Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. The sole when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber.

Abstract: A sole construction (110, 310, 410, 510) for supporting at least a portion of a foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction (110, 310, 410, 510) includes a generally horizontal layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) of stretchable material, at least one chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354?, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454?, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554?) positioned adjacent a first side of the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556), and at least one actuator (122, 158, 320, 322, 324, 358, 420, 422, 424, 458, 520, 522, 524, 558) positioned adjacent a second side of the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354?, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454?, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554?).

Abstract: A shoe sole can comprise one or more resiliently compressible elements received in a foundation and located by the foundation to underlie a portion of a foot, such as metatarsal heads, when the shoe is worn. The resiliently compressible element or elements can be shaped to reduce coupling of compression of adjacent regions of the resiliently compressible element. One or more plate elements can be positioned between the resiliently compressible elements and the foot, e.g. under the metatarsal heads. The plate elements can be separated from each other by spaces, such as slots, to reduce coupling of movement of adjacent plate elements. The plate elements can be elastically interconnected at the spaces between them. A plurality of lugs configured to contact the ground can be located on a lower surface of the foundation such that they are generally aligned with the plate elements. The plurality of lugs can be elastically interconnected.

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a sole construction for biomechanical stability and afferent feedback includes a cushioning and support layer that cushions and supports a foot and an afferent feedback biomechanical support plate positioned between the cushioning and support layer and the user's foot. The afferent feedback biomechanical support plate may be positioned within a forefoot, midfoot, and/or heel area of the sole construction and may provide improved afferent feedback to the foot during a contact and stance phase of the gait cycle.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, dual action energy storage and rebound is provided by using a plurality of actuators that move both upwardly and downwardly into corresponding chambers.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.

Abstract: A sole construction (110, 310, 410, 510) for supporting at least a portion of a foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction (110, 310, 410, 510) includes a generally horizontal layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) of stretchable material, at least one chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454?, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554,) positioned adjacent a first side of the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556), and at least one actuator (122, 158, 320, 322, 324, 358, 420, 422, 424, 458, 520, 522, 524, 558) positioned adjacent a second side of the layer (126, 156, 326, 356, 426, 456, 526, 556) vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber (130, 132, 134, 330, 332, 334, 354, 354?, 430, 432, 434, 454, 454, 530, 532, 534, 554, 554?).

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment, the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.