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 transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly with a rib that is resiliently flexible, and the rib has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The transverse axis extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of the first and/or second longitudinal end is greater than that of the middle portion. The rib is operable to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib transverse axis remains substantially straight in response to the first force. The rib resiliently bends about the rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface to make the rib transverse axis non-linear.

Abstract: A shoe comprises a sole and an upper. The sole comprises a lower sole member and an upper sole member. The lower sole member includes a plurality of sipes and a longitudinal cavity. The longitudinal cavity is at least in a sole midfoot region and extends downwardly from a top surface of the lower sole member. The plurality of sipes extend upwardly from the bottom surface of the lower sole member and intersect the longitudinal cavity such that the plurality of sipes and the longitudinal cavity combine to define a plurality of through openings. The upper sole member is within the cavity and covers the plurality of through openings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for toning footwear include a combination of a support ring, an insole with a cushioning material configured to contact a user's foot, and an outsole with one or more convex regions to create instability in the footwear. The support ring or stiffener band can be coupled to the outsole between the insole on one side and the forefoot and heel toning convexities on the other side. In some embodiments, the stiffener band can be formed of a material different from and stiffer than the material of the outsole. In accordance with various embodiments, when a user wears the toning footwear while walking, an increase in both the toning and strengthening of the calves, hamstrings and/or glutes results.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure and configured to receive a foot. The sole structure may comprise a lasting board and sole plate construction. One of the lasting board and sole plate may have an opening along the center such that there is little to no overlap, or lamination, between the lasting board and the sole plate along the center of the article of footwear. Such a construction may eliminate weight while maintaining the support provided by the layers of the sole. Additionally, such a construction may enhance flexibility. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include an insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure of the article of footwear may consist of an insole, a lasting board, and a sole plate.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure and configured to receive a foot. The sole structure may comprise a lasting board and sole plate construction. One of the lasting board and sole plate may have an opening along the center such that there is little to no overlap, or lamination, between the lasting board and the sole plate along the center of the article of footwear. Such a construction may eliminate weight while maintaining the support provided by the layers of the sole. Additionally, such a construction may enhance flexibility. In some embodiments, the article of footwear may include an insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure of the article of footwear may consist of an insole, a lasting board, and a sole plate.

Abstract: A shoe sole having improved cushioning characteristics is disclosed. The sole includes a midsole having a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. In one embodiment, the top layer of material may be harder than the bottom layer of material. A pattern of lugs defining a wave may be formed on the bottom layer of material. The wave may generally be in the shape of sine wave so as to provide improved cushioning characteristics for the sole. An outsole may also be formed on the bottom layer of material and an upper may be connected to the top layer of material, such that a shoe is formed.

Abstract: Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

Abstract: An athletic shoe device for facilitates gripping of a sole on slippery surfaces encountered while playing paintball or other sports. The device includes a sole and an upper. The sole has a bottom surface, a lateral face, a toe, and a medial face. The bottom surface of the sole also has a rear section and a front section. The upper is coupled to and extends from the sole defining an interior space configured for receiving a foot. A plurality of ridges is coupled to and extends from the bottom surface of the sole. A length of the ridges coupled to and extending from the front section of the bottom surface is greater than a length of the ridges coupled to and extending from the rear section of the bottom surface of the sole.

Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper forming an interior portion for a foot, the interior portion including toe and heel cavities, is provided. The shoe further comprises a midsole having toe and heel ends and inner and outer sides. The midsole is stitched to the upper thereby forming a bottom to the interior portion. Heel and toe outsole patches are respectively stitched onto the midsole. An insole is affixed to the bottom of the interior portion. A spacing between the heel and toe outsole patches extends from the inner to the outer side and occupies a position intermediate the toe and heel ends thereby permitting the shoe to fold about an axis running through the spacing. The shoe folds between an extended state, in which the shoe is worn, and a folded state in which a portion of the upper comprising the toe cavity is tucked into the heel cavity.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of apertures to provide the auxetic structure. The apertures are surrounded by sole portions that can rotate or pivot to change the size of the apertures.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the directional orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of geometrical patterns with polygonal apertures. The geometrical patterns have hinged polygons that rotate with respect to each other when the sole is under lateral or longitudinal tension, thus increasing the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the sole.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes providing an outsole and a midsole. The outsole and the midsole are secured together such that a bottom surface of a first midsole element overlaps and directly secures to an upper surface of a first outsole element to define a first element assembly, such that a bottom surface of a second midsole element overlaps and directly secures to an upper surface of a second outsole element to define a second element assembly, and such that an outsole groove and a midsole groove are substantially aligned and in communication with each other in the thickness direction of the outsole and the thickness direction of the midsole. Moreover, the method includes interlocking the first and second element assemblies with each other.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole having a base with an upper surface that faces the upper and a lower surface that faces away from the upper surface. The outsole also includes a first stepped projection that projects in a plurality of first steps from the lower surface. The plurality of first steps is defined by a plurality of first tread surfaces and a plurality of first riser surfaces. The outsole additionally includes a second stepped projection that projects in a plurality of second steps from the lower surface. The plurality of second steps is defined by a plurality of second tread surfaces and a plurality of second riser surfaces. The second stepped projection is spaced away from the first stepped projection relative to the lateral axis of the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is positionable such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slope at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.

Abstract: The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.

Abstract: A shoe or other footwear, including a footwear or orthotic sole, including a sole section with an outer bladder having a uppermost surface curved concavely in a U-shape relative to an intended wearer's foot location in the device, as viewed upright and unloaded in a frontal plane. The outer bladder forms a component of the sole section. An inner bladder includes a gas located inside and is substantially surrounded on at least the top, bottom and sides by the outer bladder. The outer bladder and inner bladder are separated by an internal sipe. The sipe is formed by an inner surface of the outer bladder and an outer surface of the inner bladder. An attachment is provided between the surfaces of the sipe and located in an upper, central portion of the sipe between sidemost extents of the outer surface of the inner bladder, viewed in a frontal plane cross-section.

Abstract: Footwear having an outsole including treads spaced about 3.0 mm to about 6.0 mm from one another so that a rocky terrain feature can fit between adjacent treads thereby providing traction through the outsole on the rocky terrain feature, each tread of a height of about 1.5 mm to about 2.5 mm so the tread engages the rocky terrain feature without substantially bending upon such engagement. The treads can include a tread edge defining a right angle to form a substantially non-radiused corner. The outsole can include preselected regions having different durometers, e.g., a harder durometer to assist the treads in holding firm against terrain features, and a softer durometer to add flexibility to the outsole. A footbed with zone pods and secondary pods can be secured to the upper in a Strobel construction, the zone pods and secondary pods interacting with the outsole to provide enhanced feedback to the wearer.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole, and a support assembly positioned beneath the midsole. The support assembly includes a plurality of primary support members having a substantially Z-shaped cross-section extending transversely across the support assembly. The support assembly may include a plurality of secondary support members having an inverted V-shaped cross-section, extending longitudinally along the support assembly, and intersecting with the primary support members. An outsole is positioned beneath the support assembly.

Abstract: A customizable combination shoe and accessory include: (a) a wearable mule or slide type shoe having: (i) a sole portion having an insole and an outsole, (ii) a vamp arranged at the insole, (iii) a heel affixed to the outsole, and (iv) a single anchor extending through the outsole; and (b) an accessory harness having: (i) a portion defining an opening, the opening being configured to engage the single anchor to removably secure the portion of the harness to the anchor at the outsole, and (ii) support portions, extending from the portion defining the opening, configured to engage portions of the foot of a wearer of the combination shoe and accessory to provide support to the engaged portions of the foot of the wearer.

Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear may have material layers and a plurality of strand segments. The material layers are located adjacent to each other and in an overlapping configuration, and the material layers are located in a lace region and a lower region of the upper. The strand segments extend from the lace region to the lower region. The strand segments may be located and secured between the material layers in the lace region and the lower region. The strand segments may form both an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper in an area between the lace region and the lower region. The material layers may define an opening between the lace region and the lower region, and the strand segments extend across the opening.

