COMFORT SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to footwear, and more particularly to comfort systems for footwear.

BACKGROUND

Footwear comes in many forms and may be worn by a person depending on their preference or requirements in a certain situation. While footwear serves the basic purpose of covering or protecting the wearer's foot, it may be desirable incorporate stylish features into such footwear. Traditionally, to achieve such stylish features, it has been necessary to construct the shoes of rigid durable materials to provide a high degree of support with minimal amount of material, which may be uncomfortable to wear. Therefore, there is a need for footwear that provides comfort and support to the wearer while providing the enhanced features.

SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain examples, a sole member for an article of footwear includes an outsole and a heel. The outsole includes a support member with a body defining a backpart aperture and a comfort member supported by the support member. The heel is on the support member and includes a top side and a bottom side, the top side defining a heel cavity various examples, the backpart aperture provides access to the heel cavity, and the comfort member is positioned within the backpart aperture and the heel cavity.

In some examples, the support member includes a forepart aperture, the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and the comfort member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture. In certain cases, the support member includes a top side and a bottom side, the comfort member includes a top side and a bottom side, and the top side of the comfort member is substantially flush with the top side of the support member. According to various examples, the ledge is recessed relative to a top side of the support member and relative to a bottom side of the support member.

In certain aspects, the comfort member includes a top side, a bottom side, a forepart, and a backpart, the backpart includes a heel extension extending from the bottom side of the backpart, and the heel extension is positioned through the backpart aperture of the support member and into the heel cavity. In some cases, the bottom side of the heel defines a heel recess. In some examples, the heel defines a heel slot extending from a heel cavity surface to the bottom side of the heel, and a heel extension of the comfort member comprises a heel extension rib positioned within the heel slot. According to various aspects the support member includes a top side and a bottom side, the comfort member includes a top side and a bottom side, and the article of footwear further includes a cover member secured to the bottom side of the comfort member. In some aspects, the support member further includes a forepart aperture, the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, the ledge of the support member comprises a plurality of engagement ribs, and the cover member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture and the cover member comprises a plurality of engagement notches engaged with the engagement ribs of the support member. In certain examples, the comfort member defines a plurality of engagement projections on the bottom side of the comfort member, and the cover member defines a plurality of flex zone slots configured to receive the plurality of engagement projections of the comfort member.

According to various examples, an article of footwear includes an upper connected to the sole member.

According to some examples, a method of assembling an article of footwear includes positioning a forepart of a comfort member within a forepart aperture defined by a forepart of a support member of an outsole for the article of footwear, positioning a backpart of the comfort member within a backpart aperture defined by a backpart of the support member, and securing the comfort member relative to the support member.

In certain aspects, the method includes securing the outsole to an upper. In various cases, the method includes securing a heel the backpart of the support member and positioning the heel such that the backpart aperture of the support member provides access to a heel cavity of the heel. According to various examples, positioning the backpart of the comfort member includes inserting a heel projection of the comfort member through the backpart aperture of the support member and into a heel cavity of a heel, and positioning the forepart of the comfort member includes positioning the forepart of the comfort member on a ledge defined by the support member within the forepart aperture.

According to various examples, an outsole for an article of footwear includes a support member and a comfort member. The support member includes a body defining a forepart aperture and a backpart aperture. The comfort member is supported by the support member and is positioned within the forepart aperture and the backpart aperture.

In certain examples, the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and the comfort member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture. In various cases, the support member includes a top side and a bottom side, the comfort member includes a top side and a bottom side, the ledge is recessed relative to a top side of the support member and relative to a bottom side of the support member, and the top side of the comfort member is flush with the top side of the support member in various aspects, the comfort member includes a top side, a bottom side, a forepart, and a backpart, the backpart includes a heel extension extending from the bottom side of the backpart, and the heel extension is positioned through the backpart, aperture of the support member.

