Patent ID: 7607241
Filing Date: 2009-10-27
Classification: A43B

Abstract:
1. An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure engaged with the upper, the sole structure comprising: a connecting portion positioned adjacent the upper and extending along a longitudinal length of the upper; a plurality of sole elements extending away from the connecting portion, the sole elements each defining an end surface, and the sole elements being separated by a plurality of grooves that extend in a direction from the end surface and into the sole structure toward the connecting portion; and an outsole located within the grooves and extending between the sole elements, an exterior portion of the outsole extending beyond the end surfaces of the sole elements to form at least a portion of a ground-contacting surface of the sole structure, a gap being formed in an upper portion of the grooves above the outsole, the outsole defining a plurality of apertures that extend around the sole elements.