Nike, Inc.

Nike Innovate C.v.

Adam R Welliver

Mark J Smith

Carl L Madore

Tobie D Hatfield

Mark Smith

Footwear includes structural features that may provide one or more of the following features or functions: (a) help 'lock' the wearer to the ground under torsional forces induced in the leg/foot (e.g., by a golf swing or other activities); (b) help provide stable support, e.g., at the medial heel and/or lateral forefoot areas; (c) help support and prevent undesired distortion of the footwear upper, e.g., when torsional forces are applied; and/or (d) help provide a very stable and secure feel and fit by securing across the instep portion of the foot, e.g., in a forward lateral-to-rear medial direction (e.g., between medial heel and lateral forefoot sidewall supports).

Foot motion control and/or stability systems for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices

A sole structure includes an outsole having an outsole body defining an inner body surface and an outer body surface opposite the inner body surface. The outsole has a plurality of traction elements each extending from the outsole body away from the inner body surface. Each of the traction elements includes a base coupled to the outsole body surface. Each of the traction elements includes a tip spaced apart from the outer body surface and has a pitch defined by a vector. The pitch of each of the plurality of traction elements varies as a function of a distance from the central axis to a respective traction element.

Sole structure with progressively angled traction elements

The present invention is directed to an outsole for footwear that reduces grip and enables controlled slippage on a surface during wear. The outsole includes a plurality of low profile tread projections, each tread projection having at least one long, thin, and flexible extension member. An increased width of the extension member where it adjoins the tread projection acts as a pivot point at which the extension member may flex and bend degrees. During wear, the flexible extension members bend over or collapse, becoming sandwiched between the tread projections and a surface. The bent extension members reduce the contact area between the tread projections and a surface, thereby reducing grip and enabling slippage.

Outsole with grip reduction extension members

Articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices include an upper/foot-covering member having medial and lateral strap tensioning components located on opposite sides of the ankle area. A securing system is provided that includes: (i) a first strap portion extending across the instep area, engaging the lateral strap tensioning component, and extending in front of the foot-insertion opening to the medial ankle side (where it may be secured), and (ii) a second strap portion extending across the instep area, engaging the medial strap tensioning component, and extending in front of the foot-insertion opening and to the lateral ankle side (where it may be secured). The first and second strap portions cross one another at two separated crossing locations.

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Beaverton, OR, United States of America

Adam R Welliver