Article of footwear with interchangeable bootie

An article of footwear can receive a bootie. The article can include an upper to receive the bootie. Ball control elements may be provided on the bootie and the ball control elements can extend through the upper. The ball control elements can be configured to aid kicking or to interact with various surfaces. The upper can receive different booties having different ball control elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to articles of footwear, and more particularly, articles of footwear having replaceable booties with ball control elements.

2. Background of the Invention

Many sports require interaction between an athletic shoe upper and another surface. For example, in soccer, rugby, and football, players kick a ball with their foot. The point of contact where the athletic shoe touches the other surface can be referred to as an interaction surface. In addition, in rock climbing, a climber relies on friction from different portions of climbing shoes. In the past, participants in these sports were limited by the shoe they are wearing. Each pair of shoes was limited to have only one type of interaction surface.

Recently, ball control elements have been introduced. Ball control elements can be attached to a shoe to create a shoe that has a modified interaction surface. For example, a soccer style shoe having a ball control element on the foreheel can have a refined kicking performance at the forefoot portion. For example, Japanese Patent Number JP9140402, to Saburo, is directed to an athletic shoe having ball control elements that are placed within the upper, however, the athletic shoe of Saburo only has one set of ball control elements.

Some athletic shoes are designed to receive inserts to accommodate changes in running styles or to replace treads. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,859, to Burke et al. discloses a shoe that receives sole inserts. The sole inserts can be replaced and configured for different running styles, like over-pronation. The inserts extend through holes in the sole, and are inserted from outside the shoe.

SUMMARY

Embodiments can include an article of footwear, including a bootie, a shell configured to receive the bootie, a ball control element provided on the bootie, and a ball control passage defined in the shell, wherein the ball control element is aligned with the ball control passage and wherein the ball control element extends outward from the ball control element passage when the bootie is received in the shell.

In another aspect, the bootie comprises a sole and a foot cover, wherein the foot cover is attached to the sole and configured to receive a foot.

In another aspect, the sole includes at least one tread element provided on a bottom surface of the sole.

In another aspect, the tread element is configured to be associated with an inner surface of the shell.

In another aspect, the sole includes a reinforcement member configured to strengthen the sole.

In another aspect, the sole includes a cushioning member.

In another aspect, the foot cover is configured to at least partially cover the foot.

In another aspect, the bootie is configured to be worn separately from the shell.

In another aspect, the shell includes a shell upper and a shell sole, and wherein the ball control passage is defined in the shell upper.

In another aspect, the article of footwear includes an additional ball control element provided on an outer surface of the shell.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for assembling an article of footwear having a ball control passage defined in an upper of the article, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a bootie from a group of candidate booties, each bootie in the group of candidate booties having a ball control element provided on an outer surface of the bootie; and associating the selected bootie with an interior of the upper so that the ball control element extends through the ball control passage.

In another aspect, the ball control element of at least one bootie in the group of candidate booties includes is configured with characteristics selected from the group consisting of enhanced performance in wet conditions, increased power in kicking, and increased accuracy in kicking.

In another aspect, the method includes selecting a shell from a group of candidate shells, wherein the shell forms the upper of the article of footwear.

In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear comprising a shell having a sole and an upper attached to the sole, a group of booties, a ball control element provided on the booties, a ball control passage provided in the upper to receive the ball control element, wherein each of the booties is configured to be received in the upper and wherein each bootie of the group of booties is manufactured to have a different style of ball control element so that the booties may be interchanged with each other to accommodate different playing conditions.

In another aspect, the sole includes a cleat.

In another aspect, the group of booties includes a bootie having ball control elements configured with characteristics selected from the group consisting of accommodating wet conditions, increasing the power of kicking, increasing the accuracy of kicking, facilitating rock climbing, contacting a football, and contacting a soccer ball.

In another aspect, the article of footwear also includes an additional ball control element provided on the bootie and an additional ball control passage provided in the upper, wherein each ball control element is configured to be associated with a corresponding ball control passage when the bootie is received by shell.

In another aspect, the article of footwear also includes a plurality of lacing elements disposed on the shell, wherein the lacing elements are configured to receive a shoelace for adjusting the fit of the shell.

In another aspect, the shoelace is threaded through the lacing elements to avoid the ball control element.

In another aspect, the shoelace extends between the ball control element and an adjacent ball control element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an article of footwear having interchangeable ball control elements. In particular, ball control elements are provided on a bootie. A user can select among different booties having different ball control elements and the article can receive the different types of booties. Thus, the ball control elements for an article can be easily changed by simply changing the bootie.

FIG. 1is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of footwear100. Referring toFIG. 1, article100preferably includes bootie110and shell120. For clarity, the following detailed description discusses a preferred embodiment, however, it should be kept in mind that the present invention could also take the form of any other kind of footwear including, for example cycling shoes, athletic shoes, climbing shoes, or any other kind of footwear.

Upper130may assume any shape, including varying heights and widths. In some embodiments, upper130can be configured as a low top shoe. Other embodiments of upper130can include high top configurations.

Sole140can preferably include an outer surface configured to contact the ground. In some embodiments, the outer surface can include tread or cleats. Preferably, sole140is configured to support a foot of a user and to bend as the foot moves. Sole140can be constructed from rubber, plastic, leather, or any other suitable material.

