Abstract: A golf shoe includes an outsole having a forefoot, a shank, and a heel. A stability ridge is disposed on the outer surface and along the perimeter of the forefoot, the heel, or both the forefoot and the heel. This ridge provides additional traction and stability, particularly when the golfer swings his club to take a shot.

Abstract: Grasping devices and articles exhibit enhanced gripping or holding power to a variety of surfaces, including surfaces that are slippery or otherwise difficult to hold. The invention involves in some aspects the discovery and use of gripping materials that have the unexpected enhanced capability to provide enhanced holding power to a variety of surfaces, including surfaces that are wet, slippery or otherwise potentially difficult to manipulate effectively, or surfaces on which it may be difficult to maintain an effective grip or traction. The gripping material is smooth and has a relative surface area roughness of between about 1.03 and about 10.5.

Abstract: A golf shoe sole comprising ejecting and retracting spikes, the improvement wherein said sole contains a high pressure liquid pump assembly in communication with a plurality of housed cylinder assemblies each of which contain a slidable spike with seal, wherein extreme pressure being exerted upon contained liquid equals extreme firmness of ejected spikes. Said pump having shifting means of a four way rotatory spool valve for the control of ejection and retraction in either auto or manual mode, or said pump being one of the two, the former manual operating by way of lever reciprocating upon a piston. The latter auto, operating by way of a diaphragm located on the bottom soul of the back of the heel. Said diaphragm being subject to intense momentary pressure generated by the weight transference from the forward walking motion of the human wearer. An exclusively manual pump requiring only a two way ball, seat, and stem control valve.

Abstract: A construction for a shoe, particularly an athletic shoe, which includes a sole that conforms to the natural shape of the foot shoe, including the bottom and the sides, when that foot sole deforms naturally by flattening under load while walking or running in order to provide a stable support base for the foot and ankle. Deformation sipes such as slits or channels are introduced in the shoe sole along its long axis, and other axes, to provide it with flexibility roughly equivalent to that of the foot. The result is a shoe sole that accurately parallels the frontal plane deformation of the foot sole, which creates a stable base that is wide and flat even when tilted sideways in extreme pronation or supination motion. In marked contrast, conventional shoe soles are rigid and become highly unstable when tilted sideways because they are supported only by a thin bottom edge.

Abstract: A spike for a golf shoe is provided which has a base portion adapted for attachment to the golf shoe for providing traction on turf. This spike is injection molded with a mixture of a polymer material and an abrasive grit material. As such, this material improves the resistance of the spike to wear and abrasion.

Abstract: A football boot has a plurality of studs disposed in a pattern which includes a part of at least one ring. The studs are asymmetric in that they provide grip along a first axis and permit sliding along another axis in a manner to encourage self cleaning. The studs are arranged with their respective first axes aligned along the locus of the ring and their respective second axes aligned transversely of the ring.

Abstract: By analyzing the force which acts during actual running from a bio mechanical perspective and determining the most preferable positions of spikes on the shoe sole, spikes can be arrayed only in necessary positions and not in unnecessary positions so as to further lessen weight and also provide rigidity to the region wherein spike placement is voided, so as to deal with unwanted flexion of the shoe sole. A shoe sole for spiked track-and-field athletic shoes has spikes located only in positions corresponding to the heads of the metatarsals and in positions corresponding to the distal phalanxes. The shoe sole regions between the spikes arrayed in positions corresponding to the heads of the metatarsals and in positions corresponding to the distal phalanxes are provided with an appropriate rigidity.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a cavity formed therein and a plurality of holes extending from the cavity to the bottom surface of the sole. A spike is disposed in each one of the holes, and each spike is translatable between an extended position wherein a first end of the spike protrudes from the bottom surface of the sole and a retracted position wherein the first end does not protrude from the bottom surface of the sole. A slide member is slidably disposed in the cavity and has a plurality of recesses formed in a first surface thereof which is oriented towards the spikes. The slide member is translatable in a lengthwise direction between a first position wherein the recesses are aligned with the spikes so that the spikes assume their retracted position and a second position wherein the recesses are not aligned with the spikes so that the spikes assume their extended position.

