Abstract: A method of manufacturing an upper made of a composite material for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes associating a layer of carbon fiber material and a flexible substrate to form the composite material. A thin outer coating of TPU is applied to an outer surface of the carbon fiber material of the composite material. The method forms an article of footwear having an upper that is generally flexible and lightweight.

Abstract: An upper made of a composite material is disclosed. The composite material comprises a layer of carbon fiber material and a flexible substrate. The composite material also includes a thin outer coating of TPU. The upper is generally flexible and lightweight.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole positioned beneath the upper. The midsole includes an upper portion formed of a first material and a lower portion formed of a second material and positioned beneath the upper portion. The lower portion includes a plurality of support members spaced from adjacent support members. A plurality of connecting members extend between and are connected to adjacent support members, with the connecting members having a height that is less than a height of the support members to which the connecting members are connected, and an upper surface that is substantially flush with an upper surface of the support members to which the connecting members are connected.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole assembly; an upper attached to the sole assembly; a heel counter on the upper, the heel counter having an upper edge and including a first connector portion that extends along the upper edge; and a heel insert removably attached to the heel counter along its upper edge, the heel insert having a corresponding second connector portion that mates with the first connector portion of the heel counter.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a woven strap system is disclosed. The woven strap system preferably wraps along the entirety of the outsole, including a bottom side and an outer periphery. The article of footwear also includes a midsole that rests inside the woven strap system, just above the outsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball. Additionally, a water repelling member for the article of footwear is also disclosed. The water repelling member helps to repel water from the gripping system, especially horizontal water or water from splashing. The water repelling member is also breathable and helps to dissipate water vapor caused by heat evaporation of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: An upper made of a composite material is disclosed. The composite material comprises a layer of carbon fiber material and a flexible substrate. The composite material also includes a thin outer coating of TPU. The upper is generally flexible and lightweight.

Abstract: An upper made of a composite material is disclosed. The composite material comprises a layer of carbon fiber material and a flexible substrate. The composite material also includes a thin outer coating of TPU. The upper is generally flexible and lightweight.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising: a sole assembly; an upper attached to the sole assembly; a heel counter on the upper, the heel counter having an upper edge and including a first connector portion that extends along the upper edge; and a heel insert removably attached to the heel counter along its upper edge, the heel insert having a corresponding second connector portion that mates with the first connector portion of the heel counter.

Abstract: A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a mesh disposed on the outsole and an insert of the outsole is disclosed. The outsole includes tread elements that extend farther from the outsole than the mesh, providing protection to the mesh. Additionally, the mesh on the insert preferably helps reduce hyperextension of the front of the insert and the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with flexing portions disposed in an arch portion of a sole system is disclosed. The flexing portions in the sole system increase the curling toe flexibility of the article of footwear. In addition, the sole system includes trapping portions that enhance the ability of a wearer to stop and capture a ball. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes an asymmetric fastening system biased toward a medial side of the article.

Abstract: A cleat member is provided for use with an article of footwear. The cleat member includes an outer layer formed from a first material and an inner layer formed from a second material. The inner layer is at least partially encapsulated by the outer layer. The first material is distinct from the second material. A hole extends completely through the cleat member.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a gripping system is disclosed. The gripping system helps to enhance the wearer's ability to contact an athletic ball during kicking. The gripping system can be centered about a region where the wearer tends to kick the ball, and the gripping system can be distributed in a pattern that provides an even or symmetric contact area with the ball. Additionally, a water repelling member for the article of footwear is also disclosed. The water repelling member helps to repel water from the gripping system, especially horizontal water or water from splashing. The water repelling member is also breathable and helps to dissipate water vapor caused by heat evaporation of the foot.