Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe (18) incorporating a cleat frame (22) having cleat supports (52) which extend down through openings formed in a sole (20). The cleat supports (52) carry cleats (26-36) having portions which extend below the bottom surface of the sole (20) for providing traction on a player surface. The cleated supports (52) are coupled to the cleat frame (22) in a manner which transfers upward forces from the cleat (26-36) into the cleat frame (22) when the shoe is weighted.

Abstract: A composite, long wearing, slip-resistant non-metal golf cleat that alleviates damage to grass, e.g., the surface of a golf green, yet provides traction similar to conventional metal spikes is disclosed.

Abstract: A shoe system and a method of removing and attaching fixtures to shoes are provided in which a receptacle (14) includes an opening (16) through which a member (24) of a base (18) passes. The member (24) is rotated within the receptacle (14) and engages with a seat (34) to prevent unwanted rotation.

Abstract: A gripping element for sports shoes comprising a gripping element body of plastic material and a ceramic insert (2) which forms the tread surface of the gripping element and which is embedded in the gripping element body and which is embraced within the gripping element body over a part of its length by a metal sleeve (3) which is also embedded in the gripping element body. In that arrangement a plastic material layer (14) is formed between the peripheral surface of the ceramic insert and the inside surface of the metal sleeve. In order to make the plastic material layer as uniform as possible in its wall thickness. at least the part of the peripheral surface of the ceramic insert (2), that is embraced by the metal sleeve, is smooth and narrows towards the tread surface (FIG. 1).

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: 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: A spike (10) for attachment to baseball shoes has a spike body (11), a leg (14) protruding upright from the spike body and having a distal edge (14a) and an abrasion-resistant tip (20) made of a metal and having a base portion welded to the distal edge of the leg. The base portion (21) has a wedge-shaped ridge (22) pressed to an end face of the distal edge such that the base portion (21) is gripped by and between masses of a once molten and then resolidified material of the distal edge of the leg, so that the spike is abrasion resistant and durable. The distal edge (14a) may have at its middle region a cutout (16) to divide the end face into two parts to which the base portion (21) of the tip are adjoined concurrently and in the same manner.

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: An athletic shoe is including an outer sole having at least one notched cleat of resilient material molded integral or removable to the lower surface of the shoe sole. In one embodiment, a plurality of notched cleats are disposed throughout the shoe sole. In a second embodiment, a plurality of notched cleats extend outwardly from and are disposed along the perimeter of the sole. Both embodiments provide an improved measure of lateral stability. The notch defining surfaces of the cleat act as teeth to cut through and displace the ground to provide good traction under wet or dry conditions on soft or hard surfaces. A plurality of other cleats of different shapes and ground-engaging surface areas than the notched cleats may also be molded integral or removable to the outer sole. The athletic shoe is for use in sports such as football, soccer, baseball, or ultimate frisbee played on natural grass, dirt, or other soft or hard surfaces.

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: An improved golf shoe and sole is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of golf shoes comprising a right shoe and a left shoe, the right shoe having a different arrangement of traction elements on the sole thereof than the left shoe. For right-handed golfers, the sole of the right shoe has a greater number of axial traction members which are aligned with an edge of the sole than transverse traction members which are positioned transverse to the edge of the sole. The right shoe accordingly resists pivotal motion. The left shoe has a greater number of transverse traction members than axial traction members so as to allow pivotal motion. The golf shoes accordingly allow the golfer to make a fuller back swing and to follow through more completely on the power stroke. The relative number of axial and transverse traction members on the left an right shoes may be reversed for left-handed golfers.

Abstract: A composite, long wearing, slip-resistant non-metal golf cleat that alleviates damage to grass, e.g., the surface of a golf green, yet provides traction similar to conventional metal spikes is disclosed. The cleat provides a slightly higher, rounded, softer center core or tip which provides a measure of slip-resistance when walking on most hard, smooth dry surfaces and a firmer disk portion having multiple wing-shaped extensions to provide traction on turf surrounds the softer center.

Abstract: An athletic shoe system is provided comprising a shoe with shoe sole, non-metal screw boss, and cleat. The cleat of the preferred embodiment is usable with the shoe system of the present invention or with prior art athletic shoe systems. The preferred invention includes a removable plastic cleat having a disc-shaped body with a downwardly projecting generally circular pattern of ridges on its bottom side and an upwardly projecting threaded stem on its top side. A non-metal screw boss for embedding in the sole of a shoe has a cylindrical body with a threaded bore. An array of lobes project radially outwardly from the lower end of the cylindrical body and a corresponding set of truncated cone-shaped tabs project upwardly from the lobes. In use, a plurality of the screw bosses are embedded within the shoe sole during molding with the threaded bores of the bosses exposed through the bottom of the sole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for converting a game shoe having game cleats to a weighted training shoe. The method includes the step replacing at least one of the game cleats with a weighted cleat that is at least three times heavier than the at least one game cleat.

