Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole including a polymeric bladder element enclosing a fluid-filled interior cavity, a first outsole component secured to a bottom surface and to a side surface of the polymeric bladder element, and a second outsole component. The first outsole component includes a first base, and a wall integral with the first base. The second outsole component includes a second base secured to the first base, and a wall integral with the second base and secured to the outer surface of the wall of the first outsole component. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear includes thermoforming the bladder element and the first outsole component, and securing the second outsole component to the first outsole component.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a first side with a first surface and a second side with a second surface. The first side has recesses extending toward the second side without extending to the second surface. A thickness of the midsole between the second side and a deepest extent of each of the recesses may be substantially uniform. Spacing of the recesses may correspond to a foot pressure map. The midsole may be a foam material that has a first density in a first portion along the first surface and a second density less than the first density in a second portion adjacent the first portion. A method of forming the midsole includes providing such recesses in the midsole such as by molding the midsole, and controlling a temperature of mold tools to achieve the first density in the first portion.

Abstract: The ventilative sole structure includes a sole, a first one-way valve, and a second one-way valve. The sole's heel portion includes a hollow chamber inside and a bottom piece beneath the chamber. The first one-way valve is configured on a circumferential wall of the chamber. The second one-way valve is configured between a tread portion of the sole and the chamber. When a user wears a shoe with the ventilative sole structure, air enters the chamber through the first one-way valve when the user raises his/her feet, and air is released from the chamber through the second one-way valve towards the tread portion when the user treads on the ground and compresses the chamber, thereby enhancing ventilation and removing odor of the shoe.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear has a first portion having a lower ground engaging surface, an upper surface, and a recess formed in the upper surface. A second portion is seated in the recess in the first portion and has an upper surface. The second portion is formed from a first foam material prepared by a reaction product of a composition having about 10 to about 100 phr of a hydrogenated copolymer and about 10 to about 90 phr of a copolymer of ethlylene and an alpha olefin, the alpha olefin having up to 20 carbon atoms. The first foam material has a hardness of 25 to 45 Asker C and a density of less than 0.18 g/cm3.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a cushioning component defining an enclosed, fluid-filled chamber. The cushioning component has a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall at a medial side of the article of footwear, and a lateral side wall at a lateral side of the article of footwear. The cushioning component includes a unitary outsole having a bottom portion, a medial side portion, and a lateral side portion. The bottom portion is bonded to the bottom wall, the medial side portion is bonded to the medial side wall, and the lateral side portion is bonded to the lateral side wall. A method of manufacturing includes disposing the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole in a mold assembly and thermally bonding the outsole to the second polymer sheet, and the first and second polymer sheets to one another to form a chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear that is adjustable so as to optimize the pressure distribution and pressure equalization on the foot surfaces. The footwear is configured to adjust to a user's anatomy so as to optimize pressure distribution and equalization on the foot, where the footwear is capable of adjusting the pressure distribution on the foot substantially in real time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. An extensor system is activated to open or close a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. The extensor system can provide loosen the footwear to the foot.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an adjustable footwear system to provide varying degrees of tightness in different areas of the footwear before and after the footwear is received on the foot. The footwear is, in its initial form, tightest on the inner cavity with an upper comprised of one or more elastic materials. An extensor system is activated to create a rigid infra-structure to open a cavity of the footwear between the upper and an insole. A decrease of pressure in the extensor system decreases the cavity volume and allows for the elastic upper to apply pressure to the foot.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing user feedback regarding compliance with a set of partial weight bearing (PWB) criteria are described. A computer system receives force data from a non-compressible force transmitter that is assigned to a user, and accesses the force data received from the non-compressible force transmitter to determine whether the user is within a predefined pressure compliance range. The pressure compliance range specifies a prescribed range of pressure that is to be applied during a PWB period. The computer system then receives a compliance data request from the user or the user's physician and communicates compliance data representing the user's compliance with the prescribed range of pressure during the PWB period to the user and/or the user's physician.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes one or more outsole portions. At least some of these outsole portions include a plurality of alternating upward-facing and downward-facing elongate channels. The channels may have a base and two sidewalls, with adjacent channels sharing a common sidewall. The bases of the downward-facing channels form an upper surface of the outsole portion and the bases of the upward-facing channels form a lower surface of the outsole portion. The sidewalls are arranged at non-perpendicular angles to the upper surface. A first outsole portion has a pressure-versus-strain curve having a local maximum at a “trip point” pressure value and a first strain value and wherein the pressure-versus-strain curve has a change in strain of at least approximately 10% before a second occurrence of the “trip point” pressure value is reached. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed method provides a way to manufacture a style of an article of footwear in bulk, while providing customization for heel stability for individual customers. Moreover, the disclosed method provides a way to customize articles of footwear for a customer on an ongoing basis, such that the heel stability of the articles of footwear is refined until a tailored fit is achieved for the same customer. Generally, the method may include providing a user/customer with an article of footwear, getting evaluation information about the stability of the article of footwear from a survey (e.g., asking the user to rate the stability of the article of footwear in a smartphone app), modifying the next article of footwear provided to the user/customer according to the evaluation information, and iterating through this process to give the user an article optimized for stability.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a unitary, open-celled structure. Specifically, the sole assembly includes a lattice structure having an interconnected network of struts and nodes that cooperate to define voids. The struts and nodes are configured to generate predetermined support and flexure properties within the network. The lattice may be configured as a conformal lattice, being contoured to receive accessories or complementary support structures. The sole assembly may further include an insert formed of compression material (e.g., foam). In operation, the lattice and foam insert cooperate to provide stability and cushioning to the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a lattice structure comprising a network of laths forming a plurality of cell units, the plurality of cell units arranged in a plurality of layers on the midsole. The midsole defines at least a first zone and a second zone wherein each cell unit in the first zone has a physical property that is substantially different from a cell unit in the second zone.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a sole member. The sole member can be manufactured using a customized cushioning sole system. A user's foot morphology and/or preferences may be used to design the sole member. The sole member can include a column of apertures that are formed along the outer surface of the sole member.

