Abstract: A sole structure may have a tiered plate assembly including a first plate and a second plate. The first plate may extend from a forefoot region of the sole structure to a heel region of the sole structure. Stated differently, the first plate may be a full-length plate that extends the full length of the sole structure. The second plate may be joined with the first plate in a midfoot region of the sole structure and at a rear of a heel region of the sole structure, and may diverge from the first plate between the midfoot region and the rear of the heel region to define a first heel gap between the first plate and the second plate in the heel region. Heel cushioning units may be stacked in the heel region, with a first heel cushioning unit disposed in the first heel gap.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper coupled to the sole and having an inner surface and an outer surface, the upper being configured to receive at least a portion of a human foot within an interior cavity at least partially defined by the upper, a plurality of eyelets disposed on the upper, each eyelet including a pair of openings disposed in the upper, and a cord threaded through the pair of openings of each eyelet of the plurality of eyelets such that the cord includes a series of unexposed portions and a series of exposed portions. The series of exposed portions are disposed more proximate to the outer surface of the upper than the inner surface of the upper.

Abstract: A footwear construction includes a sole assembly having a convoluted lower surface with multiple rolling peaks and valleys, and first and second midsoles having different durometers to provide dynamic stability, cushion and/or traction. The second midsole can include apertures that extend into some peaks so those peaks are compressible and conform well to underfoot terrain. The sole assembly can include certain lateral or medial peaks that transition to a perimeter of the sole assembly, and that are of a truncated shape with a sidewall to provide firmness and/or rigidity to the sole assembly around the perimeter. Other peaks can be disposed inward from the lateral or medial peaks and can be of a lesser firmness so those central peaks can provide cushioning and/or macro traction capabilities. A related method of manufacture also is provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a first sole member, and a second sole member. The first sole member is connected to the upper. Together, the first sole member and the upper define a cavity. The first sole member includes an outer surface and a textured inner surface, the textured inner surface defining a pattern of shapes. The second sole member is positioned in the cavity. The second sole member includes a textured lower surface directly engaging the textured inner surface of the first sole member. The textured lower surface of the second sole member is complementary to the textured inner surface of the first sole member.

Abstract: This invention concerns a sole element for a cleated article of footwear, in particular for a football shoe. The sole element includes a composite element with an anisotropic bending property. The sole element further includes a polymer element, and the polymer element at least partially covers the composite element of the sole element.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first cushioning element, a second cushioning element, and a panel disposed within a joint formed between the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element. The first cushioning element includes a first surface and a second surface formed on an opposite side from the first surface. The second cushioning element includes a third surface and a fourth surface formed on an opposite side from the third surface. The third surface of the second cushioning element is joined to the second surface of the first cushioning element to form a joint between the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element, where the fabric panel is interposed between the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element within the joint. The panel may be a fabric panel, and more particularly, may include a mesh textile material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with multiple components. The sole structure includes a midsole member, an outsole member and an exterior support member. The midsole member and the outsole member have corresponding grooves. The exterior support member provides reinforcement for the midsole member. The outsole member includes a plurality of bristle members.

Abstract: A fastening structure of the present upper includes: an upper that defines a left eyelet row and a right eyelet row arranged along a longitudinal direction of a shoe; and a shoelace inserted through eyelets of the left and right eyelet rows, wherein: the left and right eyelet rows each at least include a first eyelet on a tip side, and a second eyelet, a third eyelet and a fourth eyelet that are arranged in this order from the first eyelet toward a posterior side; D1 is defined as a first average interval between eyelets; D2 is defined as a second average interval; D3 is defined as a third average interval; and Expressions (1) and (10) below are satisfied: D1>D2<D3??(1) 1.0*(D1+D2)>D1>0.6*(D1+D2)??(10).

Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises depositing an unfoamed, thermoplastic polymer onto a support surface in a three-dimensional printing process to form an unfoamed article; heating the article to soften the article and infusing the softened article with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened article; and reducing the pressure to second pressure below the first pressure while the article is softened to at least partially foam the article, wherein a surface of a partial mold limits foam expansion in at least one direction but less than all directions.

