EP1765232B1 - Shoe heel cup and shoe equipped with such heel cup - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly, but not exclusively, sports multi-purpose footwear, walking shoes, rehabilitation shoes.

The shoes, whatever the application considered, must perform different functions, including a function of mechanical protection of the sensitive parts of the foot against shocks, and a function of maintenance or support of the joints of the foot and ankle.

To fulfill their function of protection against shocks, the shoes must in particular protect the heel and the Achilles tendon attachment zone.

To fulfill their function of maintaining or supporting the joints, the shoes must in particular limit the forces supported by the ankle and foot joints when they are in the vicinity of their maximum amplitude of movement.

But a shoe must, simultaneously, allow the free operation of the ankle and foot joints for the different movements of walking, running, jumping, changing direction.

It is understood that there is a contradiction between the need to protect and support ankle and foot joints, on the one hand, and the simultaneous need to allow freedom of movement of the joints of the foot and ankle. Indeed, the protection and support of the joints are obtained in principle by providing rigid elements incorporated in the shoe, while the freedom of movement requires the use of flexible envelopes to form the shoe.

Thus, any attempt to stiffen the wraparound structure of the shoe improves the support of the joints, to the detriment of the comfort of the user, that is to say to the detriment of the freedom of movement of the joints. Conversely, improving the comfort of the user through an increase in the flexibility of the wraparound structure of the shoe, but this time at the expense of support functions of the joints and protection of the foot and ankle.

Thus, it has been proposed sports shoes consisting of a sole on which attaches a flexible envelope covering the foot and heel. Such shoes simply provide the flexible retention of a fraction of the calcaneo-pedal block. The use of such shoes is generalized to many sports activities such as tennis, football, athletics, jogging. This type of shoe, by design, is not intended to ensure a compression of the foot joints, and a fortiori, the ankle.

We have also proposed types of so-called high-level sports shoes, that is to say comprising not only a pedal shell, but also a flexible shaft or envelope ensuring the compression of all the joints of the foot and the ankle. .

Shoes made according to this principle are used in many sports such as basketball, football, tennis. The envelope of these shoes is flexible, so that the support and the restraint made are flexible. Such shoes therefore do not effectively protect the ankle joint in case of torsion during the practice of a sports activity. In fact, the ankle joint is not sufficiently supported in case of unexpected torsion, which leads to the distension of the subtalar ligaments, and eventually tibio-tarsal ligaments.

In the case of walking shoes, and more particularly those intended for the practice of high mountain, the contention of the joints of the ankle is provided almost rigidly. The protection is effective, but the comfort of use is reduced.

To improve the comfort in the presence of shells of rigid shoe providing good protection, it has also been proposed to provide a hinge area between the shoe upper and the shoe slap, the joint to facilitate the movement of the joints natural foot and ankle. But if the design of these joints is well enough to allow the natural physiological movement of transverse axis rotation of the tibio-tarsal joint, these structures do not allow both to effectively contain and to release the physiological movements of the tibiotarsal joint. subtalar joint of the ankle. The result is either a lack of comfort, or a lack of protection of the joint, or even a risk of aging and premature degradation of the shoe joint area.

In the field of athletics, it was also proposed, according to the document US 6,126,626 A , an anchor adaptable by molding on an ankle, forming an assembly that is structurally independent of a shoe but that the user can nevertheless wear when engaging the foot in a shoe. The ankle is attached to the ankle by laces, and is not attached to the shoe. It consists of a panel whose upper edge is devoid of notches. Placed around the ankle, the ankle has lateral recesses located below the lateral projections of the subtalar anatomy of the ankle. This structure aims to prevent normal physiological movements of eversion and inversion, which reduces freedom of movement and comfort.

The document US 3,807,062A describes an athletic shoe including a relatively stiff plate in the heel area. The plate surrounds the posterior portion of the foot from the base to above the calcaneum, and its lower edge is attached to the shoe sole. Two symmetrical lateral notches are oriented in horizontal directions, and located clearly above the lateral projections of the subtalar cone of the ankle. The calcaneum is not surrounded laterally in its entirety. Comfort and protection remain insufficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem proposed by the present invention is to improve both the comfort and safety of shoes, thus avoiding the disadvantages of traditional shoes, so as to support the natural joints of the foot and ankle without harming the comfort of use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a particularly simple and inexpensive structure to allow simultaneous improvements in protection and comfort.

