Patent Grant
11957208
The present invention relates to articles of footwear and sole structures for articles of footwear including multiple sole structure components. Some articles of footwear and sole structures in accordance with aspects of this technology may be well suited for various types of dance and dance moves, such as urban dance and/or street dance (collectively referred to as “urban dance” herein). Such dance styles may include various dance moves that require contact between side edges of the wearer's shoes and various movements with the edges of the shoe in contact with the dance floor surface (e.g., made from concrete, asphalt, wood, etc.).
Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation.
The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.
The following Detailed Description will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.
In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the technology may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures, functions, and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
“Footwear,” as that term is used herein, means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, dance shoes, urban dance shoes, etc.), and the like.
Various structures and parameters of articles of footwear and sole structures thereof are described based on a “sole length” parameter L. The sole length L can be found with the article of footwear and/or sole structure oriented on a horizontal support surface S on its ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to it other than weight of other components of the article of footwear and/or sole structure). Once so oriented, parallel vertical planes VP that are perpendicular to the horizontal support surface S are oriented to contact the rearmost heel (RH) location(s) and forwardmost toe (FT) location(s) of the article of footwear and/or sole structure. The parallel vertical planes VP should be oriented facing one another, e.g., extending into and out of the pages of
As noted above, articles of footwear and sole structures in accordance with aspects of this technology may be well suited for various types of dance and dance moves, including urban dance. Such dance styles include rapid movement and transitions as well as various dance moves that require contact between side edges of the wearer's shoes and the dance floor surface and various movements with the edges of the shoe in contact with the dance floor surface (e.g., which may be made from concrete, asphalt, wood, etc.). Such dance styles also require transition of the body's center of mass from the bottom to and along the edge(s) of the foot. Footwear, including the sole structures thereof in accordance with at least some examples of this technology, provide structures and properties to support several styles of urban dance and urban dance moves. This technology may include certain features, such as one or more of: selected materials in various areas to promote sliding or gliding along various surfaces; selected sizing and/or dimensional features of components in various areas; various flexion promoting structures and/or characteristics to promote desired flex in targeted areas; etc.
At least some aspects of this technology relate to sole structures for articles of footwear that include: (a) a first material having a first hardness, wherein the first material forms at least a majority of a ground-facing surface of the sole structure; and (b) a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second material extends from the first material and forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a sidewall of the sole structure. The first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall formed by the second material may comprise a forefoot medial sidewall surface that includes at least a majority of a surface area of the exterior surface extending from: (i) a first forward toe location of the sole structure to (ii) a forefoot medial side location of the sole structure rearward of a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure. In other examples of aspects of this technology, the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall of the sole structure may extend from a lateral side of the forefoot region, around a forward toe region, to a medial forefoot region of the sole structure (e.g., the first portion of the sidewall and/or the portion of the sidewall having the second hardness may originate forward of P=0.65 L on each side and extend forward around (and around only) the toe area of the sole structure forward of 0.65 L on each side). The term “majority” as used throughout this specification means any number or amount greater than one-half of the number or amount (or other parameter) being discussed. In such sole structures, the second hardness may be at least 15 Shore A hardness points higher than the first hardness. In some examples, the second hardness may be at least 18 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 20 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 22 Shore A hardness points higher, or even at least 24 Shore A hardness points higher than the first hardness.
Additionally or alternatively, at least some aspects of this technology relate to sole
structures for articles of footwear that include: (a) a ground-facing surface; (b) a forefoot medial sidewall extending from a first forward toe location of the sole structure to a forefoot medial side location of the sole structure rearward of a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure; (c) a medial transition region extending from the ground-facing surface to the forefoot medial sidewall, wherein the medial transition region includes a first portion having a first curvature, and wherein the first curvature extends continuously in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for a distance of at least 20 mm (e.g., measured forward from a rear edge of the forefoot medial sidewall); (d) a forefoot lateral sidewall extending from a second forward toe location to a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure rearward of a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure; and (e) a lateral transition region extending from the ground-facing surface to the forefoot lateral sidewall, wherein the lateral transition region includes a “corner” (e.g., meaning herein a square corner or a corner within an angle of 80 degrees to 105 degrees) or a second curvature, wherein the corner or second curvature extends continuously in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for a distance of at least 20 mm (e.g., measured forward from a rear edge of the forefoot lateral sidewall). The first curvature in such sole structures may extend in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 60 mm, at least 70 mm, or even at least 80 mm. The corner or the second curvature in such sole structures may extend continuously in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for a distance of at least 25 mm, at least 30 mm, at least 35 mm, at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 60 mm, at least 70 mm, or even at least 80 mm. In such sole structures, the first curvature will have greater than a 5 mm radius (and in some examples, at least 5.5 mm, at least 6 mm, and/or even at least 6.5 mm over any of the above noted distance ranges), and/or the corner or the second curvature will have less than a 5 mm radius (and in some examples, less than 4.75 mm, less than 4.5 mm, or even less than 4.25 mm over any of the above noted distance ranges). Additional example features of these curvature aspects of sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this technology are described in more detail below, e.g., including in conjunction with
Additionally or alternatively, at least some aspects of this technology relate to sole structures for articles of footwear that include: (a) a first sole component including at least a portion of a ground-facing surface of the sole structure; and (b) a second sole component extending from the first sole component and including at least a portion of a sidewall of the sole structure. This sidewall comprises: (i) a forward toe sidewall at a forward toe location of the sole structure and (ii) a forefoot medial sidewall at a forefoot medial side location of the sole structure. In some examples, the forefoot medial sidewall may extend from the forward toe sidewall to a location at least rearward of a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure. In some examples, the sidewall formed by the second sole component may comprise: (i) a forefoot lateral sidewall, (ii) a forward toe sidewall, and (iii) a forefoot medial sidewall, wherein the second sole component originates forward of 0.65 L on each of the medial and lateral sides of the sole but rearward of 0.9 L on each of the medial and lateral sides of the sole. In such structures, at least a majority of the second sole component (and/or at least a majority of an exposed surface of the forefoot medial sidewall formed by the second sole component) will have a hardness at least 15 or at least 18 Shore A hardness points higher than a hardness of a majority of the ground-facing surface of the first sole component.
Sole structures in accordance with some examples of this technology may include: (a) a first material having a first hardness, wherein the first material forms at least a majority of a ground-facing surface of the sole structure; and (b) a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second material extends from the first material and forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a sidewall of the sole structure. In such structures, the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall formed by the second material comprises a forefoot sidewall surface that includes at least a majority of a surface area of the exterior surface extending from: (i) a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure to (ii) a forefoot medial side location of the sole structure around a forward toe region of the sole structure. The second hardness may be at least 15 Shore A hardness points higher than the first hardness.
In any of the sole structures and/or aspects of the technology described above (and those described in more detail below), the first sole component, the ground-facing surface, and/or a material of at least a majority of the ground-facing surface of the first sole component and/or sole structure may be made from a material (e.g., the “first material” herein) having a hardness between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between 55 Shore A and 72 Shore A and/or a hardness below 75 Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, the second sole component (and/or at least a portion of an exposed surface of one or more of the forefoot lateral sidewall, the forward toe sidewall, and/or the forefoot medial sidewall) may be made from a material (e.g., the “second material” herein) having a hardness between 80 Shore A and 110 Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between 88 Shore A and 100 Shore A and/or a hardness above 85 Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, in such sole structures, the second sole component (and/or at least a portion of an exposed surface of one or more of the forefoot lateral sidewall, the forward toe sidewall, and/or the forefoot medial sidewall) may have hardness at least 15 Shore A hardness points higher (and in some examples, at least 18 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 20 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 22 Shore A hardness points higher, or even at least 24 Shore A hardness points higher) than the hardness of the first sole component, the ground-facing surface, and/or a material of at least a majority of the ground-facing surface of the first sole component and/or sole structure.
Additionally or alternatively, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include: (a) an outsole component including a ground-facing surface, an upper-facing surface opposite the ground facing surface, and an outsole sidewall extending from the ground-facing surface, and (b) a midsole component including a polymeric foam element engaged with the upper-facing surface of the outsole component. The outsole sidewall may extend continuously, e.g., from: (i) a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure to (ii) a forefoot or midfoot medial side location of the sole structure around a forward toe region of the sole structure. The midsole component may form a lateral sidewall of the sole structure rearward of a lateral side end of the outsole sidewall at the forefoot lateral side location of the outsole component. In some example structures, the outsole sidewall may include a medial sidewall top edge having a plurality of medial recesses (e.g., wave troughs, cutouts, etc.) extending toward the ground-facing surface and/or the lateral sidewall formed by the midsole component may include a lateral sidewall top edge having a plurality of lateral recesses (e.g., wave troughs, cutouts, etc.) extending toward the ground-facing surface. When present on both the outsole sidewall and the lateral sidewall formed by the midsole component, one or more of the plurality of medial recesses may align in a transverse direction across the sole structure, e.g., in a forefoot region of the sole structure. The ground-facing surface and the outsole sidewall described above may be made from materials having any of the hardness difference features described above for the first material and the second material.
