A sole structure for an article of footwear defines a footbed and includes a chassis having a lower cushioning element including an upper side and a bottom side disposed on an opposite side from the upper side, the lower cushioning element including one or more apertures extending from the upper side to the bottom side. A bladder is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the lower cushioning element and an outsole is disposed adjacent to the bottom side of the lower cushioning element and includes one or more protrusions each extending through a respective one of the one or more apertures and engaging the bladder.
A43B 13/40 - Built-in insoles joined to uppers during the manufacturing process, e.g. structural insolesInsoles glued to shoes during the manufacturing process with cushions
A43B 7/1425 - Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the ball of the foot, i.e. the joint between the first metatarsal and first phalange
A43B 7/144 - Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
2.
ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH ENHANCED DURABILITY FEATURES
Aspects herein are directed to, among other things, a knitted upper for an article of footwear. The knitted upper includes different knit zones including a first knit zone which may be located in a toe and forefoot region of the article of footwear. The first knit zone includes a first knit layer forming an outer-facing surface of the knitted upper, a second knit layer forming an inner-facing surface of the knitted upper, and a third thermoformed layer substantially contained between the first knit layer and the second knit layer. The third thermoformed layer acts as a barrier, reducing the likelihood of abrasion forces that may occur from contact between the knitted upper and a ground or other surface from contacting yarns that form the second knit layer, thereby increasing the structural integrity of the knitted upper.
A sole structure for an article of footwear defines a footbed and includes a chassis having a lower cushioning element including an upper side and a bottom side disposed on an opposite side from the upper side, the lower cushioning element including one or more apertures extending from the upper side to the bottom side. A bladder is disposed adjacent to the upper side of the lower cushioning element and an outsole is disposed adjacent to the bottom side of the lower cushioning element and includes one or more protrusions each extending through a respective one of the one or more apertures and engaging the bladder.
A jig system for securing a textile during assembly. The textile, which may be a knitted component, may be an upper of an article of footwear and include one or more tunnels in which jig inserts are inserted into. A jig frame includes one or more pin attachment sites for securing the textile to the frame. The textile is overlaid on the jig frame and the textile is removably attached to the jig frame at one or more pin attachment sites. Following an application of heat while the textile is attached to the jig frame, the one or more jig inserts may be removed before the textile has cooled off.
The present disclosure is directed to a rubber composition and methods for preparing and using the same. In one aspect, the rubber composition comprises a polymeric component and a curing package comprising sulfur and optionally a curing accelerator; wherein the polymeric component comprises or consists of 100 parts of an uncured rubber component comprising at least one uncured rubber, at least 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) ground cured rubber, and at least 1 phr of a macrocyclic polymer additive comprising a macrocyclic polymer. In a further aspect, the rubber composition can be processed using existing equipment. In a still further aspect, the rubber composition is resistant to scorching and is thus compatible with extended periods of storage prior to molding and vulcanization.
Knit elements, including knit heel elements, configured with cushioning and rigidity features, along with uppers and footwear having the same, and methods of manufacturing and integrating the same in footwear. The cushioning and rigidity features may be provided in a knit element by positioning cushioning yarns and yarns comprising a thermoplastic material in selected zones and/or knit layers. Heat and pressure may be selectively applied to knit zones to melt the thermoplastic material and form a thermoformed layer that has a desired degree of hardness and/or rigidity. The thermoformed layer can form at least part of an integrally knit heel-counter of an upper for an article footwear, e.g., without introducing separate components traditionally attached or integrated to form the heel-counter.
An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
A43B 3/34 - Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
A43B 3/44 - Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with sensors, e.g. for detecting contact or position
A43B 7/14 - Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
Articles of footwear (100) apply heat, cooling, and/or pressure to a wearer's foot, leg, and/or ankle. Such articles of footwear (100) may include a sole structure (104) and a footwear upper (102) engaged with the sole structure (104). The footwear upper (102) may include: (i) an interior upper layer (120I) formed from one or more interior upper component parts and (ii) an exterior upper layer (120X) formed from one or more exterior upper component parts and engaged with the interior upper layer (120I), wherein the interior upper layer (120I) and the exterior upper layer (120X) define an ankle-containing chamber of the footwear upper (102). The footwear upper (102) further may include a fluid-filled bladder system (600) including at least one fluid chamber (e.g., 602A, 602B) located between the interior upper layer (120I) and the exterior upper layer (120X). A securing system (124A, 124B, 400, 402S1, 402S2) for releasably securing the footwear upper (102) to a wearer's foot such that the footwear upper (102) is configured to at least partially extend around and/or wrap around at least a wearer's ankle and/or leg. A fluid source component (610, 670) is provided in fluid communication with the fluid chamber(s) (602A, 602B) and is configured to supply fluid to the fluid chamber(s) (602A, 602B). The articles of footwear (100) further may include a power source (500) for supplying power to the fluid source component (610, 670) for changing fluid pressure in the fluid chamber(s) (602A, 602B).
