Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having an elastic element to enlarge a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe and also having a stabilizer to prevent a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe from collapsing downward.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having a sole portion and a rebounding portion being comprised of the same material and being a unified structure. The rapid-entry shoe has a collapsed configuration in which a perimeter of the topline is expanded and an uncollapsed configuration in which the perimeter of the topline is unexpanded, and the rapid-entry shoe is biased by the rebounding portion toward the uncollapsed configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of footwear in which is provided a mid-sole (10) with features that provide comfort to the wearer when walking.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and a guide secured to the inner surface of the sole structure. An outer surface of the bottom of an upper is secured to the inner surface of the sole structure, the upper and the guide forming a passage. A tensioning component extends along the guide in the passage, and extends out of the passage at a medial side and/or a lateral side of the upper. An increase in tension in the tensioning component flexibly conforms the sole structure to a foot disposed in the upper. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes placing an upper on a last, applying adhesive on an inner surface of a sole structure, placing a guide on the adhesive, the tensioning component on the guide, and the inner surface of the sole structure against an outer surface of the upper.

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 last for forming an upper of an article of footwear includes an exterior surface, where the exterior surface includes a plurality of three dimensional structural surface components disposed over at least 50% of the exterior surface of the last.

Abstract: A rapid-entry shoe having an elastic element to enlarge a foot opening of the rapid-entry shoe and also having a stabilizer to prevent a rear portion of the rapid-entry shoe from collapsing downward.

Abstract: A footwear system can employ a brake and/or a clutch, such as a one-way clutch, to convert human motion into usable electricity. The brake and one-way clutch can be used together, such as on opposite ends of a spring. During a storage phase, the brake can be engaged and the one-way clutch disengaged so the spring stores an energy. After the storage phase, the brake can be removed to initiate the release phase since the brake is not stopping the spring, but the one-way clutch allows the stored energy to be released.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a medial side portion, a lateral side portion, and an outsole extending from the medial side portion to the lateral side portion and configured to contact a ground surface. The outsole may include a first portion having a first traction surface configured for engaging the ground surface, the first traction surface disposed on the medial side portion and including one or more first traction elements. The outsole may further include a second portion having a second traction surface configured for engaging the ground surface, the second portion disposed on the medial side portion and extending in a superior direction from the first portion, the second traction surface including one or more second traction elements.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may include a medial side, a lateral side, and a throat area between the medial side and the lateral side. An inner component may form an inner surface of the upper, where the inner component includes an inner throat region in the throat area, where a tensile strand of the inner component forms a loop in the inner throat region, and where the loop includes an opening for receiving a fastening element. An outer shroud may form the outer surface of the upper, where the outer shroud at least partially covers the inner throat region of the inner component such that the loop is located in a pocket formed between the inner component and the outer shroud.

Abstract: A comfort system for Cowboy and work boots, including an insole chassis, an insole chassis backing board, and cushioning pads for absorbing and attenuating shocks encountered by a wearer of the boots. Cushioning pads are secured to a surface of the insole chassis backing board, and apertures in the insole chassis allow the cushions to pass through. Additional cushioning pads are retained in recesses in the midsole. Pads on insole chassis backing board and midsole are vertically aligned. A steel toe inset is utilized in conjunction with the comfort system for work boots. A rim may depend below the midsole to receive a foamed plastic pad.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that includes a forefoot portion with a foot-facing surface. The sole plate has at least one side wall extending upward from the foot-facing surface. The at least one side wall has a first notch in an upper periphery of the side wall in the forefoot portion. The first notch is configured to be open when the forefoot portion of the sole plate is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range and closed when the forefoot portion of the sole plate is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range greater than the first portion.

Abstract: A foldable shoe includes a first sole section to be located under the ball of a wearer's foot including a first outsole portion and a first toothed. The foldable shoe further includes a second sole section that is separate from the first sole section and is to be located under the heel of a wearer's foot, the second sole section including a second outsole portion and a second footbed. An upper section extends from the first sole section, and a hinge is connected to the first sole section and the second sole section and is configured to fold the foldable shoe from a first position, to be worn, to a second position, for storage.