The invention results from this a more in-depth study of the natural physiological movements of the joints of the foot and ankle, and movements of the different parts of the foot relative to the shoe, during use movements such as walking, the race, the jump and the changes of direction.

It thus appeared that traditional shoes are not sufficiently adapted to the physiological movements of the joints of the foot and ankle, and this explains either the lack of comfort, the lack of protection, or even the risks of rapid deterioration of the shoe.

To achieve these and other aims, the invention provides a heel boot shell, comprising a plate of an elastically deformable material with high rigidity, and shaped to surround the rear portion of the foot covering at least the entire rear surface of the foot from its base to the top of the calcaneum, and developing forward, with its lower edge to be attached to the shoe sole, the plate comprising, in its upper edge, two lateral notches, symmetrical to each other; the lateral notches are oriented so that, when the heel cup is in place in the shoe, the lateral notches are substantially at the side projections of the subtalar cone, and the plate laterally surrounds the calcaneum.

The heel shell thus formed is a particularly simple and inexpensive element, and its use in a shoe greatly improves the compromise between the need for protection of the heel and joints and the need for comfort resulting from great freedom of movement of the joints. .

Preferably, the lateral notches have a V shape, flared towards the front and the top of the shoe. This promotes the elastic deformations of the envelope zone between the edges of the lateral notches.

The opening of the V lateral notches can advantageously be greater than the angle of the subtalar cone, which allows effective release of reversal movements and eversion of the ankle.

We could imagine notches with greater or lesser depths. Preferably, the depth of the lateral notches is such that, when the heel cup is in place in the shoe, the bottom of the lateral notches is slightly behind the subtalar joint. A good compromise is thus achieved between the comfort obtained by the presence of the lateral notches, and the protection obtained by the rear shell portion devoid of notches and which ensures the recovery of mechanical forces.

For a shoe size 42, the heel cup may advantageously be made from a material plate limited by a slightly convex lower edge and of length of between 12 and 16 cm, bounded by a more convex upper edge and having the two lateral notches, the central plate area having a height of between 4 and 7 cm approximately.

• une semelle,
• une enveloppe de pied, fixée à la semelle et adaptée pour envelopper la masse plantaire du pied et du bloc calcaneo-pédieux,
• une tige, reliée à la partie postérieure de l'enveloppe de pied, et adaptée pour envelopper au moins la zone postéro-supérieure du pied,
• une coque talonnière, en matériau plus rigide, ayant un bord inférieur fixé à la semelle, et conformée pour entourer la partie postérieure du pied en recouvrant au moins toute la face postérieure du pied depuis sa base jusqu'au-dessus du calcaneum, et pour entourer latéralement le calcaneum,
• la coque talonnière étant telle que définie ci-dessus, réalisant un renfort monobloc constitué d'une remontée postérieure et de deux ailerons latéraux.

According to another aspect, the invention proposes a shoe comprising:

• a sole,
• a foot cover, attached to the sole and adapted to wrap the plantar mass of the foot and the calcaneo-pedal block,
• a rod, connected to the posterior portion of the foot cover, and adapted to envelop at least the postero-superior zone of the foot,
• a heel shell, made of a more rigid material, having a lower edge fixed to the sole, and shaped to surround the posterior part of the foot by covering the minus the entire posterior surface of the foot from its base to the top of the calcaneum, and to laterally surround the calcaneum,
• the heel hull being as defined above, providing a monobloc reinforcement consisting of a rear lift and two side fins.

According to a first application, the invention can be implemented in a shoe comprising a relatively flexible foot cover and a rod, the heel cup being made of a material that is elastically deformable but more rigid than the foot cover and the upper.

According to a second application, the invention can be implemented in a boot having an essentially rigid foot shell, a substantially rigid upper, and a more flexible foot and / or shank part in the region of the side notches. of the heel hull, the heel hull itself being made of a more rigid material than the part of foot and / or stem envelope located in the area of the lateral notches.

It can advantageously be provided that, at least in the region of the lateral notches, the foot cover and / or the rod constitute a zone of elastic deformation with reduced stiffness.