Abstract: A shoe anti-slip attachment for attachment to the sole of a shoe to prevent a wearer from slipping on a surface the user is traversing. The shoe anti-slip attachment includes a plurality of flexible traction strips each having a pair of opposite surfaces, and an outer periphery. Each of the traction strips has an adhesive on a first of the faces of the respective traction strip. The traction strips each have a roughened surface on a second of the faces of the respective traction strip to frictionally enhance contact between the second face of each traction strip and a surface in contact with the second face of the respective traction strip.

Abstract: A cleat for providing traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) that does not adversely affect turf, but provides a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, and is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a flange with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, a plurality of traction protrusions on the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf, and a bearing portion that bears the wearer's weight, particularly when the wearer walks on a hard surface. The protrusions are thereby less affected by the abrading effects of the hard surface, and last longer before they are worn to the point that they are no longer able to provide traction.

Abstract: A floor wiper construction 10 for cleaning a floor surface and including a slipper member 20 having a sole portion 22 provided with compressible cleaning material 31 and a plurality of friction members 40 which will project through the compressible clearing material 31 when the user places their weight on the slipper member 20 to prevent the user's foot from sliding on the floor surface.

Abstract: Footwear (210) that is readily adjustable to maintain the wearer in an upright, substantially vertical position, enabling the wearer to negotiate a steep roof without slipping or falling. The footwear (210) entails a pair of shoe boards (224) that attach to the wearer's shoes or feet. Each shoe board (224) is supported on a base (212) whose shape provides a large surface area that, when in contact with the roof under the weight of the wearer, securely grips the roof surface, even for roof pitches of 12/12. In addition, the shape of each base (212) is tailored to enable a pair of the footwear (210) to nest together, allowing the wearer to place his or her feet close together when desired. In a preferred embodiment, each base (212) is equipped with concave surface regions (228B, 232B) that receive convex portions (228A, 232A) of its mating shoe board (224) in a manner that provides an uncomplicated method of adjusting the pitch of the footwear (210) and securing the shoe board (224) to the base (212).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for footwear having a structure for minimizing injury to the wearer from twisting or turning movements which may occur during sporting activities, and/or for enhancing performance by assisting rotational movement of the foot. A first invention is a shoe sole comprises a turntable within the sole and connected thereto by a resilient web which provides a seal between the periphery of the turntable and sole. The web is resiliently deformable in response to rotation of the turntable in either direction from a rest position to apply resilient bias to restore the turntable towards it rest position. There may be additional biasing means.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe is formed a thin, flexible, nonporous and inelastic sheet material having a pattern of perforations through it, and a plurality of tread elements of a hard, wear-resistant material molded onto a first side of the sheet material by a process in which the tread forming material is inject through the perforations in a manner such that at least some of the resultant tread elements have anchoring portions extending through the perforations from an opposite second side of the sheet material, a portion of the sheet material around the perforations being held between the tread elements and the anchoring portions. A pattern of treads of various shapes and sizes can be provided in a configuration generally conforming with the sole surface to which the outsole is to be applied, so that a minimum of tread material wastage occurs when the outsole is cut out from the sheet material.

Abstract: An athletic shoe has a sole composed of an inner layer and an outer layer that comes into contact with the ground surface. In the athletic shoe, a plurality of downward projecting projections are formed on the lower surface of the outer layer as parts of the outer layer, and a ring-shaped flange portion is formed as a part of the outer layer to surround the corresponding projection. The ring-shaped flange portion slants upward from its outer edge toward the inner edge. When a downward pressure greater than a predetermined value acts onto a portion where the projection and the corresponding flange portion are formed, the flange deforms in order to move the projection downward. In another athletic shoe, a plurality of projections is formed on the outer surface of a sole, and a depression is formed in the outer surface of the sole in the vicinity of each of the projections.

