GB2503033A

GB2503033A - Shoe with detachable upper

Info

Publication number: GB2503033A
Application number: GB201210689A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Catherine Winkler
Original assignee: C & C Lifestyle Ltd
Current assignee: C & C Lifestyle Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-15
Filing date: 2012-06-15
Publication date: 2013-12-18
Also published as: GB201210689D0

Abstract

A shoe 10 comprises a midsole 12, an outsole 14 and an insole 16. An upper 18 is attached to a plurality of fasteners 20 which are adapted to slide along a first and second internal track (38, 40, figure 3) extending through the midsole 12. A releasable locking means releasably locks the fasteners 20 in selectable positions along each track. Opening means (42, 44, figure 3) allows for the inserting and removing of fasteners 20 from each track.

Description

SHOE

The present invention relates to a shoe, and particularly but not exclusively to a fashionable shoe with an interchangeable upper.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Shoes arc no longcr purcly functional, and arc gcncrally choscn for their fashion appeal. It is usual for a pcrson to own scvcral pairs of shocs, bceause diffcrcnt occasions or weather conditions require different designs. For example, closed-toe shoes may be required for formal business occasions and/or in cold weather, and opcn-toe shocs or sandals may be required for warmcr weather. Furthermore, it is common for a person to own, for example. a pair of high end fashion shoes of a specific design to compliment an outfit of clothing.

It is known to provide a pair of shoes with interchangeable uppers in order to increase the versatility of the shoe. For example, it is known to removably attach an upper to a sole via a plurality of press studs or snaps. However, there is a risk of the protruding snaps catching on foreign objects and the points of attachment are fixed relative to the sole, thereby somewhat limiting the style of upper that can be attached. In another arrangement, a transverse slot is provided in the sole for an upper to he passed through and the ends of the upper are attached by attachment means above the sole.

Again the style of upper for this arrangement is restricted to a design that can pass through the slot.

It is also known, such as hi US 7695534 BI (COURVILLE), to provide a shoe having a slot or channel provided on either side of a rim piece on the outer edge of the base that interlocks with a protmding lip on the outer edge of the upper. The style of upper suitable for this system is restricted because the length of upper is determined by the length of each slot on the base. If a narrow upper is used, an exposed rim piece may hinder the overall aesthetic look of the shoe, and the upper may slide in the slot.

US 2510236 (KUTCHER) discloses a track provided along the periphery of the sole and a cord on an upper to slide on the track. Two transverse slots are provided on an upper surface of the sole, each slot allowing the ends of the cord to cross over in order to locate and lock the upper in position. The ends of the cord need to be tied together at the rear of the sole. Attaching and detaching the upper in this way can be time consuming and awkward and it also relies on the ends of the cord to he tied tightly by the person in order to hold the upper in place.

It is an object of the invention to provide a shoe with interchangable upper which substantially mitigates or reduces these problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to thc present invcntion there is providcd a shoc comprising at least a midsolc and an uppcr, first and sccond internal tracks extending through the midsolc proximate respective longitudinal sides of the midsole. and a slot on caeh longitudinal side of the midsole extending into a respective track, a plurality of fasteners adapted to slidc along each track, the fastcncrs being attached to the upper, and releasable locking means for releasably locking the fasteners in selectable positions along each track, and access means for inserting and removing fhsteners from each track.

A shoe or a pair of shoes of the present invention is advantageous because the releasable locking means allows the fasteners to slide into and out of the tracks therefore allowing the uppers to he changed. The releasable locking means also allows the fasteners to slide along the tracks so that the position of the upper relative to the midsole can be adjusted, when required, to suit a wearer. The wearer can adapt a pair of shoes and change the style of the shoes by providing different uppers on the shoes.

This increases the versatility of the shoes and allows them to he worn on a variety of occasions. For example, both closed toe uppers and sandal style uppers can be fitted to the sole. The shoe is also more economical for the wearer because by buying different uppers the shoes can be adapted to different styles and the wearer does not need to mn to the expense of buying a different pair of shoes. The present invention is also spacc saving, for example, for travel. because different uppers can be used on thc same midsole.

A base of each track may have a substantially arcuate lateral extent to assist in guiding the fasteners through the track without snagging.

Each track may run proximate the whole longitudinal side of the midsole so as to allow the fitting of an even greater variety of upper style.

The access means may include first and second openings at the front or rear of the shoe, thcrefore allowing each side of the upper to be slotted onto the midsole, through the fasteners, in parallel.

Each fastener may comprise a head portion adapted to slide along the or each track and a tail portion adaptcd to cxtcnd from thc head portion through thc or cach slot.

The tail portion of each fastener protruding through the slot may be attached to the upper.

The shape of the head portion of each fastener may substantially compliment a contour of the or each track, therefore ensuring the sliding movement of each fastener is smooth and unimpeded on the or each track.

The head portion of each fastener maybe substantially spherical or spheriodal.

The tail portion of each fastener may have a curved profile, extending around the midsole towards an upper surfhce of midsole.

Spacing means may be provided between adjacent fasteners for maintaining adjacent fasteners at a predetermined spaced distance. *The spacing means help the fasteners to be locked by the releasable locking means and also helps to keep the shape of the upper, especially when the upper is not in use or not attached to the midsole.

The releasable locking means may have a locked state in which the fasteners arc locked against sliding movement along each track and an unlocked state in which the fasteners can slide along each track unimpeded.

The releasable locking means may include a locking member which may extend into each track and may be biased to the locked state, so that the upper may naturally be locked against movement even when the shoe is not in use and is conveniently locked for when tile wearer wears the shoe.

Thc shoc may bc provided with two locking membcrs, onc adjaccnt thc front of thc shoe and one adjacent the rear of the shoe in order to provide locking for a greater variety of upper designs.

The locking member may comprise a push button, a pair of locking plates connected to the push button and a plurality of locking protrusions provided on an upper surface of each locking plate. The push button serves as a user interface to allow the wearer to activate the locking member from the locked state to the unlocked state.

When in the locked state each locking plate may lie within the base of each respective track, the plurality of locking protrusions extending into the track and preventing the fasteners from movement along each track. When in the unlocked state each locking plate and the locking protrusions thereon may be displaced downwardly out of each respective track, thereby allowing the ffisteners to slide past the plurality of locking protrusions unimpeded.

In an alternative arrangement. it is envisaged that each locking plate could lie in the ceiling' of respective tracks and the locking protrusions extend downwardly. Upward movement of the locking plates in this arrangement release the fasteners.

Each locking protrusion may slope gradually towards an apex, each side providing a lead-in as each fastener comes into contact with each locking protrusion, therefore allowing a smooth transition of each fastener through the locking member. The lead-in also enables the fastener to ride over each apex, when appropriate force is applied and in an appropriate direction, without the need to apply downward pressure to the push button.

The releasable locking means may further comprise spring means provided underneath the push button plate for biasing the or each locking member to a locked state.

An aperture may he provided on the midsole through which the push button may be actuated to allow the wearer to actuate the push button directly.

The shoe may further comprise an outsole and an insole, which improves the comfort and durability of the shoe.

A covering may be provided over the push button, the covering constructed as part of the midsole or the insole. The covering may provide an area printable with indicia for branding purposes and also to indicate the location of the aperture on the midsole for actuating the push button. A heel may be attachable to a rear part of the midsole.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a shoe having a midsole, outsole, insole, upper and heel; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of the shoe of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the a lower midsole of the shoe of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a front of the lower midsole of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a rear of the lower midsole of Figure 3; Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the shoe of Figure 1 without the upper and insole; Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the shoe of Figure 1 without the upper; Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of the upper of Figure 1; and Figure 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of fasteners with spacers in between.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a shoe is indicated generally at 10. The shoe 10 includes a midsole 12, an outsole 14 attached to a lower surface at a front of the midsole 12 and an insole 16 attached on an upper surface of the midsole 12. An upper 18 is provided to be releasably attached to the midsole 12. The upper 18 is attached to a plurality of fasteners 20 which engage with a releasable locking means 22 provided in the midsole 12. In this embodiment, the upper 18 includes first and second portions 24, 26. A stiletto heel 28 is attached at a rear of the midsole 12. It will be appreciated that different upper 1 8 and heel 28 arrangements may be provided, if desired.

Furthermore, the outsole 14, insole 16 and the heel 28 may be omitted altogether, if desired, however, in a traditional construction it is known that the provision of the outsole 14 and insole 16 on the shoe improves comfort when wearing the shoe 10.

The midsole 12 is comprised of two layers, a lower midsole 30 and upper midsole 32, attached together by screws, which extend through apertures 34 in the upper midsole 32 and screw into blind apertures 33 on the lower midsole 30. It will be appreciated that other means of attachment may be provided, if desired, such as adhesive, in the embodiment shown, the midsole 12 is in the shape of a lady's high heel shoe and has a curved profllc. A platform 35 is provided at the front of the lower midsole 30 and the rest of the lower midsole 30 has a thickness for accommodating the releasable locking means 22, which will be described ifirther below. It will be appreciated that the midsole can be adapted for oilier styles of shoes, such as a midsole having a platform along a whole length of the shoe 10 for contacting a wailcing surfhce.

As seen in Figure 3, a base of a first internal track 38 and second internal track 40 are S provided part way along respective longitudinal sides and are set into an upper surface 36 of thc lowcr midsolc 30, closcly following the contour of the lower midsole 30.

Each base of the tracks 38, 40 start closely adjacent the front of the shoe and terminates proximate a heel area of the lower midsole 30. It will be appreciated that each base of the tracks 38, 40 may be integrally formcd as one or may be provided along the whole periphery of the lower midsole 30, if desired. However, terminating the tracks short of the heel end of the lower midsole 30 helps to better support the wcight of thc wearcr and improvc comfort whcn wcaring the shoe.

Best seen in Figure 4, acccss mcans in the form of a first and second opcnings 42, 44 are provided at a front end of the respective first and second internal tracks 38, 40, in other words, the tracks 38, 40 pass through the edge of the lower midsole 30. The first and second openings 42, 44 are sized to allow at least part of the fasteners 20 to enter and exit the tracks 38, 40 from the front of the shoe. It will he appreciated that the first and second openings 42, 44 may be provided in another position along the length of the tracks 38, 40, for example, at the rear end of the tracks 38, 40, at the heel if desired.

Each base of the tracks 38, 40 has a substantially arcuate cross-section, defined in part by first and second rims 46, 48 disposed on the edges of the lower midsole 30 along where each base of the tracks 38,40 run.

As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the releasable locking means 22 provided on the lower midsole 30 comprises a first locking member 50 adjacent the toe area and a second locking member 52 adjacent the heel area. A plurality of springs 54, 56 arc positioned under each locking member 50, 52, and bias the locking members 50, 52 upwardly. In this cmbodirnent, thrcc springs 54 arc providcd for the first locking mcmbcr 50 and two for the second locking members 52. It will be appreciated that the number of springs provided for each locking member 50, 52 may be varied. In general, the bigger the surfhce area of the locking member, the greater number of springs is desired. Furthermore, less or more locking members may be provided if desired, however having two allows a range of different uppers to be attached.

The first locking member 50 comprises a push button 58 that is substantially planar, a first and second side wall 60, 62 extending downwardly and substantially perpendicularly from respective sides of the push button 58, and a first and second locking plates 64, 66 extending outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from distal ends of the respective side walls 60, 62, i.e. a top hat profile. A plurality of locking protrusions 67 are provided on an upper surface of each locking plate 64, 66.

Each locking protrusion 67 has an apex 68 having a flat surface extending transversely of the shoe. First and second sides 69. 70 of the protmsion 67 slope gradually towards thc apcx 68. Thc locking protrusions 67 serve as a locking means to prcvcnt movements of thc fastcncrs 20, as vcll as spacing means for keeping adjacent fasteners 20 at a predetermined distance apart, when in tlic locked state. The apex 68 of each locking protrusion 67 is positioned approximately one-third of the way up the respective fir st and second side wall 60, 62, which is the optimum height for providing a seating position for the fastener 20 between two locking protrusions 67 when hi the locked state, whilst at the same time allowing the fasteners 20 to ride over the locking protrusions 67 when in the unlocked state.

A first cut out 71 is provided on the upper surface 36 of the lower midsole 30 for accommodating the first locking member 50 and its springs 54. The first cut out 71 extends between the tracks 38, 40. A raised platform 72 is provided on the first cut out between the two tracks 38, 40, the raised platform 72 having a plurality of circular recesses 74 for locating each spring 54 on the raised platform 72. A central protrusion 76 is provided on each circular recess 74 to further help with locating each spring 54 on each circular recess 74.

The first locking member 50 is to be positioned on the first cut out 71, with the springs 54 located undcrneath, each spring 54 being retained by a circular recess 74.

Two slots 78 arc provided at cithcr end of thc push button 58 for locating onto corresponding protrusions 80 provided on either end of the first cut out 71, thereby limiting the movement of the first locking member 50 on the first cut out 71 to only along its vertical axis, i.e. between a locked and unlocked state.

As seen in Figure 5, the second locking member 52 is constructed similarly to the first locking member 50, and therefore the same reference numerals are used to indicate parts in the second locking member 52 in common with the first locking member 50.

A second cut out 82 is provided on the upper surface 36 of the lower midsole 30 to accommodate the second locking member 52 and its springs 56. Again, the same reference numerals are used to indicate parts in the second cut out 82 in common with the first cut out 82.

Turning now to Figure 6, the upper midsole 32 is shaped so that when attached, the sides of the upper midsole 32 are flush with the sides of the lower midsole 30. Access mcans. in thc form of through first and sccond apertures 84, 86, arc provided on thc uppcr midsole 32, directly above each locking member 50, 52 so that the locking members 50. 52 can be actuated. The first aperture 84 is circular and is between 10mm and 25mm in diameter, preferably 13mm and 18mm in diameter, and more preferably between 15mm and 20mm in diameter. The second aperture 86 is oval in shape and is bigger than the first aperture 84. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the first and second apertures 84, 86 may vary as long as the upper midsole 32 provides an adequate surface area for supporting a sole of the wearer's foot.

A lower surface of the upper midsole 32 abuts the upper surface 36 of the lower midsole 30, each longitudinal side of the lower surface of the upper midsole forming a roof of each track 38, 40. As seen in Figure 6, the first and second rims 46,48 do not reach the lower surface of the upper midsole 32, thereby providing first and second slots 88, 90 along the length of respective first and second tracks 38, 40. Part of the fasteners 20 pass through the slots for connection to an upper.

A rim 92 is provided around the periphery of an upper surface of the upper midsole 32, and the insole 16 is sized and shaped to be positioned on thc upper surface of the upper midsole 32 inside the rim 92, as seen in Figure 7, covering the first and second apertures 84. 86. It will be appreciated that a covering, integrally formed with the midsole 12, can be provided instead of the insole 16, if desired. However, providing an insole tends to improve comfort for the wearer. First and second indicating means 94, 96 are provided on the insole 16 to indicate the positions of the first and second apertures on the midsole 32 underneath. Pressing down on tile indicating means 94, 96, and consequently on the locking members 50, 52, causes the locking members 50, 52 to move downwardly to the uniocked state.

As seen in Figure 8, the first portion 24 of the upper 18 has a first and second side 98, 100, where fasteners 20 arc attached. The embodiment shown in Figure 8 provides four fasteners 20 on each side, but it will be appreciated that the number of fasteners can be varied according to the size of upper. As seen in Figure 9, each fastener 20 comprises a head portion 102 and a tail portion 104 extending from the head portion 102. Each head portion 102 is substantially spherical or spheriodal so that it complements the contour of the areuate base of each track 38, 40. When in the unlocked state, each fastcncr 20 can slide along each track 38,40 unimpcdcd.

The tail portion 104 of each fastener 20 has a substantially oblong cross scction and is sized so that, in use, the tail portion 104 extends from the head portion 102, through a slot 88, 90 on the midsole 12. A tab 106 is provided on a distal end of each tail portion 104. A plurality of through apertures 108 is provided in the tab 106 so that each fhstener 12 can he stitched onto or into respective sides 98, 100 of the first portion 24 of the upper 18. It will be appreciated that the number of apertures 108 can vary to suit, although in the embodiment six apertures are provided. Other means, such as adhesive, can he used to attach the tail portions 104 to the first portion 24 of the upper 18. Each tail portion 104 has a curved profile and extends around the midsole towards the upper surface 36 of the upper midsole 32, thereby allowing the first portion 24 to he positioned appropriately relative to the midsole 32.

As seen in Figure 9, a spacer 110 may optionally be provided between adjacent fasteners 20 to keep adjacent fasteners 20 at a predetermined distance apart, and also to help to maintain the shape of the first portion 24 of the upper 18 when the first portion 24 is not in use. in use, each spacing means 110 will locate on the apex 68 of a respective locking protrusion 67 on a respective locking plate 64, 66. The spacers 110 are substantially cylindrical and a cord 112 is used to conncct each spacer 110 to each fastener 20. The cord 112 is continuous and passes through an aperture in a diameter of each fastener 20. Alternatively, each spacer 110 can be attached to the head portion 102 of at least one fastener 20, for example, by adhesive.

The second portion 26 of the upper 18 is constructed similar to the first portion 24.

As seen in Figures 2 and 3, a bore 114 is provided through the lower midsole 30 for the heel 28 to attach to by conventional means. For example, the bore 114 and one end of the heel 28 may be threaded to allow the two parts to be screw threaded together. A neck portion 116 is provided on the lower surface and at the rear of the midsole 12 to provide tiirther support for the heel 28. A hardened heel tip 118 is attached to a distal end of the heel 28. it will be appreciated that other heel arrangements maybe provided and the shoe lOis not limited to a stiletto type heel.

At rest, the shoe releasable locking means is biased to the locked state in which the first and second locking members 50, 52 lie within respective tracks 38, 40. The springs 54. 56 abut the locking members 50, 52 against the lower surface of the upper midsole 32, the push button 58 of the locking members 50. 52 lying substantially flush with the upper surface 36 of the lower midsole 30.

In use, the second portion 26 of the upper IX is attached to the midsole 12 of the shoe by sliding the head portion 102 of each fastener 20 on either side 98, 100 of the second portion 26 through the respective opening 42,44 of the respective track 38, 40.

The first side 69 of each locking protrusion 67 on the first locking member 50 serves as a lead-in as each fastener 20 comes into contact with each locking protrusion 67.

As the wearer urges the fasteners 20 along the tracks 38, 40, each fastener 20 rides over each locking protrusion 67 and the first locking plate 64 is forced and displaced downwardly out of the tracks 38,40 to the unlocked state.

Alternatively, using the first indicating means 94 as a guide, the wearer can apply pressure to the fir st locking member 50 through the first aperture 84 on the upper midsole 30 to activate the first locking member to 50 to the unlocked state. Each fastener 20 can therefore freely slide past each locking protrusion 67, until the second portion 26 of the upper 18 reaches the sccond locking member 52 and until locking protrusions 67 on the second locking member 52 are suitably located between fasteners 20, on release of the push button 58.

By locating the fasteners 20 between the locking protrusions 67 on the second locking member 52, the second locking member 52 is returned to the locked state where the fasteners 20 are abutted upwardly against the lower surface of the upper midsole 32 and locked against movement along the tracks 38, 40. The second portion 26 of the upper 18 is therefore locked against movement relative to the midsole 12.

The above can be repeated for the first portion 24 of the upper 18 for locking the first portion 24 on the first locking member SO. It will bc appreciatcd that in this embodimcnt, four fastcncrs 20 arc provided on either side 98, 100 of each of the first and second portions 24, 26 of the upper 18 and thrce locking protrusions 67 are correspondingly provided on each locking plate 64. 66 on each locking mcmber 50.

52. However, more or lcss fasteners 67 and/or locking protrusions 67 may be provided to suit. Furthermore, the position of each of the first and second portions 24, 26 of the upper 18 relative to respective locking members 50. 52 may vary, as long as at least one fastener 20 on each side 98, 100 of the straps 38, 40 are located between two locking protrusions 67. This therefore allows the position of the first and second portions 24, 26 of the upper 18 relative to the midsole 12 to be adjusted to suit the wearer.

To remove or adjust each portion 24, 26 of the upper 1 8, the wearer can apply pressure to respective indicating means 94, 96 to activate respective locking members 50, 52 to the unlocked position and allow sliding movement of the fasteners 20 along the tracks 38, 40.

The shoe is beneficial because it allows the upper. and therefore the style of the shoe, to he changed. It is more cost effective to manufacture because the same midsole can be used for different uppers and is therefore more economical for the wearer. It also reduces the amount of space required for a shoe collection. The releasaWe locking means is intuitive and quick to operate, therefore allowing the upper to be changed conveniently and speedily.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shoe comprising at least a midsole and an upper, first and second internal tracks extending through tile midsole proximate respective longitudinal sides of the midsole, and a slot on each longitudinal side of the midsole extending into a rcspectivc track, a plurality of fastcncrs adapted to slidc along cach track, the fasteners being attached to the upper, and releasable locking means for releasably locking thc fastcncrs in sclcctablc positions along each track, and access means for inserting and removing fasteners from each track.
2. A shoe as claimed in claim 1, in which a base of each track has a substantially arcuate lateral extent.
3. A shoc as clairncd in claim 1 or claim 2, hi which cach track runs proximate the whole longitudinal side of the midsole.
4. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the access means includes first and second openings at the front or rear of the shoe.
5. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which each fastener comprises a head portion adapted to slide along the or each track and a tail portion adapted to extend from the head portion through the or each slot.
6. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the shape of the head portion of each fastener substantially compliments a contour of the or each track.
7. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the head portion of each fastener is substantially spherical or spheriodal.
8. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the tail portion of each fastener has a curved profile.
9. A shoe as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, in which an end of tile tail portion of each fastener is attached to the upper.
10. A shoe as claimed in ally preceding claim, ill which spacing means is provided between adjacent fasteners for maintaining adjacent fasteners at a predetermined spaced distance.
11. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the releasable locking means is provided in the midsole.
12. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the releasable locking means has a iockcd stale in which the faslcncrs arc locked against sliding movcmcnt along each Irack and an unlocked stale in which thc fastcncrs can slide along cach Irack unimpeded.
13. A shoe as claimed in claim 12, in which the releasable locking means includes a locking member which extends into each Irack and is biased to the locked state.
14. A shoe as claimed ill claim 13, in which the locking member comprises a push huiton, a pair of locking plales connected to the push hulton and a plurality of locking protrusions provided on an upper surface of each locking plate.
15. A shoe as claimed ill claim 14 when dependent n claim 2, in which when in the locked state each locking plate lies within the base of each respective track, the plurality of locking protrusions extending into the track and preventing the fasteners from movement along each track, and when in the unlocked state each locking plate and the locking prolrusions thereon is displaced downwardly out of each respeclive track, Ihereby allowing Ihe fasteners to slide pass the plurality of locking protrusions unimpeded.
16. A shoe as claimed in claim 14 or 15, in which each locking protrusion slopes gradually towards an apex, each side providing a lead-in as each fastener comes into contact with each locking protrusion.
17. A shoe as claimed in any one of claim 14 to 16 when dependent on claim 13, in which the releasable locking means ftirther comprising spring means provided underneath the push button plate for biasing the or each locking member to a locked state.
18. A shoe as claimed in any one of claim 14 to 17, in which an aperture is provided on thc midsole through which the push button can be actuated.
19. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the shoe thrthcr comprises an oulsole and an insole.
20. A shoc as clahncd in claim 18 or claini 19 when dcpcndent on claim 14, in which a covering is provided over the push button, the covering constructed as part of the midsole or the insole.
21. A shoe as claimed in claim 20, in which the covering provides an area printable with indicia.
22. A shoe as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a heel is attachable to a rear part of the midsole.
23. A shoe substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.