In all embodiments, the heel shell insertable in a shoe defines a rear lift and lateral fins that envelop the posterior face and the lateral faces of the calcaneum, while leaving, by lateral notches, a preferential deformation zone located at level and in the direction of the subtalar cone of the foot joint.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une vue de face d'une plaque de matériau destinée à constituer une coque talonnière de chaussure selon un mode de réalisation de la présente invention, en position déployée ;
• la figure 2 est une vue de côté de la coque talonnière réalisée selon l'invention à partir de la plaque de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue d'arrière de la coque talonnière de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective de la coque talonnière de la figure 2 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue schématique latérale externe de l'articulation de la cheville et du pied dans une chaussure traditionnelle à coque rigide ou souple ; et
• la figure 6 est une vue schématique latérale externe de l'articulation de la cheville et du pied dans une chaussure munie d'une coque talonnière selon la présente invention.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a front view of a plate of material intended to constitute a heel shell shoe according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the deployed position;
• the figure 2 is a side view of the heel cup made according to the invention from the plate of the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a rear view of the heel hull of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 4 is a perspective view of the heel hull of the figure 2 ;
• the figure 5 is an external lateral schematic view of the ankle and foot joint in a traditional hard or soft shell shoe; and
• the figure 6 is an external lateral schematic view of the ankle and foot joint in a shoe provided with a heel cup according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

We first consider the figure 5 , in order to recall the main structural elements of a foot joint, and the main movements of this articulation.

The foot 1 is shown inside a shoe consisting of a sole 2 and an outer envelope 3 shown in dashed lines.

The shoe rests with its sole 2 on a horizontal plane P, and develops longitudinally along a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane P, or plane of the figure.

In the foot 1, illustrated inside the shoe, there are the calcaneum 4, the astragalus 5, the cuboid 6, the scaphoid 7, and the cuneiform 8 which are followed by metatarsals and phalanges not shown.

The calcaneo-pedal block, consisting of calcaneum 4, cuboid 6, scaphoid 7 and cuneiform 8, forms the lower structure of the foot, which is supported on the sole 2 shoe.

This calcaneo-pedal block is articulated under the leg, illustrated by the lower end of the tibia 9, by a joint with two successive stages, namely a tibio-tarsal articulation 10 between the tibia 9 and the astragalus 5, and a subtalar joint 11 between astragalus 5 and calcaneum 4.

The tibio-tarsal articulation 10 uses the movement of the foot in the sagittal plane, that is to say according to a rotation of transverse axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure, for example to raise or lower the anterior end of the foot.

The sub-astragalian joint 11 allows the other movements of the ankle, namely the inversion and eversion movements.

• dans le plan horizontal P, une rotation dite interne, c'est-à-dire dirigée vers la face intérieure du pied opposé ; cette rotation interne présente une amplitude maximum de rotation de 30° par rapport à une position d'aplomb normale du pied dans laquelle l'axe longitudinal du pied est sensiblement parallèle au plan sagittal de symétrie de l'être humain ;
• dans le plan frontal, correspondant à un plan F vertical perpendiculaire au plan P, un roulis interne d'une amplitude de 25° environ défini par rapport aux deux positions extrêmes basse et haute d'amplitude du roulis interne,
• dans le plan sagittal, ou plan de la figure sur la figure 5, une flexion plantaire, d'une amplitude de 10° environ dirigée selon la flèche f1 et définie par rapport à une position normale d'aplomb d'un être humain situé sur un plan horizontal.

An inversion of the ankle means a movement that associates a partial or partial combination of all the following movements in the three planes of space, namely:

• in the horizontal plane P, a so-called internal rotation, that is to say directed towards the inner face of the opposite foot; this internal rotation has a maximum amplitude of rotation of 30 ° with respect to a position of normal foot plumb in which the longitudinal axis of the foot is substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of symmetry of the human being;
• in the frontal plane, corresponding to a vertical plane F perpendicular to the plane P, an internal roll of an amplitude of approximately 25 ° defined with respect to the two extreme low and high positions of amplitude of the internal roll,
• in the sagittal plane, or plane of the figure on the figure 5 , a plantar flexion, an amplitude of about 10 ° directed along the arrow f1 and defined with respect to a normal position of plumb with a human being located on a horizontal plane.

The amplitudes indicated above correspond to average values, each amplitude being able to vary by more or less 10 ° according to the age of the individual and its own anatomical characteristics.

• une rotation externe de 30° au maximum dans le plan horizontal,
• dans le plan frontal F, un roulis externe d'environ 20°,
• dans le plan sagittal, une flexion dorsale, dirigée selon la flèche f2 et d'une amplitude de 10° environ.

