DE102015220865A1 - Shoeupper - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shoe upper (11) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising a rear portion (14) and a front portion (15), wherein the front portion (15) is graduated smaller than the rear portion (14), and wherein the front portion (15) is more flexible than the rear portion (14).

Description

I. Technical area

The present invention relates to a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe and a method for producing a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe.

II. State of the art

Shoes should fit their wearer as well as possible and must not be too big or too small. Too big a shoe does not optimally cover the foot. The foot does not have enough grip and there is a risk that the wearer will fold over. A shoe that is too big is particularly noticeable in sports shoes when sudden changes of direction, acceleration or stops occur. In such movements, a too large shoe can not adequately convey the forces that occur between the foot and the floor. The risk of injury is considerable.

In ball sports such as football, rugby or football too big a shoe is also disadvantageous from the point of view of ball control. Football players usually prefer shoes that give them a direct feel for the ball to control the ball optimally, be it dribbling or a shot. This requirement can not meet a too large shoe.

On the other hand, a shoe should not be too small. Too small shoes narrow the foot and affect the blood circulation in the foot. This fatigues the foot faster or even causes a feeling of numbness after some time. Too tight shoes can also cause pressure sores, blisters and abrasions.

The above problems are aggravated by the fact that people usually do not have completely mirror-symmetrical feet. One foot is usually slightly larger than the other and occupies a larger volume. As a rule, in right-footed people, that is, people who prefer the right foot, the right foot is stronger than the left, and in the case of left-footed feet, the reverse is true. Also, the length and in particular the width between the right and left foot can be different.

Various approaches are known in the art to improve the fit and fit of shoes.

For example, relates to US 2014/0059889 A1 a shoe of variable length and flexible shape due to a flexible, sectional sole and a flexible shoe upper corresponding to the forefoot portion of a wearer's foot.

The US 2014/0041256 A1 relates to a shoe pattern which is extensible along its longitudinal axis using a sliding outsole configuration and / or a sliding insole configuration.

The US 7,055,268 B2 relates to a length-adjustable shoe. The shoe has an outsole, an insole attached to the outsole, a shoe upper attached to the insole, means for adjusting the length of the insole provided on the insole, a shoe upper tensioning member provided on the shoe upper, and means for detecting a front part and a rear part of the shoe Shoe top, which is divided by the shoe upper tensioning element to adjust a size of the shoe according to a foot size of a wearer.

The US 8,938,890 B2 relates to a stretchable shoe having an upper portion, a pair of side portions, a rear portion, a sole, a heel, and a first elastic member. The first elastic member connects the upper portion with the pair of side portions at a critical location located in the connecting portion of the upper portion and the side portions.

However, the known solutions in the prior art are very expensive, expensive and increase the weight of the shoe, since special mechanical devices are used to adjust the length of the shoe. On the other hand, it is often not sufficient to merely adjust the length of the shoe, since often the width of the shoe is the critical size that makes a shoe sit well or poorly on the foot.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object is to provide a shoe upper which firmly encloses a foot of a wearer, is inexpensive to manufacture and lightweight.

This object is achieved by a shoe upper according to claim 1 and a method for producing a shoe upper according to claim 18. The dependent claims contain advantageous developments.

III. Summary of the invention

The shoe upper according to the invention for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, has a rear portion and a front portion, wherein the front portion is smaller graded than the rear portion and wherein the front portion is more flexible than the rear portion.

Grading is the production of further shoe sizes from a pattern strip, a pattern shoe or a pattern shoe top, i. zoom in or out of the pattern. The pattern bar, the pattern shoe or the pattern shoe top (the pattern) is thus scaled according to established rules in order to obtain patterns of other shoe sizes. For example, if the pattern corresponds to men's shoe size 43 according to the European measurement system, grading may be used to pattern e.g. the shoe size 45 won. In this case, both the length and the width of the output pattern are increased by predetermined amounts. The initial pattern usually corresponds to a representative population average.

