Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes upper and a sole structure. The upper defines an interior void that is configured to receive the sole structure and a foot. A lower surface of the upper defines a plurality of apertures, and the sole structure includes a plurality of projections that extend through the apertures to form a ground-engaging surface. The projections are connected to a foot-supporting member that remains within the upper. A locking system is incorporated into the upper and sole structure to secure the sole structure to the upper.

Abstract: Systems for securing a foot in a housing such as a piece of athletic footwear, include: (a) a foot-housing member that at least partially defines a chamber for receiving the foot (e.g., a shoe upper and/or insole and/or outsole and/or midsole); and (b) a closure system for holding the foot in the foot-housing member. The closure system may include a mesh or braided panel that at least partially holds the foot-receiving device on the foot. The mesh or braided panel may conform to foot shape or position changes while still maintaining adequate pressure on the foot and/or adequately closing the chamber opening to hold the foot in the housing member. This closure system may operate in conjunction with a secondary closure system, such as a shoelace arrangement, a strap arrangement, a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, a hook-and-eyelet fastener arrangement, an elastic band arrangement, a zipper arrangement, or the like.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a dual lacing system is disclosed. The article of footwear includes a first lace and a second lace. The first lace and the second lace include portions that are interdigitated, these portions being disposed towards an entry hole of the upper. The laces also include provisions for releasably fastening to the sides of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a fastening system. The fastening system can include a pull tab and one or more flaps that cooperate to provide a more secure and snug fit, eliminates the need for conventional laces and a conventional tongue, and is easy to operate, especially for children or people with disabilities.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes one or more frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The one or more frame members may be coupled to the foot holding system on a medial and a lateral side. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have aeration regions for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper in a tented arrangement. The article of footwear includes a sole and an upper including a shroud. The article of footwear further includes a foot engaging system for joining a foot of a user to the sole, and a biasing system which includes a plurality of frame members that urges or influences the shroud away from the foot of the user. The article of footwear further includes a plurality of straps for holding the foot to the sole in which one of the straps engages the heel. The straps are located on an exterior surface of the shroud or alternatively they are located in the interior of the shroud. Air gaps are created between the shroud and the foot for ventilation. Several foot booties for holding a foot have vent openings for providing air to ventilate the foot of a wearer. Further, the foot booties are combined with straps, in which the straps are disposed between the shroud and the foot booties.

Abstract: An article of footwear, e.g., a shoe for running, jogging, and walling, that is designed to provide a better and more anatomical fit to the wearer's foot to enhance performance and provide better arch support. The shoe includes an articulated arch that is independent from the main sole unit to provide better arch support, optimal comfort, and enhanced articulation. A heel notch is cut in the medial and lateral quarter panels to enable the shoe to move in a manner more like the human foot. A heel clip is provided, in lieu of a traditional heel counter, to provide a secure fit in the heel region without the inflexibility and discomfort of a traditional heel counter.

Abstract: A closure for footwear comprising overlapping straps with strap receiving openings to permit the overlapping. The straps have pile or hook material to releasably engage cooperating pile or hook material on the upper. The closure provides ease and flexibility for engagement on the footwear.