By eversion of the ankle, we mean a movement that associates in the three planes of space, in a general direction deviating or departing from the plane of sagittal symmetry of the individual:

• an external rotation of 30 ° maximum in the horizontal plane,
• in the frontal plane F, an external roll of approximately 20 °,
• in the sagittal plane, a dorsal flexion, directed along the arrow f2 and an amplitude of about 10 °.

The analysis of the movements of the subtalar joint of the foot and the ankle has shown that all these inversion and eversion movements in the three planes of space have instant axes of displacement which they themselves move in space in a geometrical envelope comparable to a cone of revolution 12, which is called the sub-Astragalian cone.

The vertex S of the cone 12 is at a distance d of a few centimeters behind the calcaneum 4, and about 1/3 of the height H of the posterior edge of the calcaneum 4. The mean axis 12a of the cone 12 passes through the vertex S and by the median zone of the two ligamentous bundles 13 and 14 which connect astragalus 5 to calcaneum 4. It can be seen that the mean axis 12a of the subtalar cone 12 makes with the horizontal plane P an angle α of between 20 ° and 50 °, and more generally between 30 ° and 45 °.

The subtalar cone 12 also has an opening angle β whose mean value varies between 15 ° and 30 ° depending on the age of the individuals and their anatomical particularities.

If we consider a plan view of the foot, that is to say seen from above, the mean axis 12a of the subtalar cone 12 also has, relative to the sagittal plane, an angle of 10 ° to 30 °. ° inward, that is to say towards the other foot.

The above considerations thus define a geometric and mechanical model substantially representative of the kinematics of the ankle joint on anatomical and physiological bases.

The shoe according to the invention, and the heel boot shell according to the invention, are intended to promote the movements thus defined around the axes moving in the sub-astragalian cone 12, while limiting these movements to avoid excessive forces on the articular elements at the end of range of motion, and ensuring good protection of the fragile component parts of the foot.

According to the invention, to ensure both a satisfactory freedom of these movements, necessary to obtain sufficient comfort, and to effectively protect the foot against shocks and excessive range of motion, it is necessary to wrapping the back of the foot in a heel cup with lateral notches positioned in correspondence of the subtalar 12 cone.

We consider Figures 1 to 4 , which illustrate such a heel shell structure 24 according to the invention.

The heel cup 24 is made from a plate 15 of an elastically deformable material having sufficient rigidity to form a shoe reinforcement. The plate 15 of material is bounded by a slightly convex lower edge 16 and a more convex upper edge 17 having two lateral notches 18 and 19 arranged symmetrically with respect to a median axis 20 generally perpendicular to the lower edge 16.

One thus distinguishes a central zone 21 intended to constitute a posterior rise in a shoe, and two lateral fins 22 and 23.

In practical applications for multipurpose shoes, for a size 42, the plate 15 may have a length L of between 12 and 16 cm approximately, and a height H of central zone 21 of between 4 and 7 cm approximately.

The lateral notches 18 and 19 are oriented along respective axes 18a and 19a inclined at approximately 45 °. The lateral notches have an opening angle 18b or 19b of about 30 °. Their respective bottom 18c or 19c is at a distance d1 of about 2 cm from the middle M of the lower edge 16.

The lower edge 16 may advantageously comprise at least one V-shaped conformation notch 16a. The conformation notch 16a allows the two segments constituting the lower edge 16 to be brought closer to one another so as to give the plate 15 a concavity. in the vertical direction to wrap the back of the foot.

The figure 2 illustrates the heel shell 24 according to the invention made from the plate 15 of the figure 1 , folding the two fins 22 and 23 parallel to each other, and bringing the two lower edge segments 16 closer to each other to fill the shaping notch 16a, the central zone 21 being curved . There is thus the fin 22, the central zone 21 forming a posterior rise, and the lateral notch 18 whose bottom 18c is in front of the rear edge 21a from which it is separated by a connecting zone 21b of width d2 reduced but still sufficient to provide elastic mechanical properties and sufficient stiffness, controlling the relative movements between the rear lift 21 and the side fins 22 and 23.

On the figure 3 , we find in rear view the heel cup 24 of the figure 2 , on which are distinguished the two fins 22 and 23, the rear lift 21, the side slots 18 and 19, the connecting zone 21 b, and the conformation notch 16a whose edges are close together or applied against the 'other.