The inventor has recognized that a shoe upper which gives the foot very good hold and is particularly suitable for sports activities is obtained by grading a front portion of the shoe upper smaller than a rear portion based on an initial pattern. The smaller grade of the front portion provides a firm fit of the shoe upper, since the front portion closely encloses the forefoot area. This is particularly advantageous in ball sports, where it depends on an immediate contact with the ball. The tight fit of the front section also prevents the shoe from sitting too loosely and reduces the risk of kinking. Nevertheless, the shoe is not too small, since the back section corresponds to the shoe size that results from ordinary grading. Thus, the front portion of a shoe upper for a men's shoe, for example, in the rear portion of the European Maßsystem the shoe size 45 and in the front portion of the shoe size 44 correspond.

The front section is also more flexible than the rear section. This allows the front section to conform to and closely enclose the foot. The extensibility, however, prevents at the same time the formation of pressure points and the impairment of the blood circulation. Due to the stretchability of the front portion in conjunction with its smaller grade, the shoe upper can also optimally have different foot volumes, e.g. distinguish between right and left foot, adjust.

According to the invention, the transition from the front portion to the rear portion of the shoe upper may be in the midfoot area. For example, this transition may be arranged approximately in the middle of the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper. Alternatively, this transition may divide the longitudinal axis in the ratio of about 1 to 2, with the smaller portion located in the front region of the shoe upper.

The front portion may be graded smaller by at least a full shoe size than the rear portion. As a result, the front portion can closely enclose the forefoot area and cause a good fit of the shoe upper on the foot. Especially in football boots, it has been found to be advantageous to grade the front portion of a shoe size smaller than the rear portion, as this ball feel can be improved.

The front portion may be at least smaller in size than the rear portion. The length of the shoe upper can correspond to the length of a usually graded shoe upper. However, the width of the front portion is smaller than in an ordinary shoe upper, whereby the foot can be particularly well enclosed without the toes are concentrated in the longitudinal direction.

The front portion may be more extensible in one direction than in another direction. As a result, the extensibility of the front portion can be oriented according to the requirements.

The front portion may be more stretchable in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper than in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper. By this measure, the front portion of the shoe upper can adapt to the width of the foot. At the same time, the shoe upper is prevented from yielding too much in the longitudinal direction and the foot does not have optimal support and, e.g. Slips forward during braking movements.

The rear portion may be more extensible in at least two directions than in a different third direction. For example, the rear portion may be more stretchable in a direction orthogonal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper than in a third direction different therefrom (e.g., a diagonal direction). This allows the rear portion of the shoe upper to conform to the foot shape in length and width.

The rear portion and the front portion may be sewn together. For example, the front and the rear section Sewn together on a fully automatic sewing machine, whereby the manufacturing cost of the shoe upper can be reduced.

The rear portion and the front portion may be made of synthetic polyurethane material. The polyurethane material may be applied to a substrate. The carrier material may be a layer of textile material. The textile carrier material may be based on microfibers. Alternatively, the carrier material may also be based on a woven, knitted, knitted fabric, or combinations thereof. Polyurethane is easily processed and applied to textiles, e.g. in liquid form. Alternatively, the rear portion and the front portion may be made of natural leather or artificial leather. Preferably, the backing material used determines the extensibility of the back and front portions. The extensibility of the rear and front portion is preferably adjustable via the carrier material. In principle, different carrier materials can be used for the front section and the rear section.

On the front portion, a stretchability reducing layer may be applied in at least a portion of the front portion. As a result, the extensibility of the front portion can be adjusted specifically. For example, a first portion of the front portion may not be coated with the stretchability reducing layer. This first area is therefore stretchable and allows the front portion to conform to the foot. A second portion of the front portion may be coated with the extensibility-reducing layer. This second area therefore contributes to the stability of the shoe upper. For example, the second area can be the toe section, which is usually exposed to particularly high loads.

The layer may be a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane. Thermoplastic polyurethane is easy to process and low in stretchability. Alternatively, non-stretchable rubber may also be used.

The foil may be applied to the front portion by welding. Welding is a relatively fast process that can be automated. As a welding technique, for example, high-frequency, ultrasonic, infrared or laser welding can be used.

The front portion may be adapted to cover a forefoot area of a foot when worn and the rear portion may be adapted to cover a rear foot area of a foot when worn. This division between the front portion and the rear portion of the shoe upper allows a good adaptation to the foot shape and gives the foot the necessary support.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a shoe comprising a sole and a shoe upper as described above.

