Abstract: A shoe may include an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile (e.g., a knit textile) that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. In some cases, the multi-region upper portion may include regions having different thickness and/or flexibility based on a location relative to a wearer's foot to better support the wearer's foot. For example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first thickness and a flex region having a second thickness less than the first thickness. As another example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first stiffness and a flex region having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A shoe may include an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile (e.g., a knit textile) that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. In some cases, the multi-region upper portion may include regions having different thickness and/or flexibility based on a location relative to a wearer's foot to better support the wearer's foot. For example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first thickness and a flex region having a second thickness less than the first thickness. As another example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first stiffness and a flex region having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A shoe may include an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile (e.g., a knit textile) that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. In some cases, the multi-region upper portion may include regions having different thickness and/or flexibility based on a location relative to a wearer's foot to better support the wearer's foot. For example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first thickness and a flex region having a second thickness less than the first thickness. As another example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first stiffness and a flex region having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A shoe may include an upper portion that includes one or more textile (e.g., wool) layers and one or more water-resistant membranes for providing or enhancing water resistance of the shoes. The water-resistant membranes may be positioned between the textile layers to provide or enhance water resistance without affecting the appearance and/or feel of the interior and exterior surfaces of the upper portion. The shoe may include a durable water repellent coating along at least a portion of an exterior surface for water resistance and durability. The shoes described herein may be constructed at least partially using bio-based materials.

Abstract: Composite yarns including a cellulose-based filament are disclosed. The cellulose-based filament may be wrapped around a staple fiber core of the yarn or may be included in a core of the yarn and at least partially surrounded by a staple fiber sheath. Such composite yarns can combine the strength of the regenerated cellulose filament with the “feel” and other properties of the organic fiber. Textiles formed from the composite yarns and articles including the textiles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe may include an upper portion constructed from a continuous textile (e.g., a knit textile) that includes multiple regions having different textile properties to improve the performance of the shoe, including durability and comfort. In some cases, the multi-region upper portion may include regions having different thickness and/or flexibility based on a location relative to a wearer's foot to better support the wearer's foot. For example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first thickness and a flex region having a second thickness less than the first thickness. As another example, the multi-region upper portion may include a reinforcement region having a first stiffness and a flex region having a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: Antimicrobial fiber blends including a chitosan-based fiber are disclosed. The fiber blends also include other fibers such as organic fibers, synthetic fibers, or a combination thereof. Yarns and textiles formed from the fiber blends and articles formed from the textiles are also disclosed.