Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article of footwear includes arranging a three-dimensional upper on a last and placing a plurality of elongated support structures on the three-dimensional upper arranged on the last using an automated placement assembly. The method further includes heating the plurality of elongated support structures to secure the plurality of elongated support structures to the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes one or more elongate shape memory components that define a cavity and form a midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The article of footwear includes a vacuum pump assembly. The vacuum pump assembly includes a flexible bladder and a pump disposed in the sole and in fluid communication with the bladder. The pump removes air from the bladder to draw a vacuum within the bladder. The pump includes a plunger that activates the pump in response to the application of force against the sole. The bladder constricts and conforms the upper against the wearer's foot as the pump removes air from the bladder to generate the vacuum.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an article of footwear includes arranging a three-dimensional upper on a last and placing a plurality of elongated support structures on the three-dimensional upper arranged on the last using an automated placement assembly. The method further includes heating the plurality of elongated support structures to secure the plurality of elongated support structures to the upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes one or more elongate shape memory components that define a cavity and form a midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism may be monolithic with the bladder or may be a satellite inflation mechanism coupled to the bladder. The article of footwear may also include a deflation mechanism. The deflation mechanism may include a release valve capable of remaining in a open position and/or an adjustable check valve. The deflation mechanism may also be a combination check valve and release valve accessing a single opening in the bladder.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism may be monolithic with the bladder or may be a satellite inflation mechanism coupled to the bladder. The article of footwear may also include a deflation mechanism. The deflation mechanism may include a release valve capable of remaining in a open position and/or an adjustable check valve. The deflation mechanism may also be a combination check valve and release valve accessing a single opening in the bladder.