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a first surface, a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the first surface and opposing a ground surface during use, and a sidewall extending between and connecting the first surface and the second surface, the sidewall including (i) a first portion extending along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure and including a first concave portion in a forefoot region and a convex portion in a heel region and (ii) a second portion extending along the other of the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure and including a second concave portion extending from the forefoot region to the heel region.
An engineered textile includes a plurality of yarn strands with a subset extending in a substantially parallel and spaced arrangement and a bonding material extending across the plurality of yarn strands. The bonding material encapsulates a portion of each yarn strand to bond adjacent ones of the plurality of yarn strands together.
D04H 3/12 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of strengthening or consolidating with filaments or yarns secured together by chemical or thermo-activatable bonding agents, e.g. adhesives, applied or incorporated in liquid or solid form
A43B 1/05 - Footwear characterised by the material made of fibres or fabrics made therefrom woven
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 5/18 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by features of a layer containing foamed or specifically porous material
B32B 5/24 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
B32B 5/26 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by the presence of two or more layers which comprise fibres, filaments, granules, or powder, or are foamed or specifically porous one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer also being fibrous or filamentary
B32B 7/14 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties applied in spaced arrangements, e.g. in stripes
B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
B32B 37/12 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by using adhesives
B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
D04H 3/04 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments in rectilinear paths, e.g. crossing at right angles
D04H 3/05 - Non woven fabrics formed wholly or mainly of yarns or like filamentary material of substantial length characterised by the method of forming fleeces or layers, e.g. reorientation of yarns or filaments in another pattern, e.g. zig-zag, sinusoidal
A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. The first cushioning layer is disposed between the concave portion and the upper.
A43B 7/1445 - Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
A43B 7/145 - Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the toes, i.e. the phalanges
A43B 7/148 - Recesses or holes filled with supports or pads
Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an “adaptive” response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.
Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an “adaptive” response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.
An electronically controlled bladder assembly includes an adjustable pressure bladder and a reservoir connected by an electronically controlled valve. The electronically controlled valve is operated in a manner that inflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is below a target pressure and in a manner that deflates the adjustable bladder when the current pressure is above the target pressure. The system and process described herein allows the bladder pressure to be iteratively increased toward and decreased toward the target pressure.
A43B 3/34 - Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
A43B 3/44 - Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with sensors, e.g. for detecting contact or position
A43B 7/14 - Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
The present disclosure is directed to a rubber composition and methods for preparing and using the same. In one aspect, the rubber composition comprises a polymeric component and a curing package comprising sulfur and optionally a curing accelerator; wherein the polymeric component comprises or consists of 100 parts of an uncured rubber component comprising at least one uncured rubber, at least 5 parts per hundred rubber (phr) ground cured rubber, and at least 1 phr of a macrocyclic polymer additive comprising a macrocyclic polymer. In a further aspect, the rubber composition can be processed using existing equipment. In a still further aspect, the rubber composition is resistant to scorching and is thus compatible with extended periods of storage prior to molding and vulcanization.
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having a first surface, a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the first surface and opposing a ground surface during use, and a sidewall extending between and connecting the first surface and the second surface, the sidewall including (i) a first portion extending along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure and including a first concave portion in a forefoot region and a convex portion in a heel region and (ii) a second portion extending along the other of the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure and including a second concave portion extending from the forefoot region to the heel region.
Knit elements, including knit heel elements, configured with cushioning and rigidity features, along with uppers and footwear having the same, and methods of manufacturing and integrating the same in footwear. The cushioning and rigidity features may be provided in a knit element by positioning cushioning yarns and yarns comprising a thermoplastic material in selected zones and/or knit layers. Heat and pressure may be selectively applied to knit zones to melt the thermoplastic material and form a thermoformed layer that has a desired degree of hardness and/or rigidity. The thermoformed layer can form at least part of an integrally knit heel-counter of an upper for an article footwear, e.g., without introducing separate components traditionally attached or integrated to form the heel-counter.
Aspects of the technology described herein provide for controlled access to a secure computing resource. A first device may receive a child token from a second device having a parent token. The child token may grant the first device access to a subset of data accessible to the second device. Based on a degree of physical proximity between the first device and a third device associated with a user satisfying a threshold proximity, an indication of a user identifier for the user may be received from the third device. A request for access to a secure computing resource associated with the user may be sent to the second device. The request may include the indication of the user identifier and an indication of the secure computing resource. Access to the secure computing resource may be granted based on the child token and the indication of the identifier.
