Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: cutting a first cut in a first material while in a planar configuration, the first material having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface, the first cut extending through the top surface and the bottom surface; coupling a first overlay on the first material top surface, the first overlay extending over the first cut such that the first cut is obscured on the first material top surface by the first overlay while in the planar configuration; and forming the first material with the first cut and the first overlay into a dimensional article of footwear configured to receive a foot, wherein the first material bottom surface is more interior to the dimensional article of footwear than the top surface.
Abstract:
A football shoe or football boot, including: a sole; and an upper, the upper including a central region, wherein the upper includes one or more protuberances at each side of the central region, the one or more protuberances on each side defining a crest alongside the central region, such that the crests and the central region define a ball control region, the protuberances having been formed by incorporation of fluid material with the upper, in direct contact with the upper.
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 exterior surface of the knitted component. The knitted component may an asymmetric interior layer secured to the interior surface of the knitted component. The asymmetric interior layer has varying medial and lateral portions that provide for different amounts of feel and cushioning along the varying sides of the upper. The asymmetric interior layer includes a lining layer and a connecting layer that join to form the asymmetric interior layer. Other interior layer features are provided, including collar portions and a heel pad that extends along the heel region of the knitted component from a sockliner to an opening on an ankle cuff of the knitted component.
Abstract:
Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.
Abstract:
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure with a cushioning element. The cushioning element can be disposed in the upper and/or the sole structure. The cushioning element is configured to provide tactile feedback to a user during pronation events. The cushioning element can be a dynamically responsive material or shape that exhibits dilatant behavior in response to the application of a force.
Abstract:
An article of footwear can include provisions for facilitating the installation of various components. During manufacture of the article of footwear, the upper and/or sole structure can include one or more specialized compartments designed to receive the components. The components can be installed in compartments after manufacture of the article of footwear. In some cases, the components can be used to perform different functions in a motorized tensioning system.
Abstract:
[Problem] To provide a sports inner boot that ensures removal from a sports outer boot to allow an inside to be easily washed and where a drying time be a comparatively short time. [Solution] A sports inner boot made of a thermoplastic plastic includes a bottom plate 10 disposed in the sports outer boot and a foot wrap portion 20 formed at the bottom plate 10. The bottom plate 10 and the foot wrap portion 20 are integrally formed. The bottom plate 10 and the foot wrap portion 20 contain an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer material (EVA).
Abstract:
An article of footwear includes a decoupled foot stabilizer system. The foot stabilizer system is decoupled from a midfoot region of the article of footwear. The foot stabilizer system includes a plurality of strap members. The foot stabilizer system may optionally include a bootie. The plurality of strap members extend underneath a portion of a foot of a wearer. The plurality of strap members are configured to receive a lace at one end. A lace running through the ends of the strap members pulls on the strap members when the lace is tightened and causes the foot stabilizer system to conform to the wearer's foot.