffix 112). The longitudinal axis LA_112 forms an acute angle α with the heel to toe axis HT of at most 45°, or at most 35°, or at most 25°, or at most 15° in an upper medial midfoot portion 112 of the upper 101.

Moreover, as an example shown in FIG. 2, a first protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is arranged in a toe portion 105 of the upper 101 and a second protrusion 151 is arranged further rearward with respect to the first protrusion 151 (e.g., in the upper medial midfoot portion 112). The acute angle α of the first protrusion 151 (in the toe portion 105) may be greater than the acute angle α of the second protrusion 151 (in the upper medial midfoot portion 112), for example greater by at least 10°, or at least 20°, or at least 30°, or at least 40°.

Further still, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may have a substantially quadrangular-shaped longitudinal section, such as a trapezoidal-shaped longitudinal section. The longitudinal section is a cross-section along the longitudinal axis LA of the elongate protrusion 151.

As can be further gathered from FIGS. 1 to 3, at least two protrusions 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may differ in at least one of their shape, dimensions, and/or orientation. Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may protrude from the outer surface of the upper 101. Hence, they may extend into the free environment.

The ball contact area 150 may be arranged at least partially in at least one of a big toe portion, a big toe knuckle portion, a first metatarsal joint portion, a first metatarsal bone portion, an upper medial midfoot portion 112, and/or an intermediate midfoot portion 120.

The ball contact area 150 may comprise one or more portions of the following: an intermediate and/or medial toe portion, a medial metatarsal portion (which could be near the sole 102), an intermediate and medial instep portion (which may be similar to the intermediate midfoot portion 120 as described elsewhere herein), and a front heel portion. The term intermediate may refer to the portions between lateral and medial. The term intermediate may be called dorsal.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic figure of a plurality of protrusions 151 in an ordinary state and in a bent state, according to some embodiments.

Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions has an elongated shape with a longitudinal axis, which is directed into the image plane of FIG. 4. Further, each protrusion 151 has a sole facing side portion 151a (on one side of the longitudinal axis) and an instep facing side portion 151b (on the other side of the longitudinal axis). Each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 has a substantially triangular cross-section. The cross-section is along a plane, the normal of said plane being parallel to the longitudinal axis, i.e., directed into the image plane of FIG. 4. Moreover, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 has a top edge at a top portion 151d and a bottom edge at a bottom portion 151c. Both edges are directed along the longitudinal axis, i.e., directed into the image plane of FIG. 4, and substantially parallel to each other. Attributable to the triangular cross-section, the bottom portion 151c may have two edges.

As indicated in this FIG. 4, each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 may be configured to bend by a bending angle β of at least 5°, or at least 10°, or at least 15°, or at least 20°, or at least 25°, or at least 30°, or at least 35°, or at least 40°, or at least 45°. As can be seen, by way of the bending angle, the sole facing side portion 151a may be directed upwards at least partially when the protrusion 151 is bent. Moreover, the instep facing side portion 151b may be directed to the upper and/or to a sole of the shoe 100 when the protrusion 151 is bent.

FIG. 4 also shows the height h in a protruding direction of each of the protrusion 151. As described elsewhere herein, the height may be at least 0.5 mm, or at least 1 mm, or at least 1.5 mm, or at least 2 mm, or at least 2.5 mm, and/or at most 5 mm, or at most 4.5 mm, or at most 4 mm, or at most 3.5 mm, or at most 3 mm, or at most 2.5 mm. Further, FIG. 4 shows the width w of each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151, which is perpendicular to the protruding direction and to the longitudinal axis LA. As described elsewhere herein, the width w may be at least 0.1 mm, or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.3 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm, or at least 0.6 mm; and/or at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1.25 mm, or at most 1.0 mm, or at most 0.9 mm, or at most 0.8 mm, or at most 0.7 mm, or at most 0.6 mm. The length of each protrusion 151 of the plurality of protrusions 151 is measured along the longitudinal axis (as seen for example in FIG. 2, i.e., along the longitudinal axis LA_105 of the toe portion 105, or along the longitudinal axis LA_112 of the upper medial midfoot portion 112). In some embodiments, the protrusions 151 may have a maximum length, so that there may be no protrusions 151 extending continuously across the ball contact area 150. This has the advantage that recesses 155, 155′, 155″, such as channels, may be provided between protrusions 151, for instance along a medial to lateral or lateral to medial direction as described elsewhere herein.

