Abstract: Footwear having an outsole including treads spaced about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm from one another so that a rocky terrain feature can fit between adjacent treads thereby providing traction through the outsole on the rocky terrain feature, each tread of a height of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm so the tread engages the rocky terrain feature without substantially bending upon such engagement. The treads can include a tread edge defining a right angle to form a substantially non-radiused corner. The outsole can include preselected regions having different durometers, e.g., a harder durometer to assist the treads in holding firm against terrain features, and a softer durometer to add flexibility to the outsole. A footbed with zone pods and secondary pods can be secured to the upper in a Strobel construction, the zone pods and secondary pods interacting with the outsole to provide enhanced feedback to the wearer.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear includes a sole assembly, optionally including an outsole and a midsole adjacent outsole. The sole assembly and/or its components can include a heel portion that defines a void. First and second inserts can be located in the void, adjacent one another. The first and second inserts are movable and/or slideable relative to one another. This construction can attenuate vibration and shock imparted to the outsole and subsequently transferred to a wearer of the footwear.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear includes an outsole, a midsole disposed on the outsole and having a heel portion that defines a void, and first and second inserts disposed in the void. The first insert is attached to the outsole, and the second insert is disposed on top of the first insert in a manner such that the first and second inserts are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A footbed promotes complimentary movement and proprioceptive feedback of a user's foot (e.g., to help an adult balance on an uneven surface) while wearing the article of footwear. The footbed includes a base and a plurality of pads. The base has a first side opposite a second side, each extending from a forefoot region to a heel region. A first portion of each pad extends away from the first side of the base and a second portion of each pad extends away from the second side of the base. The second side of the base is positionable adjacent to an outsole of an article of footwear such that the first side of the base is adjacent a user's foot during use of the article of footwear. Each pad is movable substantially independently of the each of the other pads, relative to the base.

Abstract: A footbed promotes complimentary movement and proprioceptive feedback of a user's foot (e.g., to help an adult balance on an uneven surface) while wearing the article of footwear. The footbed includes a base and a plurality of pads. The base has a first side opposite a second side, each extending from a forefoot region to a heel region. A first portion of each pad extends away from the first side of the base and a second portion of each pad extends away from the second side of the base. The second side of the base is positionable adjacent to an outsole of an article of footwear such that the first side of the base is adjacent a user's foot during use of the article of footwear. Each pad is movable substantially independently of the each of the other pads, relative to the base.

Abstract: In one embodiment a gaitor interface may be used to connect a gaitor to many different types of footwear. The gaitor interface provides a removable attachment between the gaitor and the shoe. One part of the gaitor interface comprises a track that can be mounted along the exterior of the shoe. The track includes a pair of elongated arms that define an interior flex track. Another part of the gaitor interface comprises a connector for attaching to the track. The connector has a bead portion that can be slid into the flex track. The interlock between the bead portion and the flex track provides a releasably secure connection between the gaitor and the shoe. In another embodiment, a convertible shoe having a removable shoe collar is provided. The removable collar may be reversible and may have different linings or covering for the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: A shoe cushioning system having a thin midsole, a first forefoot element, a second forefoot element and a heel element is described. The first forefoot element is connected to the midsole near the front of the forefoot region, the second forefoot element is connected to the midsole near the rear of the forefoot region, and the heel element is connected to the midsole in the heel region. The first and second forefoot elements are separated by a flex zone. The first forefoot element, second forefoot element and heel element each comprise an elastically deformable cushion with substantially planar top and bottom sides, and an attached cap structure. The first forefoot element may have a curved front edge and a substantially linear rear edge, wherein the curved front edge approximately follows the curved line defined by the metatarsal heads of the metatarsus bones of the foot.

Abstract: A shoelace cover having a translucent window is detachably secured to the upper of a shoe to display and protect the lacings. The shoelace cover comprises a generally triangular edge element, a translucent window composed of tubular elements and connected to the edge element, and fasteners attached beneath the edge element to detachably secure the cover over the throat area of a shoe upper. The translucent window permits the shoelaces to be seen therethrough, may be of different colors and may house a decorative emblem or feature.

Abstract: A closure element for attachment to an item is disclosed. The closure element has a helical lacing structure, at least one support brace and a base. In an alternate embodiment, at least one hook structure is part of the helical lacing structure.