In various cases, the support member includes a top side and a bottom side, and the comfort member includes a top side and a bottom side. In some examples, a cover member is secured to the bottom side of the comfort member. According to various aspects, the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and the cover member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a lateral side view of an article of footwear according to aspects of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of an outsole the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is bottom view of a support member of the outsole of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the support member of FIG. 4 with a heel of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the support member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective bottom 7 of the support member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the support member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a comfort member of the outsole of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a perspective bottom view of the comfort member of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the comfort member of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of the comfort member of FIG. 9 assembled with the support member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a perspective bottom view of the comfort member of FIG. 9 assembled with the support member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a covering member of the outsole of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 is a perspective bottom view of the covering member of FIG. 14 partially assembled on the support member of FIG. 4.

FIG. 16 is another perspective bottom view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a footbed member for the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a top view of the footbed member of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the footbed member of FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an article of footwear 10 is illustrated. As used herein, “footwear” refers generally to any type of wear suitable for use on a foot including, but not limited to, a shoe, a boot, a sandal, an overshoe, or various other types of footwear 10. In the present example, the article of footwear 10 is a shoe. The article of footwear 10 includes an upper 100, a sole member 200, and a footbed member 600 (see FIG. 17).

The upper 100 defines a cavity 102 in which a wearer may insert his or her foot. The upper may include adjusters 104 that are configured to adjust the fit of the upper around the wearer's foot. In various examples, the adjusters 104 may be various types of adjusters 104 including, but not limited to, laces, strings, hook and loop fasteners, belts, clips, clasps, pins, or various other suitable adjusters 104 for adjusting the fit of the upper on the wearer's foot.

The upper 100 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, leather, canvas, rubber, plastics, textiles, or various other desired materials or combinations of materials. In one non-limiting example, the upper 100 is constructed from waterproof leather. Various suitable manufacturing techniques may be used to form the upper 100 having a desired shape.

The sole member 200 generally includes a heel 202 and an outsole 204, and defines at least in part an outermost bottom-facing surface of the footwear 10. It will be appreciated that in various other examples, the sole member 200 may include layers or components in addition to the heel 202 and the outsole 204. In some examples, the heel 202 and the outsole 204 are integrally formed as a unitary component; however, in various other examples, the heel 202 may be formed as a separate component that is secured to the outsole 204. In the present example, the heel 202 is integrally or monolithically formed with the outsole 204 as a unitary or monolithic component.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in various examples, the outsole 204 includes a support member 300, a comfort member 400, and a covering member 500.

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, the support member 300 of the outsole 204 includes a body 302 having a top side 304 (see FIGS. 4-6), a bottom side 306, a forepart 308 including a toe end 310, and a backpart 312 including a heel end 314 (see FIGS. 4-8), in various examples, the support member 300 is constructed from various materials that are lighter in weight and more wear-resistant than leather, as well as flexible or resilient or elastic. For example, the support member 300 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, polyurethane, thermoplastic rubbers, latex rubbers, dual density polyurethane, natural rubbers, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or various other materials or combinations or compounds of materials. In various examples, the support member 300 is constructed from a material where expansion of the material during molding or forming may be controlled to accurately and consistently form support members 300 having consistent shapes that may be mated with the other components of the outsole 204, including, but not limited to polyurethane or other materials with similar properties. In various examples, the support member 300 has a durometer of from about 40A to about 90A, such as from about 50A to about 80A, such as from about 60A to about 70A. In some examples, the support member 300 may have a durometer of about 65A to about 80A. As described in detail below, in various examples, the support member 300 may have a durometer that is greater than that of the comfort member 400. The support member 300 may be formed through various manufacturing techniques such as molding, compression, one shot, casting, forming, and various other suitable techniques.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-7, the forepart 308 defines a forepart aperture 316, and the backpart 312 defines a backpart aperture 318. The forepart aperture 316 is configured to accommodate a forepart 408 of the comfort member 400 and the backpart aperture 318 is configured to accommodate a heel projection 420 of the comfort member 400, as described in detail below. In some cases, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the forepart 308 defines a ledge 320 extending partially into the forepart aperture 316. The ledge 320 is configured to support the comfort member 400 when the comfort member 400 is positioned in the forepart aperture 316 from the top side 304 of the support member 300. The ledge is also configured to support the covering member 500 within the forepart aperture 316 when the covering member 500 is positioned from the bottom side 306 of the support member 300. In various examples, the ledge 320 is recessed relative to the top side 304 of the support member 300 (see FIG. 6). In other examples, the ledge 320 may also be recessed relative to the bottom side 306 of the support member 300 (see FIG. 7). Recessing the ledge 320 relative to the top side 304 and/or the bottom side 306 of the support member 300 may allow the comfort member 400 and/or the covering member 500 to be secured substantially flush to the support member 300, as described in detail below. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 7, in some examples, engagement ribs 322 are defined on the bottom side of the ledge 320. The engagement ribs 322 may engage engagement notches 516 of the covering member 500 to further position the covering member 500 relative to the support member 300, as described in detail below.