Abstract: An outsole for an article of footwear includes a plantar surface and a peripheral surface surrounding the plantar surface. The outsole for an article of footwear also includes an annular cleat set including a first plurality of traction elements arranged in series about a central axis on the plantar surface. The outsole for an article of footwear further includes one or more radial cleat sets each including a second plurality of the traction elements aligned along a respective radial axis intersecting the central axis. At least one of the second plurality of the traction elements includes a peripheral cleat formed on the peripheral surface.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a medial edge and a lateral edge. The sole structure also include a first lower rib extending from the medial edge to the lateral edge of the midsole. The first lower rib includes a portion spaced from the midsole between the medial edge and the lateral edge. The sole structure further includes a medial flex member disposed between the midsole and the first lower rib near the medial edge and a lateral flex member disposed between the midsole and the first lower rib near the lateral edge. The medial flex member and the lateral flex member are configured to flex the first lower rib relative to the midsole in response to a force of a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: An article of footwear, lacing engine, and method includes a motor, a transmission operatively coupled to the motor, and a lace spool. The lace spool is operatively coupled to the transmission and includes a top lace groove in a top surface of the lace spool and a circumferential channel, wherein the lace is configured to be inserted in the top lace groove and be taken up around the circumferential channel based on a turning of the lace spool from action by the motor and transmission. A fastener is configured to couple the lace spool to the transmission and is inserted into the lace spool via the top surface, the fastener having a head having a head width sufficient to partially cover the top lace groove, leaving a top gap having a gap width less than a thickness of the lace.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.

Abstract: Footwear and sole structures include structures and properties, e.g., to support urban dance and urban dance moves. Such dance styles include various dance moves and movements that require contact between side edges of the wearer's shoes and the dance floor surface (e.g., made from concrete, asphalt, wood, etc.). Such dance styles also require transition of the body's center of mass along the edge(s) of the foot. Footwear and sole structures in accordance with this technology provide structures and properties to support to support such dance styles and moves, including one or more of: selected materials and/or selected material properties in various areas to promote sliding or gliding along various surfaces and/or other desired interactions with various surfaces; selected sizing and/or dimensional features of components in various areas; various flexion promoting structures and/or characteristics; etc.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a plate made of a polymeric material and a plurality of cleats each made of a metallic material. Each of the cleats is overmolded onto the plate. Each of the cleats includes an internal portion and an external portion coupled to the internal portion. The external portion is disposed outside the plate. The internal portion is disposed inside the plate. The internal portion includes a lattice framework. The lattice framework defines a plurality of holes. The plate partly extends through the holes of the lattice framework to secure the plurality of cleats to the plate.

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 with a sole system includes a sole member and a protruding member assembly. The sole system provides tactile sensation. Protruding members of the protruding member assembly can translate through holes in the sole member to facilitate tactile sensation.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a foam element having a top surface and a bottom surface. The foam element includes a recess (i) formed in one of the top surface or the bottom surface, (ii) extending from a first end in a forefoot region of the sole structure to a second end in a mid-foot region of the sole structure, (iii) having a first edge extending between the first end and the second end and disposed proximate to a peripheral region of the sole structure, and (iv) a second edge extending between the first end and the second end and disposed at an interior region of the sole structure. A cushioning arrangement is disposed within the recess and includes an outer surface that is substantially flush with the one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the foam element.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.

Abstract: Midsoles, and articles of footwear having such midsoles, with a distal surface profile based, in whole or in part, on a pressure map of pressures exerted on the bottom of a human foot when in contact with the ground are provided. The pressure map may be a measurement of the pressures exerted on the bottom of a human foot during, for example, standing, walking, or running (e.g., a natural gait). The distal surface profile of a midsole and an article of footwear may be defined, at least in part, by a plurality of cushioning projections extending from the midsole and having predetermined height profiles based on a pressure map. Methods of making midsoles and articles of footwear including a distal surface profile based, in whole or in part, on a pressure map are also provided.

