Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a first sole plate formed at least in part from a first material having a first stiffness and including a first ground-engaging portion and a second ground-engaging portion, the first ground-engaging portion defining a first aperture extending around the second ground-engaging portion. The sole structure further including a membrane coupled to the first ground-engaging portion and the second ground-engaging portion and at least partially exposed by the first aperture, the membrane formed at least in part from a second material having a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A tensioning system for use with an article of footwear includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly may include a first disc and a second disc connected by a central shaft. A tensioning element can be engaged around the central shaft. A ring element can be used to prevent the tensioning element from disengaging the pulley when there is slack in the tensioning element. The pulley assembly can include a guide portion that guides a tensioning member so as to restrict the entry angle of segments of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A footwear article includes a doffing ledge that may provide a lever for pressing the footwear article in one direction, while the wearer slides his or her heel out of the footwear article in a different direction. A doffing angle of the doffing ledge is based, at least in part, on a forwardly inclined angle of a center connecting band near a rear portion of the ankle collar.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system.

Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system.

Abstract: Foot support systems, e.g., for articles of footwear, include systems for changing the hardness or firmness of the foot support portion (e.g., of a sole structure) and/or systems for moving (e.g., selectively moving) fluid between various portions of the foot support system. Such systems may include: a foot support bladder, a pump, and a fluid reservoir. Two or more fluid transfer lines may be provided to connect these components, and these fluid lines are equipped with fluid flow control device(s) and/or check valves to enable selective movement of fluid between the fluid reservoir and the foot support bladder. Such systems enable one to set and maintain two or more foot support pressures in the foot support bladder.

Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.

Abstract: A method includes positioning a first polymer sheet on a substantially first flat surface of a tool, positioning a second polymer sheet on the first polymer sheet, and moving a second substantially flat surface of the tool into contact with the second polymer sheet. The method also includes maintaining a gap between the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet at a predetermined area and heating one of the two substantially flat surfaces of the tool to heat one of the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet. The method further includes joining the first polymer sheet and the second polymer sheet together at locations outside of the predetermined area to define a peripheral bond of the chamber.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided and includes a plate having a concave ground-engaging surface extending between a medial side of the plate and a lateral side of the plate and movable between a relaxed state and a flexed state. The concave surface has an increased radius when moved from the relaxed state to the flexed state. A first ground-engaging member extends from the plate proximate to the medial side of the plate and a second ground-engaging member extends from the plate proximate to the lateral side of the plate. The second ground-engaging member is spaced apart from the first ground-engaging member by a first distance when the plate is in the relaxed state and is spaced apart from the first ground engaging member by a second distance greater than the first distance when the plate is in the flexed state.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a medial portion, a lateral portion, a plurality of first lace-receiving members on the medial portion, and a plurality of second lace-receiving members on the lateral portion. The first and second lace-receiving members are movable along the respective medial and lateral portions from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An article of footwear and methods include an insole, an upper configured to form a space between the upper and the insole configured to admit and secure a foot of a wearer, and a rotatable conveyor element. The rotatable conveyor element is seated in at least one of the insole and the upper. The rotatable conveyor element is configured to rotatably engage a body part of the wearer as the foot enters the space and draw the foot into the space.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a unitary midsole having a first portion and a second portion rearward of the first portion. A bottom surface of the unitary midsole defines a groove extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the unitary midsole, and a top surface of the unitary midsole defines a slit disposed over the groove and extending from the medial side to the lateral side. The unitary midsole forms a living hinge at the groove and the slit, with the living hinge connecting the first portion to the second portion so that the first portion and the second portion are selectively pivotable relative to one another at the living hinge between a first orientation and a second orientation. The groove is wider in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the slit is wider in the second orientation.

Abstract: A tensioning system for use with an article of footwear includes a pulley assembly. The pulley assembly may include a first disc and a second disc connected by a central shaft. A tensioning element can be engaged around the central shaft. A ring element can be used to prevent the tensioning element from disengaging the pulley when there is slack in the tensioning element. The pulley assembly can include a guide portion that guides a tensioning member so as to restrict the entry angle of segments of the tensioning member.

Abstract: A sole structure may include a bladder network. The bladder network may include multiple bladders interconnected by one or more conduits. At least a portion of the bladder network may contain a fluid. The sole structure may further include one or more stems. Each of the one or more stems may be positioned to impinge upon an external surface of, and at least partially deform, a corresponding conduit.