As described above, in some examples, the heel 202 is a separate component that is secured to the outsole 204. In these examples, the heel 202 may be secured to the backpart 312 of the support member 300 such that the backpart aperture 318 provides access to a heel cavity 206 defined by the heel 202. The heel cavity 206 is configured to accommodate the heel projection 420 of the comfort member 400, as described in detail below. The heel 202 may be secured to the bottom side of the backpart through various adhesives, fasteners, or other suitable securing mechanisms as desired. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the support member 300 before the heel 202 is secured to the support member 300.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the examples where the heel 202 and outsole 204 are integrally formed, the heel 202 is formed as a component of the backpart 312 on the bottom side 306 of the body 302 (see also FIGS. 6-8). In various examples, a top side of the heel 202, whether integrally formed with the outsole 204 or secured to the outsole 204, includes the heel cavity 206. The heel cavity 206 includes a cavity bottom surface 208 and a cavity sidewall surface 210, and is configured to receive the heel projection 420 of the comfort member 400. As illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, in some examples, the heel 202 may optionally define a heel slot 210 extending from the cavity bottom surface 208 to a bottom side 212 of the heel 202 (see FIG. 7). As illustrated in FIG. 7, in some examples, the bottom side 212 of the heel 202 may define a heel recess 214 having a recess bottom surface 216 and a recess side surface 218. The heel recess 214 is configured to receive a portion of the covering member 500, as described in detail below.

Referring to DIGS. 9-11, the comfort member 400 includes a body 402 having a top side 404, a bottom side 406 (see FIG. 10), a forepart 408 including a toe end 410, and a backpart 412 including a back end 414 The comfort member 400 may be constructed from various materials that are lightweight and configured to provide comfort and flexibility to the wearer's foot. In various examples, the comfort member 400 is constructed from a material where expansion of the material during molding or forming may be controlled to accurately and consistently form comfort members 400 having consistent shapes that may be mated with the other components of the outsole 204, including, but not limited to polyurethane or other materials with similar properties. In various examples, the comfort member 400 has a durometer of from about 0A to about 80A, such as from about 10A to about 60A, such as from about 30A, to about 50A. In some examples, the comfort member 400 may have a durometer of about 45A to about 60A. In various examples, the comfort member 400 may have a durometer that is less than that of the support member 300. The comfort member 400 may be formed through various manufacturing techniques such as molding, compression, one shot, casting, forming, and various other suitable techniques.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, in various examples, the bottom side 406 of the comfort member 400 defines a locking recess 416 extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the forepart 408. In some examples, the locking recess 416 is configured to engage the ledge 320 of the forepart 308 of the support member 300 and seat the forepart 408 of the comfort member 400 within the forepart aperture 316. In various cases, when the support member 300 is seated within the forepart aperture 316, the top side 404 of the support member 300 may be substantially flush with the top side 304 of the comfort member 400 (see FIG. 12). In various other examples, the top side 404 of the comfort member 400 may extend above or below the top side 304 of the support member 300.