Abstract: Describes are support elements for a sole of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, a sole and a shoe with such a support element, as well as a method for the manufacture of a support element. As examples, the support element includes a first partial member formed of a first material, and a second partial member formed of a second material. The first partial member is mechanically joined to the second partial member in a connection region, wherein the connection region is configured to allow the first partial member to rotate or slide relative to the second partial member. The first partial member, the second partial member, and the connection region can be co-molded and joined together in a single fabricating step.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes: an upper sole portion; and a pod assembly having a plurality of pods fluidly connected in series disposed below the upper sole portion, wherein the pod assembly extends from a lateral heel portion of the sole to a medial forefoot portion of the sole such that the plurality of pods compress substantially in sequence through a gait cycle of a wearer.

Abstract: A sole board for an article of footwear includes a plate that has a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The sole board includes a channel disposed in a top surface of the plate in the forefoot region. The channel extends from a lateral edge of the plate to a medial edge of the plate. A characteristic of the channel at the lateral and medial edges of the plate is different than the characteristic of the channel at a middle of the channel.

Abstract: Various implementations include a wearable foot garment that includes a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and an ankle portion. The midfoot portion includes two high compression zones and a reduced compression zone between the high compression zones. The first high compression zone is configured for providing compression in a radially inward direction toward the wearer's foot adjacent a proximal end of the wearer's plantar aponeurosis. The second high compression zone is configured for providing compression in a radially inward direction toward the wearer's foot adjacent distal ends of metatarsals of the wearer. The compressive strength in the high compression zones is greater than the compressive strength in the reduced compression zone. In some implementations, the ankle portion and midfoot portion define a heel opening, and the forefoot portion includes a plantar surface area on which an adhesive film is disposed for increasing the friction contact of the forefoot portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a base layer and one or more tensile strands. The sole structure includes an auxetic element operable to expand in two orthogonal horizontal directions in response to a tension applied in one of the directions. Each tensile strand has at least one end secured in fixed position relative to a peripheral region of the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface. The sole component may also include an arrangement of ground engaging members extending downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate. The baseplate may further include a reinforcing shank arrangement including a plurality of reinforcing strips formed of a different material than portions of the baseplate adjacent the reinforcing strips, wherein at least one of the reinforcing strips forms at least a portion of a base platform from which at least one of the ground engaging members extends.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is positionable such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures.

Abstract: An orthotic device is disclosed. The orthotic device may be adapted to be inserted into a shoe to enable the foot to replicate normal motion so that the user regains substantially normal operation of the foot. The orthotic device may have a frame system formed of a lightweight supportive material and configured to extend along at least the bottom of the user's foot, and an electronically actuated muscle operatively connected to the frame system for expanding and contracting at predetermined levels to adjust the inclination of the user's foot and mimic movement of the foot, when functioning normally. The orthotic device may also have a controller operatively connected to the muscle for transmitting signals corresponding to the predetermined levels to the muscle, and a sensor controlled by the user for actuating the muscle.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate that includes a forefoot portion with a foot-facing surface. The sole plate has at least one side wall extending upward from the foot-facing surface. The at least one side wall has a first notch in an upper periphery of the side wall in the forefoot portion. The first notch is configured to be open when the forefoot portion of the sole plate is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range and closed when the forefoot portion of the sole plate is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range greater than the first portion.

Abstract: A foldable footwear device may include a fore sole, having a fore upper surface and a fore lower surface, and an aft sole, having an aft upper surface and an aft lower surface. A hinge may pivotally couple the fore sole to the aft sole. The hinge may be configured to enable the fore sole and the aft sole to be moved between a planar position in which the fore upper surface and the aft upper surface may be substantially parallel and continuous with each other and a folded position in which the fore lower surface and aft lower surface may be contacting each other. A fore distal fastener may be coupled to the fore sole, and an aft distal fastener may be coupled to the aft sole. The fore distal fastener may removably engage with the aft distal fastener to secure the device in the folded position.