Abstract: A cleat provides traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) without adversely affecting turf, while providing a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a hub with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, and at least one traction element extending substantially laterally from the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf. The traction element is deflectably attached to the hub, preferably by a resilient arm having a turf-engaging portion at the end thereof. The traction element is preferably cantilevered out of the plane of the hub, and in any event preferably deflects when a hard surface is encountered, to protect the turf-engaging portion from abrasion.

Abstract: A sport shoe having an upper, a sole having at least an outer sole having a mobile portion at least at the heel portion of the sole which is pivotable about a lateral axis forward of the heel portion. A midsole insert member is insertable between the mobile portion and the upper. The mobile portion includes upper engaging projections cooperating with the upper to prevent the midsole insert from moving laterally relative to the upper when the midsole insert member is introduced between the mobile portion and the upper.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: A tread is inserted into a shoe sole. The tread includes a base portion having a periphery and an interior portion within the periphery. A stem portion extends away from a first side of the base portion and is connectable to the shoe sole. A projection portion is disposed generally at the periphery of the base portion and extends away from a second side of the base portion.

Abstract: An outer-sole to be worn over footwear is characterized by having a curled forward or toe portion, and optionally heel portion as well, that holds the front portion of the outer-sole in contact with the footwear to which it is attached.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a two-layer outsole for use with a shoe. The outsole includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a longitudinally extending axis. The outer layer forms the bottom of the outsole and has a plurality of first holes at spaced locations therethrough. The inner layer includes a base adjacent one side of the outer layer and a plurality of projections that extend from the base through the first holes in the outer layer, and terminate in a pointed free end. The projections protrude from the bottom of the outsole, and provide traction when the outsole interacts with the ground. The free end also forms a ridge. The ridge of each projection is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, each projection has an outline with a tear-drop shape. It has been found that when projections with this configuration are used with non-metal cleats, excellent traction is obtained.

Abstract: Flexible spiked arrangements for placement onto footwear are provided. The spiked arrangement has a heel portion for engaging a heel part of the footwear, a toe portion for placement over a toe part of the footwear, and an intermediate bottom sole portion that interconnects the heel and toe portions and is provided with a plurality of spikes. Straps disposed on the heel portion hold the spiked arrangement on the footwear, for example by being strapped around the ankle of a person wearing the spiked arrangement.

Abstract: A footwear attachment device for releasable mounting on primary footwear, e.g., a boot or shoe, to provide enhanced traction. The primary footwear has an upper including a toe portion and a heel portion, a sole including a fore-foot portion and a heel portion. The attachment device comprising an integral member having a mounting ring and plural stretchable connecting webs, extending between respective portions of the ring. The attachment device also includes a forefoot pad assembly and a heel pad assembly. Each pad assembly includes a generally planar base pad and a generally planar a cover pad. Each base pad includes a recess for receipt of a respective one of the connecting webs. Each cover pad is arranged to be secured over an associated base pad with the connecting web interposed therebetween and stretchable in the recess. Each base pad includes a ground engaging surface. Each cover pad includes an inner surface.

