Abstract: An article of footwear and method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprises an upper, a sole structure adjacent the upper and a thermoplastic material sheet attached to the upper to fixedly secure one or more components to the upper or fixedly secure the upper to a sole structure where the thermoplastic material sheet provides the primary or only means for securing the components to the upper and the upper to the sole structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear and method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprises an upper, a sole structure adjacent the upper and a thermoplastic material sheet attached to the upper to fixedly secure one or more components to the upper or fixedly secure the upper to a sole structure where the thermoplastic material sheet provides the primary or only means for securing the components to the upper and the upper to the sole structure.

Abstract: An insole for a shoe is characterized by a cushioning device that circulates air between a plastic bottom layer and a soft, porous upper layer. The air is directed to designated areas of the insole via vertical apertures, which circulate air to and over the foot of a user. The bottom layer is formed with air capturing structures that when collapsed expel air that is forced through the apertures and to the surface of the user's foot. The bottom layer and the upper layer are separated by a porous middle layer that may be foam or other light weight but breathable material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a shoe insert that can provide overall improved foot comfort to a user and can specifically provide beneficial localized pressure relief improving foot health and mitigating painful and/or damaging conditions. The shoe insert can comprise a pressure moderator sheet and one or more pressure pads removably and replaceably attached to the moderator sheet. The insert may further comprise a cushioning material or layer.

Abstract: A thermoformed cushioning material, a method of making and products formed with the cushioning material are provided herein.

Abstract: Footwear and footwear structures are provided as well as methods for forming composite components for footwear or footwear structures. In forming the structures, two material layers are overlaid such that the two material layers are in contact with one another. The two material layers are heated to a forming temperature and are then vacuum-formed together to form a composite material layer in a three-dimensional form of the footwear structure. A provided footwear structure includes an upper and a sole assembly attached to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first material layer made of a thermoplastic, and a second material layer attached to the first material layer. The first material layer includes a recessed area including a flat support portion, and is transparent or translucent. The second material layer includes a portion that is positioned on a surface of the recessed area, and a color of the second material layer indicates a location and/or a function of the second material layer.

Abstract: Footwear and footwear structures are provided as well as methods for forming composite components for footwear or footwear structures. In forming the structures, two material layers are overlaid such that the two material layers are in contact with one another. The two material layers are heated to a forming temperature and are then vacuum-formed together to form a composite material layer in a three-dimensional form of the footwear structure. A provided footwear structure includes an upper and a sole assembly attached to the upper. The sole assembly includes a first material layer made of a thermoplastic, and a second material layer attached to the first material layer. The first material layer includes a recessed area including a flat support portion, and is transparent or translucent. The second material layer includes a portion that is positioned on a surface of the recessed area, and a color of the second material layer indicates a location and/or a function of the second material layer.

Abstract: A flexible shock absorbing component providing cushioning for surfaces, especially wall and floor surfaces, is described. The shock absorbing component includes two sheets of thermoplastic, each sheet with inwardly facing, opposing, resiliently compressible indentations extending into a cavity between the two sheets. The shock absorbing component also includes a layer of particulate matter applied to and adhered to the outer surface of one of the sheets, to provide wear and weather resistance. A moderator may also be attached to the outer surface of the sheet.