Abstract: Describes are support elements for a sole of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, a sole and a shoe with such a support element, as well as a method for the manufacture of a support element. As examples, the support element includes a first partial member formed of a first material, and a second partial member formed of a second material. The first partial member is mechanically joined to the second partial member in a connection region, wherein the connection region is configured to allow the first partial member to rotate or slide relative to the second partial member. The first partial member, the second partial member, and the connection region can be co-molded and joined together in a single fabricating step.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The sole structure includes a gap extending longitudinally through the sole structure. A tensioning member extends through the sole structure and across the gap such that tensioning the tensioning member contracts the gap and pulls opposing sides of the sole structure together. As the sole structure contracts, the upper is pulled down on the foot, thereby tightening the upper around the foot.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole coupled to an outsole. The midsole includes a plurality of sipes on a first side and a plurality of sipes on a second side opposite the first side. The sipes partition portions of the midsole body into impact attenuation cells on the first and second sides of the midsole. The second side of the midsole further includes a plurality of grooves and a plurality of protruding members separated by the grooves. The protruding members extend from a midsole body towards the outsole when the midsole is coupled to the outsole, spacing the midsole body apart from the outsole. When coupled together, the midsole and the outsole form voids at the grooves. The grooves, protruding members, and sipes provide increased flexibility to the midsole even when the midsole is coupled to the outsole.

Abstract: A length-adjustable shoe, of which a length between a front end and a rear end thereof is adjustable, includes an outsole, an upper, a stretch fabric, and a control device. The upper includes a body portion and a heel portion which are mutually separated, wherein the body portion is directly attached on the outsole, and the stretch fabric connects a bottom edge of the heel portion and the outsole. The control device connects the body portion and the heel portion, wherein the control device moves the heel portion relative to the body portion as a whole in an axial direction from the front end to the rear end, which changes the length of the shoe.

Abstract: A golf shoe has an upper, a midsole, and an outsole. The outsole includes a plurality of wave-like flex channels, surrounded by a hard base material. The hard base material provides stiffness for support and stability while the flex channels allow the outsole to bend when a user walks or swings a golf club. The outsole also has a plurality of receptacles for attaching and removing cleats, providing traction between the golf shoe and a ground surface.

Abstract: An upper component for an article of footwear allows easy entry of the foot into the article of footwear. The upper component includes a heel body, which includes a first portion partially defining an ankle opening. The heel body further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion. The second portion is foldable and partially defines the ankle opening. The second portion is movable relative to the first portion between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration. The upper component includes at least one tension member coupled to the second portion. The tension member is movable relative to the first portion to move the second portion from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration. The ankle opening is larger when the second portion is in the unfolded configuration than when the second portion is in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A shoe sole which has a landing surface composed of three regions of a middle-sole region, a fore-sole region and a rear-sole region, and has a plurality of groove portions in the landing surface. The groove portions include: a first groove portion located in the fore-sole region, on a first imaginary line extending along the MP joint; a second groove portion located in the fore-sole region, on a second imaginary line extending along a line which connects a medial outer edge of the fore-sole region and a lateral outer edge of the middle-sole region with each other, in an area which is closer to a toe than to the first groove portion; and a third groove portion located in the rear-sole region, on a third imaginary line extending along a line which connects a medial outer edge of the rear-sole region and a lateral outer edge of the middle-sole region with each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear having a sole structure including a chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid is described, along with a method of making the article. The chamber may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer. The tensile member may include a first tensile member layer bonded to the first chamber barrier layer, a second tensile member layer bonded to the second chamber barrier layer, and a plurality of tethers connecting the first tensile member layer to the second tensile member layer. The second tensile member layer may include a first section and a second section separate from the first section. In addition, a portion of the second chamber barrier layer may extend toward the first tensile member layer between the first section and the second section, the portion being joined to the first tensile member layer.

Abstract: A chamber for receiving a pressurized fluid may include a tensile member extending between a first chamber barrier layer and a second chamber barrier layer and including a plurality of tethers extending between the first tensile member layer and the second tensile member layer. The chamber may include stitching through the tensile member in a stitched region. When the chamber is pressurized with the pressurized fluid, a substantial majority of the first tensile member layer is separated from the second tensile member layer by a distance that corresponds to a length of the plurality of tethers. In addition, the first tensile member layer is held in contact with the second tensile member layer by the stitching in the stitched region, thereby forming an area of the chamber having a reduced thickness relative to adjacent portions of the chamber.