The figure 4 also illustrates, in perspective, the heel hull on which we distinguish the same main parts identified by the same reference numerals.

We now consider the figure 6 , which illustrates in external side view a foot engaged in a shoe according to one embodiment of the invention, including the heel shell 24 according to the invention.

We find the constituent elements of the foot skeleton previously described in relation to the figure 5 .

On the figure 6 , the invention is applied to a multi-purpose shoe relatively low rod.

The shoe comprises the sole 2, the heel cup 24, a foot cover 25, and a rod 26.

The sole 2 is structured in the usual way, chosen according to the intended uses.

The foot cover 25 is attached to the sole 2, and is adapted to wrap the plantar mass of the foot and the calcaneo-pedal block.

The rod 26, connected to the posterior portion of the foot cover 25, is adapted to wrap at least the postero-upper area of the foot.

The heel cup 24 is arranged in the shoe to surround the rear part of the foot by covering at least the entire rear surface of the foot from its base to above the calcaneum 4. Its lower edge 16 is attached to the sole 2. The heel cup 24 laterally surrounds the calcaneum 4.

We distinguish, on the figure 6 , the rear ascent 21 and the fin 22.

Notch 18 is oriented to substantially contain the lateral projection of the subtalar cone 12.

As we see on the figure 6 the posterior ascent 21 rises to a height greater than or equal to the height of the summit zone of the calcaneum 4. Preferably, as illustrated, the posterior ascent 21 rises to a height of 2 to 4 cm approximately above the summit area of the calcaneum. Such an arrangement makes it possible to protect, against shocks, the area of the lower insertions of the Achilles tendon. This also promotes the recovery of the rotation forces of the articular elements of the ankle, by spreading over a greater height the support forces of the rear part of the foot on the shoe.

As seen in the figures, the posterior lift 21 widens upwards, which allows to laterally wrap the low insertions of the Achilles heel, and thus increase their protection against shocks.

Lateral fins such as fin 22 develop forward at least to the anterior end zone of calcaneum 4. Their height is increasing forward, which allows them to laterally wrap the area anterior calcaneum 4 substantially over its entire height, as can be seen from the figure 6 .

The heel shell 24 may be made of an elastically flexible material but having a certain rigidity, for example based on carbon or composite material carbon-Kevlar type, or even based on certain high density plastics.

In contrast, the area of the notches 18 and 19, occupied by the foot cover 25 and / or the shank 26, must have a greater flexibility to allow deformations during movements of the subtalar joint.

During movements of the joint, in particular the movements of eversion and inversion, the lateral notches 18 and 19 realize areas of preferential deformation of the shoe, oriented parallel to the subtalar cone 12. Nevertheless, the maintenance of the relatively rigid connection zone 21b makes it possible to produce, between the posterior lift 21 and the lateral fins 22 and 23, an elastic return torque which tends to bring the foot back into the sagittal plane of the tibia, thereby relieving the astragalian 11.

Simultaneously, the heel shell 24 thus formed is opposed to the movements of the foot roll relative to the shoe itself during the movements of eversion and inversion, in that the calcaneum 4 is closely wrapped by the heel shell 24. This results in a distinctly comfortable improved and greater safety during extreme stresses, especially during changes of direction.

The invention applies to low shoes as illustrated on the figure 6 , that is to say with a low stem 26.

It also applies to shoes with upper shank 26, covering the tibiotarsal joint 10.

It is equally applicable to soft-shell shoes as well as rigid-toed shoes with rigid shell and sole, provided that a zone with greater flexibility is provided in line with notches 18 and 19.

By way of example, good results have been obtained with a shoe as illustrated on the figure 6 , in which the heel cup 24 is a semi-rigid plastic plate, for example polyurethane, ABS, polyethylene, having a thickness of the order of 1 mm. The heel cup 24, fixed to the sole 2, for example by gluing, is preferably housed inside the outer shoe shell and is internally covered by protective layers of felt or other material suitable for contact with the foot. 1. Alternatively, the heel shell 24 may be an external element, apparent on the shoe. The sole 2 may have a conventional polyurethane structure reinforced with carbon fibers, the foot cover 25 and the shank 26 may be made from any deformable material, of the polymer type, or synthetic fabric, or leather, for example, whose elasticity can be varied according to the type of use.