In certain examples, the backpart 412 of the comfort member 400 defines the heel projection 420 extending from the bottom side of the comfort member 400. The heel projection 420 is sized and dimensioned such that the heel projection 420 may be inserted into the heel cavity 206 defined by the heel 202. Engagement of the heel projection 420 with the heel cavity 206 may aid in positioning and retaining the comfort member 400 relative to the support member 300. As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, in various cases, the he& projection 420 may optionally include a heel projection rib 422, which is sized and dimensioned to be positioned within the heel slot 210 of the heel 202 (see FIG. 13). Engagement of the heel projection rib 422 with the heel slot 210 may further retain the position of the comfort member 400 relative to the support member 300.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, in some cases, the bottom side 406 of the forepart 408 of the comfort member 400 optionally defines engagement projections 418. As described in detail below, the engagement projections 418 may aid in positioning the covering member 500 relative to the support member 300 and the comfort member 400. In various cases, the engagement projections 418 are optionally positioned on the bottom side 406 such that when the comfort member 400 is positioned on the support member 300, at least some of the engagement projections 418 are aligned with the engagement ribs 322 of the support member 300 (see FIGS. 3 and 13). The shape, size, and positioning of the engagement projections 418 on the comfort member 400 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 14-16, the covering member 500 includes a body 502 having a top side (not shown), a bottom side 504, a forepart 506 including a toe end 508, and a backpart 510 including a heel end 512. In the present example, the forepart 506 and the backpart 510 are disconnected such that the bottom side 504 is not continuous from the toe end 508 to the heel end 512. However, in various other examples, forepart 506 and backpart 510 may be integrally formed. The covering member 500 may be constructed from various materials including, but not limited to, various rubbers, thermoplastic rubber, leather, or various other materials forming a bottom layer of the footwear 10. As illustrated, the covering member 500 may optionally include tread 514 on the bottom side 504, although it need not.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 14, and 15, in various examples, the forepart 506 defines engagement notches 516 at various locations around the perimeter of the forepart 506. The number, shape, size, or location of the engagement notches 516 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various examples, the engagement notches 516 are configured to engage the engagement ribs 322 of the support member 300 to aid in positioning of the covering member 500 relative to the support member 300. In some examples, the forepart 506 defines flex zone slots 520. The number shape, size, or location of the flex zone slots 520 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The flex zone slots 520 may be aligned with high impact areas of the wearer's foot, although they need not be. The flex zone slots 520 may increase flexibility or bending of the forepart 506 at the locations of the flex zone slots 520. In some examples, the flex zone slots 520 are sized and dimensioned to accommodate the engagement projections 418 of the comfort member 400. Engagement of the engagement projections 418 with the flex zone slots 520 may position the forepart 506 relative to the comfort member 400. In some cases where the engagement projections 418 are engaged with the flex zone slots 520, the engagement projections 418 may be substantially flush with the bottom side 504 of the forepart 506; however, in other examples, the engagement projections 418 may extend above or below the bottom side 504 of the forepart 506. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the forepart 506 may also optionally define a cutout 518 that is configured to accommodate at least one of the engagement projections 418 (see FIG. 3).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 15, the backpart 510 is sized and dimensioned to be positioned within the heel recess 214 defined by the heel 202. In some cases, the backpart 510 defines a covering slot 522 that is configured to align with the heel slot 210 defined by the heel 202. In various examples, a translucent, transparent, or semi-transparent material, such as various glass, gels, plastics, and other materials, may be positioned within the covering slot 522 and/or heel slot 210 between the heel projection 420 and the bottom side 504 of the backpart 510, although it need not. In various examples, when the backpart 510 is positioned within the heel recess 214, the top side of the backpart 510 abuts the recess bottom surface 216 of the heel recess 214 and the bottom side 504 of the backpart 510 may be substantially flush with the bottom side 212 of the heel 202, although it need not be.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 11, 12, 14, and 15, a method of assembling the outsole 204 includes providing the support member 300 and securing the heel 202 to the backpart 312 of the support member 300 if the heel 202 is not formed as part of the support member 300. In various examples, securing the heel 202 to the support member 300 includes positioning the heel 202 such that the backpart aperture 318 of the support member 300 provides access to the heel cavity 206 of the heel 202.