Abstract: A reinforcement structure is disposed on a midsole of a shoe. A first bar extends from a first point in a medial side of the midsole to a second point in the medial side of the midsole. The second point is closer to a toe of the shoe than the first point. A second bar extends from a third point in the medial side of the midsole to a fourth point in a lateral side of the midsole. The fourth point being closer to the toe of the shoe than the third point. A third bar extending from a fifth point in the medial side of the midsole to a sixth point in the lateral side of the midsole. The sixth point being closer to the toe of the shoe than the fifth point. The third bar extending further toward the toe of the shoe than the second bar.

Abstract: An adaptive fluid system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The adaptive fluid system includes a fluid chamber that provides cushioning and shock absorption for a foot. The adaptive fluid system includes an adjustable pressure regulating valve that may be used to control the pressure of the fluid chamber. The adaptive fluid system includes a valve that prevents fluid from escaping from a fluid chamber during use.

Abstract: A knitted spacer fabric has an upper knitted cover layer and a knitted lower cover layer, said cover layers being connected to one another by pile threads, wherein the cover layers are connected to one another by way of at least two different pile threads having dissimilar elasticity properties, and the cover layers are both knitted in a single-threaded or multiple-threaded manner across the entire area.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a shoe insert are disclosed. A shoe insert includes a body sized and arranged to fit in the toe box of a shoe while not preventing a foot of a wearer from being inserted into the toe box of the shoe if the body is inserted in the toe box of the shoe. The body may include a top portion and side portions. The top portion may extend primarily horizontally. The side portions may extend primarily vertically. The side portions may include a left side portion and a right side portion with the top portion between the left side portion and the right side portion.

Abstract: A damping sole includes support zones with a main surface that have a relative stiffness or hardness lower than that of the other zones, the support zones being positioned under the load-bearing protuberances of the foot. The support zones are delimited by oblique lateral faces that are inclined towards the lower main surface of the sole at an inclination angle (A) and are disposed such that, at rest, they come to bear obliquely against the peripheral surface of the dermal part of the corresponding load-bearing protuberance of the foot. In this way, a compromise is reached between the need for impact damping and the need for foot stability in a shoe, while ensuring satisfactory comfort.

Abstract: A shoe includes an outsole having a heel region, a midfoot region, a metatarsal region, and a toe region. The heel region extends longitudinally from the heel end to the midfoot region, the midfoot region extends longitudinally from the heel region to the metatarsal region, and the toe region extends longitudinally from the toe end to the metatarsal region. The outsole has a medial side region, central region, and a lateral side region. A bottom surface of the outsole defines a concavity extending longitudinally from within the heel region to at least within a portion of the midfoot region. The concavity extends laterally within the central region. The concavity has a width at its widest point that is at least between 45% and 55% the width of the outsole at that point.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper. The article of footwear also includes a cradle having a base extending between the upper and the sole structure, a first sidewall extending from the base and along a first side of the upper, and a second sidewall extending from the base along a second side of the upper, each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall including a plurality of eyelets. The article of footwear further includes a cable operable to move the upper between a relaxed state and a tightened state. The cable including a first strand extending through at least one of the eyelets of the first sidewall and a second strand extending through at least one of the eyelets of the second sidewall.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprises a first array of interconnected void cells that is oriented adjacent to a second opposing array of interconnected void cells, wherein the second opposing array of interconnected void cells is geometrically different from the first array of void cells and includes at least one void cell with an asymmetrical perimeter.

Abstract: A CAM walker includes a removable collar assembly configured to engage a cast or other brace device being worn on a lower extremity received in the walker. The collar assembly includes portions, such as paddles, configured to be brought into engagement with the brace device sufficiently to inhibit anterior and posterior movement of the proximal end of the walker relative to the proximal end of the lower extremity received therein.

Abstract: The present invention involves footwear that utilizes tread members having generally rectangular arrays of lugs and protuberances on the lugs. Grooves separate the lugs and provide flow paths from the interior area of a tread member to the exterior. Sipes are positioned between the protuberances and form flow paths from the interior area of the lugs to the grooves. The tread members are positioned at least at the forefoot portion and heel portion of the outsole.

