Abstract: An article of footwear with a pivot portion including a plurality of flex grooves is disclosed. The plurality of flex grooves provides increased flexibility in different portions of a sole of the article. In addition, a periphery of the sole includes sole pods to increase the traction on the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for toning footwear include a combination of a support ring, an insole with a cushioning material configured to contact a user's foot, and an outsole with one or more convex regions to create instability in the footwear. The support ring or stiffener band can be coupled to the outsole between the insole on one side and the forefoot and heel toning convexities on the other side. In some embodiments, the stiffener band can be formed of a material different from and stiffer than the material of the outsole. In accordance with various embodiments, when a user wears the toning footwear while walking, an increase in both the toning and strengthening of the calves, hamstrings and/or glutes results.

Abstract: An outsole structure includes a medial side, a lateral side, and a longitudinal axis. The outsole structure also has a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion. The midfoot portion defines a recess and an insert received within the recess. The insert includes a base portion, medial wall that projects from the base portion, and a lateral wall that projects from the base portion. The insert additionally includes a first rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. The insert further includes a second rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. Moreover, the insert includes at least one pocket that is defined between the base portion, the medial wall, the lateral wall, the first rib, and the second rib.

Abstract: An outsole structure includes a medial side, a lateral side, and a longitudinal axis. The outsole structure also has a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion. The midfoot portion defines a recess and an insert received within the recess. The insert includes a base portion, medial wall that projects from the base portion, and a lateral wall that projects from the base portion. The insert additionally includes a first rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. The insert further includes a second rib that projects from the base portion and that extends between the medial wall and the lateral wall. Moreover, the insert includes at least one pocket that is defined between the base portion, the medial wall, the lateral wall, the first rib, and the second rib.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an outsole structure having a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The midfoot portion includes a series of ribs cooperating to define a series of pockets disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The plurality of pockets include a smaller volume proximate to a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the outsole structure and a greater volume proximate to an outboard, lateral edge and an outboard, medial edge of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a pivot portion including a plurality of flex grooves is disclosed. The plurality of flex grooves provides increased flexibility in different portions of a sole of the article. In addition, a periphery of the sole includes sole pods to increase the traction on the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for toning footwear include a combination of a support ring, an insole with a cushioning material configured to contact a user's foot, and an outsole with one or more convex regions to create instability in the footwear. The support ring or stiffener band can be coupled to the outsole between the insole on one side and the forefoot and heel toning convexities on the other side. In some embodiments, the stiffener band can be formed of a material different from and stiffer than the material of the outsole. In accordance with various embodiments, when a user wears the toning footwear while walking, an increase in both the toning and strengthening of the calves, hamstrings and/or glutes results.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided and includes an outsole structure having a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The midfoot portion includes a series of ribs cooperating to define a series of pockets disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion. The plurality of pockets include a smaller volume proximate to a longitudinal axis extending through a center of the outsole structure and a greater volume proximate to an outboard, lateral edge and an outboard, medial edge of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a pivot portion including a plurality of flex grooves is disclosed. The plurality of flex grooves provides increased flexibility in different portions of a sole of the article. In addition, a periphery of the sole includes sole pods to increase the traction on the periphery of the sole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an integrated arch strap and eyestays is disclosed. The integrated arch strap provides arch support adjustable by a wearer through the tightening of a lace. Furthermore, the adjustment of the integrated arch strap allows some customization of the width of the footwear.