The comfort member 400 is positioned relative to the support member 300 such that the top side of the comfort member 400 faces the same general direction as the top side of the support member 300. In some examples, the forepart of the comfort member 400 is positioned within the forepart aperture of the support member 300 by positioning an engagement recess of the comfort member 400 on a ledge of the support member 300. Positioning the comfort member 400 relative to the support member 300 may also include inserting a heel projection of the comfort member 400 through the backpart aperture of the support member 300 and into the heel cavity 206 of the heel 202. In some examples, positioning the heel projection 420 into the heel cavity 206 includes positioning the heel projection rib 422 within the heel slot 210. The comfort member 400 may be secured to the support member 300 through adhesives, fasteners, various other bonding materials or agents, or various other suitable fasteners.

When assembled, the comfort member 400 extends from proximate the toe end 310 of the support member 300 to proximate the heel end 314 of the support member 300 (see FIG. 12). The combination of the comfort member 400 with the support member 300 provides a structure that is lightweight and provides comfort and flexibility to the wearer while providing structure and support to the wearer's foot

The forepart 506 of the coveting member 500 is positioned by engaging the engagement ribs 322 of the support member 300 with the engagement notches 516 of the forepart 506. In these examples, the top side of the forepart 506 abuts the bottom side 406 of the comfort member 400. In various examples, positioning the forepart 506 of the covering member 500 optionally includes positioning engagement projections 418 on the bottom side 406 of the comfort member 400 within flex zone slots 520 of the forepart 506 of the covering member 500. The forepart 506 of the covering member 500 may be secured to the support member 300 and/or the comfort member 400 through adhesives, fasteners, various other bonding materials or agents, or various other suitable fasteners.

The backpart 510 of the covering layer 616 is positioned within the heel recess 214 defined by the bottom side of the heel 202. In some examples, positioning the backpart 510 includes aligning a covering slot 522 of the backpart 510 with the heel slot 210 of the heel 202. In various cases, the top side of the backpart 510 abuts the recess bottom surface 216 of the heel 202. The backpart 510 of the covering member 500 may be secured to the support member 300 through adhesives, fasteners, various other bonding materials or agents, or various other suitable fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the footbed member 600 includes a body 602 having a top side 604, a bottom side 606 (see FIG. 19), a forepart 608 including a toe end 610, and a backpart 612 including a heel end 614. In some cases, the footbed member 600 is configured to accommodate a plurality of foot widths, although it need not.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the top side 604 of the footbed member 600 includes a covering layer 616. In various examples, the covering layer 616 may be constructed from various materials suitable for engaging with the wearer's foot, including but not limited to various textiles, leather, sheepskin, and other suitable materials.

Referring to FIG. 19, the bottom side 606 of the footbed member 600 includes a base member 618. According to various examples, the base member 618 is constructed from a material similar to that used to form the support member 300 of the outsole 204, although it need not. In various cases, the base member 618 is constructed from a lightweight material configured to provide support to the wearer's foot.

In various examples, a comfort member 620 is provided between the covering layer 616 and the base member 618. According to various examples, the comfort member 400 is constructed from a material similar to that used to form the comfort member 400 of the outsole 204, although it need not. In various examples, the comfort member 400 is constructed from a lightweight material configured to provide cushioning and flexibility to the footbed member 600. In various cases, the comfort member 620 and the base member 618 are assembled similar to the assembly of the support member 300 and the comfort member 400, although it need not. As illustrated in FIG. 19, in various cases, the base member 618 defines an engagement slot 622. In some of these cases, the comfort member 620 may include projections similar to the engagement projections 418 that extend into the engagement slot 622 when the base member 618 and comfort member 620 are assembled.

In various examples, reinforcement members 624 may be provided for additional structure and stability to the footbed member 600. The reinforcement members 624 may be constructed from a material similar to the material used for the base member 618, or may be various other materials suitable for providing additional structure and stability to high impact areas. In some cases, the reinforcement members 624 are provided to align with high impact areas of the wearer's foot. The number or location of the reinforcement members 624 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “ECs” (Example Combinations), providing additional description of a variety of embodiment types in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

EC 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; and an outsole comprising: a support member comprising a body defining a forepart aperture and a backpart aperture; a comfort member supported by the support member within the forepart aperture and the backpart aperture, wherein a hardness of the comfort member is less than a hardness of the support member.

EC 2. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and wherein the comfort member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture.

