Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dandelion latex shoe component. Dandelion rubber, CIS polybutadiene rubber (BR), and butadiene styrene rubber (SBR) are mixed together to form a first mixture. The dandelion rubber, CIS polybutadiene rubber (BR), and butadiene styrene rubber (SBR) are mixed at a temperature not less than 60° Celsius and not greater than 80° to form the first mixture. Silicon dioxide is then mixed with the first mixture to form a second mixture. The silicon dioxide is mixed with the first mixture at a temperature not less than 80° Celsius and not greater than 100° Celsius to form the second mixture. The dandelion latex shoe component is then formed from at least the second mixture via a molding process.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sole and an upper on the sole. The sole comprises a dandelion latex foam material. The dandelion latex foam material comprises dandelion latex and at least one other natural or synthetic polymer. The dandelion latex foam material is between 20% and 80% dandelion latex.

Abstract: A shoe includes a knit upper and a sole secured to the knit upper. The knit upper is formed with a first type of knit structure knitted with a thermoplastic yarn in a first area. The first area is in at least the toe region of the knit upper. In a second area including at least the medial and lateral metatarsal regions of the knit upper, the knit upper is formed with a second type of knit structure knitted with a second yarn having a higher melting temperature than the thermoplastic yarn. A rear boundary line of the first area and a forward boundary line of the second area define a boundary line between the first and second areas.

Abstract: A shoe including a sole and an upper. The upper is coupled to the sole. The upper includes an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer has an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface of the outer layer is in direct contact with the inner layer. The outer layer is a hot melt thermoplastic material, and the inner layer is a material different from that of the outer layer. At least a portion of the outer layer is adhered to the inner layer, and the inner layer including a portion not covered by the outer layer.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes a sole member and a spring element. The sole member has a footbed surface, a bottom surface opposite the footbed surface, a heel side surface, a toe side surface, a medial side surface, and a lateral side surface. The spring element is in contact with the toe side surface of the sole member, the lateral side surface of the sole member, the heel side surface of the sole member, and a portion of the medial side surface of the sole member. The spring element is adapted and configured to support the sole member by resisting deflection due to one or more of lateral deformation of the sole member and longitudinal deformation of the sole member.

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 comprising a sole and an upper on the sole. The sole comprises an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. At least one of the upper, insole, midsole, or outsole comprises a dandelion latex foam material.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole. The sole includes a midsole including multiple midsole portions. A first midsole portion is an inner portion of a first midsole material. A second, midsole portion of a second midsole material circumscribes the first midsole portion, and a third midsole portion formed of a third midsole material circumscribes the second midsole portion. The second midsole portion has a greater durometer hardness than the first midsole portion. The third midsole portion has a different durometer hardness than the second midsole portion. The second midsole portion is of a different color than each of the first midsole portion and the third midsole portion. An outsole secured to the midsole is sufficiently translucent that so that the first, second, and third midsole portions are visually discernable one from another by a person of normal, unaided vision viewing the outsole.