Abstract: An improved athletic shoe sole of the type with annular cleating segments has an annular cleat set projecting from the main sole surface and disposed along a substantially circular path, the set having a plurality of cleat nodes each of which is arranged in a substantially abutting relationship to at least one adjacent cleat node. Each node has a distal end or tip spaced from the main sole surface and first and second edges on opposite sides of the distal end with proximal ends terminating on the circular path. Improved pivotability and traction characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A cleat for an athletic shoe includes a base plate, tapered and slightly curved engagement member for penetrating the turf and a support member for coupling the engagement member to the plate. At least one notch is defined by the base plate, the support member and the engagement member for receiving bonding material to attach the cleat to a shoe sole. The comparative widths of the base plate and engagement member are such that the cleats may be arranged in a closely spaced or abutting relationships.An athletic shoe sole includes an array of such cleats disposed along a substantially circular path to define an annular cleat array. The blade of each cleat is generally in registry with the path and the cleats thereby define an annular, substantially circular edge for facilitating pivoting movement of the sole.

Abstract: An improved flexible sole for athletic shoes for field sports of the type having an annular cleat providing improved pivotability and excellent traction. The annular cleat has opposed breaks along its distal edge in opposed main lateral portions which are centered on the juncture of the ball-of-the foot and toe portions of the sole. In one embodiment, a wide single break on each side of the shoe extends to the main sole surface and forms a flexing region across the sole. In another, a pair of breaks on each side form opposed annular cleat side portions, with which a central cleat may be aligned.

Abstract: An improved sole for soccer shoes of the type having an annular cleat providing improved pivotability and excellent traction. The annular cleat extends along a substantially circular path which has medial and lateral opposed main side portions, the inside main side portion being spaced from the inside sole edge by a distance substantially greater than the lateral main side portion is from the sole outside edge. Preferred embodiments have opposed breaks along the opposed main side portions.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a substantially continuous annular cleat formed on the sole in forward position and extending along a substantially circular path encompassing a major area which includes most of the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole. The cleat has a passageway across a portion of the width of the sole just forward of the arch portion. Such passageway is preferably a shortening of a minor portion of the annular cleat but may be elimination thereof. Some preferred embodiments relate to a flat cleat edge, while others relate to certain passageway or cleat cross-sectional characteristics.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a circular cleat formed on the sole in forward position substantially encompassing the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole, extending substantially across the width of the sole, and enclosing a surface coincident with the main surface of the sole. The shoe provides improved pivotability while also providing good traction, and can reduce the frequency of certain common leg injuries.

Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe for improved pivotability and traction on artificial turf. The sole of the shoe has a series of at least three, and preferably more, concentric annular projections, including a first annular projection encompassing nearly the entire ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole and extending across the width of the sole and at least two additional annular projections spaced at progressively shorter radial locations. The enclosed sole areas are coincident with the main sole surface. Preferred embodiments include at least one and preferably more truncated-circle projections each of which are concentric with the first projection but at greater radial locations.