Abstract: Foot support systems (and articles of footwear including them) include a midfoot flex component, such as a bi-stable spring element, that moves the article of footwear/sole structure/foot support component/midfoot flex component between an open position/foot insertion or removal configuration and a closed position/foot supporting configuration and vice versa.

Abstract: A component, for example, a shoe foxing, may have one or more regions with embedded particles and one or more regions without embedded particles. The one or more regions without embedded particles may comprise one or more outer surfaces of the component. The component may be formed by heating and pressing material sections in a mold. The component may be formed by extrusion. One or more of the material sections may lack embedded particles.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a closure mechanism with a guide rail, a plurality of carriages disposed on the guide rail, and a strap connecting the carriages. The carriages are movably coupled to the guide rail to adjust the fit of the article of footwear. In some instances, a guide rail includes a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end of the guide rail is disposed on the lateral side portion of the upper, the second end of the guide rail is disposed on the medial side portion of the upper, and the intermediate portion of the guide rail extends from the lateral side portion of the upper, around the heel portion of the upper, and to the medial side portion of the upper.