Abstract: A shoe sole having improved cushioning characteristics is disclosed. The sole includes a midsole having a top layer of material and a bottom layer of material. In one embodiment, the top layer of material may be harder than the bottom layer of material. A pattern of lugs defining a wave may be formed on the bottom layer of material. The wave may generally be in the shape of sine wave so as to provide improved cushioning characteristics for the sole. An outsole may also be formed on the bottom layer of material and an upper may be connected to the top layer of material, such that a shoe is formed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The first support member may have a downward facing surface with a first facet and a second facet, wherein each of the first facet and the second facet are angled at different non-horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Various arrangements for an article of footwear including an outsole having grooves forming discrete lugs are presented. The outsoles generally include a plurality of grooves formed in at least a portion of the outsole that extend from a lateral side of the outsole to a medial side of the outsole. The grooves may be linear or curved and generally extend in an angular fashion. The grooves may have a first depth at a perimeter of the outsole and a second depth, greater than the first depth, at the center of the outsole. The grooves form discrete lugs. In some arrangements, the lugs are diamond shaped.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The first support member may have a downward facing surface with a first facet and a second facet, wherein each of the first facet and the second facet are angled at different non-horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole positioned beneath the upper; and a forward displacement assembly positioned within the midsole. The forward displacement assembly may include a biasing member, an actuator element operably connected to the biasing member, and an extension assembly positioned in a forefoot region of the midsole and operably connected to the actuator element. The extension assembly may include a movable outsole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper, an outsole, and a midsole. The upper is configured to receive a foot, and the outsole is secured to the upper. The outsole defines a plurality of apertures extending entirely through the outsole. In addition, the outsole has a ground-engaging surface positioned at a first elevation. The midsole is positionable such that a lower surface of the midsole extends into the apertures of the outsole and is exposed by the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn generally to footwear, and more specifically, to footwear having reduced noise and impact characteristics. According to the invention noise generated by the impact of the footfall when in contact with hard floors is reduced by an outer sole with certain hardness and a sound reducing insole which comprising a material of high indentation forced deflection (IFD) weight having a minimum thickness of ¼ to a maximum ¾ inch, and an optimal thickness of about ½ inch. Also, the footwear comprises an upper portion attached to the outer sole to provide comfort and foot protection.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly with a rib that is resiliently flexible, and the rib has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. The transverse axis extends at an acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and a middle portion disposed between the first and second longitudinal ends. A height of the first and/or second longitudinal end is greater than that of the middle portion. The rib is operable to axially support a first force applied substantially along the acute angle relative to the ground surface, and the rib transverse axis remains substantially straight in response to the first force. The rib resiliently bends about the rib longitudinal axis in response to a second force applied substantially normal to the ground surface to make the rib transverse axis non-linear.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole member with an exposed central torsion bar or rod connecting the heel region of the sole member to the forefoot region of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may be supported at either end by sockets of the sole member. The torsion bar or rod may also be supported at one or more intermediate points by a hollow component. This hollow component may itself be supported by ribs extending to the medial and lateral sides of the sole member, respectively. The torsion bar or rod, the sockets, the hollow component and the ribs form a suspension structure connecting the forefoot region of the sole member to the heel region of the sole member.

Abstract: A shank for an article of footwear including a substantially planar base portion extending within a first plane in the longitudinal and lateral directions and a substantially planar ramp portion designed to absorb footwear loads in a vertical direction, the ramp portion extending, in an uncompressed state, within a second plane that is oblique to the first plane. The base portion and the ramp portion are arranged such that they do not overlap in the vertical direction. A sole assembly is also described and includes an outsole divided into a first portion located at a forefoot portion of the sole assembly and a second portion located at an arch portion of the sole assembly. The second portion is designed to contact the midsole in a compressed state and form a gap between when a load is removed. Related methods of manufacturing are also described.

