Abstract: A sole assembly is provided including multiple compression units entrapped in a midsole and adjacent an outsole to efficiently distribute forces and to assist in correct foot motion during a gait cycle. The multiple compression units can be linked to one another to assist the foot in moving through an appropriate foot motion during a gait cycle. A heel compression unit can be linked to an arch compression unit, which can be linked to one or more forefoot compression units, which can be linked to a toe compression unit. The linking of the heel compression unit, the arch compression unit, and the forefoot compression unit to one another can resist torsional movement of the units between one another, thereby providing a more stable foot support, while still providing impact-attenuation and force distribution through the sole assembly.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole, an upper joined with the sole, and a lacing system. The lacing system is configured to secure the footwear to the wearer's foot and includes a primary lace support, a secondary lace support, and a lace. The primary lace support has a plurality of primary loops disposed on an exterior surface of the upper. Portions of the secondary lace support are inserted through the primary loops to form a plurality of secondary loops. A lace extends through the plurality of secondary loops. The lace is slidably adjustable within the secondary loops and the secondary loops are slidably adjustable within the primary loops to adjust the fit of the article of footwear on a wearer's foot.

Abstract: A 3D foam component for an article of footwear and a method for manufacturing a 3D foam component for an article of footwear is provided. The method includes a sequential deposition of liquid droplets of liquid polymer material onto an object carrier. A blowing agent is introduced to the molten polymer prior to or sequentially with or after the discharge of a liquid droplet. The resulting component includes a plurality of foam pellets formed by the expansion and cooling of droplets of liquid polymer material injected with the blowing agent.

Abstract: A footwear construction includes a sole assembly having a first midsole platform of a first durometer and a second midsole platform of a second durometer, less than the first, so that the second midsole platform is softer than the first, and an outsole having an outsole upstanding cup wall surrounding the second midsole platform so as to protect it from abrasion, and to control a lateral and expansive movement of the softer second midsole platform, when lugs of the outsole are pushed upward toward the second midsole platform due to lug engagement with an underfoot terrain feature. The platforms can be constructed from a different durometer EVA or foam. The first durometer can be about 50-60 Asker C, inclusive and the second durometer can be about 35-45 Asker C, inclusive.

Abstract: An article of footwear including an upper and a sole assembly configured to provide broad base structural support and stability to a wearer's foot to promote pain prevention in the wearer. The footwear can include a midsole including a stability bridge that enhances torsional rigidity in an arch region, a bifurcated rigid central shank disposed in the arch region under the stability bridge that is visible to a viewer of the footwear and an outsole disposed below the midsole and the bifurcated central shank. The outsole can include a ladder tread section, disposed below the bifurcated central shank, that less than 5 mm above a lowermost surface of the remainder of the outsole so that the outsole includes a substantially flat ground contacting surface to promote stability. The outsole also can include an upwardly curved rearmost heel strike tread, and heel and/or forefoot impact absorption comfort pods in associated midsole voids.

Abstract: A footwear construction is provided including an upper joined with a sole assembly having a dynamic strap system that extends over the upper to secure the footwear on a wearer's foot. The sole assembly includes strap channels for the strap system, which can be free-floating relative to at least a portion of the exterior surface of the upper, and a foxing band encircling a substantial portion of the upper.