In the case of the shoe according to the invention, the sole can be graded the same throughout as the back section of the shoe upper. This gives the shoe sole a length and width corresponding to a usually graded shoe sole.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising the steps of providing a rear portion of the shoe upper, providing a front portion of the shoe upper, wherein the front portion is graded smaller than that rear section, and connecting the rear section and the front section.

The front portion may be graded smaller by at least a full shoe size than the rear portion. As a result, the front portion can closely enclose the forefoot area and cause a good fit of the shoe upper on the foot. Especially in football boots, it has been found to be advantageous to grade the front portion of a shoe size smaller than the rear portion, as this ball feel can be improved.

The step of providing the rear portion may include punching the rear portion from a first sheet of material. The step of providing the front portion may include punching the front portion from a second sheet of material. Punching is a step that can be done quickly and be automated.

The first material layer may be different from the second material layer. As a result, a different material can be provided for the front section than for the rear section. The materials may differ in their properties. For example, the second material layer may be more elastic than the first material layer. This allows the front section to conform to and closely enclose the foot. The extensibility, however, prevents at the same time the formation of pressure points and the impairment of the blood circulation. Due to the stretchability of the front portion in conjunction with its smaller gradation, the upper produced by the inventive shoe upper can also optimally adjust different foot volumes, eg between right and left foot.

The second material layer may be more extensible in one direction than in another direction. As a result, the extensibility of the front portion can be oriented according to the requirements.

The first material layer may be more extensible in at least two directions than in a different third direction. For example, the rear portion may be more stretchable in a direction orthogonal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper than in a third direction different therefrom (e.g., a diagonal direction). This allows the rear portion of the shoe upper to conform to the foot shape in length and width.

The step of connecting the rear portion and the front portion may include sewing the rear portion to the front portion. For example, the front and the rear portion can be sewn together on a fully automatic sewing machine, whereby the manufacturing cost of the shoe upper can be reduced.

The method of the invention may further comprise the step of applying a stretchability reducing layer in at least a portion of the front portion. As a result, the extensibility of the front portion can be adjusted specifically. For example, a first portion of the front portion may not be coated with the stretchability reducing layer. This first area is therefore stretchable and allows the front portion to conform to the foot. A second portion of the front portion may be coated with the extensibility-reducing layer. This second area therefore contributes to the stability of the shoe upper. For example, the second area can be the toe section, which is usually exposed to particularly high loads.

The step of applying may include welding the layer. Welding is a relatively fast process that can be automated.

As a welding technique, for example, high-frequency, ultrasonic, infrared or laser welding can be used.

The steps of providing the back and front portions may include applying synthetic polyurethane material to a substrate. The textile carrier material may be based on microfibers. Alternatively, the carrier material may also be based on a woven, knitted, knitted fabric, or combinations thereof. Synthetic polyurethane is easy to work with and has low extensibility. Alternatively, non-stretchable rubber may also be used. Preferably, the backing material used determines the extensibility of the back and front portions. The extensibility of the rear and front portion is preferably adjustable via the carrier material. In principle, different carrier materials can be used for the front section and the rear section.

By means of the method according to the invention described above, a shoe upper according to the invention can be produced, as described above.

IV. Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures show:

1A a lateral view of an embodiment of a shoe with a shoe upper according to the invention;

1B a medial view of the embodiment 1A ;

1C a front view of the embodiment 1A ;

2 a schematic representation of the grading of a shoe upper part; and

3 a schematic representation of the grading of a shoe upper according to the invention.

V. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Hereinafter, embodiments and modifications of the present invention will be described in more detail.

An embodiment of a shoe 10 , which is a shoe upper according to the invention 11 is included in the 1A . 1B and 1C shown. It shows the 1A a lateral view, the 1B a medial view and the 1C a front view. The shoe 10 has an inventive shoe upper 11 and a sole 12 on. In the in the 1A . 1B and 1C shown shoe 10 it is a football boot. Accordingly, the sole 12 equipped with studs, of which in the 1A . 1B and 1C two examples with the reference numeral 13 are designated. However, the invention is not limited to football boots, but may be applied to shoes for other sports such as rugby, football, basketball, volleyball and golf. The invention can also be applied to shoes which are not sports shoes, such as casual shoes.

