US Patent 9687043 Shoe sole simulating a hoof

A tread has a contour simulative of a horse hoof. A central recess is surrounded by a side wall forming the top and side edges of the tread. The side wall has in-turned ends that extend into the central recess. The in-turned ends taper in both height and width to their distal ends. A V-shaped protrusion is formed at a bottom of the tread and a curved surface transitions from the tread to the midsole. A tear drop shaped recess is formed in the V-shaped protrusion. The top of the V-shaped protrusion and top of the side wall are coplanar.