MX2011006341A

MX2011006341A - Footwear insole for high heel shoes.

Info

Publication number: MX2011006341A
Application number: MX2011006341A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Philip C Yang; Harold A Howlett; Charles E Lundy Jr; Jane M Cappaert
Original assignee: Msd Consumer Care Inc
Priority date: 2008-12-12
Filing date: 2009-12-10
Publication date: 2011-10-06
Also published as: AR075758A1; CA2746649A1; US20130291398A1; MX342528B; US20100146816A1; EP2403370A1; AU2016200007A1; CO6501148A2; BRPI0922864A2; AU2009324688A1; WO2010068719A1; JP2012511959A

Abstract

Disclosed is a footwear insole (1) for increasing comfort in high heel shoes by providing a base layer (2) extending from a heel to a forefoot of a foot, and a raised portion (4) prominent from the top of the base layer and situated substantially under an arch of the foot, in which the raised portion is configured to increase support of the plantar fascia of the foot.

Description

FOOTBED SHOE TEMPLATE FOR HIGH HEEL SHOES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to shoe insoles to increase comfort when wearing high-heeled shoes, and methods to use the insoles to increase comfort when wearing high-heeled shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION High-heeled shoes with a heel height of approximately 4 centimeters or more can create changes in body posture, gait, foot pressures, ankle position, etc., when walking. Some of these changes have been well documented.

For example, an increased heel height changes the center of mass of the body forward, mainly due to an increase in forward trunk inclination. It has been shown that this change in the center of mass of the body forward increases the pressure of the anterior foot and the load and has been associated with many problems in the feet of users of high-heeled shoes.

In addition, the increased height of the heel causes the vertical forces of reaction to the ground to increase during the heel strike and forefoot lift, and the support phase decreases, resulting in an increased total impact applied to the body when walking. Additionally, the stability during the initial heel strike is reduced due to the increased support height and the narrowest bead support platform.

In addition, an increased height of the heel places the ankle in a position of more plantiflexion. This forces the arch of the foot to be stiffer, preventing movement through the normal range of pronation of the arch. Therefore, the ankle plantar position decreases the body's natural ability to cushion the impact by pronation while walking.

The footwear insoles are generally inserted in the shoes, in order to provide a cushion or support added to the user of the shoes. The templates can be removable and reusable, and can be of one size, of specific sizes for footwear, or made to measure for the user.

Templates that offer additional cushioning by providing one or more layers of cushioning to the soles of the wearer's shoes are known in the state of the art. These templates are generally used to decrease the impact that the user experiences when walking, jogging, running, or other activities.

In addition, at least one example of a template device to be adapted for use in high-heeled shoes is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,322,132, which, unlike the present invention, has an apical position in the form of an average moon to lie under the calcaneus of the foot in a posterior region, an apex that lies under the second and third metatarsals of the foot in a front region, and a middle region narrower than the apices of the posterior and front regions.

Therefore there is a need for a template originally designed to be used in high-heeled shoes and that provides cushioning for greater comfort but also provides additional comfort and stability through its ability to transfer body weight to the heel of the foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention described herein addresses these objectives by providing a footwear insole to increase comfort, which is specifically adapted for use in high-heeled shoes.

Therefore, the invention provides a removable insole for high-heeled shoes, which comprises a base layer comprising a heel region, an arc region and a forefoot region; and a raised portion located substantially in the region of the arch configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe in contact with the insole.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the base layer comprises polyurethane gel.

In a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the invention, the base layer comprises styrenic gel materials, in particular gel styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS).

In an alternative non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the raised portion comprises a polyurethane gel having a durometer (hardness) softer than the base layer.

In a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the invention, the raised portion comprises a SEBS gel having a softer durometer than the base layer.

In a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the invention, the base layer includes a depression below the heel of the foot.

The invention also provides a high-heeled shoe comprising a template which comprises a base layer comprising a heel region, an arc region and a forefoot region; and a raised portion located substantially in the region of the arch configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe.

In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the insole is removable from the high-heeled shoe.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the insole is integrated into the high-heeled shoe.

The invention further provides a method for increasing comfort when wearing high-heeled shoes, which comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a jig comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region, an arch region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe.

The invention also provides a method for increasing the stability during heel strike when walking in high-heeled shoes, which comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a footbed comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region , an arc region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arc region configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe.