EC 3. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the top side of the comfort member is substantially flush with the top side of the support member.

EC 4. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the ledge is recessed relative to a top side of the support member and relative to a bottom side of the support member.

EC 5. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member has a hardness of from about 65A to about 80A, and wherein the comfort member has a hardness of from about 45A to about 60A.

EC 6. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises polyurethane, and wherein the comfort member comprises polyurethane,

EC 7. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side, a bottom side, a forepart, and a backpart, wherein the backpart comprises a heel extension extending from the bottom side of the backpart, and wherein the heel extension is positioned through the backpart aperture of the support member.

EC 8. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the outsole further comprises a heel on the support member and comprising a top side and a bottom side, wherein the top side of the heel defines a heel cavity and the bottom side of the heel defines a heel recess, wherein the heel is on the support member such that the backpart aperture provides access to the heel cavity, and wherein the heel extension of the comfort member is positioned within the heel cavity.

EC 9. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the heel is integrally formed with the support member.

EC 10. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the heel is secured to the support member.

EC 11. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the heel defines a heel slot extending from a heel cavity surface to the bottom side of the heel, and wherein the heel extension of the comfort member comprises a heel extension rib positioned within the heel slot.

EC 12. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises: a cover member secured to the bottom side of the comfort member, wherein the cover member has a hardness greater than the hardness of the support member.

EC 13. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and wherein the cover member is supported on the ledge within the forefront aperture.

EC 14. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the ledge of the support member comprises a plurality of engagement ribs, and wherein the cover member comprises a plurality of engagement notches engaged with the engagement ribs of the support member.

EC 15. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the comfort member defines a plurality of engagement projections on the bottom side of the comfort member, and wherein the cover member defines a plurality of flex zone slots configured to receive the plurality of engagement projections of the comfort member.

EC 16. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the cover member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the bottom side comprises treads.

EC 17. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the cover member comprises a forepart component and a backpart component, wherein the outsole further comprises a heel on the support member and comprising a top side and a bottom side, wherein the bottom side of the heel defines a heel recess, and wherein the backpart component is configured to be positioned within the heel recess.

EC 18. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the upper defines an upper cavity configured to accommodate a foot of a wearer, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises a footbed insertable within the upper cavity.

EC 19. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the footbed comprises: a top layer; a base member; and a comfort member between the top layer and the base member, wherein a hardness of the comfort member of the footbed is less than a hardness of the base member of the footbed.

EC 20. The article of footwear of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the top layer of the footbed comprises sheepskin, wherein the base member of the footbed comprises polyurethane, and wherein the comfort member of the footbed comprises polyurethane.

EC 21. A method of assembling an outsole for article of footwear comprising: positioning a forepart of a comfort member within a forepart aperture defined by a forepart of a support member; positioning a backpart of the comfort member within a backpart aperture defined by a backpart of the support member; and securing the comfort member relative to the support member.

EC 22. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising securing the outsole to an upper.

EC 23. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising securing a heel the backpart of the support member and positioning the heel such that the backpart aperture of the support member provides access to a heel cavity of the heel.

EC 24. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the comfort member is positioned relative to the support member such that a top side of the comfort member faces the same direction as a top side of the support member.

EC 25. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein positioning the backpart of the comfort member comprises inserting a heel projection of the comfort member through the backpart aperture of the support member and into a heel cavity of a heel.

EC 26. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein positioning the forepart of the comfort member comprises positioning the forepart of the comfort member on a ledge defined by the support member within the forepart aperture.

EC 27. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein securing the comfort member relative to the support member comprises applying at least one of an adhesive, glue, bonding material, bonding agent, or fastener.

EC 28. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising: positioning a forepart component of a covering layer by: engaging engagement ribs on a back side of the support member with engagement notches defined by the of the forepart component of the coveting layer; abutting a top side of the forepart component of the covering layer with a bottom side of the comfort member; positioning engagement projections on the bottom side of the comfort member within flex zone slots defined by the forepart component of the covering layer; and securing the forepart component of the covering layer relative to the comfort member and the support member.