As in the 1A . 1B and 1C shown, the shoe upper 11 a back section 14 and a front section 15 on. The rear section 14 and the front section 15 For example, along the seam 16 be sewn. This can be done on a suitable sewing machine. Alternatively, the rear section 14 and the front section 15 also be welded together (eg by means of ultrasonic, infrared, high-frequency or laser welding).

In the embodiment of 1A . 1B and 1C the seam runs 16 between the rear area 14 and the front area 15 S-shaped from a forward instep to an area in the transition from the tarsus to the metatarsals. In principle, however, another arrangement of the seam is conceivable, for example in the middle of the shoe upper 11 or further forward in a toe area.

The front section 15 and the back section 14 are in the embodiment of 1A . 1B and 1C made of synthetic polyurethane material. For this purpose, the polyurethane material was applied to a layer of textile carrier material (not shown in the figures). The textile substrate is based on microfibers. In principle, however, another carrier material and another coating can be used in the context of the present invention. It is also possible the back section 14 and / or the front section 15 made of eg leather, synthetic leather, mesh, knitted fabric, knitwear, or combinations thereof. Also in this case it is possible the rear section 14 and / or the front section 15 to coat.

Basically, the rear section 14 and the front section 15 each punched out of a material layer. The material layer for the back section 14 may be different from the material layer for the front section 15 differ. For example, the material layer for the front section 15 be more elastic. Alternatively, the rear section 14 and the front section 15 also be cut out of a material layer. It is also possible, for example, the two sections 14 and 15 to work or knit directly in the desired shape.

According to the invention, the front section 15 less graded than the rear section 15 , Grading is the making of other patterns for other shoe sizes, starting from a pattern strip, a pattern shoe, or a pattern shoe top, ie, enlarging or reducing the size of the pattern. The pattern bar, the pattern shoe or the pattern shoe top (the pattern) is thus scaled according to established rules in order to obtain patterns of other shoe sizes. For example, if the pattern matches the men's shoe size 43 according to the European measurement system, grading can be used to obtain a pattern, for example, shoe size 45. In this case, both the length and the width of the output pattern are increased by predetermined amounts. The initial pattern usually corresponds to a representative population average.

The example of 2 In the following, the process of grading will be described, as far as it is useful for the understanding of the present invention. in the 2 is schematically a pattern shoe top 21 shown. This pattern shoe top 21 In its dimensions corresponds to a representative population average and a certain shoe size, for example, the men's shoe size 43 in the European system of measurement. To get out of this pattern shoe top 21 To obtain pattern shoe tops for other shoe sizes, the pattern shoe shell must 21 be graded. Grading essentially means that the pattern shoe top 21 is scaled so that pattern shoe tops are obtained for other shoe sizes, which are suitable for the largest possible proportion of the population with the appropriate shoe size. For example, when grading the pattern shoe top 21 , which corresponds to the men's shoe size 43, a pattern shoe top for the shoe size 45 are obtained, which fits the largest possible proportion of the population with the shoe size 45.

That in the 2 shown pattern shoe top 21 is folded, ie the lateral side, the boundary with the reference numeral 21a is designated, and the medial side, the boundary with the reference numeral 21b is partially overlapped. In addition, in the 2 also a pattern strip 22 (dashed line) shown.

When grading is usually first a center line 23 of the pattern shoe shell 21 Are defined. Subsequently, on this center line 23 one point 24 Are defined. This point 24 , which is also called the grading center, represents the starting point for the subsequent grading process. The point 24 For example, it can be chosen to be the centerline 23 in the ratio 1 to 2 shares, other conditions are possible. When grading, the width and length of the Pattern shoe upper 21 scaled separately from each other. For scaling the width, for example, starting from the point 23 another point 25 be defined, which a certain distance (eg 20 mm) from the point 24 Has. Another point 26 defines the center of the lateral boundary 21a and the medial boundary 21b , The wide 27 of the pattern shoe shell 21 can then between the point 25 and the point 26 perpendicular to the midline 23 be measured.

When grading is now the width 27 changed according to previously defined values. For example, in the British measurement system (UK) the width can be increased or decreased by 1 mm for half the shoe size. Has the pattern shoe top 21 that is, a certain width of x mm, the pattern shoe top would have the width x + 1 mm for the next larger half shoe size in the British measurement system. Accordingly, the next smaller half shoe size would have the width x - 1 mm. In the French measurement system (F), for example, the width could be increased or decreased by 2 mm per full shoe size.

