Abstract: A support structure for a shoe includes a bladder arrangement having at least one (and preferably two) fluid-filled chamber arranged in a heel region of the sole of the shoe. The fluid-filled chamber has outer walls with a pressurized fluid disposed therein. The fluid-filled chamber is configured to be compressively deformed when an external pressure is applied thereto, such as the pressure exerted by a wearer's foot. The support structure also includes at least one pillar disposed in the fluid-filled chamber. The pillars are configured to decrease the amount by which the fluid-filled chamber is compressively deformed when the external pressure is applied thereto, while still permitting the fluid-filled chambers to be deformed sufficiently to provide-adequate protection against the force of impact during use.

Abstract: A cushioning device that imparts both stability and cushioning to the midsole of an athletic shoe. The cushioning device includes a bladder that has a plurality of separate fluid chambers positioned around a perimeter. The chambers define an open central portion of the bladder arrangement. Each of the chambers has an inner side, an outer side and a height that increases from a minimum adjacent the inner side to a maximum toward the outer side thereof.