Additional aspects of this technology relate to methods of making sole structures and/or articles of footwear of the various types described above. Such methods may include: (a) placing a first starting material (e.g., one or more preforms) for the first sole component (e.g., including a majority of the ground-facing surface of the sole structure) in a mold; (b) placing a second starting material (e.g., one or more preforms) for the second sole component (e.g., including a majority of at least the forefoot medial sidewall (and in some examples, at least a portion of a forward toe sidewall and/or at least a portion of a forefoot lateral sidewall) of the sole structure) in the mold; and (c) applying heat and/or pressure to mold the first starting material and the second starting material to a desired shape and to join the first starting material with the second starting material via a co-molded bond. This action may melt-bond the starting materials together, cross-link the materials together, e.g., in some examples while also curing the first starting material and/or the second starting material, to thereby join the starting materials together as a unitary, one-piece structure.
The first material (e.g., forming at least a majority of the ground-facing surface of the sole structure and/or the first sole component mentioned above) may be a rubber material, including rubbers conventionally known and used in footwear sole structures. The second material (e.g., forming at least a majority of surface area of the exterior surface of the forefoot medial sidewall of the sole structure and/or the second sole component mentioned above) may be a rubber material, including rubbers that are harder than the first material. In general, under similar conditions (e.g., similar temperature conditions, engaging the same type of surface, etc.), harder rubber materials will tend to have less friction (and thus feel more “slick”) than softer rubber materials of the same general composition. Thus, as used herein, harder materials generally also will tend to have slicker surface engagement properties than the softer materials described herein.
Given the general description of features, examples, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain examples of this technology provided above, a more detailed description of specific example sole structures, articles of footwear, and/or methods in accordance with this technology follows.
Referring to the figures and following discussion, various examples of foot support components, sole structures, and articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology are described.
The term “sole structure” as used herein may include any one or more foot support parts, e.g., forming the entirety and/or a portion of an overall sole for an article of footwear 100. Such “foot support parts” may include, for example, any individual part and/or combination of two or more foot support parts described in the examples below and shown in the figures. Various features, characteristics, and/or parts of example articles of footwear 100 and sole structures 104 thereof are described in more detail below.
The article of footwear 100 of
The upper 102 (which may be formed from one or more parts), potentially together with the sole structure 104, defines a foot-receiving interior chamber 106 for containing a wearer's foot. The bottom of the upper 102 may include a strobel or other component engaged with or integrally formed with another portion of the upper 102. The upper 102 may include other components as well. For example, the upper 102 may include a tongue member located across the foot instep area and positioned to moderate the feel of the footwear's closure system on the wearer's foot; a closure system (e.g., including one or more of a lace type closure system, a zippered closure system, a buckle type closure system, elastic stretch elements, etc.); a heel counter; a toe cap; securing straps; etc. Additionally or alternatively, the upper 102 may include a “sock-like” upper component, e.g., made from fabric and configured to closely fit the wearer's foot like a conventional sock.
The upper 102 may be made from any desired material(s) and/or in any desired constructions and/or manners without departing from this technology. As some more specific examples, all or at least a portion of the upper 102 (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper 102) may be formed as a woven textile component, a knitted textile component, another textile component, a natural leather component, a synthetic leather component, a polymeric component (e.g., a TPU, etc.), etc. The components for upper 102 may have structures and/or constructions like those used in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, OR and/or other manufacturers, including conventional structures and constructions as are known and used in the art.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper 102 construction may include uppers having foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., “dynamic” and/or “adaptive fit” structures), e.g., of the types described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2013/0104423, which publication is entirely incorporated herein by reference. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers 102 and articles of footwear 100 in accordance with this technology may include foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit structures may at least partially wrap around and securely hold the wearer's foot.
As yet another alternative or additional feature, if desired, uppers 102 and articles of footwear 100 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include fused layers of upper materials, e.g., uppers of the types that include upper materials bonded by hot melt or other adhesive materials, such as in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. As still additional examples, uppers of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and/or 8,429,835 may be used without departing from this technology (each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and 8,429,835 is entirely incorporated herein by reference).
Example articles of footwear 100, sole structures 104, and components thereof now will be described in more detail. The sole structure 104 of this illustrated example includes multiple parts, including: (a) a first outsole component 120 (e.g., having conventional hardness and/or coefficient of friction properties), (b) a second outsole component 130 (e.g., having harder and/or reduced coefficient of friction properties as compared to the first outsole component 120); and (c) a midsole component 140 (e.g., made from one or more parts, such as parts 140A and 140B). In some examples, such sole structures 104 may include additional components, e.g., such as one or more decorative components 150, one or more fluid-filled bladders 160, etc.
As shown in
The outsole of this example further includes a second outsole component 130, e.g., formed from a second material having a second hardness. This second hardness (e.g., of the second outsole component 130) forms at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S of the sole structure 104. This second outsole component 130 has a hardness at least 18 Shore A hardness points higher than a hardness of the material forming a majority of the ground-facing surface 120G of the first outsole component 120. As some additional or alternative examples, the second outsole component 130, the forefoot medial sidewall 130S, and/or a material forming at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S may have hardness (the “second hardness” mentioned above) at least 15 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 20 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 22 Shore A hardness points higher, or even at least 24 Shore A hardness points higher than the hardness of the first outsole component 120, the ground-facing surface 120G, and/or a material forming at least a majority of the ground-facing surface 120G of the sole structure 104 (the “first hardness” mentioned above). In any of the sole structures 104 and/or aspects of this technology, the first outsole component 120, the ground-facing surface 120G, and/or a material of at least a majority of the ground-facing surface 120G of the sole structure 104 may be made from a material having a hardness (the “first hardness”) between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between 55 Shore A and 72 Shore A and/or a hardness below 75 Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, the second sole component 130, the forefoot medial sidewall 130S, and/or a material of at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S may be made from a material having a hardness (the “second hardness”) between 80 Shore A and 110 Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between 88 Shore A and 100 Shore A and/or a hardness above 85 Shore A.
This second material (and second outsole component 130) extends from the first material and is engaged with the first material (and first outsole component 120). In at least some examples of this technology, the first outsole component 120 and the second outsole component 130 will be fixedly joined together to form a unitary, one-piece construction, e.g., with the first outsole component 120 and the second outsole component 130 joined together by a melt bonded connection, a cross-linked connection, and/or in-molded connection. As more specific examples, the unitary, one-piece construction can be formed: (a) by placing one or more pre-forms of the second outsole component 130 in a mold (e.g., along at least the medial forefoot side perimeter edge and/or the forward toe sidewall edge), (b) by placing one or more pre-forms of the first outsole component 120 in the mold and in direct contact with the pre-form(s) of the second outsole component 130, and (c) closing the mold (if needed) with application of heat and/or pressure. The pre-form parts are held in the mold for a sufficient time and under sufficient heat and pressure to: (a) shape the pre-forms into the desired shapes (e.g., based on the shape of the mold cavity surfaces), (b) physically join the pre-forms together (e.g., by at least partially melting and contacting the softened/melted materials at their interface, and thereafter solidifying the parts together into a single piece construction), and/or (c) chemically join the pre-forms together (e.g., by cross-linking or other chemical reaction to join (chemically link) atoms of the first outsole component 120 and atoms of the second outsole component 130 to one another across their interface). Note, for example, the processes described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,906 B2, which patent is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
This type of permanent connection to form a unitary, one-piece outsole component from the first outsole component 120 and the second outsole component 130 can be particularly beneficial for use of the sole structure in various urban dance environments. Many urban dance moves produce substantial stress on soles and generate significant forces (including shear forces). Outsoles having multiple parts that are joined together only by adhesives and/or cements may have insufficient strength across the adhesive/cement bond to hold together for a significant time and/or for at least some of the desired dance moves. Thus, at least some example sole structures according to this technology will have melt-bonded and/or cross-linked engagement of components 120, 130 to form a unitary, one-piece construction.
