Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is directed to an article of footwear including a snake-shaped foot plate that prevents “penetration,” when concentrated stresses are transmitted to cause discomfort to the wearer, of intermediate sized rocks through a shoe. Specifically the snake-shaped plate embodiments with plurality of longitudinally staggered, substantially lateral cutouts enable increased torsional flexibility and distribute the stresses towards the outer parts of the shoe. The plate insert can include a plurality of longitudinally staggered cutouts extending substantially laterally from the central longitudinal axis forming a plurality of outriggers such that the cutouts on the left side are not located directly opposite from the cutouts on the right side. The cutouts can be straight or curved and the endpoints can be laterally aligned or not.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sliding eyelet apparatus comprising a flexible track comprising at least one groove and at least one track, and a lace carrier comprising a lever comprising at least one tooth to engage said groove, a spring; and a slider comprising a rail to engage said flexible track.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sliding eyelet apparatus comprising a flexible track comprising at least one groove and at least one track, and a lace carrier comprising a lever comprising at least one tooth to engage said groove, a spring; and a slider comprising a rail to engage said flexible track.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a plate insert with plurality of longitudinally staggered, substantially lateral cutouts is described.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a chassis having an upper side and a lower side. At least one outsole component is attached to the lower side of the chassis, at least one midsole component is attached to the upper side of the chassis, and an upper is attached to the chassis. At least one opening extends through the chassis from the upper side to the lower side which is unobstructed by the outsole and midsole components. The openings allow for air circulation and water drainage. The chassis is comprised of multiple sub-frames that can be independently fastened to the other footwear components.