Patent ID: 7627963
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear having lateral and medial sides, said article comprising: an upper including a sole unit attached to said upper underneath said insole, said sole including (1) a cushioning midsole, (2) a ground engaging outsole, wherein said cushioning midsole is layered between said ground engaging outsole and said insole, and (3) an expansion element for lateral expansion, said expansion element disposed longitudinally along said sole unit so as to align with said expansion portion of said insole portion, and said midsole includes a longitudinal split to accommodate said expansion element; wherein said expansion portion and said expansion element have a retracted static condition to provide a narrower width to said article of footwear, and have an expanded, adjustment condition to provide a wider width and an increased internal volume to said article of footwear to cooperatively provide dynamic width adjustment.