Abstract: A sole assembly for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate with a foot-facing surface with a recess disposed in the foot-facing surface. An insert plate is disposed in the recess. A length of the insert plate between anterior and posterior ends of the insert plate is less than a length of the recess. The insert plate flexes free of compressive loading by the sole plate when a forefoot portion of the sole assembly is dorsiflexed in a first portion of a flexion range, and operatively engages with the sole plate when the forefoot portion is dorsiflexed in a second portion of the flexion range that includes flex angles greater than in the first portion of the flexion range. The sole assembly is dorsiflexed, for example, when the forefoot portion is flexed in accordance with toes bending toward the top of the foot.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with compliant components. The sole structure includes a sole plate, inner sole structure and lasting board. The inner sole structure is placed in between the sole plate and lasting board. The inner sole structure provides complaint components that protrude through the sole plate towards a ground surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper, a midsole connected to the upper, and an outsole connected to the midsole. The midsole includes a platform extending along a perimeter portion of the midsole and a lattice structure integrally formed with the platform, the lattice structure including a network of laths.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole coupled to the upper. The sole includes a platform and a lattice. The platform includes an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The lattice extends from the second surface of the platform. The lattice includes a plurality of laths forming a plurality of complete cell units and a plurality of incomplete cell units. Each lath has a longitudinal structure with a longitudinal axis and two ends. Each complete cell unit is defined by a plurality of complete laths and no incomplete laths. Each of the complete laths extends between two vertices of the complete cell unit. Each incomplete cell unit is defined by at least one incomplete lath. Each incomplete lath extends from one vertices and terminates without extending to another vertices.

