Abstract: An athletic shoe sole construction having a grid system forming a lattice pattern designed to resiliently support a foot and deflect downwardly upon foot imposed forces is provided. The grid system may be located in the heel portion of the shoe. According to some aspects of the invention, the grid system is constructed from a compressible material. In one embodiment, portions of the grid system may be constructed from a foamed material. The athletic shoe includes a midsole arrayed about the periphery of the grid system and extending downwardly therefrom, such that the grid system can deflect and compress into an opening formed by the midsole. A base structure may be provided below the grid system to limit deflection of the grid system into the opening.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole construction having a suspension system designed to resiliently support a foot and deflect downwardly upon foot imposed forces is provided. The athletic shoe includes a plurality of independent supports arrayed about the periphery of the suspension system. The supports, or pillars, may include a ground engaging section and a resilient section intermediate the ground engaging section and the suspension system. The suspension system may include a deflectable grid system, or it may include other resilient deflectable materials. The pillars may be constructed and arranged to deflect independently of an adjacent pillar.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole construction having a grid system forming a lattice pattern designed to resiliently support a foot and deflect downwardly upon foot imposed forces is provided. The grid system may be located in the heel portion of the shoe. According to some aspects of the invention, the grid system is constructed from a compressible material. In one embodiment, portions of the grid system may be constructed from a foamed material. The athletic shoe includes a midsole arrayed about the periphery of the grid system and extending downwardly therefrom, such that the grid system can deflect and compress into an opening formed by the midsole. A base structure may be provided below the grid system to limit deflection of the grid system into the opening.

Abstract: An athletic shoe sole construction having a suspension system designed to resiliently support a foot and deflect downwardly upon foot imposed forces is provided. The athletic shoe includes a plurality of independent supports arrayed about the periphery of the suspension system. The supports, or pillars, may include a ground engaging section and a resilient section intermediate the ground engaging section and the suspension system. The suspension system may include a deflectable grid system, or it may include other resilient deflectable materials. The pillars may be constructed and arranged to deflect independently of an adjacent pillar.