In example aspects, materials are repurposed for article manufacturing. That is, in some instances, materials in the manufacturing supply chain are potentially subject to disposal. However, aspects of this disclosure sustainably repurpose those materials (that might otherwise be disposed of) to be used in articles. In some aspects, the repurposed materials may be obscured with a concealing layer.
Methods and systems are disclosed for three-dimensional printing directly onto an article of apparel. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing onto an article of apparel, including positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using a three-dimensional pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.
A43D 8/00 - Machines for cutting, ornamenting, marking or otherwise working up shoe part blanks
A43D 11/00 - Machines for preliminary treatment or assembling of upper-parts, counters, or insoles on their lasts preparatory to the pulling-over or lasting operationsApplying or removing protective coverings
B29C 70/78 - Moulding material on one side only of the preformed part
B29L 31/50 - Footwear, e.g. shoes or parts thereof
Footwear components apply heat, cooling, and/or pressure to a wearer's foot/leg/ankle. Such footwear includes one or more of: (a) an interior upper layer formed from one or more interior upper component parts; (b) an exterior upper layer formed from one or more exterior upper component parts and engaged with the interior upper layer, wherein the interior and exterior upper layers define an ankle-receiving chamber of the footwear upper; (c) a fluid-filled bladder system including a first fluid chamber located between the interior and exterior upper layers; (d) a heating and/or cooling system having at least a portion engaged with the first fluid chamber; (e) a fluid source component (e.g., pump, compressor, etc.) in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber and configured to supply fluid to the first fluid chamber; (f) a power source; and/or (g) a securing system for releasably securing the footwear upper to a wearer's foot/leg/ankle.
An article of apparel includes a bladder including an interior void, a compressible component disposed within the interior void and including a first zone, the first zone operable between a contracted state and a relaxed state, and a port fluidly coupled to the bladder and operable to selectively permit fluid communication with the interior void.
A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article of footwear, includes forming an unfoamed, thermoplastic polymer into an unfoamed article; heating the article to soften the article and infusing the softened article with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened article; and reducing the pressure to second pressure below the first pressure with the unfoamed article softened to at least partially foam the article. A surface of a partial mold limits foam expansion in at least one direction but less than all directions. The article or a part of the article may be formed from an unfoamed structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members.
B29C 44/34 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B29C 35/02 - Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanising
B29C 64/00 - Additive manufacturing, i.e. manufacturing of three-dimensional [3D] objects by additive deposition, additive agglomeration or additive layering, e.g. by 3D printing, stereolithography or selective laser sintering
B29C 64/106 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material
B29C 64/118 - Processes of additive manufacturing using only liquids or viscous materials, e.g. depositing a continuous bead of viscous material using filamentary material being melted, e.g. fused deposition modelling [FDM]
A vacuum system for a wearable article includes an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article. The adjustable element includes a bladder that defines an exterior surface and an interior void and a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder. The port is operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder. The vacuum system also includes a pump operable to automatically draw a predetermined volume of fluid out of the interior void upon engagement with the port to move the adjustable element from a relaxed state to a constricted state.
Some upper-body garments can include shoulder sleeves. Examples of this disclosure include a gusset coupled to, and extending between, a shoulder sleeve and a torso portion adjacent an armhole of the torso portion. The gusset can improve mobility, such as when the upper-body garment is worn over shoulder pads.
A41D 13/015 - Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches with shock-absorbing means
A41D 13/00 - Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
73.
Fluid Flow Control Devices Usable In Adjustable Foot Support Systems
Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.
Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a simple construction that includes three main parts, with each made from a single material and fit together in a releasable manner. The invention enhances the recyclability and sustainable nature of the article of footwear and shoe. At least some more specific aspects of this technology relate to footwear structure that may include three main parts: (a) an outer cage, which may include a single piece having features of: (i) a footwear upper and (ii) a sole structure having one or more cleat outer shells; (b) an inner upper component; and (c) a chassis and heel counter component with a bottom surface thereof that includes one or more cleat inserts and supports that fit inside the one or more cleat outer shells.
A lower-body garment (110) includes a multi-axial crotch gusset (112). The crotch gusset includes an elongated trunk having an elongated front portion (132) and an elongated back portion where the elongated trunk continuously extends from a front side (118) of a pelvic portion of the lower-body garment adjacent a waist opening (115) to a back side of the pelvic portion of the lower-body garment adjacent the waist opening. The crotch gusset further includes a first wing (136) that extends along an inner thigh portion of a first leg portion of the lower-body garment, and a second wing (138) that extends along an inner thigh portion of a second leg portion of the lower-body garment.
