Abstract:
An article of footwear incorporates a textile upper. The upper comprises a knitted component. The knitted component may be warp knitted. The knitted component has an outer side and an inner side that can have different knit configurations. The knitted component can also incorporate portions of a single layer construction and portions of a double layer construction. The double layer construction forms pockets on portions of the knitted component. Inserts can be placed into the pockets to provide support, stability, or other desired properties to the portions of the knitted component.
Abstract:
An article of footwear has an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes a knitted component and, In some configurations, a skin layer secured to the knitted component. The knitted component may have a plurality of protruding areas that extend outward and away from a void within the upper for receiving a foot of a wearer. The protruding areas may include one or both of (a) a first tubular structure and an inlaid strand extending through the first tubular structure and (b) a second tubular structure and yarn sections extending across the second tubular structure.
Abstract:
A footwear construction and related method of manufacture are provided. The footwear can include an upper with a closed liner disposed in an interior of the upper, a flexible Strobel board closing the bottom of the upper and an outsole joined with the upper. The method can include providing an upper having a liner secured thereto, closing an open bottom of the liner with a bottom closure without closing an open bottom of the upper, Strobel stitching a flexible Strobel board to the upper to close the upper bottom, placing the upper with the lining and Strobel board secured thereto on a last and joining an outsole with the upper. The liner bottom closure and Strobel board can be of a thickness and flexibility so that a wearer can perceive movement of the outsole underfoot. Accordingly, the footwear can provide enhanced proprioceptive feedback from a surface being traversed.
Abstract:
Waterproof footwear having a liner material, stretchable insole, and strobel board are described herein. The stretchable insole exhibits a reduction of cushioning stiffness in the forefoot area of at least about 6% in comparison to a standard footwear construction when the waterproof footwear is subjected to the Mechanical Cushioning Test.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an upper assembly (12) for a waterproof, water vapor permeable footwear article (10), the upper assembly comprising a laminate (16) including a waterproof water vapor permeable functional layer (22) and an inner lining layer (24) directly attached to the functional layer (22) on an inner side of functional layer (22), the inner lining layer (24) being a knitted or woven fabric made with monofilaments.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a shoe (1) including an outer sole (2) and an upper (3), the shoe (1) extending lengthwise from a rear end (4) to a front end (5), widthwise between a lateral side (6) and a medial side (7), and heightwise from the sole (2) to an upper end (12) defining a rear opening (13), the upper (3) including a first shell (14). The first shell (14) includes a rear portion (20) that in turn includes a side wall (21), a rear wall (22), and a medial wall (23), the rear portion (20) being porous or hardly resistant to the passage of a fluid. The first shell (14) includes a front portion (25) that in turn includes a side wall (26), a front wall (27), and a medial wall (28), wherein the front portion (25) is resistant to the passage of a fluid or is sealed.
Abstract:
A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed.