CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] None.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The invention relates to an internal split toe with a creased sole for climbing shoes that will assist rock-climbers in maintaining a solid foothold on protruding rock surfaces.

[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0005] Rock-climbers must be able to maximize the surface contact of their toes with a foothold. Often, the rock surface is uneven and not flat. Often, protruding rocks cover the rock surface. When the rock surface is uneven and protruding, it is difficult for the rock-climber to obtain a solid foothold with a flat sole. When the rock surface is uneven, a creased sole at the toe area is advantageous. A creased sole under the toe part would allow the rock-climber's toes to hook and wrap around an uneven or protruding rock surface and, thus, maximize the surface contact of the rockclimber's toes with a foothold.

[0006] Rock-climbers must also be able to feel the surface of the rock to locate and identify the types of foothold they have available to them. Rock-climbers need shoes that will allow them to determine by touch whether a foothold is suitable depending upon the shape of the foothold and the firmness of the foothold. When a rock-climber is feeling the rock surface with his foot, the ideal rock-climbing shoe would allow the toe part to flex between the toes to permit the rock-climber to probe with his big toe.

[0007] The traditional rock-climbing shoe has no internal separator or wall for the big toe. Like a normal shoe, the traditional rock-climbing shoe provides a common space for all the toes to rest in.

[0008] Unlike a normal shoe, the area for the toes in a traditional rock-climbing shoe is small and the toes are forced in tightly. The sole of the traditional rock climbing shoe is substantially flat and uniform. In a traditional climbing shoe, when a climber puts his feet in tightly, the bottom part of sole bulges out and this bulging causes the shoe to slip. The toes push out on the sole and that causes the sole to bulge out. This is a problem because a sole that is bulging will have less surface contact with the rock surface.

[0009] Traditional climbing shoes often use a stiff mid-sole normally made of a stiff hardboard to prevent the problem of bulging. Consequently, the design of the traditional rock-climbing shoe presents two problems unique to rock-climbers: bulging and loss of sensitivity.

[0010] The stiff mid-sole prevents the rock-climber from maximizing the surface contact of the toes with the rock surface. Although a flat sole is ideal on a flat surface, it is less ideal for uneven surfaces. The lack of surface contact between the sole and the rock surface may cause the rock-climber to slip when his weight is transferred onto the foothold. This situation is the bulging of the sole under the toe part.

[0011] The stiff hardboard used in the mid-sole, also presents a problem to the rock-climber because they prevent the rock-climber in feeling the rock surface with their feet. The rigid sole prevents the climber from probing the rock surface with his toes and prevents the rock climber in identifying a foothold. The rock-climber must be able to feel the rock and determine whether to use edging or smearing depending upon the shape of the foothold. The loss of sensitivity prevents a rock-climber from properly identifying a foothold and prevents the rock-climber from gaining a firm foothold.

[0012] There is a need for an internal split toe with creased sole for rock-climbing shoes to provide the ideal sensitivity and surface contact for the rock-climber's foot. The internal split toe that can create crease on the sole will allow the sole of the toe part to hook and wrap around uneven and protruding rock surfaces. The internal split toe with creased sole will provide the ideal shape to prevent the problem of bulging and loss of sensitivity. The internal split toe with creased sole will give the rock-climber additional safety and confidence in rock-climbing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An internal split toe will cause the rubber sole to be creased. An internal split toe with creased sole for a rock-climbing shoe fulfills the objectives of a rock-climbing shoe that will prevent bulging of the sole under the toe part and provide better sensitivity. An internal split toe with creased sole for a rock-climbing shoe fulfills the objective of a rock-climbing shoe that will prevent bulging of the sole under the toe part. An internal split toe with creased sole for a climbing shoe will assist the rock climber in conforming to uneven and protruding rock surfaces. An internal split toe with creased sole for a climbing shoe fulfills the objective of a rock-climbing shoe that has a thin or no mid-sole to provide sensitivity by permitting rock-climbers to feel the rock surface with their toes.

[0014] An internal split toe with a creased sole for rock-climbing shoe provides greater stability and grip than traditional climbing shoes, which provides greater safety and confidence for the climber.

[0015] The rock-climbing shoe with an internal split toe includes an upper portion, an internal wall separating the big toe, a thin or no mid-sole, and a rubber sole attached to the mid-sole portion.

[0016] The upper portion is made of various materials and conforms to the shape of the foot. The upper portion varies in size according to the size the wearer's foot. The upper portion covers the flash sides of the wearer's foot.

[0017] The internal wall is made of fabric or leather and separates the big toe from the other toes. The internal wall begins at the edge of the front part of the shoe and extends back a certain distance along the length of the big toe. The internal wall is attached to the upper portion and the creased sole.

[0018] The rock-climbing shoe with an internal split toe is further described with detail in the appended figures, description and claims.