Abstract: The present invention is directed towards customized 3D printed footwear articles and methods for designing and manufacturing 3D printed footwear having improved cosmetics, comfort and ventilation. The improved footwear articles and methods provide greater integration and/or customization of different components. The method used to manufacture the 3D printed footwear can be conceptualized, prototyped, designed both physically and digitally and then finally designed with specific additive manufacturing processes in mind. Upon completion of printing, the components are cleaned and then in any combination, the components are bonded and coated, or coated and bonded to each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole structure effective to increase traction on a support surface and including first and second sets of lugs.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole system, including an upper and the sole system. The sole system includes a knitted component incorporating a one-piece knit outsole. The knit outsole has a ground-facing side, a top side, an inlaid tensile element, and a ground-engaging cleat member protruding from the ground-facing side of the knit outsole. The tensile element may be adjacent a cleat member. The upper is connected at its bottom to the top side of the knit outsole.

Abstract: Golf shoes having improved constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The upper may be made of a soft, breathable leather material. The midsole includes an upper region formed from a first material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); and a lower region formed from a second material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), wherein the materials have different hardness levels. A fiber-reinforced composite plate may be disposed in the midsole. The outsole contains different traction members arranged in a precise geometric structure that helps provide improved stability and traction.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a first segment extending between a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure within the forefoot region, a second segment extending between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure within the forefoot region, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment, the first barrier layer being attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles of footwear, and portions thereof, including convex and/or concave elements thereon, and related systems and methods for designing and manufacturing same. An example article of footwear including a midsole having a medial side, a lateral side, a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, the midsole including a sidewall, wherein the sidewall includes a first wall portion having a plurality of convex structures extending out from the sidewall and a second wall portion having a plurality of concave structures extending into the sidewall.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure coupled to the upper. The sole structure defines a ground engaging surface, and includes a cushioning member coupled to the upper and an outsole coupled to the cushioning member. The outsole includes a central portion and a plurality of lobes extending outward from a periphery of the central portion. Each of the plurality of lobes is independently movable relative to one another.

Abstract: Golf shoes having improved constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The upper may be made of a soft, breathable leather material. The midsole includes an upper region formed from a first material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); and a lower region formed from a second material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), wherein the materials have different hardness levels. A fiber-reinforced composite plate such as, for example, a carbon fiber plate is disposed in the midsole. The composite plate has a molded three-dimensional shape to provide additional stiffness to the golf shoe, particularly in the rear foot region of the shoe. The outsole contains different traction members arranged in a precise geometric structure that helps provide improved stability and traction.

Abstract: Example shoe manufacturing methods and related computer readable medium for implementing a portion of said manufacturing methods are disclosed herein. In some examples, the method includes producing a lower portion of a last based on data relating to a foot of a user. In addition, the method includes placing an upper member about the last such that a lasting of the upper member extends over the lower portion of the last. Further, the method includes producing a midsole element based on the data relating to the foot of the user, and attaching the midsole element to the upper member such that the lasting is disposed between the lower portion of the last and the midsole element.

Abstract: A footwear sole structure includes a midsole having a ground-facing surface with a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The midsole defines downwardly-extending protrusions at the ground-facing surface distributed over the midfoot region and the heel region, each of the downwardly-extending protrusions having a convex outer surface. A height of the midsole is greatest at the midfoot region. The sole structure may also include an outsole covering at least a portion of the ground-facing surface of the midsole, and a height of the sole structure may be greatest at the midfoot region.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: A footwear construction includes a sole assembly including a first midsole platform, a second midsole platform below the first midsole platform, a spring plate disposed between the first and second midsole platforms, and an outsole layer disposed below and joined directly with at least one of the plate, the first and the second midsole platforms. The outsole layer can be substantially the only layer below the plate in the forefoot region of the footwear so an underfoot force engaging the outsole layer is transmitted directly to the plate, which also can have an upward curving, multi-radii transition portion extending from a lowermost portion to a forward most portion of the plate so as to roll a wearer's foot forward into a next stride in a gait cycle of the wearer. The plate can define an aperture. A mounting cap can extend through the aperture and can receive a traction spike.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe sole having a structure in which a polyhedral hollow cell made of a synthetic resin, configured as a polyhedron, and having an empty space formed therein is bonded with other polyhedral hollow cells by a hot melt adhesive part, wherein the hot melt adhesive part is provided between the multiple polyhedral hollow cells so that no voids are formed therebetween, and a plane structure of the polyhedral hollow cells bonded with each other has a shape of a human sole.