The invention also provides a method for increasing the stability of the support of a foot when walking in a high-heeled shoe, which comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a footbed comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region , an arc region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arc region configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe, wherein the raised portion elongates a platform of Heel and therefore increases the support stability of the foot.

The invention further provides a method for reducing the pressure exerted on a forefoot when in high-heeled shoes, which comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a jig comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region, a arc region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arc region configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe thereby transferring the body weight back to the heel due to the lifted portion, thus reducing the pressure on the forefoot.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will be more fully apparent from the following description of the illustrations, the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, the claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1A is a top view of an embodiment of an example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 B is a side view of the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view, along line A-A 'shown in FIG. 1A, of the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view, along the line ?-?' shown in FIG. 1A, of the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view, along the line C-C shown in FIG. 1A, of the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a front view of the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 3A shows a data bar graph of arithmetic mean for pooled data for maximum strength for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows an arithmetic mean data bar chart for pooled data for maximum pressure for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 3C shows a data bar graph of arithmetic mean for grouped data for contact time for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 3D shows a data bar graph of arithmetic mean for grouped data for the contact area for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a data bar graph of arithmetic mean for pooled data for maximum strength for 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B shows an arithmetic mean data bar chart for pooled data for maximum pressure for 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 4C shows a data bar graph of arithmetic mean for grouped data for the contact time for high-heeled 8-centimeter shoes without insoles, and 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

FIG. 4D shows a data bar graph of arithmetic mean for grouped data for the contact area for 8 cm high heeled shoes without insoles, and 8 cm high heeled shoes with stencils according to the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a map of foot pressures using high-heeled shoes without a template.

FIG. 5B is a foot pressure map using high-heeled shoes with the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is another foot pressure map using high-heeled shoes without a template.

FIG. 6B is another foot pressure map using high-heeled shoes with the embodiment of the example footwear insole for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figures 1A-2D illustrate an embodiment of an example footwear insole 1 for high-heeled shoes, according to the present invention. Although the figures show a right foot embodiment of the footwear insole of example 1, it should be understood that a left foot embodiment of the footwear insole of example 1 would be a mirror image of the figures shown.

Figures 1A, 1C and 2D show different views of an embodiment of an example footwear insole 1 for high-heeled shoes. FIG. 1A is a top view, FIG. 1 B is a side view, FIG. 1 C is a bottom view, and FIG. 2D is a front view of the embodiment of the footwear insole of example 1. Figures 1A, 1 B, 1 C, and 2D show a base layer 2 extending between a heel region 3 and a forefoot region 5 of the insole 1. The base layer 2 can extend from the region 3 under the heel to a region 5 under the forefoot but preferably not under the toes. However, it is understood that in use with smaller feet, eg, size 5 for women (US) and smaller feet, there may be some contact between the base layer and the fingers. Preferably, the base layer 2 can have a length of 90.0 ± 4.0 mm, and a width in the forefoot region 5 of 64.0 ± 3.0 mm. The base layer 2 can be made of polyurethane gel, SEBS gel or any other similar material. In certain embodiments, the base layer will have a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of between about 58 and 74, and preferably about 66. Optionally, the base layer 2 may include a depression or heel cup (not shown) in the heel region 3, in which the heel of the foot may fit.

Figures 1A, 1B, and 2D also show a raised portion 4 in the prominent arc region from the upper surface of the base layer 2, i.e., the surface in contact with the bottom of a foot when in use. The raised portion 4 is configured to be approximately under the arch of the foot, more particularly in contact with the central area of the arch region of the foot to support the plantar fascia when the foot is in the high-heeled shoe. Preferably the raised portion 4 is configured to support the plantar fascia distal to the calcaneus. The raised portion 4 can be made of polyurethane gel, SEBS gel or any other similar material. Preferably, the raised portion 4 has a softer durometer range than the base layer 2. In certain embodiments the raised portion 4 will have a Shore 000 durometer between about 22 and 38, and preferably about 30. In certain embodiments, the raised portion 4 has a tactile and conforming feel that can conform to the shape of the arch of the foot, preferably substantially under the plantar fascia of the foot, when the foot is inserted into the shoe.

Additionally, the raised portion 4 is configured to allow the foot to descend into the jig 1 and increase the stability during the heel strike.

Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C show different cross-sectional views of the embodiment of the example footwear insole 1 for high-heeled shoes. Figure 2A shows a cross-sectional view in the bead region 3 along the line AA 'shown in Figure 1A, Figure 2B shows a cross-sectional view through the arch region and the raised portion 4 along the line BB 'shown in Figure 1A, and Figure 2C shows a cross-sectional view in the forefoot region 5 along the line CC shown in Figure 1A.