Abstract: A sole structure of an article of footwear includes a foam element and a non-foam element with different compressibilities. The foam element is positioned adjacent to the non-foam element. The non-foam element may define a plurality of apertures, with ends of at least a portion of the apertures being located adjacent to a lower area of the foam element. The non-foam element may also form a protrusion that may be located in a central area of the non-foam element and extends into the foam element. In addition, a portion of the non-foam element that forms a side of the sole structure may define an indentation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper and the sole structure, to the sole structure, and to a method for manufacturing the sole structure and a method for manufacturing the article of footwear. The sole structure includes a fluid-filled chamber and an outsole that at least partially surrounds the chamber.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a shoe and a sole integrated into the shoe. The monitoring system also includes a connection mechanism attached to an underside of the sole and is shaped to connect the sole to a pedal. A pressure sensor is incorporated into the shoe that senses a force exerted on the pedal when the shoe is connected to the pedal through the connection mechanism.

Abstract: A sole structure for shoes includes a midsole and a plate member made of a hard resin harder than the midsole, which is joined to a lower surface of the midsole. The plate member includes a first reinforcement portion extending rearwardly from a position corresponding to a portion in the rear of a thenar of a user along a medial side arch region and a second reinforcement portion extending rearwardly on a lateral side from the position corresponding to the portion in the rear of the thenar of the user so as to avoid a position corresponding to a portion more frontward than a center of a fifth metatarsal bone.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole incorporating an auxetic structure. The article of footwear further includes a strobel that may be placed along the auxetic structure of the sole. The strobel may restrict the motion of the auxetic structure in particular locations. The strobel may be used to provide rigidity and support in the area of the strobel.

Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber may have a barrier, a stacked tensile member, and a fluid. The barrier may be formed from a polymer material that is sealed to define an interior void. The stacked tensile member may be located within the interior void and includes a first tensile element and a second tensile element that are joined to each other. Additionally, opposite sides of the stacked tensile member are joined to the barrier. The fluid is located within the interior void and may be pressurized to place an outward force upon the barrier and induce tension in the stacked tensile member. In some configurations, each of the tensile elements may be a spacer textile.

Abstract: A wearable mobile terminal is provided that includes a base provided in an insole of a shoe, a pressure sensing unit provided in the base to sense a pressure selectively applied when a user walks, an acupressure unit provided to apply an acupressure to the user's foot, when the pressure is applied to the pressure sensing unit; and a wireless communication unit synchronized with an external mobile terminal.

Abstract: The convertible shoe consists of: a top portion having a stylized upper, a footbed, and an underside with bottom side attachment; an insert with top side attachment and a bottom side attachment; and a bottom portion having a top side attachment and a tread on the bottom. The top side attachment of the bottom portion and insert are identical, and the bottom side attachment of the top portion and insert are identical. The bottom side attachment is sized and configured to correspond to, and attach to, the top side attachment, such that the top portion can attach directly to the bottom portion to create a low-heeled shoe, or attach to the insert which is attached to the bottom portion to create a high-heeled shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with an extension portion that maintains contact with the ground during a forward stride, extending the time period for deceleration of loads applied to the sole structure. The article of footwear comprises an upper and a sole structure. The upper has a forefoot region with a foremost extent. The sole structure has a forefoot portion underlying the forefoot region, and an extension portion extending forward from the forefoot portion. The extension portion extends forward of the foremost extent of the upper from a forward edge of the forefoot portion to a distal end. A top side of the extension portion is spaced apart from the upper between the forward edge and the distal end. The extension portion establishes a propulsion surface beyond the foremost extent of the upper during a forward stride.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear includes disposing a first polymer sheet and a second polymer sheet in a mold assembly, and disposing a preformed unitary outsole in the mold assembly adjacent the second polymer sheet. The method includes closing the mold assembly to compress the first and second polymer sheets and the outsole, and thermally bonding the first and second polymer sheets to one another in the mold assembly to form a cushioning component with a chamber, a top wall, a bottom wall, a medial side wall, and a lateral side wall. A bottom portion of the outsole is thermally bonded to the bottom wall, a medial side portion of the outsole is thermally bonded to the medial side wall, and a lateral side portion of the outsole is thermally bonded to the lateral side wall.

