Abstract: An article of footwear with medial and lateral sides; an upper; and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure has: a first plate with a first and second surface, the first plate including a first knob extending from the second surface and one or more apertures disposed through the first and second surfaces; a second plate with a first and second surface, the second plate including a second knob extending from the first surface of the second plate and one or more apertures disposed through the first surface of the second plate; a first cushioning element disposed on the medial side of the article of footwear, wherein the first cushioning element is disposed between the first and second plates; and a second cushioning element disposed on the lateral side of the article of footwear, wherein the second cushioning element is disposed between the first and second plates.

Abstract: Footwear lasts have size adjustment capabilities. As some more specific examples, footwear lasts may be adjustable in the longitudinal direction and/or in the girth dimension. In this manner, fewer physical lasts may be needed for making a full size run of footwear products. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of this adjustable last technology may be used for making customized footwear products, for making small runs of footwear products, and/or for adjusting sizes of existing footwear products.

Abstract: An article of footwear with medial and lateral sides; an upper; and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure has: a first plate with a first and second surface, the first plate including a first knob extending from the second surface and one or more apertures disposed through the first and second surfaces; a second plate with a first and second surface, the second plate including a second knob extending from the first surface of the second plate and one or more apertures disposed through the first surface of the second plate; a first cushioning element disposed on the medial side of the article of footwear, wherein the first cushioning element is disposed between the first and second plates; and a second cushioning element disposed on the lateral side of the article of footwear, wherein the second cushioning element is disposed between the first and second plates.

Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a simple construction that includes three main parts, with each made from a single material and fit together in a releasable manner. The invention enhances the recyclability and sustainable nature of the article of footwear and shoe. At least some more specific aspects of this technology relate to footwear structure that may include three main parts: (a) an outer cage, which may include a single piece having features of: (i) a footwear upper and (ii) a sole structure having one or more cleat outer shells; (b) an inner upper component; and (c) a chassis and heel counter component with a bottom surface thereof that includes one or more cleat inserts and supports that fit inside the one or more cleat outer shells.

Abstract: An article of footwear with medial and lateral sides; an upper; and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure has: a first plate with a first and second surface, the first plate including a first knob extending from the second surface and one or more apertures disposed through the first and second surfaces; a second plate with a first and second surface, the second plate including a second knob extending from the first surface of the second plate and one or more apertures disposed through the first surface of the second plate; a first cushioning element disposed on the medial side of the article of footwear, wherein the first cushioning element is disposed between the first and second plates; and a second cushioning element disposed on the lateral side of the article of footwear, wherein the second cushioning element is disposed between the first and second plates.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure has a first plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first plate including a first set of knobs extending outwards from the second surface and one or more apertures disposed through the first surface and the second surface; a second plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface of the second plate, the second plate including a second set of knobs extending outwards from the first surface of the second plate and one or more apertures disposed through the first surface and the second surface of the second plate; and at least one cushioning element disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear with: an upper; and a sole structure coupled to the upper, the sole structure comprising: a sleeve extending from a first end to a second end, the sleeve including: a first plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first plate extending from the first end to the second end; a second plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface of the second plate, the second plate extending from the first end toward the second end; a first cushioning element disposed on the medial side of the article footwear, wherein the first cushioning element is disposed between the first plate and the second plate; a second cushioning element coupled to the first plate; and a third cushioning element disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure has a sleeve extending from a first end to a second end. The sleeve has a first plate with a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first plate extending from the first end to the second end; a second plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface of the second plate, the second plate extending from the first end toward the second end; and a brace coupling the first plate to the second plate, the brace has a flexible material; a first cushioning element disposed between the first plate and the second plate; and a second cushioning element including a first surface configured to receive the first plate, and a second surface disposed opposite the first surface of the second cushioning element.

Abstract: A bladder for a wearable article, the bladder comprising a first barrier sheet including a first surface and a second surface disposed on an opposite side from the first surface, a second barrier sheet including a third surface and a fourth surface disposed on an opposite side from the third surface and attached to the second surface of the first barrier sheet to define a chamber, and a bead layer disposed on at least one of the second surface or the fourth surface within the chamber.

Abstract: An article can include a layer disposed on the article, where the layer includes a plurality of materials each having a different hardness than an adjacent material. The plurality of materials is arranged on the article such that a stiffness of the article is gradated along a length of the article from a first portion to a second portion of the article. A stiffness of the second portion is greater than a stiffness of the first portion and the layer has a continuous and even gradation that extends along the entire length of the article. The article comprises a fabric on which the layer is disposed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for apparel assembly using three-dimensional printing directly onto fabric apparel materials. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing and assembly of an article of apparel, including designing a three-dimensional pattern for printing, positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using the designed pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.

Abstract: A method including inserting into a mold a first tool having a first surface. The method further includes printing a second tool from a polymer material and inserting the second tool into the first tool. The second tool having a smaller wall thickness than the first tool and including a second surface opposing and in contact with the first surface of the first tool and a third surface formed on an opposite side of the second tool than the second surface.

Abstract: Footwear includes modifiable responsiveness and/or energy return properties. Such footwear may include: (a) a base foot support component that defines a passageway extending from the forefoot region to the heel region; (b) a forefoot securing system in the forefoot region; (c) a heel securing system in the heel region; and (d) a band (including at least one elastic or stretchable portion or region) extending through the passageway and connected with the forefoot and heel securing systems. The band may include features and/or may be attached with components that form portions of the forefoot and/or heel securing systems. Application of different tensile forces to the band modifies and controls the responsiveness and/or energy return properties of the footwear. The tensile forces may be changed, for example, by moving the heel end of the band from a first securing position to a second securing position.

Abstract: An article of apparel can include a layer disposed on the article of apparel, where the layer includes a plurality of materials each having a different hardness than an adjacent material. The plurality of materials is arranged on the article of apparel such that a stiffness of the article of apparel is gradated along a length of the article of apparel from a first portion to a second portion of the article of apparel. A stiffness of the second portion is greater than a stiffness of the first portion and the layer has a continuous and even gradation that extends along the entire length of the article of apparel. The plurality of materials can also be arranged such that each one of segments of a printed material is disposed between a respective pair of segments of a different printed material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for apparel assembly using three-dimensional printing directly onto fabric apparel materials. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing and assembly of an article of apparel, including designing a three-dimensional pattern for printing, positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using the designed pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.

Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an “adaptive” response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.

Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an “adaptive” response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for three-dimensional printing directly onto an article of apparel. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing onto an article of apparel, including positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using a three-dimensional pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.

Abstract: Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a simple construction that includes three main parts, with each made from a single material and fit together in a releasable manner. The invention enhances the recyclability and sustainable nature of the article of footwear and shoe. At least some more specific aspects of this technology relate to footwear structure that may include three main parts: (a) an outer cage, which may include a single piece having features of: (i) a footwear upper and (ii) a sole structure having one or more cleat outer shells; (b) an inner upper component; and (c) a chassis and heel counter component with a bottom surface thereof that includes one or more cleat inserts and supports that fit inside the one or more cleat outer shells.

Abstract: Footwear lasts have size adjustment capabilities. As some more specific examples, footwear lasts may be adjustable in the longitudinal direction and/or in the girth dimension. In this manner, fewer physical lasts may be needed for making a full size run of footwear products. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of this adjustable last technology may be used for making customized footwear products, for making small runs of footwear products, and/or for adjusting sizes of existing footwear products.