Abstract: An improved traction enhancing article is provided which is applicable to many different items such as shoes, skateboards, snowboards and the like. The traction enhancing article has a plurality of regularly spaced cleats embedded in a flexible base which, in at least one embodiment, has an adhesive backing allowing it to be removably secured to a variety of different items. The cleats are preferably formed of aluminum and have a hexagonal base which tapers to a rounded top. Both sides of the surface are roughened to enhance traction and to ensure the cleat remains embedded in the base even under extreme stress conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article of footwear having an upper and a non-clogging sole attached to the upper. The sole includes a generally planar ground engaging surface and at least one traction member or cleat projecting from the generally planar ground engaging surface. The traction member or cleat is attached with a base surface adjacent the generally planar ground engaging surface, side surfaces projecting downwards, and a tip attached at a bottom end of the traction member. At least a portion of the base surface and the side surfaces of the traction member or cleat and at least a portion of the ground engaging surface of the sole includes an adhesion prevention material having both a low coefficient of friction and a low wettability with respect to water in a preferred embodiment. However, the tip of the traction member remains substantially free of the adhesion prevention material. The adhesion prevention material has a coefficient of friction of less than 0.4, preferably between 0.1 and 0.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a shoe upper and an outsole connected to the shoe upper is provided. The outsole defines a plurality of spike receiving openings therein. A plate is located between the shoe upper and the outsole, and includes a plurality of spikes attached thereto. The plate is movable within the upper between a spike-exposing position whereby the plurality of spikes extend outwardly through respective openings formed in the outsole, and a spike-retracting position. An inflatable bladder is located between the plate and the outsole. When inflated with a fluid, the bladder lifts the plate upwardly into the spike-retracting position, and holds the plate in the spike-retracting position during shoe wear. An exhaust communicates with the bladder for exhausting the fluid contained in the bladder. When the fluid is exhausted, the plate is movable into the spike-exposing position by the weight of the wearer during shoe wear.

Abstract: An convertible, footwear attachment device and methods of configuring it and using it on a primary footwear to provide resistance to slippage on snow, ice or other slick surfaces. The attachment device is of the sling-type, full-sole unit and is formed of an elastic, flexible and severable material. The full-sole unit is made up of a sole, a toe attachment assembly, a heel attachment assembly, and visible indicia, e.g., grooves, for indicating the boundaries of a removable portion of the full-sole unit which may be severed therefrom to form the half-sole unit. The attachment assemblies enable the device to be releasably mounted on the primary footwear irrespective of whether the device is converted from the full-sole unit to the half-sole unit or not. The sole and heel portions of the full-sole unit each include plural hard, ice-gripping projections, e.g., spikes.

Abstract: A shoe cover for being worn over the shoes consists of a cover foil adapted to protect the shoe and at least a part of the calf of a person and a reinforcing foil adapted to reinforce at least the sole portion of the cover foil. The cover foil is made of a first soft or plasticized polymer, and the reinforcing foil is made of a second soft or plasticized polymer. Besides the sole portion, the cover foil consists of a shaft portion. The sole portion of the cover foil is reinforced by the reinforcing foil by welding them together by means of a plurality of punctual welding points. Those welding points form a plurality of punctual recesses in the reinforcing foil, which recesses cause a sucker effect, such that a high adhesion between the shoe cover and the ground results. At the shaft portion, the cover foil is provided with a strap or a tape which allows to tighten the shoe cover at the foot or calf of a person.

Abstract: A tread is inserted into a shoe sole. The tread includes a base portion and a stem portion which extends away from a first side of the base portion and is connectable to the shoe sole. The stem portion includes longitudinal ridges disposed thereabout and extending radially therefrom. A projection portion extends away from a second side of the base portion.

Abstract: A fluid impervious and non-slip fabric is manufactured by thermally laminating a polyolefin film onto a non-woven fabric backing. The polyolefin film preferably comprises a polyblend of propylene copolymer and polyethylene. A shoe cover manufactured from the above laminated fabric has enhanced non-slip and fluid impervious properties.

Abstract: A hard plate of spike shoes for track races comprises a plurality of small projections or small holes on an anterior forefoot portion in at least half the forefoot portion, and a plurality of large projections greater than said small projections or small holes on a posterior forefoot portion.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for athletic shoes to reduce injuries to athletes. The cleat assembly includes a base assembly and a cleat which is releasably coupled to the base assembly in response to a predetermined force extending substantially lateral to the longitudinal axis of the cleat for reducing injuries. The cleat can be either a rotational cleat or a stationary cleat. The base assembly can be integrally formed with the sole of the athletic shoe or formed as a separate element.

Abstract: A golf shoe spike which does not produce so-called spike marks in a putting green due to the use of plastic construction material in which to obviate rupture of the plastic during tightening and untightening preparatory to replacement of a worn spike, the peripheral edge of the spike body is non-circular for improved turning engagement with a wrench having a matching non-circular spike body-receiving compartment and, at each change in direction characteristic of the non-circular spike body edge, a spike is located to provide optimum plastic material since the spike location coincides with a contact site at which the wrench and spike body interengage each other during the tightening and untightening of the spike.

