Patent ID: 9474326
Filing Date: 2016-10-25
CPC Classification: A43B,A43C

Claim Text:
1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a sole, the sole including a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction, the sole being configured to expand in both the first direction and the second direction when tensioned in the first direction, the sole having a first stretch resistance in the first direction; the sole including a plurality of apertures that extend from an upper surface of the sole to a lower surface of the sole; the plurality of apertures including a first aperture associated with a first group of portions; the first group of portions including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being joined to the second portion at a hinge portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion can rotate with respect to each other about the hinge portion; wherein the first portion and the second portion rotate away from one another when a tensioning force is applied at the hinge portion in a first direction, the first direction being oriented away from the first aperture; a strobel, the strobel attached to the upper surface of the sole, the strobel having a second stretch resistance in the first direction, the second stretch resistance being greater than the first stretch resistance; and wherein a portion of the strobel remains unattached to the sole.