A channel may have different cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, and/or irregular shapes and/or combinations thereof. The cross-sectional shape may depend on the channel's width, depth, and/or angles of its sides. The width of the channel may refer to the distance between its two substantially parallel sides. It may be measured perpendicular to the direction of flow, e.g., the flow of water (e.g., due to rain). The depth of a channel may refer to a vertical distance between a bottom of the channel and a top of the channel. It may be usually measured from the channel bed to a reference point. The channel may also be described by way of its slope or gradient. Such slope or gradient may describe the change in elevation along its length. It may represent a measure of how steeply the channel inclines or declines. Variations in the slope or gradient may be advantages in case the rain is to be guided rather quickly from one point of the upper to another one. Slope is typically expressed as a ratio or a percentage. One or more of the recesses 155, 155′, 155″ described herein may alternatively or additionally be implemented by way of passages, conduit, tubes, ducts, canal, corridor, groove, or the like.

FIGS. 5 to 7 show an exemplary upper 201 for a shoe 200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure in three different perspectives (FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7).

Upper 201 corresponds to the remaining embodiments described herein and mostly differences are highlighted but also common features are presented. The reference signs correspond to the remaining embodiments in here with an increase in the counter of hundreds by one, i.e., upper 201 corresponds to upper 101 of the remaining embodiments described herein.

Upper 201 is a lace-less upper 201, which can save time while putting on a shoe 200 comprising such upper 201. Such a lace-less upper 201 avoids the possibility that the laces might tangle and result in accidents or injuries.

In addition, a travel trajectory TT of the ball is indicated on upper 201, which is, however, also applicable to any other embodiment described herein and not limited to the one shown in FIGS. 5 to 7. Specific illustration of the travel trajectory TT is only left out in other figures for the sake of clarity.

The travel trajectory TT may comprise of one or more travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2 (as exemplarily indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7). A first travel direction TD1 is indicated, which is substantially arranged in the toe portion of the upper 201. The first travel direction TD1 may extend from the toe portion, in particular from the toe tip towards the instep portion of the upper 201. The second travel direction TD2 is substantially arranged in the medial portion 110 of the upper 201. The second travel direction TD2 may extend from the lower medial midfoot portion towards the instep portion of the upper 201. As can be further gathered from FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of intermediate travel directions TDi are indicated, which are arranged substantially in portions between the first travel direction TD1 and the second travel direction TD2. The intermediate travel directions TDi smoothly transition from an orientation substantially corresponding to the first travel direction TD1 to an orientation substantially corresponding to the second travel direction TD2. As understood, although in FIG. 6 two intermediate travel directions TDi are indicated and in FIG. 7 one intermediate travel direction TDi is indicated, a plurality thereof exist.

As mentioned herein, the travel trajectory TT may comprise one or more of the travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2. As an example, when the first contact portion is in a toe portion of the upper 201, the ball may travel along the travel direction TD1 at first and then along the travel direction TD2, ending in a second contact portion in proximity to the instep portion of the upper 201.

As understood, a plurality of exemplary travel trajectories TT can be present. For instance, a player may shoot the ball slightly differently compared to the foregoing example. For instance, the first contact portion may be in proximity to a Metatarsal bone. In such an example, that the travel direction TD1 indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may not be comprised by the travel trajectory TT, i.e., during this shot.

The travel trajectory TT comprises one or more of the depicted travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2. This may be explained, without wishing to be bound by theory, in that the ball may be deformed during a shot. Thereby, a rather large surface of the upper 201 may be in contact during ball impact, as described elsewhere herein.

The longitudinal axis LA of each protrusion 151 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2 in the respective portions of the upper 201. As the travel trajectory TT comprises one or more of these travel directions TD1, TDi, TD2, the longitudinal axis LA of each protrusion 151 may also be oriented substantially perpendicular to the travel trajectory TT. The travel trajectory TT may be directed upwards and rearwards of the upper 201. It may start from multiple points along a rim of the sole 202 of the shoe 200. It may extend towards the intermediate midfoot portion 120.

