Abstract: Systems and methods for validating online activities through proof-of-work techniques are provided. In one example, a validating computing system receives a request for a proof-of-work instruction from a client device that has submitted an online activity request to an online server system. The validating computing system generates and transmits a proof-of-work instruction for solving a problem to the client device. The validating computing system further receives a response to the proof-of-work instruction from the client device. The validating computing system generates a validity decision based on whether the client device correctly solved the problem, and transmits, to the online server system, the validity decision for use in granting the online activity request to the online server system.

Abstract: A footwear structure includes an upper having a bottom, wherein at least a portion of the bottom extends from a first side of the upper to a second side of the upper, a welt, the welt being separate from the upper and being coupled directly to at least a portion of the upper by a first stitching through the welt at a first location on the welt, and an outsole, the outsole being separate from the upper and being coupled to the welt by an adhesive or a second stitching through the welt at a second location on the welt. A method of forming a footwear structure, whereby a welt is directly coupled to at least a portion of an upper by a first stitching through the welt at a first location on the welt. The welt is directly coupled to at least a portion of an outsole by an adhesive or a second stitching through the welt as a second location on the welt.