Abstract: The invention relates to sole elements for articles of footwear, and systems and methods for manufacturing same. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of manufacturing a sole element for an article of footwear including the steps of forming a sole element preform, inserting the sole element preform into a press mold cavity, and press-forming the sole element preform within the press mold cavity to form a unitary finished sole element comprising a first region having a first density and hardness and a second region having a second density and hardness different from the first density and hardness.

Abstract: A midsole for sports shoes having a front isolation cavity, a side cavity, and a rear isolation cavity partially separating the recessed arch portion of the midsole from the rest of the midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear provides improved stability and support by incorporating a strap to overlay over an instep area of an upper component that is comprised of a knitted material. The strap includes engagement members on an underside of the strap that engage ribbing structures that are part of the knitted material on an outer surface of the instep area. By engaging with the ribbing structures, the strap provides improved stability and support.

Abstract: A running shoe includes medial and lateral eyelets arranged on the medial and lateral side in the longitudinal direction from the front foot area of the running shoe to the heel section, wherein in each case a medial eyelet and a lateral eyelet located at the same height in the longitudinal direction form an eyelet pair; reinforcing ribs are arranged on the medial and lateral side in the front foot area, wherein the reinforcing ribs are arranged at an acute rib angle to the longitudinal direction of the running shoe, and a lace having lace sections for lacing, wherein the lace is led through the eyelets in such a way that the lace sections extending from the eyelets of the first lace pair in relation to the front foot area, each run at an acute lacing angle to the longitudinal direction to at least one further eyelet closer to the heel section.

Abstract: Golf shoes include one or more of the following: (a) a foot stabilizer system that interacts with a shoe securing system to securely engage and/or wrap around a foot of a wearer; (b) a natural motion sole, optionally including flex grooves that allow a weight transfer from back-to-front and/or from side-to-side; (c) a six cleat configuration (e.g., four cleats in a forefoot region, two cleats in a heel region, and no cleats located directly under a big toe); (d) a forefoot moderator plate positioned to moderate or reduce user feel of the forefoot cleats; (e) a lateral half heel counter extending from a rear heel area to a lateral midfoot or lateral forward heel area of the shoe; and/or (f) one or more medial, forefoot, sidewall traction elements at or near a big toe area of the sole.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate having a first surface. The first plate includes a forefoot region at an anterior end, a heel region at a posterior end, and a mid-foot region. The sole structure further includes a second plate having a second surface opposing the first surface of the first plate. The second plate has a first end attached to the forefoot region of the first plate and a second end that is spaced apart from the first surface of the first plate. A cushion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and has a first side attached to the first surface of the first plate and a second side attached to the second surface of second plate. The cushion extends continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.

Abstract: A footwear assembly can comprise, an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner can comprise an elastic member extending between two lace guides of the plurality of lace guides, an elastic member extending between first and second portions of the upper, an elastic member extending between a portion of the upper and a lace guide of the plurality of lace guides, a heel channel connected to a heel portion of the upper and configured to facilitate access to an interior space, an elastic member coupled to the footwear assembly that functions to smooth out a torque versus lace displacement curve during tightening of the lace cable.