Abstract: Provided is a negative ion emitting product and a method of forming the same. The negative ion emitting product comprises a silicone substrate and a separate silicone insert or patch material containing a negative ion emitting source. The separate silicone insert or patch material is attached to a surface of said substrate or inserted into a space defined by a wall of said substrate. The product is designed to be worn by a human or animal and preferably comprises a bracelet, necklace, collar, watch strap, shoe insole or the like. It particularly comprises a double molded silicone product containing in the patch or insert material, but not the substrate, nano-particles of negative ion radiating rare earth powder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating thermal energy (heat) from human locomotion is proposed and used to provide heating of the user's footwear. The apparatus takes the form of a pair of flexible, liquid-filled chambers connected by an energy-generating tube. One chamber is located in the heel region of a footwear insole, with the other in the toe region, such that as a person walks, the liquid moves back and forth within the tube. This movement is used to also move an energy-producing element (either an electromagnetic arrangement or viscous liquid) back and forth within the tube and convert the captured human locomotion energy into thermal energy, thus warming the footwear.

Abstract: Midsoles, and articles of footwear having such midsoles, with a distal surface profile based, in whole or in part, on a pressure map of pressures exerted on the bottom of a human foot when in contact with the ground are provided. The pressure map may be a measurement of the pressures exerted on the bottom of a human foot during, for example, standing, walking, or running (e.g., a natural gait). The distal surface profile of a midsole and an article of footwear may be defined, at least in part, by a plurality of cushioning projections extending from the midsole and having predetermined height profiles based on a pressure map. Methods of making midsoles and articles of footwear including a distal surface profile based, in whole or in part, on a pressure map are also provided.

Abstract: Sandals with biomechanical foot support, robust usability and cost-effectiveness are disclosed. The footwear may comprise a biomechanical sole and a Y-shaped rubber strap anchored to the sole. The sole has a top surface including a raised contour on the medial side of the sandal, and a low profile heel cup. The raised contour on the medial side and the heel cup match the natural anatomic shape of the foot, and thus provides a biomechanical foot support. The bottom surface of the sole may be a roughed surface to provide necessary traction and friction when a wearer/user walks. The bottom surface further comprises a plurality of grooves to allow water to be expelled and increase traction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring-loaded boot. The invention consists of a rigid boot bound to a set of plates, with shock absorbers situated on each end of, and sandwiched between, the plates. The top plate provides the platform for binding a ski boot, and the bottom plate provides ground contact and traction. The device allows the user to bounce with pogo-like motion. The rigid shell of the boot provides the ample ankle support and protection needed for rugged terrain.

Abstract: An article with a sole structure including a first layer and a second layer are disclosed. The first layer includes a set of apertures arranged in an auxetic configuration that permit the first layer to exhibit a first auxetic behavior. The second layer includes a set of projections arranged in an auxetic configuration that permit the second layer to exhibit a second auxetic behavior. The first layer and the second layer may be joined together in a manner that allows the first auxetic behavior to occur independently of the second auxetic behavior.

Abstract: Decorative foamed articles are prepared from foamed pellets, beads, particles, or other articles of a thermoplastic elastomer infused with a supercritical fluid in a pressurized container, then rapidly depressurized and heated either by immersion in a heated fluid that can rapidly heat the article or with infrared or microwave radiation to heat and foam the pellets, beads, particles, or other articles that are then molded into the articles. The pellets are dyed with a nonionic or anionic dye one of: (1) before being infused with the supercritical fluid, (2) during being infused with the supercritical fluid by a nonionic or anionic dye dissolved or dispersed in the supercritical fluid, which optionally comprises a polar liquid, (3) during immersion in the heated fluid, where the heated fluid contains the dye, or (4) after being foamed.

Abstract: A shoe sole includes a sole contact portion 42, a ground contact portion 44, a plurality of fluid casings 12 configured to include a pair of fluid casings arranged in the front and rear direction and a pair of fluid casings arranged in the left and right direction between the sole contact portion and the ground contact portion and made of an elastic material, and plurality of valve units 20 and 30 configured to connect the pair of fluid casings in the front and rear direction and the pair of fluid casings in the left and right direction and to permit a flow of a fluid only from fluid casings at a high position to fluid casings at a low position when the sole of the shoe is inclined in the front and rear direction and/or in the left and right direction.