A lower-body garment includes a multi-axial crotch gusset. The crotch gusset includes an elongated trunk having an elongated front portion and an elongated back portion where the elongated trunk continuously extends from a front side of a pelvic portion of the lower-body garment adjacent a waist opening to a back side of the pelvic portion of the lower-body garment adjacent the waist opening. The crotch gusset further includes a first wing that extends along an inner thigh portion of a first leg portion of the lower-body garment, and a second wing that extends along an inner thigh portion of a second leg portion of the lower-body garment.
An article of footwear including a sole system, including an upper and the sole system. The sole system includes a knitted component incorporating a one-piece knit outsole. The knit outsole has a ground-facing side, a top side, an inlaid tensile element, and a ground-engaging cleat member protruding from the ground-facing side of the knit outsole. The tensile element may be adjacent a cleat member. The upper is connected at its bottom to the top side of the knit outsole.
B29C 37/00 - Component parts, details, accessories or auxiliary operations, not covered by group or
B32B 3/08 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by added members at particular parts
B32B 3/30 - Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layerLayered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar shapeLayered products comprising a layer having particular features of form characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. grooved, ribbed
B32B 5/00 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer
B32B 5/02 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments
B32B 5/06 - Layered products characterised by the non-homogeneity or physical structure of a layer characterised by structural features of a layer comprising fibres or filaments characterised by a fibrous layer needled to another layer, e.g. of fibres, of paper
B32B 7/12 - Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
B32B 27/08 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin of a different kind
B32B 27/12 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
D04B 1/12 - Patterned fabrics or articles characterised by thread material
D04B 1/24 - Weft knitting processes for the production of fabrics or articles not dependent on the use of particular machinesFabrics or articles defined by such processes specially adapted for knitting goods of particular configuration wearing apparel
D04B 7/14 - Flat-bed knitting machines with independently-movable needles with provision for incorporating internal threads in laid-in fabrics
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning component that has an outer surface and at least partially defines a chamber that is at least partially surrounded by the outer surface. At least a portion of the outer surface has a protruding shape in the absence of a compressive load of at least a predetermined magnitude on the cushioning component. The sole structure includes a sole component that includes a projection that either extends through the outer surface of the cushioning component and within the chamber, or interfaces with a recess in the outer surface of the cushioning component, or protrudes from an inner surface of the cushioning component into the chamber.
A vacuum system for a wearable article includes an adjustable element operable to form at least a portion of the wearable article. The adjustable element includes a bladder that defines an exterior surface and an interior void and a port disposed on the exterior surface of the bladder. The port is operable to provide selective communication with the interior void of the bladder. The vacuum system also includes a pump operable to automatically draw a predetermined volume of fluid out of the interior void upon engagement with the port to move the adjustable element from a relaxed state to a constricted state.
Footwear lasts have size adjustment capabilities. As some more specific examples, footwear lasts may be adjustable in the longitudinal direction and/or in the girth dimension. In this manner, fewer physical lasts may be needed for making a full size run of footwear products. Additionally or alternatively, aspects of this adjustable last technology may be used for making customized footwear products, for making small runs of footwear products, and/or for adjusting sizes of existing footwear products.
Systems and methods described herein receiving, from an activity monitoring device associated with a user, an indication that the user is to perform a first athletic activity, determining a user profile associated with the user for an athletic activity virtual point system, receiving activity information as the user performs a first athletic activity, verifying the first athletic activity including determining that the activity information falls within one or more thresholds associated with the user that are determined based on the user profile, determining a first amount of virtual activity points to allocate to the user profile based on the first athletic activity, allocating the first amount of virtual activity points to the user profile, and providing a virtual activity point display showing the first amount virtual activity points accumulated from the first athletic activity and one or more aspects of the first athletic activity.
A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a cushioning component that has an outer surface and at least partially defines a chamber that is at least partially surrounded by the outer surface. At least a portion of the outer surface has a protruding shape in the absence of a compressive load of at least a predetermined magnitude on the cushioning component. The sole structure includes a sole component that includes a projection that either extends through the outer surface of the cushioning component and within the chamber, or interfaces with a recess in the outer surface of the cushioning component, or protrudes from an inner surface of the cushioning component into the chamber.
Footwear with integrally knit uppers having features for increasing strength and durability of the footwear while removing weight associated with traditional components are provided. The upper includes a knitted component with a plurality of courses knit with a first yarn and a tensile element having a greater tenacity compared to the first yarn, where such courses form midfoot regions on the lateral side and medial side of the upper. Within the plurality of courses, the tensile element is knit with a sequence of one or more knitted loop stitches and a float stitch extending a quantity of wales that is greater than a quantity of knitted loop stitches within the sequence. The sequence is repeated multiple times along each course within the plurality of courses.
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. An article of footwear having the sole structure attached to an upper is also provided.
