Nike, Inc.

Neil Crumbleholme

Perry W Auger

Deliang Gu

Brian D Baker

Peter A Hudson

Tetsuya T Minami

Sergio Cavaliere

Doug D Wilken

Ryan R Larson

John Cross

Vernon J Hentz, Iii

Matteo Tessaro

Roberto De Marchi

Courtney M Wright

Deilang Gu

Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a foot support component and/or heel counter structure that includes openings, voids, and/or grooves around the heel area. These openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel counter structure more conformable, lightweight, and/or flexible. The openings, voids, or grooves may allow the heel or heel counter structure to conform better to the heel/foot of a user, providing and an 'adaptive' response, adapting differently to different heels. The openings, voids, or grooves may be customized within the heel counter component based on the shape of the foot and/or heel of the user. Additionally or alternatively, these openings, voids, or grooves may make the heel construction better to conform to the wearer's heel and better to contain and move with the wearer's heel, e.g., during use and to improve flexion, comfort, and fit.

Sole structures and articles of footwear having conformable heel counter structures

An upper for an article of footwear is disclosed. The upper can include a plurality of layers, such as an inner layer, a middle knit layer, and an outer layer. Each of the plurality of layers can provide different functionalities to the upper. The combination of the inner layer, middle knit layer, and the outer layer can be effective at transferring a load from the underfoot region to a position above the biteline.

Upper for an article of footwear

Articles of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this technology include a simple construction that includes three main parts, with each made from a single material and fit together in a releasable manner. The invention enhances the recyclability and sustainable nature of the article of footwear and shoe. At least some more specific aspects of this technology relate to footwear structure that may include three main parts: (a) an outer cage, which may include a single piece having features of: (i) a footwear upper and (ii) a sole structure having one or more cleat outer shells; (b) an inner upper component; and (c) a chassis and heel counter component with a bottom surface thereof that includes one or more cleat inserts and supports that fit inside the one or more cleat outer shells.

Sole structures and articles of footwear having separate outsole and midsole components

A lasting board for an article of footwear. The lasting board has a forefoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a heel portion and includes a first material and a second material that is different from the first material. The forefoot portion is monolithic and is constructed of the first material that is a non-woven fabric. The midfoot portion and the heel portion have an upper layer, a lower layer, and an intermediate layer between the upper layer and the lower layer. The intermediate layer is constructed of the second material, and the upper layer and the lower layer are constructed of the first material. A cushioning member made of a third material different from the first material and the second material is disposed within the heel portion of the lasting board.

Footwear component for an article of footwear

A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The method can include removing material from a preformed member and applying layers of different materials to form a component with different properties in different regions.

A sizing system for an article of footwear includes an insert attachable to the upper of the article of footwear. The insert is positioned within a pocket formed between the lining of the upper and the exterior shell of the upper. When attached to the upper, the insert forms a part of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. When the insert is removed, part of the pocket forms a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear or a flap is extended over the pocket to form a portion of the exterior surface of the article of footwear. The insert may be secured within the pocket using a mechanical fastener.

Article of footwear with a removable heel member

A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot.

A footwear component and a method of making the footwear component are disclosed. The footwear component includes a first portion and a second portion that are joined at a transition zone. The first portion and the second portion have different flexibility characteristics. The footwear component can bend at the transition zone to accommodate the natural bending of a foot. The footwear component can also include a cushioning member that provides support and cushioning for the heel.

A cleated article of footwear includes a chassis assembly having a sole plate having a plurality of bosses extending from a lower surface thereof. A heel counter extends upwardly from a heel portion of the sole plate. An outer assembly is secured to the chassis assembly and includes a sole portion and an upper secured to the sole portion. A plurality of cleats extends downwardly from a lower surface of the sole portion. Each of a plurality of apertures extends downwardly into a corresponding cleat and receives a boss.

Cleated article of footwear and method of manufacture

An article of footwear includes a sole assembly, an upper secured to the sole assembly, a heel counter secured to the upper, and a heel pad removably attached to an inner surface of the heel counter.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Oswego, OR, United States of America

Neil Crumbleholme