Depending on the expected use of the shoe, and in particular according to the dynamic stresses required, one will choose foot wraps 25 and rods 26 which are more flexible when you want to adapt the shoe to a use producing more solicitations. weak, and which are more rigid when one wants to adapt the shoe to a use with stronger sollicitations.

This can be expected to significantly reduce the risk of accident by twisting the joints of the foot and ankle during sports, or even when walking. At the same time, comfort is considerably improved.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have been explicitly described, but it includes the various variants and generalizations thereof within the scope of the claims below.

Claims (16)

1. Shoe heel cup (24), comprising an elastically deformable material sheet (15) of appropriate high stiffness conformed to surround the posterior portion of the foot and cover at least the whole of the posterior face of the foot from its base to a point above the calcaneum (4) and extending forwardly, with its lower edge (16) adapted to be fixed to the shoe sole (2), the sheet (15) laterally surrounding the calcaneum (4) and comprising, in its upper edge (17), two lateral cutouts (18, 19) that are symmetrical with respect to each other, characterized in that the lateral cutouts (18, 19) are oriented so that, when the heel cup (24) is in place in the shoe, the lateral cutouts (18, 19) are substantially at the level of the lateral projections of the sub-astragalus cone (12) and substantially contain the lateral projections of the sub-astragalus cone (12).
2. Heel cup according to claim 1, characterized in that the lateral cutouts (18, 19) have a V-shape that diverges towards the front and towards the top of the shoe.
3. Heel cup according to claim 2, characterized in that the aperture angle of the V-shaped lateral cutouts (18, 19) is greater than the angle β of the sub-astragalus cone (12).
4. Heel cup according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the depth of the lateral cutouts (18, 19) is such that, when the heel cup (24) is in place in the shoe, the bottom (18c, 19c) of the lateral cutouts (18, 19) is slightly to the rear of the sub-astragalus joint (11).
5. Heel cup according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, for a shoe size 42, the heel cup (24) is made from a sheet (15) of material delimited by a slightly convex lower edge (16) of length (L) from approximately 12 to 16 cm and by a more strongly convex upper edge (17) and including the two lateral cutouts (18, 19), the central area (21) of the sheet having a height (H) from approximately 4 to 7 cm.
6. Heel cup according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lateral cutouts (18, 19) are oriented at approximately 45° and have an aperture angle (18b, 19b) of approximately 30°, their bottom (18c, 19c) being at a distance (d1) of approximately 2 cm from the mid-point (M) of the lower edge (16).
7. Heel cup according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower edge (16) comprises at least one V-shaped conformation cutout (16a).
8. Shoe including:

   - a sole (2),

   - an upper (25) fixed to the sole (2) and adapted to envelop the plantar mass of the foot and the calcaneopedal block,

   - a vamp (26) connected to the posterior portion of the upper (25) and adapted to envelop at least the rear upper area of the foot,

   - a more rigid material heel cup (24) having a lower edge (16) fixed to the sole (2) and conformed to surround the posterior portion of the foot and cover at least the whole of the posterior face of the foot from its base to a point above the calcaneum (4) and to surround the calcaneum (4) laterally,

   characterized in that the heel cup (24) conforms to any one of claims 1 to 7, producing a one-piece reinforcement consisting of a posterior tongue (21) and two lateral wings (22, 23).
9. Shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the heel cup (24) is made from an elastically deformable material more rigid than the upper (25) and the vamp (26).
10. Shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the heel cup (24) is made from a material more rigid than the upper portion (25) and/or the vamp portion (26) situated in the area of the lateral cutouts (18, 19).
11. Shoe according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that, at least in the area of the lateral cutouts (18, 19), the upper (25) and/or the vamp (26) constitute an elastic deformation area of lower stiffness.
12. Shoe according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the posterior tongue (21) rises to a height greater than or equal to the height of the summit area of the calcaneum (4).
13. Shoe according to claim 12, characterized in that the posterior tongue (21) rises to a height approximately 2 to 4 cm above the summit area of the calcaneum (4).
14. Shoe according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the posterior tongue (21) widens in the upward direction to envelop laterally the lower insertions of the Achilles tendon.
15. Shoe according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the lateral wings (22, 23) extend forwardly at least as far as the anterior end area of the calcaneum (4).
16. Shoe according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the lateral wings (22, 23) have a height increasing towards the front to envelop laterally the anterior area of the calcaneum (4) over substantially the whole of its height.

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