Patent ID: 8028442
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: A43B,B29D

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole having a toe part, a ball part extending from the toe part, and an instep-heel part extending from the ball part, wherein: the toe part is made of a substantially inflexible material and includes a plurality of spikes extending from a bottom surface thereof, the ball part is made of a flexible material, and the instep-heel part is made of a substantially inflexible material, wherein the instep-heel part includes a heel portion including a first heel side support, a second heel side support, and an end heel support at a rear heel location, wherein a first opening is defined through the heel portion by the first heel side support and the end heel support and a second opening is defined through the heel portion by the second heel side support and the end heel support; an upper located over an instep portion of the instep-heel part and engaged with the instep-heel part of the sole by an adjustable connection, wherein the upper is located such that a foot-receiving opening for the article of footwear is defined between the upper and the heel portion of the instep-heel part, and wherein the upper does not extend over the ball part, toe part, and heel part of the sole such that an entire area of a top surface of the sole forward and aft of the upper is openly exposed; and the instep-heel part including a third opening defined through an entire thickness of the instep-heel part, wherein the third opening extends from the heel portion to the instep portion of the instep-heel part and wherein the third opening extends between the first heel side support and an upwardly extending instep medial side support of the instep-heel part located at a medial side of the article of footwear such that the first heel side support and the upwardly extending instep medial side support are separated and spaced apart from each other by the third opening.