Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article includes straps that fasten an upper into place. The straps are configured to maintain a fastened position when water is splashed from below the article. The article further includes padded members to protect the instep and the front ankle of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear for riding is disclosed. The article includes a second portion of an upper having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than a first coefficient of friction associated with a first portion of an upper. The article further includes a detachable spur member configured to attach to a heel counter of the article.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports, especially canoeing, is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper attached to a sole forming a first live hinge and a strap system attached to the sole forming a second live hinge. The second live hinge is disposed distally from the first live hinge.

Abstract: An article of footwear for water sports disclosed. The article may be worn by a helmsman on a sailboat. The article may include provisions to facilitate increased traction and support for a foot of the helmsman.

Abstract: The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.

Abstract: An article of footwear for gymnasts includes an outsole, an insole, an upper, and a securing member. The outsole may extend beneath a forefoot region of the foot and may include one or more traction elements. The insole may be engaged with the outsole and may include one or more impact-attenuation zones. The insole may include a medial impact-attenuation zone and a lateral impact-attenuation zone. The upper may include one or more apertures through which a wearer's phalanges may be received and may extend over a top portion of the wearer's foot between the wearer's ankle and phalanges. The securing member may secure the article of footwear to the wearer's foot, and may extend from the lateral to the medial side of the upper. The securing member may extend around the heel or ankle area of the wearer's foot. The article of footwear may be a gymnastics shoe.