Abstract:
An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole positioned beneath the upper. The midsole includes an upper portion formed of a first material and a lower portion formed of a second material and positioned beneath the upper portion. The lower portion includes a plurality of support members spaced from adjacent support members. A plurality of connecting members extend between and are connected to adjacent support members, with the connecting members having a height that is less than a height of the support members to which the connecting members are connected, and an upper surface that is substantially flush with an upper surface of the support members to which the connecting members are connected.
Abstract:
An upper including a flexible composite material is disclosed. The flexible composite material includes a sheet of carbon fiber weave material (102) attached to a flexible substrate (202) and a coating (402) applied to an exposed side of the sheet of carbon fiber weave material. The exposed side includes a plurality of exposed ends associated with the carbon fiber weave material and at least a portion of the plurality of exposed ends are covered by the coating.
Abstract:
A ball control portion for an article of footwear is disclosed. The ball control portion includes a plurality of protrusions that are configured to bend to provide increased surface contact between an upper and a ball, such as a soccer ball. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in an arc-like configuration on the upper that generally corresponds to the curvature of a ball.
Abstract:
A cleat member is provided for use with an article of footwear. The cleat member includes an outer layer formed from a first material and an inner layer formed from a second material. The inner layer is at least partially encapsulated by the outer layer. The first material is distinct from the second material. A hole extends completely through the cleat member.