In the cross-sectional view of Figure 2A, the base layer 2 has an approximately uniform thickness in the heel region 3. Preferably, the base layer 2 can have a thickness of 1.7 ± 1.0 mm in the heel region 3. If The bead region 3 includes an optional depression or bead cup (not shown), the cross-sectional view of Figure 2A may include a corresponding variable thickness of the base layer 2 in the heel region 3. In the view of cross section of Figure 2C, the base layer 2 also has an approximately uniform thickness under the forefoot region 5. Preferably, the base layer 2 can have a thickness of 1.7 ± 0.5 mm in the forefoot region 5.

In the cross-sectional view of Figure 2B, the base layer 2 has an approximately uniform thickness under the arch of the foot. Serving raised 4 is prominent from the upper surface of the base layer 2 and provides an increased thickness of the insole 1. The raised portion is preferably located substantially centrally between the middle and lateral arch of the foot when the foot is in contact with the insole . Preferably, the raised portion 4 can have a maximum thickness of 6.7 ± 1.5 mm in the area of the ridge 6.

By providing increased thickness of the insole 1 centrally under the arc region of the foot per raised portion 4 according to the present invention, the insole 1 creates more contact between the foot and shoe in the area of the plantar fascia of the foot when used high heels. In addition, the insole 1 according to the present invention can reduce pressures under the prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint in the forefoot region 5 when high-heeled shoes are used.

Additionally, the insole 1 according to the present invention can have the effect of lengthening the heel platform and / or creating the cup shape in the heel to increase the support stability. In addition, the template 1 may allow the body weight to be shifted back into the heel region 3 to relieve excessive pressure in the forefoot region 5, by increasing the heel support platform and / or arch contact. In addition, the template 1 can increase the arch contact by the prominent raised portion 4 when walking to facilitate a more natural stride. In addition, the insole 1 can improve posture by increasing comfort in high-heeled shoes, according to one or a combination of the above characteristics.

In a non-limiting preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jig 1 may be a 3/4 length jig which extends longitudinally forward from the heel region 3 to a position in the forefoot region 5 backward of the fingers of the foot The template 1 may include a base layer 2 and a raised portion 4 prominently from the upper surface of the base layer 2 substantially under the arch of the foot. In addition, the raised portion 4 may include a ridge 6 that fits into the arch of the foot, particularly in contact with the arch region of the foot to support the plantar fascia, when the foot is in the high-heeled shoe. Preferably the raised portion 4 is configured to support the plantar fascia distal to the calcaneus. The base layer 2 can be made of polyurethane gel, and the protrusion that contacts the arc 4 can be made of a SEBS gel or gel of similar material softer than the material of the base layer 2. Additionally, the region of heel 3 may include a depression or heel cup in which the heel of the foot may fit. The template 1 can increase the maximum force, maximum pressure, and contact area in the arch of the foot while reducing the maximum force and peak pressures in the region of heel 3 and the forefoot region 5.

One method of using a jig 1 to increase comfort in high-heeled shoes may comprise the step of increasing contact with a foot arch by a raised portion 4, in which jig 1 includes a base layer 2 extending from a region from heel 3 to a forefoot region 5 of the foot, and a raised portion 4 fixed to the base layer 2 and located in the arc region of the template.

The method of using a jig 1 therefore also provides a method for increasing stability during heel strike when walking in high-heeled shoes.

The method of using a jig 1 therefore also provides a method for increasing the stability of the foot support when walking in a high-heeled shoe whereby the raised portion 4 elongates the heel platform of the shoe thereby increasing the support stability of the foot The method of using the insole therefore also provides a method for reducing the pressure exerted on a forefoot when in high-heeled shoes a raised portion 4 located substantially in the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of the foot when the foot is inserted in a high-heeled shoe transfers the body weight back to the heel region 3 by the raised portion 4, thus reducing the pressure on the forefoot.

Methods of manufacturing stencils from polyurethane or styrenic gels or similar materials are known in the state of the art. Representative methods are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060026865 and references cited therein. The Disclosure of this publication is incorporated herein in its entirety in this specification.

Experimental Procedures and Data Embodiments of the example footwear insole 1 for high-heeled shoes of the present invention were tested to increase contact in the arch of the foot and reduce pressures in the forefoot region 3 of the foot. Ten women were recruited to evaluate the footwear in example 1 for high-heeled shoes. The subjects were classified based on a number of criteria including, for example, age, height, weight, foot size, general health, and others. In particular, women were asked to wear high-heeled shoes of at least 4 centimeters for a minimum of three days per week before the study.

For each subject, a Novel Electronics Pedar® measuring system was used to measure pressure under the foot. The system consisted of thin measuring insoles that were placed inside high-heeled shoes. Data was collected at 100 Hz, and the measured pressure output and contact area were used to calculate force. In addition, the data was analyzed on the entire foot and within several sections of the foot.

The embodiments of the example footwear insole 1 for high-heeled shoes were tested in two heel heights: 4 centimeters and 8 centimeters. All tests performed with subjects using the same brand and style of high-heeled shoes, except for one subject due to restrictions for footwear size.

Subjects randomly tested four experimental conditions: 4-centimeter heels without insoles; 4 cm heels with templates; 8 cm heels without insoles; and 8 cm heels with templates. Additionally, five trials were collected for each experimental condition for each subject. An essay consisted of a 20-meter walk at its own pace.

For each condition, the mean and standard deviation of maximum pressure was calculated from the five trials. The two trials more distant from the mean were discarded, and the three remaining trials were further analyzed. For each of the three remaining trials, the values for right and left feet were averaged together and then the three trials for each condition were averaged. The data was analyzed on the entire foot and within several sections of the foot. A paired T-test was used to compare group averages within each height condition of the heel on the entire foot and within the different sections of the foot (heel, arch, prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint, lateral forefoot, first finger (large joint). , and fingers). The level of statistical significance chosen was p < 0.05.

The data provided in Tables 1 to 8. The Table 1 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for maximum strength for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention.

As can be seen from the data, the maximum strength in the heel, lateral forefoot, first finger, and fingers decreases while the maximum force in the arc increases when using example templates according to the present invention.

TABLE 1 Table 2 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for maximum pressure for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the maximum pressure in the bead, first finger, and fingers decreases while the maximum pressure in the arc increases when using example templates according to the present invention.

TABLE 2 Table 3 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for contact time for 4 cm high heel shoes without insoles, and 4 cm high heel shoes with templates according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the contact time increases in both the heel and the arc when using example templates according to the present invention.

TABLE 3 Table 4 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for contact area for 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 4-centimeter high-heeled shoes with insoles according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the contact area in the bead decreases while the contact area in the arc increases when example templates according to the present invention are used.

TABLE 4 Table 5 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for maximum strength for 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes without insoles, and 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the maximum strength in the heel, prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint, lateral forefoot, first finger, and fingers decreases while the maximum strength in the arch increases when example templates according to the present invention are used.

TABLE 5 Table 6 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for maximum pressure for 8 cm high heel shoes without insoles, and 8 cm high heel shoes with templates according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the maximum pressure in the heel, prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and fingers decreases while the maximum pressure in the arch increases when example templates according to the present invention are used.

TABLE 6 Table 7 shows the data of arithmetic mean for grouped data for the contact time for high-heeled shoes of 8 centimeters without insoles, and high-heeled shoes of 8 centimeters with templates according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the contact time decreases in both the heel and the arc when example templates according to the present invention are used.

TABLE 7 Table 8 shows the arithmetic mean data for grouped data for the contact area for high-heeled 8-centimeter shoes without insoles, and 8-centimeter high-heeled shoes with templates according to the present invention. As can be seen from the data, the contact area in the bead decreases while the contact area in the arch increases when example templates according to the present invention are used.

TABLE 8 Figures 3A to 3D, and 4A to 4D graphically represent the data in Tables 1 to 8. The asterisks that highlight several data points in Figures 3A to 3D, and 4A to 4D indicate data points that have statistical significance, as previously disclosed. The remaining data points show trends in the data but may not include enough samples to achieve statistical significance.

Figure 3A shows the means for grouped data of maximum strength for heels of 4 centimeters, which correspond to the data in Table 1. These results show a statistically significant reduction in maximum strength in the area of the toes when the templates are used 1 according to the present invention, as well as a decrease in maximum strength in the heel and an increase in maximum force in the arch of the foot.

Figure 3B shows the means for grouped data of maximum pressure for heels of 4 centimeters, which correspond to the data in Table 2. These results show a statistically significant reduction in maximum pressure in the heel and the area of the toes when they use templates 1 according to the present invention, as well as an increase in maximum pressure in the arch of the foot.

Figure 3C shows the means for grouped contact time data for heels of 4 centimeters, which correspond to the data in Table 3. These results show an increase in contact time in both the heel and the arc when using templates 1 according to the present invention.

Figure 3D shows the means for grouped data of contact area for heels of 4 centimeters, corresponding to the data of the Table 4. These results show a statistically significant increase in the contact area in the arch when using templates 1 according to the present invention, as well as a decrease in contact area in the heel.

Figure 4A shows the means for pooled data of maximum strength for heels of 8 centimeters, which correspond to the data in Table 5. These results show a statistically significant reduction in maximum strength in the area of prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot and a statistically significant increase in maximum strength in the arch of the foot when insoles 1 are used according to the present invention, as well as decreases in maximum strength in the heel, lateral forefoot, first finger (great web), and fingers.

Figure 4B shows the means for pooled data of maximum pressure for heels of 8 centimeters, which correspond to the data in Table 6. These results show a decrease in maximum pressure in the heel, prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint, and area of fingers, and an increase in maximum pressure in the arc when the templates 1 according to the present invention are used.

Figure 4C shows the means for grouped contact time data for heels of 8 centimeters, which correspond to the data in Table 7. These results show a statistically significant decrease in contact time in the arc when templates 1 are used according to the present invention, as well as a decrease in contact time in the heel.

Figure 4D shows the means for grouped data of contact area for heels of 8 centimeters, corresponding to the data of the Table 8. These results show a statistically significant increase in area of contact in the arch and a statistically significant decrease in contact area in the heel when the templates 1 according to the present invention are used.

Based on the above data and graphs in Tables 1 to 8, Figures 3A to 3D, and 4A to 4D, the example templates 1 according to the present invention create a change in force and pressure dynamics, as well as a change in contact dynamics. Generally, the maximum force and maximum pressure are reduced in the heel and forefoot regions, while the maximum force and maximum pressure are increased in the area of the arch.

In addition, the contact area is reduced in the bead region, while the contact area is increased in the arch area.

In addition, Figures 5A and 5B show a group of examples of foot pressure maps using high-heeled shoes without insoles (Fig. 5A) and with example templates (Fig. 5B), according to the present invention.

Additionally, Figures 6A and 6B show another set of examples of foot pressure maps using high-heeled shoes without insoles (Fig. 6A) and with example templates (Fig. 6B), according to the present invention. In the pressure maps of these Figures, the pressure is indicated on a scale in a range from relative low pressure P1 to relative high pressure P6. As it can be seen in the figures, when the templates 1 according to the present invention are used, the pressure is decreased in the forefoot and heel regions of the feet, while the pressure is increased in the arches of the feet. These changes are shown in Figures 5B and 6B by smaller and smaller areas of high pressure in the forefoot and heel regions of the feet, and by markedly larger areas of increased pressure in the arches of the feet. In particular, in Figures 5B and 6B the increase in pressure under the metatarsals along the side of the foot, in the cuboid region and distal thereof, demonstrates the effect of the centrally located raised portion of the insole as opposed. to a normal arc support which would show pressure in the middle arc.

Based on the above experimental data and results, significant positive effects were observed at both heel heights when the templates 1 according to the present invention are used. The positive effects were more pronounced in 8-centimeter heels than in 4-centimeter heels. In the 8-centimeter heels, the results show that the maximum force due to body weight changed significantly from the prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint to the arch when the templates 1 according to the present invention are used. In addition, the contact area in the arc increased significantly when the templates 1 according to the present invention are used. Therefore, the templates of example 1 achieve a reduction in strength and pressure under the prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint due to body weight by increasing the area of contact under the arch, thus moving the body weight from the prominence of the metatarsophalangeal joint to the arch.

The foregoing description discloses only non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. Those modifications of the footwear insole previously disclosed for high-heeled shoes, as well as methods for using same, which are within the scope of the invention, will be readily apparent to those with common skill in the state of the art.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the above non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that other embodiments may be within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1 . A removable insole for high-heeled shoes, which comprises: a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch region and a forefoot region; and a raised portion located substantially in the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe in contact with the insole.

2. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion is configured to support the distal plantar fascia with respect to the calcaneus of the foot.

3. The insole according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion is substantially centrally configured between the middle and lateral arch of the foot when the foot is in contact with the insole.

4. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the template is a non-planar structure.

5. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the base layer comprises polyurethane gel.

6. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the base layer comprises a SEBS gel.

7. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises polyurethane gel.

8. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises SEBS gel.

9. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises a material having a softer durometer (hardness) than the base layer.

10. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the base layer has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between 58 and 74 approximately.

11. The template according to claim 10, further characterized in that the base layer has a Shore 000 hardness (hardness) of about 66.

12. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion has a hardness meter (hardness) Shore 000 between approximately 22 and 38.

13. The jig according to claim 12, further characterized in that the raised portion has a hardness (Shore hardness) of about 30.

14. The insole according to claim 1, further characterized in that the raised portion is configured to elongate the heel platform of the shoe.

15. The template according to claim 1, further characterized in that the base layer includes a depression in the bead region.

16. A high-heeled shoe which comprises a footbed comprising: a base layer comprising a heel region, an arch region and a forefoot region; and a raised portion located substantially in the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe.

17. The high-heeled shoe according to claim 16, further characterized in that the insole is a removable insole.

18. The high-heeled shoe according to claim 16, further characterized in that the insole is integrated into the shoe.

19. A method to increase comfort when wearing high-heeled shoes, the method comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a jig comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region, an arch region and a forefoot region and a raised portion substantially located in the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe.

20. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the template is a removable template.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized further because the template is integrated into the shoe.

22. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the base layer comprises polyurethane gel.

23. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the base layer comprises SEBS gel.

24. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises polyurethane gel.

25. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises SEBS gel.

26. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises a material having a softer durometer (hardness) than the base layer.

27. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the base layer has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between 58 and 74 approximately.

28. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the base layer has a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of about 66.

29. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the raised portion has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between approximately 22 and 38.

30. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that the raised portion has a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of about 30.

31. A method for increasing stability during heel strike when walking in high-heeled shoes, the method comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a footbed comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region, an arc region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arch region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe.

32. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the template is a removable template.

33. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the insole is integrated into the shoe.

34. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the base layer comprises polyurethane gel.

35. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the base layer comprises a SEBS gel.

36. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises polyurethane gel.

37. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the lifted portion comprises SEBS gel.

38. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises a material having a softer durometer (hardness) than the base layer.

39. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the base layer has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between approximately 58 and 74.

40. The method according to claim 39, further characterized in that the base layer has a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of about 66.

41. The method according to claim 31, further characterized in that the raised portion has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between 22 and 38 approximately.

42. The method according to claim 41, further characterized in that the raised portion has a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of about 30.

43. A method for increasing the support stability of the foot when walking with high-heeled shoes, the method comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a jig comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region, an arch region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arc region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe, wherein the raised portion elongates a heel platform thus increasing stability of foot support.

44. The method according to claim 43, characterized further because the template is a removable template.

45. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the insole is integrated into the shoe.

46. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the base layer comprises polyurethane gel.

47. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the base layer comprises a SEBS gel.

48. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises polyurethane gel.

49. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises SEBS gel.

50. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises a material having a softer durometer (hardness) than the base layer.

51. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the base layer has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between approximately 58 and 74.

52. The method according to claim 51, further characterized in that the base layer has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 of about 66.

53. The method according to claim 43, further characterized in that the raised portion has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between 22 and 38 approximately.

54. The method according to claim 53, further characterized in that the raised portion has a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of about 30.

55. A method to reduce the pressure exerted on a forefoot when in high-heeled shoes, the method comprises incorporating into the high-heeled shoe a jig comprising a base layer which in turn comprises a heel region, an arc region and a forefoot region and a raised portion located substantially in the arc region configured to support the plantar fascia of a foot when the foot is inserted into a high-heeled shoe thereby transferring the body weight back to the heel due to the raised portion, thus reducing the pressure in the forefoot.

56. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the template is a removable template.

57. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the insole is integrated into the shoe.

58. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the base layer comprises polyurethane gel.

59. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the base layer comprises a SEBS gel.

60. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the raised portion comprises gel of polyurethane.

61. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the lifted portion comprises SEBS gel.

62. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the lifted portion comprises a material having a softer durometer (hardness) than the base layer.

63. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the base layer has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between approximately 58 and 74.

64. The method according to claim 63, further characterized in that the base layer has a Shore 000 durometer (hardness) of about 66.

65. The method according to claim 55, further characterized in that the raised portion has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 between approximately 22 and 38.

66. The method according to claim 65, further characterized in that the raised portion has a durometer (hardness) Shore 000 of about 30.