Nike, Inc.

Stephen M Vincent

Perry W Auger

Allen W Van Noy

Mark Goodwin Parker

Gordon A Valiant

David L Vattes

An article of footwear includes a shoe sole, a shoe upper having medial and lateral sides, and a closure element which overlaps the shoe upper and has a plurality of fastening projections. The closure element extends upwards along each side of the shoe upper as well as beneath the shoe sole. Each of the fastening projections includes an aperture or loop for receiving a shoe lace such that the projections on opposing sides of the shoe upper are connected together by the shoe lace and the shoe upper is thereby secured around the foot of the wearer. The closure element may be permanently attached to the article of footwear, or it may be removably disposed thereover. The tongue of the shoe upper may also include a positioning element for positioning the shoe lace between opposing sides of the fastening projections.

Article of footwear with 360.degree. wrap fit closure system

An improved last, and article of footwear derived therefrom, for providing improved function, fit, and comfort for use in various athletic activities, and in particular for running. The last has dimensions defined by a plurality of cross-sectional contours extending from proximate a proximal end of the heel portion to proximate a distal end of the forefoot portion. The last dimensions are in accordance with or proportional to the plurality of cross-sectional contours shown in FIGS. 13-97. The last is characterized by a natural shape to the top of the cone or island and an enlarged toe box.

Last for an article of footwear and footwear made therefrom

The present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a midsole for a shoe and the structure of the resulting midsole. The midsole includes a core of a first plastic material and a peripheral wrap of a second plastic material. The wrap has an outer peripheral surface comprising at least a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the midsole. The method includes the steps of molding a peripheral wrap from a sheet stock of the first plastic material by applying compressive forces on the sheet stock in a direction which is substantially perpendicular with the outer surface of the sheet stock, placing the wrap around the inner peripheral surface of a mold which approximates the shape of the midsole, and pouring the first plastic material in the mold.

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Beaverton, OR, United States of America

Stephen M Vincent