Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure. The upper includes a heel section, lateral side section, medial side section, instep and toe cage that define an interior cavity operable to receive a foot of a wearer. At least a portion of the upper includes a laminate, where the laminate includes an inner layer facing the cavity, an outer layer forming an exterior of the shoe, and an intermediate layer disposed between inner and outer layers, the intermediate layer comprising a reinforcing layer having a rigidity that is greater than the rigidity of the inner and outer layers. The reinforcing layer extends from the lateral side section to the medial side section.