The two different hardness features (and therefore slickness features) may be provided in other ways as well. For example, if desired, an outsole component including different hardness in the forefoot ground-facing surface 120G and the forefoot medial sidewall 130S may be formed as a single component (e.g., by molding a single composition) and then at least one of the two portions of the outsole component (e.g., a portion corresponding to first outsole component 120 and/or a portion corresponding to the second outsole component 130) may be treated (e.g., coated with a material, sprayed with a material, irradiated (e.g., with laser or other radiation), etc.) to alter the hardness of one portion with respect to the other portion.
In this illustrated example, the second outsole component 130 and/or the second (harder) material thereof forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a medial sidewall 130S of the sole structure 104 (e.g., from Point A at a forward toe location to point M at a medial forefoot/midfoot area in
The second outsole component 130 (e.g., the harder material described above) may originate at rear edge M along the medial sidewall 130S. Thus, forward of rear edge M, at least a majority (and in some examples, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even 100%) of the medial sidewall 130S surface area may be formed of the harder material described above. Rear edge M, the second outsole component 130, and/or the medial sidewall 130S having the harder material properties described above may originate at a location forward of 0.4 L (measured forward from the rear heel RH vertical plane VP location), and in some examples forward of 0.45 L or forward of 0.5 L. As some additional examples, rear edge M, the second outsole component 130, and/or the medial sidewall 130S having the harder material properties described above may originate at a location between 0.4 L and 0.65 L, or even between 0.45 L and 0.6 L. In the illustrated example of
As some alternatives, however,
The harder material of at least the medial sidewall 130S may continue downward in a vertical direction with respect to the sole structure 104 from a top edge of the second outsole component 130 to locations along the bottom (i.e., at the ground contacting surface) of the sole structure 104. As generally shown in
Additionally, in at least some aspects of this technology, a forward toe sidewall 130F will extend: (a) from the first forward toe location to the second forward toe location and (b) from the forefoot medial sidewall 130S (that includes the harder forefoot medial sidewall surface) to the forefoot lateral sidewall 124. Thus, the forward toe sidewall 130F connects sidewalls 130S, 124. A forward toe transition region 132T extends from the ground-facing surface to the forward toe sidewall 130F.
In at least some examples of this technology, the first curvature of the medial transition region 130T will extend over any of the length parameters and/or ranges described above with a curvature greater than a 5 mm radius (and/or in the other curvature ranges described above). If desired, the first curvature of the medial transition region 130T may vary over its length, e.g., get a larger (or less sharp) curvature in the anterior-to-posterior direction. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, in at least some examples of this technology, the second curvature of the lateral transition region 124T will extend over any of the length parameters and/or ranges described above with a corner or a curvature less than a 5 mm radius (and/or in the other angular or curvature ranges described above). When a forward toe sidewall 130F is present, curvature of the forward toe transition region 132T may vary, e.g., smoothly changing from the curvature of the forward end of the lateral transition region 124T to the curvature of the forward end of medial transition region 130T. Thus, in at least some examples of this technology, the curvature of the forward toe transition region 132T may increase (or get less sharp) in a direction from the forefoot lateral sidewall 124/lateral transition region 124T to the forefoot medial sidewall 130S/medial transition region 130T.
The rounded first curvature of the medial transition region 130T and at least a portion of the forward toe transition region 132T may be useful in various urban dance moves, e.g., as a wearer transitions his/her body weight to concentrate it on the medial side and/or forward toe area(s) of the foot. The relatively large and rounded first curvature of the medial transition region 130T allows the weight to transition relatively smoothly and predictably from the ground-facing surface 120G to the medial sidewall 130S as the wearer rolls the foot inward to engage the medial sidewall 130S with the contact surface. The relatively large and rounded first curvature of the medial transition region 130T also helps prevent a sudden and abrupt weight transfer to the side of the feet (and sidewall 130S of the second outsole component 130), e.g., to prevent an undesired sudden “tipping point” when transferring weight to the sides of the feet. The relatively large and rounded curvature of the forward toe transition region 132T, when present, allows the weight to transition relatively smoothly from the ground-facing surface 120G to the forward toe sidewall 130F (and, optionally, from there to the medial sidewall 130S) as the wearer shifts weight toward the forward toe area of the sole structure 104.
In some examples of this technology, the medial transition region 130T may be formed from the harder rubber composition and/or component described above. Thus, a portion of the forefoot medial peripheral edge of the ground-facing surface of the outsole may be formed of the harder rubber composition/component, e.g., shown by the broken interface line 122 in
While other structures and combinations are possible, in the illustrated example midsole 140, the first midsole component 140A constitutes the largest midsole component, supporting at least 60% (and in some examples, at least 50%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or even at least 95%) of the plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The first midsole component 140A may be made from a polymeric foam material, e.g., as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., ethylvinylacetate (“EVA”) foams, polyurethane foams, etc.).
First midsole component 140A includes an upper-facing surface 142U, a ground-facing surface 142G, a medial sidewall 142M, a lateral side edge 142L, and a rear wall 142R. The upper-facing surface 142U may be contoured, e.g., to better support and conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. Additionally, in this illustrated example, the upper-facing surface 142U defines a receptacle 160R for receiving a heel based fluid-filled bladder 160. Further, the ground-facing surface 142G of this example includes four relatively deep flexion grooves 142W, 142X, 142Y, and 142Z that extend across the first midsole component 140A in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction. The flexion grooves 142W to 142Z may extend completely from the medial sidewall 142M to the lateral edge 142L of first midsole component 140A. Although four flexion grooves 142W-142Z are shown in this illustrated example, more or fewer such flexion grooves (optionally oriented in the lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction) may be included, such as from 2 to 8 such grooves, and optionally, from 3 to 6 such grooves. The deep flexion grooves may be, for example, from 3 to 10 mm deep over at least a majority of their lengths (or even at least 60%, at least 70%, or even at least 80% of their lengths) and in some examples, from 4 to 8 mm deep (over any of those length ranges). The deep flexion grooves 142W-142Z may be formed in the first midsole component 140A in any desired manner, such as during a molding process (e.g., when the first midsole component 140A is formed by molding), by cutting (e.g., using a blade, laser, etc.), directly formed via a rapid manufacturing process (e.g., a rapid manufacturing additive fabrication technique, a rapid manufacturing subtractive fabrication technique, etc.), etc. In the illustrated example, grooves 142W to 142Z are well positioned to provide flexibility and support for some desired urban dance moves.
The second midsole component 140B of this illustrated example provides at least a portion of a lateral sidewall 144L and lateral edge support for the sole structure 104 and article of footwear 100. While other proportions are possible, in some examples of this technology, the second midsole component 140B supports less than 40% (and in some examples, less than 50%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or even less than 5%) of the plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The second midsole component 140B may be made from a polymeric foam material, e.g., as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., ethylvinylacetate (“EVA”) foams, polyurethane foams, etc.). The material of the second midsole component 140B may differ from the material of the first midsole component 140A, e.g., in hardness, resilience, other performance properties, composition, etc., although this is not a requirement in all examples of this technology.
Second midsole component 140B of this example includes an upper-facing surface 144U, a ground-facing surface 144G, the lateral sidewall 144L, and a medial side edge 144M. The upper-facing surface 144U may be contoured, e.g., to better support and conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. Additionally, in this illustrated example, the upper-facing surface 144U and/or the medial side edge 144M define a portion of a receptacle 162R (e.g., cooperating with the receptacle 160R formed in the first midsole component 140A) for receiving the heel based fluid-filled bladder 160. If multiple fluid-filled bladders are present, multiple receptacles and/or portions thereof may be defined in first midsole component 140A and/or second midsole component 140R (or other sole structure 104 component).
Further, although not required in all examples of this technology, outer surfaces of first midsole component 140A and second midsole component 140B include grooves 142D and 144D, respectively, for receiving the optional decorative element 150. In this illustrated example, the decorative element 150 includes an elongated bead of TPU having a different color from the first midsole component 140A and second midsole component 140B. Other or different decorative structures and elements may be provided, if desired.
Some further features of this example sole structure 104 and article of footwear 100 now will be described in conjunction with
As some additional potential features, the rearmost edge 124E of the forefoot lateral sidewall 124 may be located within a range of 0.35 L to 0.65 L, and in some examples, between 0.4 L and 0.6 L. The rear side edge 124RS of the forefoot lateral sidewall 124 may be located within a range of 0.45 L to 0.75 L, and in some examples, between 0.5 L and 0.7 L. The forward side edge 124FS may be located within a range of 0.7 L and 0.95 L, and in some examples, between 0.75 L and 0.92 L.