Abstract: A hard plate of spike shoes for track races comprises a plurality of small projections or small holes on an anterior forefoot portion in at least half the forefoot portion, and a plurality of large projections greater than said small projections or small holes on a posterior forefoot portion.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials chemically bonded together is disclosed. In one embodiment, the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic materials are arranged in such a fashion to impart flexibility to the article of footwear. In particular, plastic and rubber materials are bonded together to improve the flexibility of an outsole of an article of footwear. The invention also is directed to the fabrication of new or improved devices and elements for use in articles of footwear and their associated methods of construction such as closure mechanisms comprising relatively elastic straps bonded to relatively inelastic anchor portions and vice versa, articulating inelastic and elastic exoskeleton constructions useful in skates and ski boots, and elastic or inelastic eyelets surrounded by inelastic or elastic materials.

Abstract: A footwear system for use in driving a vehicle includes a first boot or shoe and a second boot or shoe, each including a sole having a heel region at a proximal end of the sole with rounded ridges disposed adjacent to one another and extending substantially across a width of the sole. The sole of the first boot or shoe includes a first metatarsal region including rounded ridges disposed adjacent to one another and extending substantially along a length of the sole and the sole of the second boot or shoe includes a second metatarsal region having rounded ridges disposed adjacent to one another and extending substantially across a width of the sole.

Abstract: A removable shoe covering is disclosed which is formed from a flexible sheet having a central section and two outwardly extending side portions. The central portion has a cross-sectional area at least large enough to cover the bottom of the shoe while the side portions of the sheet extend upwardly along opposite sides of the shoe and overlap each other at the top of the shoe. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to one side of the sheet for removably adhering the sheet to the shoe.

Abstract: A hard plate of spike shoes for track races comprises a plurality of small projections or small holes on an anterior forefoot portion in at least half the forefoot portion, and a plurality of large projections greater than said small projections or small holes on a posterior forefoot portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of making a molded part having a sheet metal portion and at lease one fastener coupled to the sheet metal portion. The fastener has a body portion and an annular barrel portion which extends from the body portion. The body portion has a free open end and a bore extending therethrough in generally coaxial alignment with the opening in the barrel portion. The barrel portion free end is driven into the sheet metal to pierce the sheet metal and form a slug from the sheet metal. The barrel is also deformed radially outwardly in mechanical interlocking relation with the panel. The slug which is formed is wedged into the opening of the barrel portion to seal the barrel portion. The sheet metal and barrel portion can then be surrounded with molding material with the slug preventing the molding material from flowing into the bore.

Abstract: Lightweight, inexpensive footwear sole components (14, 18), comprising a midsole portion (14) and an outsole portion (18), are formed by a method that eliminates the need for adhesively attaching the two portions to each other, and comprises the steps of 1) Forming the midsole portion (14) to have a lower surface (17) and at least one opening (26) extending into it through the lower surface (17); 2) Forming the outsole portion (18) on the lower surface (17) of the midsole portion (14) such that the outsole portion has an upper part (28) extending into the opening (26) in the midsole portion; and, 3) Forming a mechanical attachment device (22) between the outsole portion (18) and the midsole portion (14) on an upper end (19) of the outsole portion (18).

Abstract: A hard plate of spike shoes for track races comprises a plurality of small projections or small holes on an anterior forefoot portion in at least half the forefoot portion, and a plurality of large projections greater than said small projections or small holes on a posterior forefoot portion.