Abstract: A sole for a sport shoe to provide increased traction and stability comprises a main sole member having a heel portion including a heel curve and a forward position underlining the ball of the foot including a toe curve. The main sole member has a center point defined by the intersection of an optical center line and a transverse line. The optical center line and the transverse line defines four quadrants, namely, a forward lateral, a forward medial, a rearward lateral, and a rearward medial. A forward medial cleat is located generally on a first radial line 30 degrees to the medial side of the optical center line about the center point and spaced generally 44% of the length of the transverse line from the center point. A rearward lateral cleat is located on a second radial line generally 130 degrees to the lateral side of the optical center line about the center point and spaced generally 59% of the length of the transverse line from the center point.

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: A sport shoe cleat especially for golf shoes has a main body member having a dome-shaped outer face and a planar inner face, a threaded stud molded integrally with the main body member and projecting outwardly from the inner face. A plurality of pseudo pyramid-shaped teeth projecting around the perimeter of the main body member, each of the pseudo pyramid-shaped teeth having an outward angle to provide lateral stability and traction through the plane of a sports swing. The traction teeth have a low profile to reduce damage to putting green surfaces for example. The body member has a wear pad at the center of said dome-shaped outlet face, the wear pad being a weight-bearing surface such as to support the majority of the body weight placed on the cleat and keeping weight off the traction teeth to prolong the life of the traction teeth and the cleat.

Abstract: A golf spike construction 10 including a generally cruciform golf spike member 20 having four arm elements 21. The outboard ends of each of the arm elements 21 are provided with a downwardly depending cleat portion 25 and the sides of the diametrically opposed arm elements 21 are further provided with recesses 26 adapted to engage the prongs 101 of a golf spike installing tool 100 to impart rotation to the golf spike member 20.

Abstract: A sole for spiked track-and-field shoes has a wrap-up portion which extends via a coupling portion from a leading tip of a toe region of the sole proper. Multiple skid-preventing protrusions are fixed onto the toe region of the sole proper, the coupling portion, and the wrap-up portion in a perpendicular manner to the toe region of an underneath part of the sole, a surface of the coupling portion, and a surface of the wrap-up portion, respectively. The skid-preventing protrusions are formed higher than a line which connects the first row of the tips of the spike pins and the tips of the toe portion but lower than the spike pins.

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 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 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 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 golf shoe stud comprises a molded plastics body enabling the stud to be mounted in the underside of the shoe, a steel stem which extends through the body and forms a frustoconical stump projecting below the body, a thin steel lamina which overlies the underside and edges of the plastics body, and a nose of tungsten carbide which is mounted on the stump. The nose is bonded to the stump by brazing, and an upper end portion of the steel stem is out-turned for securement of the body and the lamina between the out-turned portion and the nose. The stud may be of a replaceable kind in which the plastics body forms a threaded spigot and a sole-engaging flange, or it may be of a permanent kind in which the molded body is arranged to be incorporated in manufacture into a molded shoe sole.

Abstract: A shoe part for running shoes for field and track events wherein each shoe has a sole, a hard plate for a forefoot portion of the shoe sole, including a plurality of columnar projections and a plurality of shorter projecting portions terminating short of the columnar projections on a surface side of the hard plate. The hard plate includes an elastic region projecting from adjacent surrounding surfaces of the hard plate and lying in a central region of the surface side of the hard plate at which maximum compressive load is applied during running.

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: A spike is mountable onto the sole of a spiked track shoe which allows a runner to develop maximum propulsion against the field surface. The spike is removably attachable to the track shoe and includes an elongate support plate having at one end thereof a connection hole for connection with the shoe, and a spike portion disposed at the other end. The spike portion is disposed at an obtuse angle (i.e., greater than a right angle relative to the support plate). The spike is made of metal or of synthetic resin, and the spike portion may include one or more than one spike parts. The angle between the spike portion and the support plate is preferably between 95 and 130 degrees, and more preferably between 105 and 120 degrees. The spike portion is preferably convergent towards the tip thereof, for example in the shape of a cone. The spike portion may, however, also be suitably formed into a cylindrical shape, or in a stepped cylindrical shape.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprising a sole portion (10) with a forward toe end (12) and a rear end (13), an inner medial side (15) and an outer lateral side (16). Blade-like projections (20) extend downwardly from the sole portion (10) and are angled relative to a generally longitudinal line (31) from the toe end (12) to the rear end (13) of the sole portion (10) so that an outer end (31) of each projection nearer to the medial side (15) is located nearer to the toe end. The angled projections provide increased grip for the outside foot of a wearer during turning movement. The heights of the projections (20) progressively reduce from the rear end (13) of the sole portion towards the toe end (12). At least the forwardmost one (21) of the medial projections has an outer corner (33) at the end of the lower extremity (30) which is displaced inwardly towards the lateral side (16).