As illustrated in
The lateral sidewall 144L of the midsole component 140 (e.g., second midsole component 140B) in this example includes further features to assist in providing desired levels of flexibility and support, e.g., for urban dance uses. For example, as shown in
In the example of
As some further potential features to enhance support and/or flexibility and to support the desired urban dance moves, the medial sidewall 130S (e.g., of second outsole component 130, and particularly the portion of the outsole sidewall 130S made from the harder outsole material) may include cutouts 130C (or other recesses). These medial side cutouts 130C may be similar in size, shape, and/or location to the cutouts 144C provided in the lateral sidewall 144L. As more specific examples, as shown in
In the example of
As noted above, the ground-facing surface 142G of the midsole 140 (and first midsole component 140A in the illustrated example) includes one or more relatively deep flexion grooves 142W, 142X, 142Y, and 142Z that extend across (e.g., completely across) the first midsole component 140A in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction. Additional features of the sole structure 104 may combine with these flexion grooves 142W-142Z to enhance desired flexibility and support various urban dance moves. For example, as shown in
As further shown in
When the sole structure 104 is oriented on a horizontal surface on its ground-facing surface 120G in an unloaded condition, the slits 126A, 126B, and gaps 128G1 and 128G2 of the outsole are located to vertically align with the grooves 142Z, 142Y, 142X, and 142W, respectively, of the midsole 140 (first midsole component 140A, in this illustrated example). Thus, in this manner, the ground-facing surface 142G of the midsole 140 is visible and exposed at the bottom of the sole structure 104 in the slits 126A, 126B, and the gaps 128G1, 128G2, as shown in
In the specific structure shown in
As evident from the description above and
Still additional or alternative flex and foot support features may be incorporated into sole structures 104 in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. As shown in
In this illustrated example, the lateral sidewall 144 extends at least from a heel region to a midfoot region of the sole structure 104, and the inwardly extending slit 148R1 and/or inwardly extending slit 148R2 is/are defined in the lateral sidewall 144 (or between surfaces of sole structure components 104) extending continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral sidewall 144 extends at least in a forefoot region of the sole structure 104, and the inwardly extending slit 148F1 and/or inwardly extending slit 148F2 is/are defined in the lateral sidewall 144 (or between surfaces of sole structure components 104) extending continuously in the forefoot region. The forefoot inwardly extending slits 148F1 and/or 148F2 (and the lateral sidewall 144 containing/defining them) may be formed as part of the same individual sole structure 104 component(s) as the rear inwardly extending slits 148R1 and/or 148R2 (and the lateral sidewall 144 containing/defining them), or they may be formed in or defined by different sole structure 104 components or parts.
As mentioned above, the slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 are relatively deep. In at least some examples of this technology, one or more of the slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 may extend inward (dimension W in
In the example illustrated in
The slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2, when present, provide an initial soft feel when force is applied to collapse the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 in their height dimension over the lateral edge of the wearer's foot. The width dimension W controls the proportion of the lateral edge of the foot that benefits from the presence of the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2. The vertical height of the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 control the extent of vertical displacement and/or impact force attenuation (e.g., when the slit fully collapses, impact force is attenuated due to the interfacing surfaces of the midsole 140 at the top and bottom of the slit(s)). While not shown, the medial side may include one or more similar relatively deep inwardly extending slits of this type, e.g., having any of the dimensional and/or locational features described for slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1 and/or 148R2.
Additional aspects of this technology relate to sole structures for articles of footwear that include one or more sole components having a plurality of flexure promoting structures having with any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in in Table 1 below:
Such sole structures including one or more sole components with a plurality of flexure promoting structures having any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in in Table 1 above further may include outsole component(s) having the combination of two different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features described above and/or any of the structures described above providing these different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features.
As described above and illustrated in more detail in conjunction with
The following describes how a “transition region” can be located and/or how it can be determined whether the “curvature” of that transition region is greater than or less than a predetermined radii. A “transition region” may be considered the region of a sole around its edge from the bottom surface to the sidewall surface of sole component 104 (e.g., from surface 120G to the sidewall surface(s) 124 and/or 130S of the sole component 104). The “transition region” may be determined as the region between the location of the sole structure 104 where: (a) a first tangent to the sidewall surface becomes more horizontal than vertical (moving downward from the top of the sidewall surface) and (b) a second tangent to the sidewall surface (at the same transverse cross sectional location) becomes more vertical than horizontal (moving upward from the bottom of the sole surface). If a specific sole structure design has a designed in, determinable, and/or measurable radius for a given cross sectional location on the sole structure 104 (e.g., from a CAD file design), that radius will correspond to the sole structure 104's radius at that transition region location. In that event, the designed in, determined, and/or measured radius can be compared to the predetermined radius of interest to see if the designed in, determined, and/or measured radius is greater than or less than the predetermined radius of interest.
As shown in
While these specific examples of transition region radii and parallel plane locations are described for the sole structure 104 of
Sole structures may include one or more sole components having any one or more of the medial transition region and/or lateral transition region properties and/or parameter values set forth in in Table 3 above. Such sole structures further may include outsole component(s) having the combination of two different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features described above, any of the structures described above providing these different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features, and/or any one or more of the properties described above in conjunction with Table 1.
Various differences between the sole structure 104 of
One difference relates to the midsole structure 140. The example of
In the example sole structure 104 of
The example sole structure 104 of
As another difference, the outsole (including first and second outsole components 120 and 130) of
Various features of sole structure 10A-12J, including differences between the sole structure 104 of
As shown in
The outsole of this example further includes a second outsole component 130, e.g., formed from a second material having a second hardness. This second hardness (e.g., of the second outsole component 130) forms at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S of the sole structure 104. This second outsole component 130 has a hardness at least 15 Shore A hardness points higher than a hardness of the material forming a majority of the ground-facing surface 120G of the first outsole component 120. As some additional or alternative examples, the second outsole component 130, at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S, and/or a material forming at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S may have hardness (the “second hardness” mentioned above) at least 18 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 20 Shore A hardness points higher, at least 22 Shore A hardness points higher, or even at least 24 Shore A hardness points higher than the hardness of the first outsole component 120, the ground-facing surface 120G, and/or a material forming at least a majority of the ground-facing surface 120G of the sole structure 104 (the “first hardness” mentioned above). Second outsole component 130 may have any of the features, options, and/or alternatives described above for second outsole components 130 of
In any of the sole structures 104 and/or aspects of this technology, the first outsole component 120, the ground-facing surface 120G, and/or a material of at least a majority of the ground-facing surface 120G of the sole structure 104 may be made from a material having a hardness (the “first hardness”) between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between 55 Shore A and 72 Shore A and/or a hardness below 75 Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, the second sole component 130, at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S, and/or a material of at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S may be made from a material having a hardness (the “second hardness”) between 80 Shore A and 110 Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between 88 Shore A and 100 Shore A and/or a hardness above 85 Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, as noted above, the two different hardness features (and therefore slickness features) may be provided in various ways as well. For example, if desired, an outsole component including different hardness in the forefoot ground-contacting surface 120G and at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall 130S may be formed as a single component (e.g., by molding a single composition) and then at least one of the two portions of the outsole component (e.g., a portion corresponding to first outsole component 120 and/or a portion corresponding to the second outsole component 130) may be treated (e.g., coated with a material, sprayed with a material, irradiated (e.g., with laser or other radiation), mechanically altered (e.g., formed with blind holes, sipes, etc.) etc.) to alter the hardness of one portion with respect to the other portion.
This second material (and second outsole component 130) extends from the first material of first outsole component 120 and is engaged with the first material (and first outsole component 120). In at least some examples of this technology, the first outsole component 120 and the second outsole component 130 will be fixedly joined together to form a unitary, one-piece construction, e.g., in any of the manners described above for the example of
In this illustrated example, the second outsole component 130 and/or the second (harder) material thereof forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a medial sidewall 130S of the sole structure 104.
The second outsole component 130 (e.g., the harder material described above) may originate at a lateral side of the sole structure 104 at or forward of a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure 104. See
The harder material forming at least part of the lateral sidewall 124 and/or the medial sidewall 130S may continue downward in a vertical direction with respect to the sole structure 104 from a top edge of the second outsole component 130 to locations along the bottom (e.g., at the ground-facing surface) of the sole structure 104. As generally shown in
The example sole structure 104 shown in
Forefoot flex groove 326A may have any of the size, angular, orientation, and/or positional features described above with respect to slot 126A. Additionally or alternatively, forefoot and/or midfoot flex groove 326B may have any of the size, angular, orientation, and/or positional features described above with respect to slot 126B.