Grading also changes the length of the pattern shoe top 21 changed. However, this change does not occur with the same amounts as the width 27 because a larger foot usually has a disproportionately greater length than width compared to a smaller foot. For example, in the British measurement system (UK), the length could be increased or decreased by 4.23 mm per half shoe size. Has the pattern shoe top 21 that is, a certain length of y mm, the pattern shoe top would have the length y + 4,23 mm for the next larger half shoe size in the British measurement system. Accordingly, the next smaller half shoe size would have the length y - 4.23 mm. In the French measurement system (F), for example, the length could be increased or decreased by 6.66 mm per full shoe size.

According to the invention, the shoe upper 11 a front section 15 which is smaller than the rear section 14 , This will be explained below on the basis of 3 explained in more detail. The 3 shows a pattern shoe top 31 with a rear section 14 and a front section 15 and a dividing line 32 between both sections 14 and 15 , which later the seam 16 which corresponds to the finished shoe upper 11 the two sections 14 and 15 connects with each other.

According to the invention, the above with reference to the 2 explained exemplary grading rules on the two sections 14 and 15 applied separately, with the front section 15 is graded smaller than the rear section 14 , Corresponds to the pattern shoe top 31 For example, the shoe size 9 in the British measurement system (UK), so the rear section 14 and the front section 15 graded as follows to obtain an exemplary shoe upper for shoe size 10½ (UK) according to the invention: The width of the pattern shoe upper 31 (Size 9 UK) is increased by 3 mm (1 mm per half size) and the length of the pattern shoe top 31 is enlarged by 12.69 mm (4.23 mm per half size) around the rear section 14 to obtain. In contrast to the ordinary grading as regards the 2 has been explained, the front section 15 but graded smaller. For example, the front section 15 correspond to a pattern shoe upper, which half a shoe size was graded smaller than for the rear section 14 , The width of the pattern shoe top 31 (Size 9 UK) is then increased by 2 mm (1 mm per half size) and the length of the pattern shoe top 31 is enlarged 8.46 mm (4.23 mm per half size) around the front section 15 to obtain.

The front section 15 can also be smaller by more than half a shoe size smaller than the rear section 14 , eg a full shoe size. The choice of the size difference also depends on the scale system in which the grading takes place, since different measurement systems are subdivided in different fineness. For example, in the British system of measurement the difference between two whole, adjacent shoe sizes (eg 9 UK compared to 10 UK) is greater than in the European measurement system (eg 43 EUR compared to 44 EUR).

It is also possible according to the invention, only the width or only the length of the front portion 15 to be graded smaller than the rear section 14 , For example, the width of the front section 15 of the shoe upper 11 to be smaller than the width of the back section by one shoe size 14 while the lengths of both sections 14 and 15 graded by the same amount.

The sole 12 in the 1A . 1B and 1C shown shoe 10 is consistently graded the same, ie the sole 10 is as graded as the back section 14 of the shoe upper. If, for example, the back section corresponds to the shoe size 45, the shoe sole also corresponds 10 shoe size 45. In principle, however, it would also be possible, for example, a front portion of the sole 10 to be graded smaller.

In the embodiment of 1 . 1B and 1C is the front section 15 more elastic than the rear section 14 , This can be achieved by using a more flexible material for the front section than for the rear section. For example, the front section 15 and the back section 14 a carrier material, each with different extensibilities exhibit. The carrier material may be, for example, a layer of textile material, for example based on microfibers. Alternatively, the carrier material may also be based on a woven, knitted, knitted fabric, or combinations thereof. For the front section 15 and the back section 14 Different carrier materials can also be used.

The front section 15 does not have to have the same extensibility in all directions. For example, the front section 15 in a to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper 11 Orthogonal direction be more elastic than in one to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper 11 parallel direction. This can be achieved for example by a corresponding textile material. For example, certain knits or knits have anisotropic extensibilities due to a specific mesh structure.

Also the back section 14 may have anisotropic extensibility. For example, the rear portion may be more stretchable in a direction orthogonal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper than in a third direction different therefrom (eg, a diagonal direction). Materials having such anisotropic extensibilities are known as 4-way stretch materials. Also, certain knits or knits have such properties due to a special mesh structure.