Further to the foregoing analysis of the travel trajectory TT of the ball, it may be possible that the travel trajectory of the ball is reversed for instance in case of so-called “top spin shots”. For such shots, the first ball contact portion may be rearward and/or towards the shoe opening. The second ball contact portion may be towards the toe portion 105. For such “top spin shots”, a top spin is required and/or desired. During this type of shot, the foot hits the ball substantially in a center and moves through in an upward direction of the ball. As understood by the skilled person, the travel trajectory TT of the ball for these kind of shots may be opposite to the travel trajectory TT described elsewhere herein.

As understood, a plurality of protrusions 151 may be arranged on the upper 201 such that at least one of the protrusions 151 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to a respective type of shot, such as a curved shot, a straight shot, or the like.

As seen for example in FIG. 7 and applicable to all embodiments described herein, each protrusion 151 may be spaced apart in an intermediate midfoot portion 120 of the upper 201 from a sole 202 of the shoe 200 by at least 5 mm, or at least 8 mm, or at least 12 mm, or at least 16 mm, or at least 20 mm. Moreover, no protrusion 151 may be arranged in a lower medial portion 111 of the upper 201 in direct proximity of at least one of a sole 202 of the shoe 200, a lateral portion 115 of the upper (as seen for example in FIG. 3), and/or a heel portion 125 of the upper 201.

In particular, as exemplarily indicated in FIGS. 1 and 7, in some embodiments, either no protrusion 151 is arranged in a lower medial midfoot portion 111 of the upper 101 or flat or non-bendable protrusions may be arranged in the lower medial midfoot portion 111 of the upper 101. These flat or non-bendable protrusions may be manufactured in various ways including but not limited to 3D printing or the like.

As exemplarily indicated in FIG. 7, the shoe 100, 200 may be provided with studs 180, which may be also referred to as cleats. These may serve to provide traction for the player on a ground, in particular soft grounds such as grass fields or the like. The use of studs is known in the field of ball sports activities, such as soccer or football (e.g., American football), rugby or the like. In some examples, the studs can be integrally formed with the sole 202 of the shoe 200. The studs 180 may be at least partially injected onto a base material. In various examples, prefabricated stud tips may be placed in a mold and are over-injected with a base material. The base material may comprise portions of the sole 202. In various examples, the studs 180 may comprise TPU. Integrally formed or injected studs 180 have the advantage that no screws are needed and/or that the studs 180 do not need replacement. Nevertheless, it is also possible to apply interchangeable studs 180 or screw-on studs 180.

FIG. 8 shows a part of FIG. 6 in a detailed perspective. As noted elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, at least two protrusions 251 from the plurality of protrusions 251 may be connected by a base element 156 on the outer surface of the upper 201. Said at least two protrusions 151 may be integrally formed with the base element 156. Said at least two protrusions 151 may be arranged in a first group 160 of the ball contact area 150. In this figure, six exemplary protrusions 151 are connected by the base element 156 and six protrusions 151 form one group 160, which is arranged in a toe portion 105 of the upper 201.

The base element 160 may have a thickness (in a protruding direction PT, as indicated in FIG. 4, of the protrusions 151) of at most 1.5 mm, or at most 1 mm, or at most 0.8 mm; and/or at least 0.2 mm, or at least 0.4 mm, or at least 0.5 mm.

In some embodiments, the first 156 and/or second 156′ base element encompass an area on the upper 201 corresponding to the sum of each bottom portion's area of the protrusions 151 on said base element 156, 156′. The first 156 and/or second 156′ base element may be greater by a factor of at least 1.05, or at least 1.1, or at least 1.15 than the sum of each bottom portion's area of the one or more protrusions 151 on said base element 156, 156′; and/or of at most 1.3, or at most 1.25, or at most 1.2, or at most 1.15 than the sum of each bottom portion's area of the one or more protrusions 151 on said base element 156, 156′.

In some embodiments, the contour of the base element(s) 156, 156′ may correspond to the contour of the bottom portion of each of the protrusions 151 but being projected slightly outward. In some embodiments, there may be connections between each contour. In some embodiments, the space between each protrusion 151 of the same group 160, 160′ may be covered by the base element(s) 156, 156′ completely.

Moreover, as indicated in FIG. 8, the base element 160 may pass substantially through a middle part of each protrusion 151.

Further still, in some embodiments, the ball contact area 150 may comprise at least two further protrusions 151 being integrally formed with a further base element 156′ and arranged in a second group 160′. The second group 160′ may be arranged also in a toe portion 105 of the upper 201. However, as described elsewhere herein, the second group