If desired, one or more of the plural waves (including all of the plural waves, if desired) may include a groove 332G extending completely through the first outsole component 120. When present, this type of through hole groove 332G can provide additional flexibility. The example sole structure 104 of
Additionally or alternatively, as shown in
While not a requirement, when arranged in a ring, the rings 300R1, 300R2, 300R3, and/or 302R1, 302R2, 302R3, may be concentric. Additionally or alternatively, the rings 300R1, 300R2, 300R3, and/or 302R1, 302R2, 302R3, may be circular, oval, elliptical, and/or other shapes. Further, as shown in
While
The midsole 140 in the sole structure 104 of
The midsole 140 in this illustrated example sole structure 104 includes an upper-facing surface 142U, a ground-facing surface 142G, a medial sidewall 142M, a lateral sidewall 144L, and a rear wall 142R. The upper-facing surface 142U may be contoured, e.g., to better support and conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. The upper-facing surface 142U of this example further includes one or more flex grooves 142A, 142B, 142C, e.g., in the forefoot area, to enhance flexibility.
Further, the ground-facing surface 142G of this example sole structure 104 includes two relatively deep flexion grooves 142Y and 142Z that extend across the midsole 140 in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction. The flexion grooves 142Y and 142Z may extend completely from the medial sidewall 142M to the lateral sidewall 144L, although the illustrated grooves 142Y and 142Z terminate near the edges by not at the sidewalls 142M, 144 L. Although two flexion grooves 142Y, 142Z are shown in this illustrated example, more or fewer such flexion grooves (optionally oriented in the lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction) may be included, such as from 2 to 8 such grooves, and optionally, from 3 to 6 such grooves. These flexion grooves 142Y and 142Z may have any of the features, properties, orientations, positions, angles, etc. as described above for flexion grooves 142W-142Z in conjunction with the examples of
While potentially useful for many styles of footwear, as mentioned above, aspects of this technology are well suited for use in dance shoes, e.g., shoes and/or soles designed to support urban dance and urban dance moves. As some more specific examples, the two types of outsole materials (e.g., rubbers of two different hardnesses, and therefore slickness) and their relatively positioning and amounts can assist wearers in certain dance moves. For example, the harder material (e.g., rubber) and its positioning can assist dancers to better perform “glides,” toe drags,” and “spins,” while the softer material (e.g., rubber) and its positioning helps for overall balance and support. The various materials, grooves, cutouts, and/or sipes (e.g., one or more of any of: (a) one or more of cutouts 130C and/or 144C; (b) one or more of outsole slits 126A and/or 126B; (c) one or more of gaps 128G1 and/or 128G2; (d) one or more of slits or sipes 148F1, 148F2, 148R1 and/or 148R2; (e) one or more of grooves 142W, 142X, 142Y, and/or 142Z); (f) the medial transition region 130T features; and/or (g) the lateral transition region 124T features—as well as the relative placement of two or more of these features—may assist and support various dance moves, such as the “W” and the “S-drop” (which moves tend to get the user onto the sides of the shoes and/or soles). Aspects of this technology support or assist in performance of other dance moves as well.
The present technology is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the technology, not to limit its scope. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes at least the subject matter described in the following numbered Clauses:
Clause 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 2. The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall formed from the second material originates at a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure proximate a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure.
Clause 3. The sole structure of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall formed from the second material originates at the forefoot medial side location of the sole structure proximate a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure.
Clause 4. The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the sidewall of the sole structure includes a lateral side and a medial side, wherein the ground-facing surface of the sole structure includes a forefoot flex groove extending in a transverse direction across the sole structure from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole structure, and wherein all of the first portion of the exterior surface formed by the second material is located forward of the forefoot flex groove.
Clause 5. The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein at least a portion of the forefoot flex groove comprises an elongated slot.
Clause 6. The sole structure of Clause 4 or 5, wherein at least a portion of the forefoot flex groove comprises a through-hole that extends through the first material.
Clause 7. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 4 to 6, wherein the forefoot flex groove is a forwardmost flex groove defined in the sole structure that is formed as an elongated slot and extends continuously from the lateral side to the medial side.
Clause 8. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first material and the second material are fixed together to form an integral, one piece outsole component.
Clause 9. The sole structure of Clause 8, wherein the first material and the second material are fixed together by a melt-bond junction and/or a cross-linked junction.
Clause 10. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein a transition region extends between the ground-facing surface of the sole structure and the sidewall of the sole structure, wherein the transition region is formed by the second material at least at the forefoot medial side location of the sole structure.
Clause 11. The sole structure of Clause 10, wherein the transition region is formed by the second material at a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure.
Clause 12. The sole structure of Clause 10 or 11, wherein the transition region is formed by the second material at the forward toe region of the sole structure.
Clause 13. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 12, wherein the second material extends from the sidewall of the sole structure to the ground-facing surface of the sole structure such that the second material forms a portion of a perimeter of the ground-facing surface of the sole structure around the forward toe region of the sole structure.
Clause 14. The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the portion of the perimeter formed by the second material has a width dimension of less than 15 mm wide.
Clause 15. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the first material and the second material are fixed together to form an outsole component.
Clause 16. The sole structure of Clause 15, wherein the outsole component constitutes a single component part including a heel supporting region, a forefoot supporting region, and a central region connecting the heel supporting region and the forefoot supporting region.
Clause 17. The sole structure of Clause 16, wherein the central region includes plural transverse waves having wave peaks and wave troughs extending from a lateral edge to a medial edge of the sole structure.
Clause 18. The sole structure of Clause 17, wherein at least one wave peak includes a groove extending completely through the outsole component.
Clause 19. The sole structure of Clause 17, wherein only one wave peak of the plural transverse waves has a groove extending completely through the outsole component.
Clause 20. The sole structure of Clause 19, wherein said only one wave peak is a rearmost wave peak of the plural transverse waves.
Clause 21. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 17 to 20, wherein the outsole component includes an upper-facing surface opposite the ground-facing surface, wherein the plural transverse waves are present on either or both of the upper-facing surface and the ground-facing surface.
Clause 22. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 21, wherein the first material and the second material are fixed together to form an outsole component having at least a forefoot supporting region.
Clause 23. The sole structure of Clause 22, wherein the ground-facing surface at the forefoot supporting region includes: (a) a central traction element, (b) a first plurality of traction elements arranged around and located immediately adjacent the central traction element, and (c) a second plurality of traction elements arranged around the first plurality of traction elements, wherein each of a majority of the traction elements of the second plurality of traction elements is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 24. The sole structure of Clause 23, wherein the first plurality of traction elements are arranged in a first ring around the central traction element, and wherein the second plurality of traction elements are arranged in a second ring around the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 25. The sole structure of Clause 24, wherein the first ring and the second ring are concentric.
Clause 26. The sole structure of Clause 25, wherein the first ring and the second ring are circular, oval, or elliptical rings.
Clause 27. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 22 to 26, wherein the central traction element is located closer to a medial side edge of the sole structure than to a lateral side edge of the sole structure.
Clause 28. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 22 to 27, wherein the outsole component further includes a heel supporting region.
Clause 29. The sole structure of Clause 28, wherein the ground-facing surface at the heel supporting region includes: (a) a second central traction element, (b) a third plurality of traction elements arranged around and located immediately adjacent the second central traction element, and (c) a fourth plurality of traction elements arranged around the third plurality of traction elements, wherein each of a majority of the traction elements of the fourth plurality of traction elements is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the third plurality of traction elements.
Clause 30. The sole structure of Clause 29, wherein the third plurality of traction elements are arranged in a third ring around the second central traction element, and wherein the fourth plurality of traction elements are arranged in a fourth ring around the third plurality of traction elements.
Clause 31. The sole structure of Clause 30, wherein the third ring and the fourth ring are concentric.
Clause 32. The sole structure of Clause 31, wherein the third ring and the fourth ring are circular, oval, or elliptical rings.
Clause 33. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 29 to 32, wherein the second central traction element is located at a central heel support area of the heel supporting region.
Clause 34. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 14, wherein the first material and the second material are fixed together to form an outsole component having at least a heel supporting region.
