Abstract: A sole assembly for footwear includes a base plate and at least two sole pods disposed adjacent one another but spaced apart by a gap. The sole pods define respective apertures that form an integral truss in each. The apertures can be aligned and parallel with one another and/or a longitudinal axis of the base plate and sole assembly. The truss system of the respective pods can independently deform to provide underfoot cushioning, but also can conform around and absorb underfoot terrain features. A method of manufacturing the sole assembly can include forming the sole pods adjacent one another in a planar configuration, rotating each of the sole pods to an upright configuration and joining those sole pods to one another but separating them from one another with a gap.

Abstract: A sole assembly for footwear includes a base plate and at least two sole pods disposed adjacent one another but spaced apart by a gap. The sole pods define respective apertures that form an integral truss in each. The apertures can be aligned and parallel with one another and/or a longitudinal axis of the base plate and sole assembly. The truss system of the respective pods can independently deform to provide underfoot cushioning, but also can conform around and absorb underfoot terrain features. A method of manufacturing the sole assembly can include forming the sole pods adjacent one another in a planar configuration, rotating each of the sole pods to an upright configuration and joining those sole pods to one another but separating them from one another with a gap.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a lacing system, an underfoot support plate, and a holding cage that has support members extending up from the support plate, forming a portion of a cradle around and rearward of a wearer's calcaneus bone. The support members join with the lacing system so when the cage is in a loaded state, the system translates a forward force of a wearer's instep against it, through the members so the cradle is pulled toward the calcaneus bone, with the lacing system, to impair the foot from sliding forward over the support plate. The footwear can include a tensioning member, joined with the system and a constrictor strap that wraps rearward around an ankle of the wearer, and operable in a tightening mode in which the lace is tightened to lock the holding cage against the heel and tighten the strap around the ankle.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having a lacing system, an underfoot support plate, and a holding cage that has support members extending up from the support plate, forming a portion of a cradle around and rearward of a wearer's calcaneus bone. The support members join with the lacing system so when the cage is in a loaded state, the system translates a forward force of a wearer's instep against it, through the members so the cradle is pulled toward the calcaneus bone, with the lacing system, to impair the foot from sliding forward over the support plate. The footwear can include a tensioning member, joined with the system and a constrictor strap that wraps rearward around an ankle of the wearer, and operable in a tightening mode in which the lace is tightened to lock the holding cage against the heel and tighten the strap around the ankle.