Abstract: Customized articles of footwear are produced by defining options that can be selected by a customer when submitting a custom order. These options typically include model options, functional options, and aesthetic options. These options are created by a design source, such as a shoe designer within a particular market, and presented to the customer when making the order. Upon a customer selecting one or more of the options at a user interface, the selected options are converted to specifications associated with the order. A work-load engine is employed to generate, based on the specifications, a work order that includes a dataflow for selecting appropriate stations on a manufacturing floor to participate in a manufacturing process, and a workflow for instructing each of the appropriate stations to perform a sequence of operations, within the manufacturing process, that result in fabricating individual components of the article of footwear according to the order.

Abstract: Shoes having midsoles with heel support, specifically designed to facilitate production via efficient shoe manufacturing methods and systems are described. In embodiments, the shoe upper is designed by way of a flat forming process. Additionally, in embodiments upper forms may be coupled with dual hardness midsole structures that provide heel support and eliminate the need for a heel counter in the shoe upper.

Abstract: A method for producing a regionalized-firmness midsole utilizing a heat press, and a description of the resultant product, are provided. Initially, the method involves providing a plurality of pre-formed phylon biscuits. Typically, the plurality of biscuits includes at least a first biscuit that has a first density and a second biscuit that has a second density. The method may further include the steps of arranging the biscuits into a receiving area of the heat press, and integrating the plurality of biscuits to form the midsole by activating the heat press. Integrating the biscuits includes raising the biscuits above a threshold temperature, and causing the biscuits to expand such that each of the plurality of biscuits couples with another of the biscuits to form a midsole with two or more degrees of firmness located at distributed regions thereon.

Abstract: Shoes specifically designed to facilitate production via efficient shoe manufacturing methods and systems are described. In embodiments, the shoe upper is designed by way of a flat forming process, whereby the upper pattern is kept in a two-dimensional shape for most of the upper assembly and then stitched or otherwise affixed into a three-dimensional form in the final stage of upper assembly.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole secured to the upper. A support plate assembly includes a support member extending along a portion of the upper. A plate extends inwardly from the support member, the plate being positioned between the outsole and the midsole. A groove is formed in an exterior surface of the support member, and is positioned outwardly of the plate and extends longitudinally along the exterior surface of the support member.

Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.

Abstract: Footwear including removable and replaceable outsole members may include: (a) an upper member; (b) a midsole member, having an exterior surface not designed for performance use in direct contact with the ground, fixedly engaged with the upper member; and (c) an outsole member designed for performance use in contact with the ground removably attached over at least a major portion of the midsole member. The outsole member may attach to the midsole member and/or upper member in a variety of different ways. In use, the wearer may select a specific set of outsole members to use at a given time depending, for example, on the type of play surface, temperature, and/or other conditions. Worn outsole members may be replaced without the expense involved in also replacing the remainder of the footwear.