Clause 35. The sole structure of Clause 34, wherein the ground-facing surface at the heel supporting region includes: (a) a central traction element, (b) a first plurality of traction elements arranged around and located immediately adjacent the central traction element, and (c) a second plurality of traction elements arranged around the first plurality of traction elements, wherein each of a majority of the traction elements of the second plurality of traction elements is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 36. The sole structure of Clause 35, wherein the first plurality of traction elements are arranged in a first ring around the central traction element, and wherein the second plurality of traction elements are arranged in a second ring around the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 37. The sole structure of Clause 36, wherein the first ring and the second ring are concentric.
Clause 38. The sole structure of Clause 37, wherein the first ring and the second ring are circular, oval, or elliptical rings.
Clause 39. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 34 to 38, wherein the central traction element is located at a central heel support area of the heel supporting region.
Clause 40. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 39, wherein the sidewall of the sole structure includes a medial sidewall top edge, wherein the medial sidewall top edge includes a wave shaped portion including at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys spaced apart in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure.
Clause 41. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 1 to 40, wherein the first material and the second material form an outsole component, and wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole component engaged with the outsole component.
Clause 42. The sole structure of Clause 41, wherein the midsole component comprises a polymeric foam member.
Clause 43. The sole structure of Clause 41 or 42, wherein the midsole component includes a forefoot support region, a central support region, and a heel support region.
Clause 44. The sole structure of Clause 43, wherein the midsole component includes a fluid-filled bladder in the heel support region.
Clause 45. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 41 to 43, wherein the midsole component includes a fluid-filled bladder.
Clause 46. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 41 to 45, wherein the midsole component forms a lateral sidewall of the sole structure rearward of a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure formed from the second material.
Clause 47. The sole structure of Clause 46, wherein the lateral sidewall of the sole structure formed by the midsole component includes a lateral sidewall top edge, wherein the lateral sidewall top edge includes a wave shaped portion including at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys spaced apart in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure.
Clause 48. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 49. The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein the plurality of lateral recesses includes: (a) a wave shaped portion having at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys spaced apart in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure, or (b) a plurality of cutouts spaced apart in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure.
Clause 50. The sole structure of Clause 48 or 49, wherein the plurality of medial recesses includes: (a) a wave shaped portion having at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys spaced apart in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure, or (b) a plurality of cutouts spaced apart in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure.
Clause 51. The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein the plurality of lateral recesses includes: (a) a wave shaped portion having at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys spaced apart in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure, or (b) a plurality of cutouts spaced apart in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure; and
Clause 52. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 48 to 51, wherein the outsole component includes: (a) a first material having a first hardness forming at least a portion of the ground-facing surface, and (b) a second material having a second hardness greater than the first hardness forming at least a portion of a surface area of an exterior surface of the outsole sidewall.
Clause 53. The sole structure of Clause 52, wherein the second hardness is at least 15 Shore A hardness points higher than the first hardness.
Clause 54. The sole structure of Clause 52 or 53, wherein the second material forming the portion of the exterior surface of the outsole sidewall originates proximate a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure.
Clause 55. The sole structure of any of Clauses 52 to 54, wherein the second material forming the portion of the exterior surface of the outsole sidewall originates proximate a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure.
Clause 56. The sole structure of any of Clauses 52 to 55, wherein the ground-facing surface of the outsole component includes a forefoot flex groove extending in a transverse direction across the sole structure from a lateral side of the sole structure to a medial side of the sole structure, and wherein all of the second material of the outsole sidewall is located forward of the forefoot flex groove.
Clause 57. The sole structure of Clause 56, wherein at least a portion of the forefoot flex groove comprises an elongated slot.
Clause 58. The sole structure of Clause 56 or 57, wherein at least a portion of the forefoot flex groove comprises a through-hole that extends through the first material.
Clause 59. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 56 to 58, wherein the forefoot flex groove is a forwardmost flex groove defined in the outsole component that is formed as an elongated slot and extends continuously from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole structure.
Clause 60. The sole structure of any of Clauses 48 to 59, wherein the outsole component constitutes a single component part including a heel supporting region, a forefoot supporting region, and a central region connecting the heel supporting region and the forefoot supporting region.
Clause 61. The sole structure of Clause 60, wherein the central region includes plural transverse waves having wave peaks and wave troughs extending from a lateral edge to a medial edge of the sole structure.
Clause 62. The sole structure of Clause 61, wherein at least one wave peak of the plural transverse waves includes a groove extending completely through the outsole component.
Clause 63. The sole structure of Clause 61, wherein only one wave peak of the plural transverse waves has a groove extending completely through the outsole component.
Clause 64. The sole structure of Clause 63, wherein said only one wave peak is a rearmost wave peak of the plural transverse waves.
Clause 65. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 61 to 64, wherein the plural transverse waves are present on either or both of the upper-facing surface and the ground-facing surface.
Clause 66. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 48 to 65, wherein the outsole component includes at least a forefoot supporting region, and wherein the ground-facing surface at the forefoot supporting region includes: (a) a central traction element, (b) a first plurality of traction elements arranged around and located immediately adjacent the central traction element, and (c) a second plurality of traction elements arranged around the first plurality of traction elements, wherein each of a majority of the traction elements of the second plurality of traction elements is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 67. The sole structure of Clause 66, wherein the first plurality of traction elements are arranged in a first ring around the central traction element, and wherein the second plurality of traction elements are arranged in a second ring around the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 68. The sole structure of Clause 67, wherein the first ring and the second ring are concentric.
Clause 69. The sole structure of Clause 68, wherein the first ring and the second ring are circular, oval, or elliptical rings.
Clause 70. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 66 to 69, wherein the central traction element is located closer to a medial side edge of the outsole component than to a lateral side edge of the outsole component.
Clause 71. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 66 to 70, wherein the outsole component further includes a heel supporting region.
Clause 72. The sole structure of Clause 71, wherein the ground-facing surface at the heel supporting region includes: (a) a second central traction element, (b) a third plurality of traction elements arranged around and located immediately adjacent the second central traction element, and (c) a fourth plurality of traction elements arranged around the third plurality of traction elements, wherein each of a majority of the traction elements of the fourth plurality of traction elements is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the third plurality of traction elements.
Clause 73. The sole structure of Clause 72, wherein the third plurality of traction elements are arranged in a third ring around the second central traction element, and wherein the fourth plurality of traction elements are arranged in a fourth ring around the third plurality of traction elements.
Clause 74. The sole structure of Clause 73, wherein the third ring and the fourth ring are concentric.
Clause 75. The sole structure of Clause 74, wherein the third ring and the fourth ring are circular, oval, or elliptical rings.
Clause 76. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 72 to 75, wherein the second central traction element is located at a central heel support area of the heel supporting region.
Clause 77. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 48 to 65, wherein the outsole component includes at least a heel supporting region, and wherein the ground-facing surface at the heel supporting region includes: (a) a central traction element, (b) a first plurality of traction elements arranged around and located immediately adjacent the central traction element, and (c) a second plurality of traction elements arranged around the first plurality of traction elements, wherein each of a majority of the traction elements of the second plurality of traction elements is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 78. The sole structure of Clause 77, wherein the first plurality of traction elements are arranged in a first ring around the central traction element, and wherein the second plurality of traction elements are arranged in a second ring around the first plurality of traction elements.
Clause 79. The sole structure of Clause 78, wherein the first ring and the second ring are concentric.
Clause 80. The sole structure of Clause 79, wherein the first ring and the second ring are circular, oval, or elliptical rings.
Clause 81. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 77 to 80, wherein the central traction element is located at a central heel support area of the heel supporting region.
Clause 82. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 48 to 81, wherein the midsole component includes a forefoot support region, a central support region, and a heel support region.
Clause 83. The sole structure of Clause 82, wherein the midsole component includes a fluid-filled bladder in the heel support region.
Clause 84. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 48 to 82, wherein the midsole component includes a fluid-filled bladder.
Clause 85. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 86. The sole structure of Clause 85, wherein the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall formed by the second material further comprises a forefoot lateral sidewall surface that includes at least a majority of the surface area of the exterior surface extending from a second forward toe location at a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure to a location rearward of a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure.
Clause 87. The sole structure of Clause 85 or 86, wherein, with the sole structure supported on the ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition, a forefoot lateral sidewall of the sole structure comprises:
Clause 88. The sole structure of Clause 87, further comprising:
Clause 89. The sole structure of Clause 88, wherein the sidewall of the midsole defines a first cutout extending from a top edge of the midsole.
Clause 90. The sole structure of Clause 88, wherein the sidewall of the midsole defines a plurality of cutouts extending from a top edge of the midsole.
