Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has a shell having a first hardness and a recess. A lateral side of the recess has a first depth and a medial side of the recess has a second depth that is different than the first depth. A first aperture extends through a forefoot portion of the shell, with the first aperture defining a first tongue fixed on a medial side thereof with a remainder of the first tongue free to flex with respect to the shell. An insert has a second hardness and is seated in the recess. A lateral side of the insert has a first height and a medial side of the insert has a second height that is different than the first height, with the second hardness being different than the first hardness.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has an upper plate and a lower plate in a forefoot portion of the sole assembly, and a plurality of lower plate arms curving downwardly from the upper plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has at least one fluid-filled chamber capable of transmitting light and a recess. A light source is positioned in the recess, and an outsole is secured to a lower surface of the sole assembly.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a reflective outsole is disclosed. The article of footwear has an outsole including a reflective device that covers one or several portions of the outsole. The reflective device is composed of a thin and flexible material that does interfere with the natural flexibility of the outsole. The reflective device may extend over a substantial majority of a lower surface of the outsole, including a portion of the outer periphery of the outsole.

Abstract: A system for modifying properties of an article of footwear is disclosed, wherein the article of footwear includes a removable foot-supporting member that includes a frame portion that defines an aperture, one of a plurality of insert portions that are received by the aperture, and a restraining member attached to an upper surface of the frame portion. By removing the insert portion, which has a specific physical characteristic, and replacing it with an alternate insert portion, which has a different physical characteristic, properties of the article of footwear are modified. The restraining member is attached to the upper surface of the frame portion, but not to the upper surface of the insert portion. The restraining member prevents upward movement of the insert portions and stretches to accommodate insert portions having various dimensions.

Abstract: A substantially permanently deforming insert including a soft foam layer configured to substantially permanently deform and conform to a wearer's foot. This deformation preferably takes place quickly, eliminating the typical break in period. The insert can also include a roughened region configured to engage an outer member, eliminating the need for an adhesive between the outer member and the insert.

Abstract: A system for custom fitting athletic shoes to an individual wearer includes a foot measurement device, an adjustable footform and an infrared activation chamber. Shoes of a single width for each length size have at least a portion of the upper made of heat malleable material to be custom fitted for width. Foot measurement data is used to calculate length size, width size and a number of custom adjustment factors. After the length size is calculated, the appropriately sized shoe and last are assembled together and subject to infrared radiation until the heat malleable material becomes plastic. Adjustments are then made to the last in accordance with the adjustment factors to provide custom width sizing. After further heat treatment to set the shoe upper and cooling, the shoe is complete. In this manner, if used in a retail setting, shoes are custom fitted to the wearer in a matter of minutes.