Abstract: An improved cleat design is provided for article of footwear. At least one cleat is arranged on a bottom surface of the outsole, such that the cleat is disposed partially within the outsole and extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the outsole. The cleat includes an aperture such that a portion of the outsole extends through the aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the outsole to retain the at least one cleat in a desired position relative to the outsole.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole assembly defining a base support plane. The sole assembly also includes a cushioning assembly with a first end and a second end. The cushioning assembly includes a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member. The first cushioning member includes a first overlapping surface, and the second cushioning member includes a second overlapping surface. The first and second overlapping surfaces overlap each other over the base support plane and each slopes at a positive acute angle relative to the base support plane. The first cushioning member is thicker than the second cushioning member adjacent the first end of the cushioning assembly, and the second cushioning member is thicker than the first cushioning member adjacent the second end of the cushioning assembly. The first cushioning member has a resistance to resilient deformation less than that of the second cushioning member.

Abstract: A shoe sole structure includes a midsole body that extends from the heel region to the forefoot region of a shoe and an outsole that is attached to the midsole body. The outsole includes a plurality of protrusions arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, while extending at least partially between the lateral edge and the medial edge of the shoe. One or more of the half tube structures can include grooves and/or projections to enhance traction on a contact surface.

Abstract: A sole assembly including an outsole and a midsole that balances proprioception, flexibility, protection and running efficiency. The midsole can define a flexibility void in the arch region of the assembly. The outsole can include ground contacting wearing tread extending through the arch region adjacent the flexibility void, with the outsole minimized adjacent the flexibility void to enhance flexibility, along with the flexibility void, in the arch region. The sole assembly can include a 4 mm to 8 mm or other heel to toe drop to accommodate a variety of running and other activities. The sole assembly can be outfitted with shock pods of denser, more rigid material than the midsole to dissipate forces from the wearer to the midsole over a larger area. The midsole can include a non-supportive upwardly extending portion in the arch to provide a wearer with the false perception that the arch is supported to reduce fatigue.

Abstract: A footwear kit suitable for producing a pair of customized bowling shoes with appropriate sliding sole and a traction sole for right and left handed bowlers and optimizable for a variety of lane conditions is provided. A distal margin on the shoe matches a margin on a removable forepart to provide rapid alignment and orientation of the ground contact surface area of the forepart to the shoe. Foreparts provided are adjustable for use on either a left or right shoe.

Abstract: A sandal that includes loops extending around the periphery of the base of the sandal and a strap configured to connect to the loops and form an upper portion of the sandal. The sandals can include a base; a continuous cord that extends along the periphery of the upper surface of the base from a point near the toe end on one side of the base, around the heel end, and continues to a point near the toe end on the opposite side of the base; connectors that connect the cord to the base at spaced locations along the cord to thereby form loops along the base; and a strap. Each loop of the sandal can also include an identifier for each loop. Methods of forming an upper portion of a sandal and methods of forming a sandal.

Abstract: A foldable footwear comprising a sole fabricated using a single manufacturing casting, the sole comprising at least two portions, a front portion and a back portion and a groove in the ground side of the sole extending laterally from one side of the sole to the other side of the sole. The footwear can be folded in one direction only where the ground side of the sole is folded into itself.

Abstract: A footwear includes an outsole and an insole. The outsole includes multiple support portions connected to an annular peripheral portion, and cooperating with a hole-defining surface to define multiple block-receiving holes, and an annular inner ridge extending from the hole-defining surface into the holes. The insole includes multiple wearproof blocks and an insole body formed with an annular outer groove and multiple embedding grooves between adjacent pairs of the wearproof blocks. The insole body is supported by the support portions and the peripheral portion with the inner ridge received in the outer groove, the support portions received in the embedding grooves, and the wearproof blocks received fittingly in the holes.

Abstract: An outsole element for an article of footwear having a base and a lug that extends from the base. The outsole element includes a body and a cavity defined in the body. The cavity receives the lug to removably couple the body to the lug. Also, the cavity includes an internal undercut.

