Abstract: Footwear can include an upper forefoot part, an upper heel part, an outsole including a forward part joined with the forefoot part and a rearward part joined with the heel part. The rearward part can be selectively moveable in unison with the heel part from a closed mode secured to a wearer's foot, to an open mode to don or doff the footwear. The footwear can include a first shank defining a recess and a second shank including an engagement rim, the second shank tiltable to the open mode, with the engagement rim registered in the recess to stabilize the footwear in the open mode. The upper forefoot part can include one or more pockets, and the heel part can include wings that slidably fit therein. The wings can cooperate to secure the footwear in the closed mode and/or impair overextension in an open mode.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear having a cushioning sole and a support frame fitted about the cushioning sole. The cushioning sole defines the primary ground-engaging surface. The support frame is substantially harder than the cushioning sole. In one embodiment, the support frame includes a perimeter member extending about the perimeter of the cushioning sole, a rear lateral support member disposed toward the forward extent of the heel region and a forward lateral support member disposed in the forefoot region. The cushioning sole may include a support frame recess configured to seat the support frame. The frame recess may include a plurality of channel set into the face of the cushioning sole to recess the support frame from the outer surface. The support frame may include a pair of post that extend through and are affixed to the top surface of the cushioning sole.

Abstract: A sole assembly is provided including multiple compression units entrapped in a midsole and adjacent an outsole to efficiently distribute forces and to assist in correct foot motion during a gait cycle. The multiple compression units can be linked to one another to assist the foot in moving through an appropriate foot motion during a gait cycle. A heel compression unit can be linked to an arch compression unit, which can be linked to one or more forefoot compression units, which can be linked to a toe compression unit. The linking of the heel compression unit, the arch compression unit, and the forefoot compression unit to one another can resist torsional movement of the units between one another, thereby providing a more stable foot support, while still providing impact-attenuation and force distribution through the sole assembly.

Abstract: A sole assembly is provided including multiple compression units entrapped in a midsole and adjacent an outsole to efficiently distribute forces and to assist in correct foot motion during a gait cycle. The multiple compression units can be linked to one another to assist the foot in moving through an appropriate foot motion during a gait cycle. A heel compression unit can be linked to an arch compression unit, which can be linked to one or more forefoot compression units, which can be linked to a toe compression unit. The linking of the heel compression unit, the arch compression unit, and the forefoot compression unit to one another can resist torsional movement of the units between one another, thereby providing a more stable foot support, while still providing impact-attenuation and force distribution through the sole assembly.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear having a cushioning sole and a support frame fitted about the cushioning sole. The cushioning sole defines the primary ground-engaging surface. The support frame is substantially harder than the cushioning sole. In one embodiment, the support frame includes a perimeter member extending about the perimeter of the cushioning sole, a rear lateral support member disposed toward the forward extent of the heel region and a forward lateral support member disposed in the forefoot region. The cushioning sole may include a support frame recess configured to seat the support frame. The frame recess may include a plurality of channel set into the face of the cushioning sole to recess the support frame from the outer surface. The support frame may include a pair of post that extend through and are affixed to the top surface of the cushioning sole.