Abstract: A shoe includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes a sole member and a spring element. The sole member has a footbed surface, a bottom surface opposite the footbed surface, a heel side surface, a toe side surface, a medial side surface, and a lateral side surface. The spring element is in contact with the toe side surface of the sole member, the lateral side surface of the sole member, the heel side surface of the sole member, and a portion of the medial side surface of the sole member. The spring element is adapted and configured to support the sole member by resisting deflection due to one or more of lateral deformation of the sole member and longitudinal deformation of the sole member.

Abstract: Golf shoes having improved constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The upper may be made of a soft, breathable leather material. The midsole includes an upper region formed from a first material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); and a lower region formed from a second material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), wherein the materials have different hardness levels. A fiber-reinforced composite plate such as, for example, a carbon fiber plate is disposed in the midsole. The outsole contains different traction members arranged in a precise geometric structure that helps provide improved stability and traction.

Abstract: Golf shoes having improved constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The upper may be made of a soft, breathable leather material. The midsole includes an upper region formed from a first material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); and a lower region formed from a second material such as a foamed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), wherein the materials have different hardness levels. A fiber-reinforced composite plate may be disposed in the midsole. The outsole contains different traction members arranged in a precise geometric structure that helps provide improved stability and traction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a footwear sole component is provided including projecting elongated pins into a mold cavity in the shape of the footwear sole component and partially filled with an expandable material including multiple unexpanded beads, and introducing steam into the cavity through ports defined by one or more cavity walls and through the pins in an internal region of the expandable material, to expand both exterior beads and interior beads in the internal region a predetermined amount. With the elongated pins, the interior beads can be expanded more, less and/or the same amount as exterior beads to provide particular physical characteristics to the component. For example, the interior beads can be fully expanded to a similar density as exterior beads, or expanded less to provide more density and rigidity in the internal region, or expanded more to provide less density and rigidity in the internal region.

Abstract: A pair of shoes that includes a left foot shoe and a right foot shoe. Each of the shoes include an upper shoe portion and a sole coupled to the upper shoe portion. The sole provides an athletic positioning of a left big toe area of the left shoe at a lower position than a left heel area of the left shoe and at a lower position than an outer small toe area of the left shoe and wherein, from an inner edge to an outer edge of the left shoe, the left heel area has substantially no slope.

Abstract: Provided is a method of making a three-dimensional object, which method may include the steps of: (a) producing an intermediate object (21) from a dual cure polymerizable liquid by additive manufacturing, the intermediate object having the shape of the three-dimensional object in warped or distorted form; (b) optionally washing the intermediate object; then (c) contacting the intermediate to a form (22), which form has a shape corresponding to the three-dimensional object, and with the intermediate conformed to the shape of the form; then (d) further curing the intermediate object in contact with the form to produce the three-dimensional object (24) under conditions in which the three-dimensional object retains a shape conformed to the form after separating therefrom; and then (e) separating the three-dimensional object from the form.

Abstract: An improved orthosis apparatus for being selectively formed and applied and removed having offset zipper closures on two shell members for improved hinging and opening and access for initial application and forming when malleable and for removing and reinstalling when hardened.

