Importance

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Abstract

Footwear having a heel counter comprised of a stiff resilient material, especially an athletic shoe for medium and long distance running, is improved so that a better pressure distribution is assured on the outersole, and also on a possibly existing middle sole, in the area of the heel counter. This is achieved by the fact that the surface area which is enclosed by the sidewalls of the heel counter is provided with a pressure distribution membrane which is connected to a thicker reinforced lower arcuate edge of the sidewalls of the counter, and the pressure distribution membrane is suitably contoured to facilitate the improved distribution of heel pressure to the midsole and outer sole. Downward arching of the distribution membrane under heel pressure applied by the foot of a wearer causes an upper edge area of the sidewalls to be drawn inwardly to hold the heel with greater force.

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First Claim