Clause 91. The sole structure of Clause 85 or 86, further comprising:
Clause 92. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 87, wherein the first material and the second material comprise a first sole component as a unitary, one-piece construction, wherein the first sole component includes a rearmost end.
Clause 93. The sole structure of Clause 92, wherein a slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the rearmost end and extending for at least 50 mm from a lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall surface.
Clause 94. The sole structure of Clause 93, wherein the first sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole having a ground-facing surface engaged with the upper-facing surface of the first sole component.
Clause 95. The sole structure of Clause 94, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit.
Clause 96. The sole structure of Clause 92 or Clause 93, wherein the rearmost end is located in a midfoot region of the sole structure.
Clause 97. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 92, 93, or 96, further comprising: a second sole component located rearward and spaced from the first sole component by a first gap.
Clause 98. The sole structure of Clause 97, further comprising: a third sole component located rearward and spaced from the second sole component by a second gap.
Clause 99. The sole structure of Clause 98, wherein each of the first sole component, the second sole component, and the third sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 100. The sole structure of Clause 99, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit, (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first gap, and (c) a third flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the second gap.
Clause 101. The sole structure of Clause 97, wherein each of the first sole component and the second sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 102. The sole structure of Clause 101, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit, and (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first gap.
Clause 103. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 87, wherein the first material and the second material comprise a first sole component as a unitary, one-piece construction, wherein the first sole component includes a rearmost end, wherein a first slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the rearmost end and extending for at least 50 mm from a lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall surface, and wherein a second slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the first slit and extending for at least 50 mm from the lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall surface.
Clause 104. The sole structure of Clause 103, wherein the first sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole having a ground-facing surface engaged with the upper-facing surface of the first sole component.
Clause 105. The sole structure of Clause 104, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes a first flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first slit and a second flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second slit.
Clause 106. The sole structure of Clause 103, wherein the rearmost end is located in a midfoot region of the sole structure.
Clause 107. The sole structure of Clause 103 or 106, further comprising: a second sole component located rearward and spaced from the first sole component by a first gap.
Clause 108. The sole structure of Clause 107, further comprising: a third sole component located rearward and spaced from the second sole component by a second gap.
Clause 109. The sole structure of Clause 108, wherein each of the first sole component, the second sole component, and the third sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 110. The sole structure of Clause 109, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first slit, (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second slit, (c) a third flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first gap, and (d) a fourth flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second gap.
Clause 111. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 110, wherein a forefoot medial sidewall of the sole structure that includes the forefoot medial sidewall surface comprises a top edge, and wherein a first cutout extends from the top edge of the forefoot medial sidewall.
Clause 112. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 110, wherein a forefoot medial sidewall of the sole structure that includes the forefoot medial sidewall surface comprises a top edge, and wherein a plurality of cutouts extend from the top edge of the forefoot medial sidewall.
Clause 113. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 112, wherein the first hardness is between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore A, and the second hardness is between 80 Shore A and 110 Shore A.
Clause 114. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 112, wherein the first hardness is between 55 Shore A and 72 Shore A, and the second hardness is between 88 Shore A and 100 Shore A.
Clause 115. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 112, wherein the first hardness is below 75 Shore A, and the second hardness is above 85 Shore A.
Clause 116. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 115, wherein a medial transition region connects the forefoot medial sidewall surface with the ground-facing surface of the sole structure, and wherein a first portion of the medial transition region has a first curvature that is greater than a 5.5 mm radius.
Clause 117. The sole structure of Clause 116, wherein a second portion of the medial transition region located forward of the first portion of the medial transition region includes a second curvature, wherein the second curvature is greater than a 5 mm radius and less than the first curvature, and wherein the medial transition region smoothly changes curvature from the second curvature to the first curvature in a direction moving rearward in the sole structure.
Clause 118. The sole structure of Clause 115 or 116, further comprising:
Clause 119. The sole structure of Clause 115 or 116, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface in a forefoot support area of the sole structure is formed as a first sole component, and wherein at least a majority of a forefoot medial sidewall that includes the forefoot medial sidewall surface is formed as a second sole component that is engaged with the first sole component.
Clause 120. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 119, wherein the first material and the second material are fixedly engaged together by a melt-bonded and/or cross-linked connection to form a unitary, one-piece construction.
Clause 121. The sole structure of Clause 120, wherein the first material and the second material are fixedly engaged together by an in-molded connection.
Clause 122. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 121, wherein the sole structure includes a lateral sidewall extending from a heel region to a midfoot region of the sole structure, wherein a first inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall, wherein the first inwardly extending slit extends continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region.
Clause 123. The sole structure of Clause 122, wherein a second inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall, wherein the first inwardly extending slit extends continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region and is spaced below the first inwardly extending slit.
Clause 124. The sole structure of Clause 123, wherein the second inwardly extending slit is formed as a space between surfaces of two distinct components of the sole structure.
Clause 125. The sole structure of Clause 122 or 123, wherein the lateral sidewall further extends in a forefoot region of the sole structure, wherein a third inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall in the forefoot region.
Clause 126. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 85 to 121, wherein the sole structure includes a lateral sidewall extending at least within a forefoot region of the sole structure, wherein a first inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall in the forefoot region.
Clause 127. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 128. The sole structure of Clause 127, wherein a second portion of the medial transition region located forward of the first portion includes a third curvature, wherein the third curvature is greater than a 5 mm radius and less than the first curvature, and wherein the medial transition region smoothly changes curvature from the third curvature to the first curvature in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure.
Clause 129. The sole structure of Clause 127 or 128, further comprising:
Clause 130. The sole structure of Clause 129, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface in a forefoot support area of the sole structure is formed as a first sole component, and wherein at least a majority of the forefoot medial sidewall, the medial transition region, the forefoot lateral sidewall, the lateral transition region, the forward toe sidewall, and the forward toe transition region are formed as a second sole component that is engaged with the first sole component.
Clause 131. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 129, wherein a majority of an exposed exterior surface area of the ground-facing surface is formed from a softer material than a material forming a majority of an exposed exterior surface area of the forefoot medial sidewall and the medial transition region.
Clause 132. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 129 or Clause 131, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface in a forefoot support area of the sole structure is formed as a first sole component, and wherein at least a majority of the forefoot medial sidewall and the medial transition region are formed as a second sole component that is engaged with the first sole component.
Clause 133. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 129 or Clause 131, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface in a forefoot support area of the sole structure is formed as a first sole component, and wherein at least a majority of the forefoot medial sidewall, the medial transition region, the forefoot lateral sidewall, and the lateral transition region are formed as a second sole component that is engaged with the first sole component.
Clause 134. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 133, wherein, with the sole structure supported on the ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition, the forefoot lateral sidewall includes:
Clause 135. The sole structure of Clause 134, further comprising:
Clause 136. The sole structure of Clause 135, wherein the sidewall of the midsole defines a first cutout extending from a top edge of the midsole.
Clause 137. The sole structure of Clause 135, wherein the sidewall of the midsole defines a plurality of cutouts extending from a top edge of the midsole.
Clause 138. The sole structure of Clause 134, further comprising:
Clause 139. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 138, wherein a first sole component of the sole structure includes a rearmost end located in a forefoot support region or a midfoot support region of the sole structure.
Clause 140. The sole structure of Clause 139, wherein a slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the rearmost end and extending for at least 50 mm from a lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall.
Clause 141. The sole structure of Clause 140, wherein the first sole component further includes an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole having a ground-facing surface engaged with the upper-facing surface of the first sole component.
Clause 142. The sole structure of Clause 141, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit.
Clause 143. The sole structure of Clause 139 or 140, further comprising: a second sole component located rearward and spaced from the first sole component by a first gap.
Clause 144. The sole structure of Clause 143, further comprising: a third sole component located rearward and spaced from the second sole component by a second gap.
Clause 145. The sole structure of Clause 144, wherein each of the first sole component, the second sole component, and the third sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 146. The sole structure of Clause 145, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit, (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first gap, and (c) a third flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the second gap.
Clause 147. The sole structure of Clause 143, wherein each of the first sole component and the second sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 148. The sole structure of Clause 147, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit, and (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first gap.
Clause 149. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 138, wherein a first sole component of the sole structure includes a rearmost end located in a forefoot support region or a midfoot support region of the sole structure, wherein a first slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the rearmost end and extending for at least 50 mm from a lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall, and wherein a second slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the first slit and extending for at least 50 mm from the lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall.
