Nike, Inc.

Mark Cartier

Thomas C Foxen

Sergio G Lozano

Jeffrey L Johnson

Gordon A Valiant

Tony A Bignell

An article of footwear having a sole structure that includes one or more support elements formed of a resilient, compressible material is disclosed. The lower surface of a support element located in the back-lateral corner of the sole structure includes a downward bevel in the lateral-to-medial direction and back-to-front direction. In addition to the downward bevel on the lower surface of the support element, a base plate and outsole include corresponding bevels. Cooperatively, the bevels reduce the rate of pronation in a foot of a wearer.

Footwear midsole with compressible element in lateral heel area

An article of footwear is disclosed having an upper secured to a longitudinal sole with a frame preferably having a stabilizing band extending between axially decoupled heel and opposite forefoot portions of the sole. The band has a central portion extending above the heel and forefoot portions of the sole and adjacent to an upper such that the forefoot and heel portions of the sole may axially pivot about a longitudinal axis parallel to and above the longitudinal axis of the heel and forefoot portions while resisting deflection in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole, thereby supporting a foot along its entire longitudinal length while permitting the article of footwear to conform with the axial movements of an athlete's foot while running. In a preferred embodiment, the axis of axial pivoting is the axis of pronation of a foot while running in the shoe.

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Portland, OR, United States of America

Mark Cartier