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: An improved athletic shoe sole of the type with annular cleating segments has an annular cleat set projecting from the main sole surface and disposed along a substantially circular path, the set having a plurality of cleat nodes each of which is arranged in a substantially abutting relationship to at least one adjacent cleat node. Each node has a distal end or tip spaced from the main sole surface and first and second edges on opposite sides of the distal end with proximal ends terminating on the circular path. Improved pivotability and traction characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A cleat for an athletic shoe includes a base plate, tapered and slightly curved engagement member for penetrating the turf and a support member for coupling the engagement member to the plate. At least one notch is defined by the base plate, the support member and the engagement member for receiving bonding material to attach the cleat to a shoe sole. The comparative widths of the base plate and engagement member are such that the cleats may be arranged in a closely spaced or abutting relationships.An athletic shoe sole includes an array of such cleats disposed along a substantially circular path to define an annular cleat array. The blade of each cleat is generally in registry with the path and the cleats thereby define an annular, substantially circular edge for facilitating pivoting movement of the sole.

Abstract: A cleat or calk for use with boot soles and the like to provide enhanced gripping and wear life includes a generally cup-shaped spike member defining a plurality of pointed spike elements spaced about and projecting from a base adapted for mounting on a boot sole through a mounting shank and sole-mounted cleat anchor. In one embodiment, spring means cooperates with the spike member and mounting shank to enable limited pivotal movement of the spike member when mounted on a boot sole so as to acommodate uneven surfaces engaged by the spike member, while effecting self-leveling of the spike member upon release from the underlying surface.

Abstract: A cleated sole for footwear intended primarily for serious sportsmen and trackers uses ovaloid pairs of cleats. The preferred embodiment utilizes cleat pairs which include two depressions on their ground contacting base, and a shallow transverse depression across the cleat pair base's rear. The footwear sole has improved traction, balance, and quietness.

Abstract: An athletic shoe of the type having an elongated sole, a front, a back, an inner side and an outer side and at least one cleat extending outwardly from the sole. The cleat includes a forwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface which taper towards each other and meet each other adjacent one side of the sole so that the forwardly facing and outwardly facing surfaces are generally V-shaped when viewed in plan. An inwardly facing surface extends longitudinally between the other ends of the forwardly and outwardly facing sides. In use, the inwardly facing surface of the cleat provides traction as the athlete steps sidewardly. Conversely, the tapering forward and outwardly facing surfaces minimize traction in the event of a transverse blow to the athlete's legs.

Abstract: An improved sole for soccer shoes of the type having an annular cleat providing improved pivotability and excellent traction. The annular cleat extends along a substantially circular path which has medial and lateral opposed main side portions, the inside main side portion being spaced from the inside sole edge by a distance substantially greater than the lateral main side portion is from the sole outside edge. Preferred embodiments have opposed breaks along the opposed main side portions.

Abstract: A gripping element for a sports shoe comprises a body portion of plastic material and a ceramic insert which is embedded into the body portion and which provides the ground-engaging surface of the element. The ceramic insert is surrounded over a part of its length by a metal sleeve which is also embedded into the body portion of the element. At least on its outside peripheral surface around which the metal sleeve extends, the ceramic insert has surface configurations such as annular ribs and/or grooves to provide a positive connection to the plastic material therearound, with a layer of plastic material between the ceramic insert and the metal sleeve.

Abstract: A baseball shoe comprising spikes (S) with ceramic teeth (t) embedded in resin flanges (f), a resin sole body (A) having the spikes (S) embedded therein, and an upper shoe portion. Each tooth (t) includes a tooth body (3) and a seat plate portion (5) connected thereto. Each flange (f) includes an embedment portion (6) having the seat plate portion (5) of the tooth (t) embedded therein and a thinner peripheral portion (8) positioned around the embedment portion (6). The material of the sole body (A) is softer than that of the flanges (f) of the spikes (S).