Abstract: An improved sole structure for article of footwear is disclosed herein. The sole structure includes a midsole and an outsole coupled to the midsole. The midsole includes a plurality of grooves disposed both centrally and on the sides of the bottom surface. The outsole includes a plurality of outboard plates, aligned on the sides of the outsole, and a plurality of inboard plates, centrally aligned on the outsole. A plurality of hinges couple the plurality of outboard plates to the plurality of inboard plates such that each of the plates are able to pivot independent of the other plates. The outsole further includes a series of slots and openings aligned with the plurality of grooves of the midsole. The combination of the independent pivotal plates of the outsole, the grooves of the midsole, and flexure of the midsole provide a dynamic and multi-directional flexing sole structure.

Abstract: An active footwear suspension system is disclosed. The footwear system provides dynamic suspension using at least one or more variable resistance beams. At least one or more VRB from an anchor plate positioned forward of and/or aft of an arch section of the footwear, thus providing selectable suspension to the wearer. The selected rotation of the VRBs from a first position to a second position provides customized suspension between a minimum resistance to a maximum resistance per zone.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole assembly with a cushioning component and a shell that has a textile layer. The cushioning component is positioned in a cavity of the shell so that the cushioning component is supported on a lower surface by the shell and the upper surface of the cushioning component is uncovered by the shell at an opening of the shell. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes forming an at least partially textile shell so that the shell has a cavity with an opening. A cushioning component is positioned in the cavity of the shell so that a lower surface of the cushioning component is supported on an inner surface of the shell and is uncovered by the shell at the opening. The lower surface of the cushioning component is secured to the inner surface of the shell by radio frequency welding or adhesive.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensionally (3D) printed flexible support apparatus includes: producing arrays of V-spring elements using a 3D printing system, each array including a plurality of V-spring elements arranged in a predefined array shape, and each V-spring element having a predefined firmness or hysteresis characteristic; arranging the arrays of V-spring elements in at least one two-dimensional (2D) array grid using the 3D printing system, such that at least one V-spring element of each array is attached to a V-spring element of at least one adjacent array; and shaping the at least one array grid according to a predefined volume to form the support apparatus.

Abstract: A design engine for designing an article to be worn on a human body part (input canvas) in a virtual environment. A virtual model engine of the design engine is used to generate and modify a virtual model of the input canvas and a virtual model of the article based on skin-based gesture inputs detected by an input processing engine. The gesture inputs comprise contacts between an input tool and the input canvas at locations on the input canvas. The virtual model engine may implement different design modes for receiving and processing gesture inputs for designing the article, including direct manipulation, generative manipulation, and parametric manipulation modes. In all three modes, a resulting virtual model of the article is based on physical geometries of at least part of the input canvas. The resulting virtual model of the article is exportable to a fabrication device for physical fabrication of the article.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear having a midsole defining a sidewall channel in the forefoot and a sidewall channel in the heel. The forefoot and heel channels terminate at the arch. The sole assembly includes a plate disposed below the midsole. The plate may include an arch portion, forefoot legs extending along the medial and lateral sides of the forefoot and heel legs extending along the medial and lateral sides of the heel. The medial forefoot leg may extend almost the full length of the forefoot. The lateral forefoot leg may extend about half-way through the forefoot. The lateral heel leg may extend almost the full length of the heel. The medial heel leg may extend about half-way through the heel. The sole assembly may include an outsole with slots in the heel and forefoot. The slots may terminate short of the peripheral edge.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole assembly includes a central support structure that extends along the sole assembly in the longitudinal direction. The sole assembly includes forefoot wing portions extending away from the central support structure in the lateral direction in the forefoot region of the sole assembly. The sole assembly also includes stability rib portions extending away from the central support structure in the lateral direction in the midfoot region of the sole assembly. The central support structure provides varying amounts of stiffness and flexibility to the sole assembly and the forefoot wing portions and stability rib portions provide additional stiffness and flexibility to desired portions of the sole assembly.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure includes a reinforcing plate and/or a lasting board. The reinforcing plate and/or lasting board includes a first flange portion corresponding to a big toe of a foot and a second flange portion corresponding to a ball region of a foot. The first flange portion and the second flange portion each include a cleat member.

