Section 1  Structure of Sports Shoes   
(I) Basic Structure of Sports Shoes:   
A sports shoe generally consists of the toe cap, upper (front and sides), outsole, midsole, heel, lining, insole, tongue, and various accessories.    
(II) Divided into Three Types Based on Collar Height:                           
A. Low-top                   B. Mid-top                C. High-top

[Professional Knowledge] Section 2 Sports Shoe Design
(I)     Last Design:   
Last   
       Aside from style and color scheme, what most highlights the beauty of a shoe’s design is the shape of the last. The design of the last is one of the foremost tasks in the shoe design and manufacturing process. Without innovative last designs, there would be no new trendy shoe styles.    
     The principle of last design is to transform the irregular three-dimensional space of the human foot into a regular three-dimensional space for the last, through appropriate and rational modifications and design.       
Certainly, among other factors that contribute to the aesthetic appeal of a shoe, the quality of materials selected can also enhance its elegance. However, when it comes to determining fashion trends, nothing is more crucial than the design of the last.    
       A properly designed last aligns with the physiological functions of the foot, fits the structure of human bones, and accommodates the characteristics of the Chinese foot shape. Once formed, the sports shoe retains its shape, looks appealing, and has a robust internal structure.    
(I). Various Functional Designs   
1. Shock Absorption Effect:   
This refers to the ability of the sole to absorb impact shocks when the foot hits the ground. For instance, air cushions, PU, MD, and EVA all offer shock-absorbing properties, especially air cushions, which are highly valued. When the foot lands, the impact force from the ground is usually 2–3 times the body’s weight, and can even reach up to 10 times during jumping. A good shock absorption system can reduce this impact. The air cushion, with a certain amount of pressurized gas inside its shell, deforms upon foot contact to disperse the shock and achieve a cushioning effect. This helps prevent injuries caused by excessive vibration.    
2. Torsion System:   
When athletes turn, pivot, or sidestep, different parts of the foot twist in various directions, which can easily lead to sprains. A high-density material device installed in areas such as the inner foot and arch helps prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot during movement, thereby avoiding injuries.    
3. Energy Return   
This refers to the sole’s ability to store energy generated from the ground and return it to the foot just before lifting off. Air cushions are particularly effective in this regard. When the foot lands, it transfers energy to the cushion, which deforms under pressure. When the foot lifts, the cushion returns to its original shape and rebounds energy back to the foot—essentially giving the athlete an extra boost to run faster or jump higher.    
4. Fit   
Refers to how comfortable and well-fitting a shoe feels, achieved through last design, structural design (such as upper-to-sole stitching and key pressure point structures), and the superior stretch properties of advanced materials (like 4-way stretch and LYCRA®).    
5. Flexibility Effect   
Many factors influence a shoe’s flexibility, including the design of the upper, insole, midsole, and outsole. The overall requirement is that the flex zones align with the natural bending points of the foot and conform to principles of sports physiology and biomechanics.    
6. Anti-slip Effect   
     Refers to the outsole’s grip or traction on surfaces. Insufficient anti-slip performance not only increases the risk of slipping and sports injuries but also affects performance. Anti-slip effectiveness mainly depends on the sole material and tread pattern design, which vary according to the type of sport.    
(II). Various Comfort (COMFORT)-Oriented Structural Designs   
1. Insole Arch Support: A raised support pad is placed in the arch area of the insole to match the foot’s arch contour, providing support and reducing fatigue during movement.    

2. Dual-Density Midsole Structure: Controls or corrects foot rolling. The outer side of the midsole uses softer material to absorb heel impact shocks, while the inner side uses firmer material to prevent excessive inward foot rotation and improve stability. Some designs also use firmer material on both sides of the heel area in the midsole to enhance heel stability and control foot rolling.
3. Design and materials that keep feet dry and comfortable:
Sweat absorption and moisture release: The dual-layer separated structure design of the shoe lining, with the use of sponge and moisture-wicking mesh fabric materials.
4. Waterproof performance of shoe materials: Elevated sidewall design, along with the application of high molecular PU material and eco-friendly water-soluble adhesive. This also enhances the sturdiness of bonded areas and makes cleaning easier.
5. Breathability: Ventilation and exhaust hole designs, as well as the use of ultra-fine fibers and various breathable designs and materials.
6. Structural design that provides ventilation, heat insulation, thermal conduction, shock absorption, and motion assistance.