Sole construction for footwear having metal components

Abstract

A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuators are provided that are made of a metallic material such as magnesium, titanium, aluminum or steel.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A sole construction, comprising: 
 a resilient layer of stretchable material having a first side and a second side;    at least one thrustor provided on the first side of the layer, said thrustor being made of metal; and    at least one chamber provided on the second side of the layer adapted to receive a corresponding one of the at least one thrustor.    
     
     
         2 . The sole construction of  claim 1 , wherein the thrustor is made of a material selected from the group consisting of magnesium, titanium, aluminum and steel.  
     
     
         3 . The sole construction of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one chamber is defined by a layer made of a metal.