Abstract: An article of footwear an upper and a sole structure that defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is disposed proximate the medial side of the footwear, and the second portion is disposed proximate the lateral side. The first portion and the second portion are configured to move relative to each other. The article of footwear also includes a flexible biasing member including a first end, a second end, and a middle portion. The middle portion extends across the first portion and the second portion. The first and second ends extend out from the outer surface of the footwear from either the medial or lateral side. The middle portion of the biasing member is configured to bias the first and second portions toward each other.

Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or compression sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole member with an exposed central torsion bar or rod connecting the heel region of the sole member to the forefoot region of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may be supported at either end by sockets of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may also be supported at one or more intermediate points by a hollow component. This hollow component may itself be supported by ribs extending to the medial and lateral sides of the sole member, respectively. The torsion bar or rod, the sockets, the hollow component and the ribs form a suspension structure connecting the forefoot region of the sole member to the heel region of the sole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear configured for prolonged casual and non-casual uses having an upper configured for easy installation and removal of the article of footwear with or without the use of fasteners, a sole, and a substantially continuous series of alternating ribs and grooves on a footbed of the sole extending from a forefoot region to a heel region. The ribs and grooves have base widths that are greater in an arch region of the footbed than the forefoot and heel regions of the footbed. The series of alternating transverse ribs and grooves are oriented from a lateral side region of the footbed to a medial side region of the footbed.

Abstract: A golf shoe has an upper, a midsole, and an outsole. The outsole includes a plurality of wave-like flex channels, surrounded by a hard base material. The hard base material provides stiffness for support and stability while the flex channels allow the outsole to bend when a user walks or swings a golf club. The outsole also has a plurality of receptacles for attaching and removing cleats, providing traction between the golf shoe and a ground surface.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a plate, a plurality of cleats extending from the plate, and an auxetic structure disposed between the plurality of cleats. The auxetic structure is affixed to the plate such that an outer surface of the auxetic structure is positioned between a lower surface of the plate and a tip surface of at least one of the plurality of cleats.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe further comprises a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion. Heel and toe outsole patches are respectively stitched onto the midsole. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. A spacing between the heel and toe outsole patches extends from the inner to the outer side and occupies a position intermediate the toe and heel ends thereby permitting the shoe to fold about an axis running through the spacing. The shoe folds between an extended state, in which the shoe is worn, and a folded state in which a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity.

Abstract: The present invention is footwear having a convex shaped outsole with opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section which provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The present invention is also footwear convex shaped in the longitudinal direction with a split sole having opposing wedge shaped configurations in the bottom of the front sole section and the back sole section that provide rotation of the front sole section and the back sole section in opposite directions when weight is applied. The invention further includes footwear having at least one pair of wedges on the outsole which provide footwear having improved arch support. The invention is also footwear with a flexible, elastic, member between the front sole section and the back sole section of the sole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a midsole includes placing first and second preforms into a midsole recess of a mold, with first and second portions of the mold defining a first overflow chamber connected to the first recess; closing the mold by positioning the first and second portions in contact with one another; heating the mold for a predetermined period of time at a predetermined temperature such that the first and second preforms melt and bond together to form a midsole, with a portion of each of the first and second preforms flowing into the first overflow chamber to form a first overflow portion; removing the midsole from the mold; allowing the midsole to expand; and cutting away the first overflow portion.

Abstract: A sole structure that includes at least one auxetic structure and methods of making are disclosed. A sole structure includes a sole having an upper surface and a base surface. The base surface includes a ground contacting surface and a base surface. The base surface is closer to the upper surface than the ground contacting surface. An auxetic structure is integrally formed into the base surface.