FOOTWEAR COMPONENT AND MANUFACTURE THEREOF

摘要

A reinforcing shank (1) for a footwear sole component includes shank body (2) of strip material having upper (3) and lower (4) faces. At least one strengthening rib portion (5) extends longitudinally of the shank body (2), and is raised outwardly from the upper face (3) so that an underlying groove is defined in the lower face. A series of corrugations (7) extend at least substantially transversely of the rib portion (5) and are spaced apart along the rib portion (5). Die part (16f, 16m) includes holding means (17) for mounting die part (16f, 16m) in a die press apparatus, and a series of individual slip pieces (18) packed together and held by the holding means (17). Working edge faces (25) of the slip pieces (18) present a die press surface (27) for engaging a strip of material during a pressing operation.