Abstract: Embodiments are directed toward footwear. The footwear includes an upper and an outsole that has a hindfoot region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region. In some embodiments, the hindfoot region or the midfoot region has first raised portions that extend along the top side of the outsole in a first pattern. In some embodiments, the first raised portions are configured to provide the hindfoot region or the midfoot region with a first amount of vertical flexibility. In some embodiments, the forefoot region has second raised portions that extend along the top side of the outsole in a second pattern that is different than the first pattern. In some embodiments, the second raised portions are configured to provide the forefoot region with a second amount of vertical flexibility that is greater than the first amount of vertical flexibility.