Abstract: A pair of shoes that includes a left foot shoe and a right foot shoe. Each of the shoes include an upper shoe portion and a sole coupled to the upper shoe portion. The sole provides an athletic positioning of a left big toe area of the left shoe at a lower position than a left heel area of the left shoe and at a lower position than an outer small toe area of the left shoe and wherein, from an inner edge to an outer edge of the left shoe, the left heel area has substantially no slope.

Abstract: An article includes a base component defining a plurality of holes arranged in an auxetic configuration. The auxetic configuration is configured such that when the base component is compressed in a first direction, the base component contracts in both the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A surface of the base component defines at least one of the plurality of holes is shaped as a one-sheeted hyperboloid.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can include a set of apertures that is formed along various surfaces of the sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system, forming generally circular patterns throughout the sole member. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to three-dimensionally printed articles for use in footwear and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a closed-cell foam. The closed-cell foam may have a gradient in and/or may be a single integrated material. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a sensor. The use of such arrangements can, according to certain embodiments, allow for the production of improved articles of footwear and/or customized articles of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole assembly that is further comprised of a chassis, a reinforcing member and a forefoot plate. The reinforcing member includes lateral and medial forefoot portions that fit with corresponding recesses in the forefoot plate and the reinforcing member in the forefoot region of the chassis. The reinforcing member includes a central portion that figs with a corresponding recess in the heel region of the chassis. The chassis and the forefoot plate include ridges on their outer surfaces. Cleats extending from ridges in the forefoot of the chassis are vertically aligned with protrusions on ridges in the forefoot plate. The protrusions can help diffuse forces applied by the cleats against the inner components of the sole and foot to reduce point loading.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed to a foot covering, comprising: a thin, flexible compartment for receiving a foot. The compartment has a forefoot section, a midfoot section, and a rearfoot section of selected rigidity. The compartment has a top surface for securing the foot and a ground-facing surface having a sole divided into at least two portions comprising (1) a forefoot portion and midfoot portion and/or (2) a midfoot portion and a rearfoot portion. At least one sole portion comprises a midfoot portion disposed between a forefoot portion and/or a rearfoot portion. In the foot covering, each pair of sole portions is divided along a flexural line running generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the foot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward cushioning for a sole structure for an article of footwear. The cushioning is three-dimensionally (3D) printed cushioning formed from a plurality of cells. Each cell in the plurality of cells includes a lattice of elongate structures that extend symmetrically around an offset axis. The elongate structures of adjacent cells in the plurality of cells connect so that the plurality of cells form a unitary structure and, as the elongate structures of each cell are compressed by a compressive force, the elongate structures of each cell create a lateral shear. As the compressive force is released, the elongate structures return to a rest position, exerting a restorative force on the insole and/or upper of an article of footwear in which the cushioning is included.

Abstract: A support of a sole structure includes a base disposed in a middle region in a foot width direction and having an upper surface which follows a plantar surface of a wearer's foot, and upper and lower supports continuous with a side portion of the base on a medial side in the foot width direction. The upper support has an upper surface that is continuous with the side portion of the base such that the upper surface of the upper support, together with the upper surface of the base, follows the plantar surface. The lower support is continuous with the side portion of the base so as to be located under the upper support, and has a corrugated shape having peaks and valleys alternating with each other in a longitudinal direction along the side portion of the base.

Abstract: Footwear is disclosed herein that comprises a base with a cut-out and/or a fold pattern, either of which, when actuated, is useful to transform the footwear from a closed/relaxed configuration to an open/actuated configuration in which the rapid-entry shoe has an expanded shoe opening to facilitate reception of a foot of an individual wearing the rapid-entry shoe.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a first sole plate with a foot-receiving surface, a ground-facing surface opposite the foot-receiving surface, and an opening in the ground facing surface extending at least partway through the first sole plate and from a lateral side to a medial side of the first sole plate in a forefoot region. The first sole plate has a first wall at a forward extent of the opening, a second wall at a rear extent of the opening, and at least one tensile member disposed in the opening. The tensile member has a forward end fixed to the first wall, a rear end fixed to the second wall. A midportion of the at least one tensile member is transversely offset from both the forward end and the rear end by a first offset distance when the sole structure is in an unflexed, relaxed state.

