Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole, an upper, and a reconfigurable fastening system. The upper is coupled to the sole and includes medial and lateral quarters. Disposed on the medial and lateral quarters are a plurality of eyelets. Each of the eyelets includes a pair of openings disposed in the upper. The plurality of eyelets further includes at least one elongate member threaded through the pair of openings of each eyelet. The elongate member includes a series of first, or unexposed, portions that are disposed on an inner surface of the upper, and a series of second, or exposed, portions that are disposed on the outer surface of the upper. As fastener or lacing may be selectively threaded through an eyelet of the plurality of eyelets, where the fastener may be threaded between the second portion of the elongate member and the outer surface of the upper.

Abstract: A helmet device incorporating both increased peripheral vision characteristics as well as retaining sufficient rigidity and durability. A three dimensionally shaped and interiorly hollowed helmet shell is adapted to being placed upon a head of a wearer and includes an extending forward surface defining a forward facial opening. First and second spaced apart pairs of side surfaces define first and second peripheral openings. The pairs of side surfaces communicate with specified locations of the forward surface and each extends along the sides of the helmet shell in a direction substantially towards a rear of the shell. A face guard includes elongate extending structural members securing along both the forward surface as well as the pairs of spaced apart side surfaces. The guard extends in a forward direction from the forward facial opening and protects a face of the wearer as well as providing reinforcing support to the shell.