Abstract: A footwear item includes an insole, an outsole, and a midsole. The insole includes an insole top surface, an insole bottom surface, and an insole sidewall. The outsole includes an outsole top surface and an outsole bottom surface. The midsole is positioned between the insole and the outsole. The midsole is configured to nest onto the top surface of the outsole. In at least the heel region, the midsole includes a strobel upper surface and a strobel sidewall configured to nestingly receive a heel region of the insole. In addition, an interface between the strobel upper surface and the strobel sidewall includes a fillet region configured to support and reduce lateral-medial movement of the insole relative to the midsole.

Abstract: A support material having an hourglass shape reduces the cost of manufacturing as well as increasing comfort and air circulation. The support material includes a primary end having a primary diameter located opposite a secondary end having a secondary diameter. A substantially central portion of the support material has a tertiary diameter being a size less than the primary and secondary diameters. Additional improvements include an improved outer wall surface of the support material having at least one recess. The at least one recess can retain a substance such as a cooling gel.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear has an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on opposite sides. The midsole has a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on opposite sides. The bottom surface opposes the inner surface to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a first series of projections extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in a first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a second series of projection extending into the cavity from one of the inner surface and the bottom surface in the first direction toward the other of the inner surface and the bottom surface. The article of footwear also includes a quantity of particulate matter disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure incorporates a support element that includes a fluid-filled chamber. The chamber may be bonded to other portions of the sole to secure the chamber within the sole. A surface of the chamber may also be angled to form a corresponding bevel in a lower surface of the sole structure, potentially in a rear-lateral area of the sole structure. A plate may also extend under a portion of the chamber.

Abstract: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.

Abstract: A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a foot and for providing energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent a first side of the layer and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. The sole when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a unitary, open-celled structure. Specifically, the sole assembly includes a lattice structure having an interconnected network of struts and nodes that cooperate to define voids. The struts and nodes are configured to generate predetermined support and flexure properties within the network. The lattice may be configured as a conformal lattice, being contoured to receive accessories or complementary support structures. The sole assembly may further include an insert formed of compression material (e.g., foam). In operation, the lattice and foam insert cooperate to provide stability and cushioning to the article of footwear.

Abstract: There is provided a shoe upper excelling in productivity, and a method for knitting the same. A shoe upper (1) includes a left side intermediate knitted fabric portion (5L) connecting a left side edge portion of a tongue (4) and an instep cover section (3), and a right side intermediate knitted fabric portion (5R) connecting a right side edge portion of the tongue (4) and the instep cover section (3). In such shoe upper (1), a width of an end of the tongue (4) is formed wider on a foot insertion opening (7) side than on a toe side, both side edge portions of the tongue (4) are overlapped with the instep cover section (3) in a thickness direction thereof, and the instep cover section (3), the tongue (4), and both the intermediate knitted fabric portions (5L, 5R) are all integrally knitted in a seamless manner.

Abstract: Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sole (100; 200) for a shoe (300), in particular for a cycling shoe (300), comprising: (a.) a three-dimensionally shaped rim (110); and (b.) a plurality of first reinforcing struts (121-127; 221-222), wherein (c.) at least two (122-125; 221-222) of the plurality of first reinforcing struts (121-127; 221-222) extend from a heel region (112) of the rim (110) of the sole (100; 200) to a toe region (115) of the rim (110) of the sole (100; 200), and wherein (d.) the rim (110) of the sole (100; 200) and the plurality of first reinforcing struts (121-127; 221-222) are integrally manufactured as a single piece in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole connected to upper. The midsole includes a lattice structure with a plurality of laths. The lattice structure includes at least one hollow lath such that an inner void is formed within the at least one hollow lath. A loose granular material is provided within the inner void of the at least one hollow lath.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the sole structure including a midsole, an outsole secured thereto, and one or more plates embedded within the midsole. Each of the one or more plates has a downwardly-concave side and an upwardly-concave side. The downwardly-concave side may be positioned on a medial side of the footwear, and the upwardly-concave side may be positioned on a lateral side of the footwear. The undulating medio-lateral configuration of each plate may increase the overall support provided to a wearer's foot during a side-to-side or “banking” movement.