Abstract: Described are supporting elements for a shoe, in particular for soccer shoes or American football shoes, as well as a sole and a shoe with a supporting element. The supporting element includes a first bending stiffness for bendings from an initial unbent state up to an upper end of a threshold angle range, and a second bending stiffness for bendings beyond the upper end of the threshold angle range, wherein the second bending stiffness is greater than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first midsole body and a second midsole body. The first midsole body defines a ground-facing surface and a foot-facing surface opposite the ground-facing surface and includes a first midsole material, which has a first hardness. The second midsole body extends through the first midsole body. As such, the second midsole body extends beyond the ground-facing surface of the first midsole body. The second midsole body includes a second midsole material, which has a second hardness, and the first hardness is greater than the second hardness.

Abstract: A cycling shoe includes a sole, a heel counter mounted to the sole, and a toe cap mounted to the sole. The cycling shoe also includes a forefoot strap that includes a medial forefoot strap and a lateral forefoot strap. The medial forefoot strap includes a first portion mounted to the toe cap and a second portion mounted to the sole such that a first metatarsal head relief window is formed between the first portion and the second portion. The lateral forefoot strap is mounted to the sole such that a fifth metatarsal head relief window is formed between a distal edge of the lateral forefoot strap and the toe cap.

Abstract: A sole having respective forefoot, midfoot and backfoot parts, which are contiguous in a longitudinal direction running from toe to heel, and including a stiffening shank extending in the longitudinal direction from toe to heel. The shank extends over a predominant portion of the longitudinal development from the backfoot part to the forefoot part, and has areas of different flexibility alternating along the longitudinal development, the flexibility of these areas being progressively variable in a substantially continuous manner between one area and the contiguous areas.

Abstract: Methods for providing footwear configured to treat leg length discrepancy include manufacturing a plurality of footwear members. Each footwear member has a sole thickness, with sole thicknesses of the plurality of footwear members spanning a predetermined range of thicknesses. A corrective pair of footwear may be formed by selecting a left member having a first sole thickness and a right member having a second sole thickness, wherein the difference between the first and second sole thicknesses corresponds to an amount of leg length discrepancy to be corrected.

Abstract: A closure system including a body for receiving an object. An activation device is connected to a base structure, and is activated by placement of the object within the closure system. The activation device operates between a raised or depressed configuration, depending on the position of the object within the closure system. A tightening mechanism is responsive to the operation of the activation device. When the activation device is in the raised configuration, the tightening mechanism is loose. When the user depresses the activation device, the tightening mechanism tightens around the object. A movable displacer in a locking device for locking the configuration of the closure system and removably insertable into a recess helps better control tension within the tightening mechanism and improves comfort by disengaging the activation device from the tightening mechanism. A lace lock for locking a lace is disclosed. A lace tension distributor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of sports apparel being customized for a person is provided, and may be manufactured based on a digital model, the digital model built based on received sensor data, the received sensor data obtained by at least one sensor integrated into another article of sports apparel, and the sensor data is obtained while the other article of sports apparel is worn by the person during a sports activity.

Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are insoles useful for treating skin injuries on a foot, for instance ulcers. The insoles are customizable for each patient's foot and can include various portions of differing softness, depending on the needs of the patient. For instance, it can be beneficial for certain sections of the foot to contact a firmer material, whereas other sections contact a softer material. Some, or all, of the materials can include one or more biofidelic skin simulant materials. Thus, various implementations include one or more regions that can include the same or different materials. For example, a custom insole can include a heel support region, a midfoot support region, and a forefoot support region, and the support regions can be subdivided into medial and lateral support regions or toe regions. One or more regions may have a custom isolation segment to prevent the progression of ulcers and/or expedite wound healing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as at least part of a sole of a shoe or as at least part of an insole of the shoe, the apparatus comprises a fixed section that provides a positioning of a big toe area at a lower position than a heel area and/or at a lower position than an outer edge area, and an adjustable section associated with the fixed section, wherein the adjustable section adjusts at least one of the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the heel area and the lower positioning of the big toe area with respect to the outer edge area.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole includes a cavity with a protruding portion. A U-shaped or L-shaped transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity.

Abstract: Improved soles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. A sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided that includes a midsole with randomly arranged particles of an expanded material. The sole further includes an element having a higher deformation stiffness in at least one direction than the expanded material. The material of the midsole at least partially surrounds the element.

Abstract: A sole structure for a shoe that can reduce the burden of MP joints and a knee joint of a shoe wearer's foot during running and that can improve cushioning properties. The sole structure of the shoe includes an upper plate of a hard elastic member disposed at a forefoot region of the shoe, a lower plate of a hard elastic member disposed under and spaced away from the upper plate, and a midsole of a soft elastic member interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate. The midsole has a longitudinally extending hollow portion that is upwardly concavely curved at a lateral mid-portion of the midsole. The lower plate has a concave portion corresponding to the hollow portion of the midsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, and a sole structure including a midsole structure and an outsole structure, where the midsole structure is located between the upper and the outsole structure. The midsole structure includes a plurality of members arranged in layers within the midsole structure, the plurality of members including a first cushion member formed of a first compressible material, a second cushion member formed of a second compressible material, and a plate disposed between the first and second cushion members, where the plate includes at least one flexure groove extending along a surface of the plate that is transverse a length of the plate such that the plate is configured to bend at the flexure groove.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes a fiber-reinforced polymer plate extending from a heel area of the article of footwear to a toe area of the article of footwear, wherein flexibility of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate varies as a function of location along a longitudinal axis of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate, and wherein the fiber-reinforced polymer plate includes a stiffening layer disposed at a midfoot area of the fiber-reinforced polymer plate.

Abstract: In an item of footwear having a sole and an upper, the sole includes at least one upper layer, which is directed towards the upper, and at least one lower layer, which is directed away from the upper. The upper layer and the lower layer are made of materials having different levels of elasticity, density or hardness. The side of the sole which is directed towards the upper forms a bearing surface for the foot, with a heel zone and a ball-of-the-foot zone. The lower layer passes through the upper layer at least in part such that a bearing surface is formed by regions of the lower layer and of the upper layer. This construction makes it possible to combine the different materials' properties in the region of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A sole for an article of footwear includes a base having an outer edge defining a perimeter, the base having a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion and a heel portion; and a plurality of resilient projections extending from the base, wherein the plurality of projections includes a plurality of projections extending non-orthogonally from the base about the perimeter of the base and a plurality of projections extending substantially orthogonally from the base within the non-orthogonal projections.

Abstract: The combination foam comprises a matrix composed of polyurethane foam and foamed particles of thermoplastic polyurethane comprised therein, where matrix and particles are each made up of polyol components and polyisocyanate components, wherein at least 50% by weight of the basic building blocks forming the polyol component of the matrix and particles are identical and at least 50% by weight of the basic building blocks forming the polyisocyanate component of the matrix and particles are identical.

Abstract: A footwear article comprising a generally elongate sole for engagement with and support of the foot of a person, said sole having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first portion being for interaction with at least the heel region of the foot of the person and a second portion for interaction with at least the metatarsal region of the foot of the person; and a foot engagement means for securing the footwear article to the foot of a person. The footwear article being characterized in that a first portion of the sole includes a first material having a first material property and the a second portion of the sole includes a second material having a second material property; and said first portion and said second portion extend at least to the upper surface of the sole and first material property provides for dampening of load imparted to the foot of the person upon contact with a surface.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, include a relatively soft and lightweight foam midsole component partially covered by at least one more rigid and/or dense cage (protective) component(s) and/or other protective component(s).