Abstract: Various arrangements for an article of footwear including an outsole having grooves forming discrete lugs are presented. The outsoles generally include a plurality of grooves formed in at least a portion of the outsole that extend from a lateral side of the outsole to a medial side of the outsole. The grooves may be linear or curved and generally extend in an angular fashion. The grooves may have a first depth at a perimeter of the outsole and a second depth, greater than the first depth, at the center of the outsole. The grooves form discrete lugs. In some arrangements, the lugs are diamond shaped.

Abstract: A new design of shoe sole that includes both a base portion and a base support portion, wherein said base support portion is a base support portion attached underneath to the center area of said has portion. The current design further includes an expansion portion that extends downwardly from the outside rim of said base portion, wherein said expansion portion is elastic, and the bottom surface of said base support portion is higher than the bottom surface of said expansion portion. Footwear made of this type of sole first touch a support surface (ground) with the expansion portion, which forms a first contact region. Further because the expansion portion is located at the outward rim of the base portion, it is easier for the expansion portion to extend to all directions when pressed. It allows a first round of shock absorption in both longitudinal and cross-sectional directions.

Abstract: A breathing shoe has a network of intercrossing and interconnecting pipes in the outer sole and midsole thereof. Each of the pipes has at least one outlet in communication with the environment in the front and rear position of the shoe. Each of the pipes is formed with several vent holes. Any hole of the outer sole has a semicircular hole opening upward. The midsole has a semicircular hole opening downward corresponding to the outer sole and a vent hole. After the outer sole and the midsole are combined together, the air chamber formed by the two semicircular holes along with the vent holes exchange humid and hot air inside the shoe with the fresh air outside, keeping the inside dry.

Abstract: A shoe comprising a front part and a back part placed on a sole, wherein the sole incorporates a hinge pivotally connecting the front part and the back part for opening and closing the shoe and a locking mechanism for locking the shoe in closed position and whereby the front part and the back part of the hinge are provided with first respectively second locking means with essentially two possible relative positions towards each other, a first position in which the shoe is unlocked and a second position in which the shoe is locked.

Abstract: A shoe construction utilizing a fluid containing chamber as a cushion. The shoe includes a stabilizer positioned in the shoe and having a heel portion in overlying relation to the cushion and a forward portion in overlying relation to at least a midfoot portion of the shoe bottom. The forward portion extends across a substantial portion of the inside width of the shoe where it is located to resist deformation of the shoe bottom under load from a user both in lateral bending and longitudinal torsion.

Abstract: A sole assembly generally including a flex plate, a heel spring and a heel cup. The flex plate may extend from the rear of the sole through the arch into the forefoot. The heel spring may be an elliptical spring and may have internal resilient stoppers that prevent the spring from bottoming out. The height of the stoppers may increase toward the rear of the sole. The stoppers may be extensions of the outsole fitted up through apertures in the elliptical spring. The heel spring may be disposed beneath the flex plate in the heel region. The heel cup may be disposed above the flex plate in the heel region. The heel cup may have an extension that extends upwardly a sufficient distance to cradle the wearer's heel to provide an enhanced forefoot lever. The flex plate, heel spring and heel cup may be a single unitary component.

Abstract: The sliding-shoe sole is a device that is permanently attached or removably positioned on fitness shoes or the like. The sliding-shoe sole is fabricated from materials that reduce the degree of factional contact between the sole and a contacting surface. The sliding-shoe sole may encompass a portion or the entire bottom of the fitness shoe and portions of the heel, toe and side areas of the shoe. This arrangement enables the wearer to participate more fully in exercises and/or dances that require the foot to not only slide and/or glide along the dance floor or exercise surface along the shoe bottom, but also along the shoe heel, toe and side.

Abstract: A women's high heel shoe and method of manufacturing, the shoe having improved safety and usability features including an improved traction shoe sole and an improved yet stylish narrowed high heel that terminates in a widened heel tip with improved traction and reduced surface penetration susceptibility.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a polymer friction surface subject to sliding contact with footware worn by a user wherein said friction surface is embossed and said footware having hard, gloss interface with said friction surface.