Abstract: A footwear assembly includes an upper, a lace cable, a plurality of lace guides and a tensioner. The tensioner includes a tensioning member secured to a side of the upper proximate a toe box and the lace cable, and a floating overlay attached to a side of the upper proximate a toe box and the lace cable. The tensioning members include an elastic member. The tensioning members can be configured to provide a stiff lockout zone and an elastic stretch zone.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a dynamic support member that provides support to a foot. The support member is external to the article. The support member provides dynamic support by tightening around the foot when a user applies a strong enough force against a base portion of the support member. The support member includes several lateral gaps that facilitate increased flexibility for some portions of the support member.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to an article of footwear and method of manufacturing that includes a first layer and a second layer configured to form a plurality of tunnels configured to receive a cord system. The manufacturing includes steps of placing a first layer, placing a cord on the first layer, securing the cord on the first layer, placing a second layer on the first layer and the cord, attaching the second layer to the first layer, and detaching the cord from the first layer. When the cord is secured with a thread, the thread may be removed by dissolving or cutting. The attaching of the second layer to the first layer can be completed by stitching or thermal welding, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to gum shoe-type footwear and a mechanism both for fixing the shoes and for fastening normal footwear provided with this mechanism which allows a person to perform this operation without leaning and without using their hands. According to the invention, the device comprises a Subassembly (A) drive mechanism and a Subassembly (B) of lower fastening of the Subassembly (A), a Subassembly (C) of upper fastening of the Subassembly (A) and footwear positioning and a pneumatic Subassembly (D).

Abstract: An upper for a shoe, where said shoe comprises said upper and a sole connected to the lower edge of the upper via injection molding, the upper including knitted areas with a low stitch density providing ventilation through the upper, where the lower edge is knitted with a high stitch density, thereby limiting the flow of molding material through the edge of the knitted upper.

Abstract: A process of making a family cell of homogenous inner bladders with varying elasticity includes a forming a plurality of inner bladders from a first material with a first elasticity. The inner bladders have interior surfaces during inner chambers and exterior surfaces exposed to an outside environment. The inner chambers are configured to store a fluid. A family cell is formed by fluidly connecting the inner bladders. One or more hybrid bladders are selected from the inner bladders and a second material having a second elasticity is applied to the hybrid bladders. The second elasticity is less than the first elasticity, such that the second material reduces the elastic qualities of the hybrid bladder.

Abstract: A leg training fitness device comprises a weight attachment portion and a body attachment portion having a base support and a lateral support. To workout legs, a dumbbell is attached to the weight attachment portion. Next, a foot is inserted into the body attachment portion such that the foot is supported by the base support and the lateral support. A variety of leg workouts can be performed without requiring expensive and unwieldly equipment. Additionally, leg workouts are easily performed with the device without having to wait for leg workout machines to become available. In one embodiment, the foot is strapped to the body attachment portion and the dumbbell is strapped to the weight attachment portion. In another embodiment, the base and lateral supports rotate into an open and closed configuration that allows hooks attached to a lower surface of the base and lateral supports to clamp or release the dumbbell.

Abstract: A footwear having a shock attenuating and cushioning sole is provided, including a base to which first and second wave elements are joined, each element including alternating crests and troughs. The crests are wide and can each form a ground contact surface, whereas the troughs can be narrower than the crests. Crests of one element are disposed adjacent the troughs of another element. The widths of the crests to those of the troughs can be in at least a 2:1 ratio. Forward and rearward ends of the elements are connected to the base, and the troughs intermittently join with the base to secure the elements between the ends and to impair lateral movement. Different groups of wave elements can be grouped together to form a forefoot section, a heel section and/or an arch section, with the sections separated from and compressible independent of the other sections.

Abstract: Provided is a warp knitting machine capable of irregularities conforming to a pattern in a warp knitted fabric. The warp knitting machine according to an embodiment is a double raschel machine, and includes at least one guide bar GB5 between a pair of jacquard bars at a front side (JB3, JB4), and a pair of jacquard bars at a back side (JB6, JB7).

Abstract: A display device includes a display having a first area and a second area, a counter configured to count a number of steps of a user during walking, and a processor configured to alternately turn on display of the first area and display of the second area in a case where the number of steps of the user during walking is being counted by the counter.

Abstract: A flexible shoe including an outer sole assembly and an upper, the outer sole assembly including a damping sole extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise from a lower surface to an upper surface, the lower surface having lower grooves, the upper surface having upper grooves, the lower grooves of the lower surface being opposite the upper grooves of the upper surface. The lower grooves of the lower surface and the upper grooves of the upper surface correspond to the main articulations of the foot. The lower grooves of the lower surface and the upper grooves of the upper surface demarcate platforms of the damping sole.