Clause 150. The sole structure of Clause 149, wherein the first sole component further includes an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole having a ground-facing surface engaged with the upper-facing surface of the first sole component.
Clause 151. The sole structure of Clause 150, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first slit and a second flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second slit.
Clause 152. The sole structure of Clause 149, further comprising: a second sole component located rearward and spaced from the first sole component by a first gap.
Clause 153. The sole structure of Clause 152, further comprising: a third sole component located rearward and spaced from the second sole component by a second gap.
Clause 154. The sole structure of Clause 153, wherein each of the first sole component, the second sole component, and the third sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 155. The sole structure of Clause 154, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first slit, (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second slit, (c) a third flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first gap, and (c) a fourth flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second gap.
Clause 156. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 155, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface is made from a material having a hardness between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore A, and wherein at least a majority of the forefoot medial sidewall is made from a material having a hardness between 80 Shore A and 110 Shore A.
Clause 157. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 155, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface is made from a material having a hardness between 55 Shore A and 72 Shore A, and wherein at least a majority of the forefoot medial sidewall is made from a material having a hardness is between 88 Shore A and 100 Shore A.
Clause 158. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 155, wherein at least a majority of the ground-facing surface is made from a material having a hardness below 75 Shore A, and wherein at least a majority of the forefoot medial sidewall is made from a material having a hardness above 85 Shore A.
Clause 159. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 158, wherein the sole structure includes a lateral sidewall extending from a heel region to a midfoot region of the sole structure, wherein a first inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall, wherein the first inwardly extending slit extends continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region.
Clause 160. The sole structure of Clause 159, wherein a second inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall, wherein the first inwardly extending slit extends continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region and is spaced below the first inwardly extending slit.
Clause 161. The sole structure of Clause 160, wherein the second inwardly extending slit is formed as a space between surfaces of two distinct components of the sole structure.
Clause 162. The sole structure of Clause 159 or 160, wherein a third inwardly extending slit is defined in the forefoot lateral sidewall.
Clause 163. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 127 to 158, wherein a first inwardly extending slit is defined in the forefoot lateral sidewall.
Clause 164. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:
Clause 165. The sole structure of Clause 164, wherein the second sole component further includes a forefoot lateral sidewall at a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure extending to a location at least rearward of a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure.
Clause 166. The sole structure of Clause 165, wherein, with the sole structure supported on the ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition, the forefoot lateral sidewall includes:
Clause 167. The sole structure of Clause 166, wherein the first sole component further includes an upper-facing surface located opposite the ground-facing surface, and wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 168. The sole structure of Clause 167, wherein the sidewall of the midsole defines a first cutout extending from a top edge of the midsole.
Clause 169. The sole structure of Clause 167, wherein the sidewall of the midsole defines a plurality of cutouts extending from a top edge of the midsole.
Clause 170. The sole structure of Clause 165 or 166, wherein the first sole component further includes an upper-facing surface located opposite the ground-facing surface, and wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 171. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 166, wherein the first sole component includes a rearmost end located in a forefoot support region or a midfoot support region of the sole structure.
Clause 172. The sole structure of Clause 171, wherein a slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the rearmost end and extending for at least 50 mm from a lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall.
Clause 173. The sole structure of Clause 172, wherein the first sole component further includes an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole having a ground-facing surface engaged with the upper-facing surface of the first sole component.
Clause 174. The sole structure of Clause 173, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit.
Clause 175. The sole structure of Clause 171 or 172, further comprising: a third sole component located rearward and spaced from the first sole component by a first gap.
Clause 176. The sole structure of Clause 175, further comprising: a fourth sole component located rearward and spaced from the third sole component by a second gap.
Clause 177. The sole structure of Clause 176, wherein each of the first sole component, the third sole component, and the fourth sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 178. The sole structure of Clause 177, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit, (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first gap, and (c) a third flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the second gap.
Clause 179. The sole structure of Clause 175, wherein each of the first sole component and the third sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 180. The sole structure of Clause 179, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the slit, and (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the first gap.
Clause 181. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 166, wherein the first sole component includes a rearmost end located in a forefoot support region or a midfoot support region of the sole structure, wherein a first slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the rearmost end and extending for at least 50 mm from a lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall, and wherein a second slit is defined completely through the first sole component forward of the first slit and extending for at least 50 mm from the lateral perimeter side edge of the first sole component toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall.
Clause 182. The sole structure of Clause 181, wherein the first sole component further includes an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole having a ground-facing surface engaged with the upper-facing surface of the first sole component.
Clause 183. The sole structure of Clause 182, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes a first flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first slit and a second flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second slit.
Clause 184. The sole structure of Clause 181, further comprising: a third sole component located rearward and spaced from the first sole component by a first gap.
Clause 185. The sole structure of Clause 184, further comprising: a fourth sole component located rearward and spaced from the third sole component by a second gap.
Clause 186. The sole structure of Clause 185, wherein each of the first sole component, the third sole component, and the fourth sole component defines an upper-facing surface, wherein the sole structure further comprises:
Clause 187. The sole structure of Clause 186, wherein the ground-facing surface of the midsole includes: (a) a first flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first slit, (b) a second flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the second slit, (c) a third flexion groove defined therein and aligned with the first gap, and (d) a fourth flexion groove defined therein and vertically aligned with the second gap.
Clause 188. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 187, wherein the first sole component and the second sole component are fixedly engaged together to form a unitary, one-piece construction.
Clause 189. The sole structure of Clause 188, wherein the first sole component and the second sole component are fixedly engaged together by an in-molded connection.
Clause 190. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 189, wherein a medial transition region connects the forefoot medial sidewall surface with the ground-facing surface of the sole structure, and wherein a first portion of the medial transition region has a first curvature that is greater than a 5.5 mm radius.
Clause 191. The sole structure of Clause 190, wherein a second portion of the medial transition region located forward of the first portion includes a second curvature, wherein the second curvature is greater than a 5 mm radius and less than the first curvature, and wherein the medial transition region smoothly changes curvature from the second curvature to the first curvature in a direction moving rearward in the sole structure.
Clause 192. The sole structure of Clause 190 or 191, further comprising:
Clause 193. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 192, wherein the first sole component is made from a material having a hardness between 50 Shore A and 75 Shore A, and wherein the second sole component is made from a material having a hardness between 80 Shore A and 110 Shore A.
Clause 194. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 192, wherein the first sole component is made from a material having a hardness between 55 Shore A and 72 Shore A, and wherein the second sole component is made from a material having a hardness between 88 Shore A and 100 Shore A.
Clause 195. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 192, wherein the first sole component is made from a material having a hardness below 75 Shore A, and wherein the second sole component is made from a material having a hardness above 85 Shore A.
Clause 196. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 195, wherein the sole structure includes a lateral sidewall extending from a heel region to a midfoot region of the sole structure, wherein a first inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall, wherein the first inwardly extending slit extends continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region.
Clause 197. The sole structure of Clause 196, wherein a second inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall, wherein the first inwardly extending slit extends continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region and is spaced below the first inwardly extending slit.
Clause 198. The sole structure of Clause 197, wherein the second inwardly extending slit is formed as a space between surfaces of two distinct components of the sole structure.
Clause 199. The sole structure of Clause 196 or 197, wherein the lateral sidewall further extends in a forefoot region of the sole structure, wherein a third inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall in the forefoot region.
Clause 200. The sole structure of any one of Clauses 164 to 195, wherein the sole structure includes a lateral sidewall extending at least within a forefoot region of the sole structure, wherein a first inwardly extending slit is defined in the lateral sidewall in the forefoot region.
Clause 201. The sole structure of any preceding Clause, wherein the sole structure includes any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in Table 1.
Clause 202. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: one or more sole components having a plurality of flexure promoting structures having any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in Table 1:
Clause 203. The sole structure of any preceding Clause, wherein the sole structure includes any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in Table 3.
Clause 204. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising: one or more sole components having a plurality of flexure promoting structures having any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in Table 3:
Clause 205. An article of footwear, comprising:
This application is: (a) a continuation application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/145,777 filed Jan. 11, 2021, which application is a U.S. Non-Provisional Application and claims priority benefits based on each of: (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/959,622 filed Jan. 10, 2020 and (c) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/119,823 filed Dec. 1, 2020. Each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/145,777, U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/959,622, and U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 63/119,823 is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63119823 | Dec 2020 | US | |
| 62959622 | Jan 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17145777 | Jan 2021 | US |
| Child | 18145488 | US |