In the embodiment of 1A . 1B and 1C is on the front section 15 in certain areas a foil 17 made of thermoplastic polyurethane. The foil 17 sets the extensibility of the front section 15 down to where it is applied. The foil 17 can eg by welding (eg infrared, high frequency, laser welding) on the front section 15 be applied. Instead of thermoplastic polyurethane, it is also possible to use another material which reduces stretchability, for example non-elastic rubber. In the embodiment of 1A . 1B and 1C is the foil 17 arranged in the front toe area and in the area of the transition of the metatarsals to the toe bones. In principle, however, another arrangement is possible.

In the embodiment of 1A . 1B and 1C has the shoe top 11 also a lining 18 on, which is under the back section 14 and the front section 15 of the shoe upper 11 extends. The extensibility of the material of the inner lining is at least as great as the extensibility of the material of the front section 15 , so that the extensibility of the front section 15 is not restricted. As material for the inner lining 18 For example, a polyurethane-coated inner lining can be used.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 2014/0059889 A1 [0007]
• US 2014/0041256 A1 [0008]
• US 7055268 B2 [0009]
• US 8938890 B2 [0010]

Claims (29)

Shoe upper ( 11 ) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising: a rear portion ( 14 ); and a front section ( 15 ), the front section ( 15 ) is smaller than the rear section ( 14 ), and wherein the front section ( 15 ) is more flexible than the rear section ( 14 ). Shoe upper part according to the preceding claim, wherein the front portion is at least one graded by a full shoe size smaller than the rear portion. Upper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion is at least smaller in size than the rear portion. Upper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion is more extensible in one direction than in another direction. A shoe upper according to the preceding claim, wherein the front portion is more extensible in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper than in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper. Upper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear portion is more extensible in at least two directions than in a different third direction. A shoe upper according to the preceding claim, wherein the rear portion is more stretchable in a direction orthogonal and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe upper than in a third direction different therefrom. Shoe upper part according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear portion and the front portion are sewn together. Upper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear portion and the front portion comprise synthetic polyurethane material. Shoe upper part according to the preceding claim, wherein the polyurethane material is applied to a carrier material. Shoe upper part according to one of the preceding claims, wherein on the front portion, a stretchability-reducing layer is applied in at least a portion of the front portion. Upper according to the preceding claim, wherein the layer is a thermoplastic polyurethane sheet. Upper according to the preceding claim, wherein the film is applied to the front portion by means of welding. A shoe upper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front portion is adapted to cover a forefoot area of a foot when worn and the rear portion is adapted to cover a rear foot area of a foot when worn. Shoe ( 10 ), comprising: a. a sole ( 12 ); and b. a shoe top ( 11 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Shoe according to the preceding claim, wherein the sole is continuously graded equal to the rear portion of the shoe upper. Method for producing a shoe upper ( 11 ) for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, comprising the steps of: providing a rear portion ( 14 ) of the shoe upper ( 11 ); Providing a front section ( 15 ) of the shoe upper ( 11 ), the front section ( 15 ) is smaller than the rear section ( 14 ) and wherein the front section ( 15 ) is more flexible than the rear section ( 14 ); and connecting the rear section ( 14 ) and the front section ( 15 ). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the front portion is graduated at least a full shoe size smaller than the rear portion. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing the rear portion comprises stamping the rear portion from a first sheet of material. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the step of providing the leading portion comprises punching the leading portion from a second sheet of material. The method of claim 19 and 20, wherein the first material layer is different from the second material layer. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the second material layer is more elastic than the first material layer. A method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the second material layer is more extensible in one direction than in another direction. Method according to one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the first material layer is more extensible in at least two directions than in a different third direction. The method of any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the step of connecting the rear portion and the front portion comprises sewing the rear portion to the front portion. The method of any one of claims 17 to 25, further comprising the step of applying a stretchability reducing layer in at least a portion of the front portion. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the step of applying comprises welding the layer. The method of any one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the steps of providing the rear and front portions comprises applying thermoplastic polyurethane to a substrate. Method according to one of claims 17 to 28, wherein it is a shoe upper according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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