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a substantially continuous annular cleat formed on the sole in forward position and extending along a substantially circular path encompassing a major area which includes most of the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole. The cleat has a passageway across a portion of the width of the sole just forward of the arch portion. Such passageway is preferably a shortening of a minor portion of the annular cleat but may be elimination thereof. Some preferred embodiments relate to a flat cleat edge, while others relate to certain passageway or cleat cross-sectional characteristics.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a circular cleat formed on the sole in forward position substantially encompassing the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole, extending substantially across the width of the sole, and enclosing a surface coincident with the main surface of the sole. The shoe provides improved pivotability while also providing good traction, and can reduce the frequency of certain common leg injuries.

Abstract: A cleated athletic shoe for improved pivotability and traction on artificial turf. The sole of the shoe has a series of at least three, and preferably more, concentric annular projections, including a first annular projection encompassing nearly the entire ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole and extending across the width of the sole and at least two additional annular projections spaced at progressively shorter radial locations. The enclosed sole areas are coincident with the main sole surface. Preferred embodiments include at least one and preferably more truncated-circle projections each of which are concentric with the first projection but at greater radial locations.

Abstract: Athletic shoe sole with cleats having exchangeble grip elements that are snap-locked to a mounting stud. The grip element can easily be inserted and removed again, without impairment of shoe sole stability or danger of damage thereto, by the provision of interactive engagement formations, comprised of a minimum of one raised area 16, 17, 26 and a complementary recessed area 19, 28, that have at least one inclined surface that produces a relative axial shifting between the gripping element and mounting stud when the gripping element is rotated about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the raised areas 16, 17, 26 are arranged such that, in the snap-locked condition, they do not have operative contact with the recessed areas 19, 28, but can be brought into operative contact by rotating grip element 11 around its longitudinal axis x, and thereafter the grip element 11 can be pressed out over the catch point of the snap-lock device or snap-lock devices 8, 12 to release the grip element from the mounting stud.

Abstract: Sport shoe sole provided with either stationary or replaceable obstacles, and more specifically to the sole of a sport shoe designed for running or jogging. The obstacles are located in the sole construction in the region between the point of support (C) of the ball of the foot and the center of gravity (P') of the heel. The moment arm (x2) of the foot is shorter than the respective moment arm (x1) with an ordinary sport shoe. This saves energy, and the dynamic resistance of the calf and the Achilles tendon with each step is reduced in comparison to the prior art, so that the running proceeds economically and effectively. The heel platform located behind the center of gravity (P') of the heel is lowered down, in which case the moment arm (x3) of the heel is eliminated, and the front muscle of the lower leg is released from unnecessary strain.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for field sports having a circular cleat formed on the sole in forward position substantially encompassing the ball-of-the-foot and toe portions of the sole, extending substantially across the width of the sole, and enclosing a surface coincident with the main surface of the sole. The shoe provides improved pivotability while also providing good traction, and can reduce the frequency of certain common leg injuries.

Abstract: A spike, preferably made entirely of plastic material, for a sport shoe having a tapping in the sole thereof, the spike including a head portion which is capable of being rotated for locking same onto the tapping, a threaded stem extending from the head portion for engagement within the tapping, and the threaded stem being provided with a blind axial conduit for engagement by a spanner of corresponding configuration upon breakage of the spike and exposure of the blind end of the conduit.

Abstract: A sole for a sports shoe comprises a plurality of fixing protrusions projecting from the underside of the sole, and a sleeve member which is fitted over each protrusion. The protrusion has a shoulder defining a retaining surface engaged by latching hooks on the sleeve member. In the engaged position of the latching hooks, a portion thereof still projects outwardly of the sleeve member. A cap-like member defining a gripping projection or stud is fitted over the sleeve member on each protrusion, and is engaged with the outwardly projecting portions of the latching hooks so as to be retained in place, while also securing the latching hooks engaged with the retaining surface of the shoulder.

Abstract: A molded outsole for an athletic shoe including molded, non-metallic studs or cleats includes a plurality of first substantially identical studs and a plurality of second substantially identical studs. The first studs have a shape characterized by three partially-overlapping frustoconical shapes, blended together to present an outline which does not retain dirt, in a triangular pattern, and produce a stud shorter than a second stud. The second studs have a shape characterized by a large frustoconical portion bounded by two partially-overlapping smaller frustoconical portions, of equal height, arranged to define a generally arcuate shape presenting a concave face and a convex face, the large frustoconical portion and the two small frustoconical portions being appropriately filleted to produce a smooth surface which does not retain dirt. These second studs may be oriented to support traction primarily in a predetermined direction, and to allow pivoting.