EC 29. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising: positioning a backpart component of the covering layer by: positioning the backpart component within a heel recess defined by a bottom side of a heel of the outsole; aligning a covering slot of the backpart component with a heel slot of the heel; abutting a top side of the backpart component of the covering layer with a heel recess surface of the heel; and securing the backpart component relative to the heel.

EC 30. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member has a hardness of from about 65A to about 80A, and wherein the comfort member has a hardness of from about 45A to about 60A.

EC 31. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises polyurethane, and wherein the comfort member comprises polyurethane.

EC 32. A sole member for an article of footwear comprising: an outsole comprising: a support member comprising a body defining a backpart aperture; and a comfort member supported by the support member; and a heel on the support member and comprising a top side and a bottom side, the top side defining a heel cavity, wherein the backpart aperture provides access to the heel cavity, and wherein the comfort member is positioned within the backpart aperture and the heel cavity.

EC 33. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member further comprises a forepart aperture, wherein the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and wherein the comfort member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture.

EC 34. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the top side of the comfort member is substantially flush with the top side of the support member.

EC 35. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the ledge is recessed relative to a top side of the support member and relative to a bottom side of the support member.

EC 36. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side, a bottom side, a forepart, and a backpart, wherein the backpart comprises a heel extension extending from the bottom side of the backpart, and wherein the heel extension is positioned through the backpart aperture of the support member and into the heel cavity.

EC 37. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the bottom side of the heel defines a heel recess.

EC 38. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the heel defines a heel slot extending from a heel cavity surface to the bottom side of the heel, and wherein a heel extension of the comfort member comprises a heel extension rib positioned within the heel slot.

EC 39. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises a cover member secured to the bottom side of the comfort member.

EC 40. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member further comprises a forepart aperture, wherein the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, wherein the ledge of the support member comprises a plurality of engagement ribs, and wherein the cover member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture and the cover member comprises a plurality of engagement notches engaged with the engagement ribs of the support member.

EC 41. The sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the comfort member defines a plurality of engagement projections on the bottom side of the comfort member, and wherein the cover member defines a plurality of flex zone slots configured to receive the plurality of engagement projections of the comfort member.

EC 42. An article of footwear comprising an upper connected to the sole member of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations.

EC 43. A method of assembling an article of footwear comprising: positioning a forepart of a comfort member within a forepart aperture defined by a forepart of a support member of an outsole for the article of footwear; positioning a backpart of the comfort member within a backpart aperture defined by a backpart of the support member; and securing the comfort member relative to the support member.

EC 44. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising securing the outsole to an upper.

EC 45. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, further comprising securing a heel the backpart of the support member and positioning the heel such that the backpart aperture of the support member provides access to a heel cavity of the heel.

EC 46. The method of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein positioning the backpart of the comfort member comprises inserting a heel projection of the comfort member through the backpart aperture of the support member and into a heel cavity of a heel, and wherein positioning the forepart of the comfort member comprises positioning the forepart of the comfort member on a ledge defined by the support member within the forepart aperture.

EC 47. An outsole for an article of footwear comprising: a support member comprising a body defining a forepart aperture and a backpart aperture; and a comfort member supported by the support member and positioned within the forepart aperture and the backpart aperture.

EC 48. The outsole of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and wherein the comfort member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture.

EC 49. The outsole of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the ledge is recessed relative to a top side of the support member and relative to a bottom side of the support member, and wherein the top side of the comfort member is flush with the top side of the support member.

EC 50. The outsole of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side, a bottom side, a forepart, and a backpart, wherein the backpart comprises a heel extension extending from the bottom side of the backpart, and wherein the heel extension is positioned through the backpart aperture of the support member.

EC 51. The outsole of any of the preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the support member comprises a top side and a bottom side, wherein the comfort member comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the article of footwear further comprises: a cover member secured to the bottom side of the comfort member, wherein the support member defines a ledge extending at least partially into the forepart aperture, and wherein the cover member is supported on the ledge within the forepart aperture.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described. example(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention, nor the claims which follow.

COMFORT SYSTEM FOR FOOTWEAR

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REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)