Abstract: An athletic shoe including a shoe upper and an outsole connected to the shoe upper is provided. The outsole defines a plurality of spike receiving openings therein. A plate is located between the shoe upper and the outsole, and includes a plurality of spikes attached thereto. The plate is movable within the upper between a spike-exposing position whereby the plurality of spikes extend outwardly through respective openings formed in the outsole, and a spike-retracting position. An inflatable bladder is located between the plate and the outsole. When inflated with a fluid, the bladder lifts the plate upwardly into the spike-retracting position, and holds the plate in the spike-retracting position during shoe wear. An exhaust communicates with the bladder for exhausting the fluid contained in the bladder. When the fluid is exhausted, the plate is movable into the spike-exposing position by the weight of the wearer during shoe wear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a directionally yieldable cleat assembly attached to an athletic shoe having an upper and a sole with a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced cleats are mounted to the sole so that the cleats protrude outwardly from the bottom of the sole. In one embodiment, a bumper is provided between the cleat and the sole for enabling a greater magnitude of deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to a predetermined lateral force imposed upon the cleat in a first laterally inward direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shoe than the deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to the same predetermined force imposed on the cleat in direction other than the first lateral direction. Deflection of the cleat is also minimized or eliminated in response to forces imposed on the cleats in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis of the sole to ensure that traction for the shoe is uncompromised.

Abstract: An anti-slip attachment device is provided for a shoe having a sole and a vamp, which consists of a plate to fit against the bottom of the sole of the shoe. A component is for mounting the plate in a removable manner against the bottom of the sole of the shoe, so that the plate when mounted will be in a stationary position with respect to the sole. A structure on the bottom of the plate is for preventing the sole of the shoe from slipping on an icy surface.

Abstract: A hard plate of spike shoes for track races comprises a plurality of small projections or small holes on an anterior forefoot portion in at least half the forefoot portion, and a plurality of large projections greater than said small projections or small holes on a posterior forefoot portion.

Abstract: The outsole comprises rigid plates in plastic material which plates are bonded to a sole body in an abrasion-resistant plastic material, projections such as studs being joined to the plates and dampening cushions traversing the sole body and extending between the plates.

Abstract: An integral sole for a shoe includes a base plate, a stabilizing plate, and a heel member. The base plate is made of a cushioning material and includes a lower surface having a footprint embossing which engages a walking surface providing traction and comfort for the user. The stabilizing plate is horizontally located about and surrounding the footprint embossing and is made of a material which is harder than the material of the base plate. The stabilizing plate also engages the walking surface and includes a bridge portion extending outwardly from a toe and ball portion of the footprint embossing to provide lateral stability for the sole. The heel member is located peripherally about a heel portion of the stabilizing plate. The heel member is made of a material which is harder than the material of the stabilizing plate to provide a firm heel stability for the shoe. Preferably, the toe portion of the footprint embossing includes five separate toe-print areas.

Abstract: A threadedly engageable tire stud includes an elongated steel housing having a hexagonal head section and a threaded section of enlarged pitch for securely engaging a tire thread wherein the head section has approximately the same diameter as a major diameter of the threaded section. A longitudinally extended aperture is provided in the hexagonal head section for receiving an elongated carbide pin. The carbide pin is brazed to the elongated steel housing and protrudes out of the head section of the housing for engaging the road surface to improve traction of the tire.

Abstract: A sole construction for use with a boating shoe or the like comprises an outsole having a multiplicity of wave-like incisions in a traction area. The incisions are each in the form of a flattened sine wave and extend generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the sole. A plurality of straight incisions intersect the wave-like incisions and extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sole. The sole may further include inner and outer traction areas in which a plurality of incisions intersect wave-like incisions extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, with the straight incisions extending substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a directionally yieldable cleat assembly attached to an athletic shoe having an upper and a sole with a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced cleats are mounted to the sole so that the cleats protrude outwardly from the bottom of the sole. In one embodiment, a bumper is provided between the cleat and the sole for enabling a greater magnitude of deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to a predetermined lateral force imposed upon the cleat in a first laterally inward direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shoe than the deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to the same predetermined force imposed on the cleat in directions other than the first lateral direction. Deflection of the cleat is also minimized or eliminated in response to forces imposed on the cleats in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis of the sole to ensure that traction for the shoe is uncompromised.