Abstract: Traction enhancing devices for footwear assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that has one or more embedded traction enhancing devices. Each traction enhancing device can be a stud that is at least partially embedded in the carrier portion of the outsole and that partially projects from the carrier portion. Each stud can be configured to reduce or eliminate relative movement between the stud and the carrier portion to prevent the stud from loosening or falling out. For example, each stud can include a shaft having an engaging surface, such as a threaded, ribbed, or textured surface, that engages the carrier portion. Each stud can also include a portion having an enlarged surface area, such as an anchor or head, embedded in the carrier portion to improve retention of the stud in the carrier portion.

Abstract: A footwear assembly having a dual density outsole with lugs and non-retractable studs in the lugs. Peripheral lugs are spaced apart from the outsole's longitudinal axis and central lugs are disposed adjacent to the longitudinal axis between the peripheral lugs. The peripheral lugs are taller than the central lugs and are made of a denser rubber. The studs embedded in the lugs with a shaft and tip portion exposed. The peripheral lugs having recessed flex grooves circular recesses coaxially aligned with the studs.

Abstract: Footwear assemblies with a light weight sole assembly securely attached to an upper and associated methods are described herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes an upper connected to a light weight sole assembly, wherein the sole assembly has a durable outsole securely attached to a lightweight midsole, and a lightweight cradle style chassis is attached to the midsole. The chassis has a body and sidewalls extending upwardly from the lateral and medial side portions of the body to define a concave structure that receives a portion of the upper therein. At least a portion of the upper is cemented to the chassis, and edge portions of the upper are stitched to the sidewalls of the chassis.

Abstract: Traction enhancing devices for footwear assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that has one or more embedded traction enhancing devices. Each traction enhancing device can be a stud that is at least partially embedded in the carrier portion of the outsole and that partially projects from the carrier portion. Each stud can be configured to reduce or eliminate relative movement between the stud and the carrier portion to prevent the stud from loosening or falling out. For example, each stud can include a shaft having an engaging surface, such as a threaded, ribbed, or textured surface, that engages the carrier portion. Each stud can also include a portion having an enlarged surface area, such as an anchor or head, embedded in the carrier portion to improve retention of the stud in the carrier portion.

Abstract: Footwear assemblies including removable enhanced traction devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that removably receives a traction enhancing device. The outsole includes a tread pattern having a plurality of channels corresponding to portions of the traction device. The traction device includes multiple webs or straps that carry studs or other types of protrusions for improved traction. When a user attaches the traction device to the footwear product, the channels in the outsole removably receive the corresponding webs, thereby positioning the protrusions to extend away from the outsole. The outsole can also include one or more channels extending around one or more peripheral portions of the footwear product (e.g., around the side, back and/or front) to receive corresponding portions of the traction device and retain the traction device on the footwear product.