Preferably, bootie110is received in shell120. Bootie110is configured to be inserted into shell120. After bootie110is inserted into shell120, a foot can then be inserted into article of footwear100to complete assembled configuration170. In another embodiment, assembled configuration170can be assembled by having the foot first inserted into bootie110, and then the foot and bootie110may be inserted into shell120together. Accordingly, shell120can be configured to have an interior that can receive bootie110and bootie110can have an exterior shape that is complementary to the interior shape of shell120. In other embodiments, bootie110is preferably placed into shell120before article100is placed on the foot.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of bootie200. Referring toFIG. 2, bootie200preferably includes foot cover210and foot pad220. Foot cover210is associated with foot pad220. Foot cover210can be attached to foot pad220by an adhesive, stitching, or any other suitable connection.

Foot cover210and foot pad220are preferably configured to receive a foot. Foot cover210is generally designed to engage a top portion of a foot and foot pad220is generally designed to engage a bottom portion of the foot. In some embodiments, foot cover210preferably covers only a portion of the foot. In other embodiments, foot cover210can cover the entire foot. For example, referring toFIG. 1, bootie110illustrates an embodiment in which bootie110includes upper115that covers and secures a complete circumference of a portion of a foot. In some embodiments, a bootie can use straps, ties, flaps, toe holds, ankle wraps, or any other suitable device to secure the bootie to a foot.

Returning toFIG. 2, foot pad220provides support for a foot. Preferably, foot pad220is sized to correspond with a particular size of foot. Accordingly, foot pad220provides a surface that can accommodate the heel, toes, instep, and ball portion of a particular size of foot.

In some embodiments, bootie200can be configured to be worn as a slipper or sandal when not inserted into a shell. Accordingly, bootie200can be comfortably worn without a shell. For example, an athlete can wear bootie200until game time, or during an intermission, and then insert bootie200into a shell configured to receive bootie200.

In other embodiments, a foot pad portion of a bootie could cover less than the bottom of the foot to be received. For example, in some embodiments, a foot pad may only cover the toes and balls of the foot. Other embodiments may provide support to only a select portion of the bottom of the foot.

FIG. 3is a schematic diagram of bottom230of foot pad220. Bottom230can include provisions to increase comfort and to improve its ability to associate with shell120. Referring toFIG. 3, bottom230preferably includes cushion240, tread250, forefoot tread252, and reinforcement260. In some embodiments, a foot pad may include any combination and arrangement of cushions, tread, or reinforcement.

Cushion240is preferably a cushioning material provided within foot pad220. Cushion240can absorb impacts while bootie200is worn alone or when bootie200is received in a shell, such as shell120ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, cushion240can be provided at any of toe portion212, heel portion214, or balls of the foot216.

In some embodiments, cushion240can have different configurations. For example, in some embodiments, cushion240can extend from bottom230of foot pad220. In other embodiments, cushion240is flush with bottom230and does not extend past bottom230. Additionally, cushion240can be patterned. For example, cushion240can be patterned as a tread formation.

Tread250is preferably an area of foot pad220that can engage either the ground or a bootie. Tread250can be provided at any location on the bottom of foot pad220. For example, forefoot tread252can be provided in toe portion212of bootie200. Tread250can preferably have a tread pattern.

Tread250can preferably allow bootie200to associate more securely with a shell. While inside a shell, tread250can grip the inside surface of the shell to prevent slipping within the shell and limit in-shell movement of bootie200. In some embodiments, the shell can include portions that interact with tread250to further enhance stability of bootie200in the shell.

In addition, tread250can allow bootie200to be worn separately from a shell. Tread250can provide traction on grass, or other surfaces where bootie200may be worn separately from a shell. Tread250can allow the wearer to walk or run securely when wearing only bootie200.

Reinforcement260is preferably provided on edges of foot pad220. Reinforcement260can be located at any portion of foot pad220where extra resiliency may be required. For example, reinforcement260may be provided at a location where foot pad220could rub against the interior of a bootie. Reinforcement260can be constructed of hard plastic, rubber, leather or any other suitable reinforcing material.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of bootie200. Referring toFIG. 4, foot cover210preferably includes a plurality of ball control elements. Bootie200can also include logo224. In particular, the ball control elements can include lace ball control group270. Lace ball control group270, in some embodiments, can include first lace section264, second lace section266, and third lace section268. In other embodiments, more or less lace elements may be provided.

In addition, foot cover210can preferably include medial element280, lateral element284, lateral forefoot element294, and medial forefoot element290. The configuration of ball control elements shown inFIG. 4is merely an example. Depending of the embodiment, bootie200can contain any combination or arrangement of ball control elements. That is, the arrangements of the ball control elements as illustrated should not be read to limit the type, size, shape, or configuration of the ball control elements on a bootie. For example, an article configured for punting footballs may include few, larger ball control elements. In addition, articles configured for rock climbing may have soft or treaded ball control elements provided around the circumference of the article.

Bootie200can also include lace securing portion262. Lace securing portion262can receive a lace between the ball control elements. Lace securing portion262can include first lace section264, second lace section266, and third lace section268. First lace section264can be provided between first ball control element272and second ball control element274. Second lace section266can be provided between second ball control element274and third ball control element276. Additionally, third lace section268can be provided below third ball control element276. Additional lace sections can be provided to receive the shoelace.

In some embodiments, the ball control elements can be disposed in locations where the article of footwear will interact with a surface. For example, in embodiments in which the article is intended to kick balls on the forefoot, larger ball control elements can be placed on the forefoot. In an embodiment directed to rock climbing, control elements for rock climbing can be provided at the tips and sides of the article. In other embodiments of articles directed to soccer-style kicking, ball control elements can be placed on the medial and lateral sides of bootie200.

FIG. 5is an enlarged schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of ball control element500. Referring toFIG. 5, ball control element500can be associated to bootie510. Preferably, ball control element500includes ball control surface520. Ball control surface520is preferably provided on an outer portion of ball control element500. Ball control surface520has a predetermined property to interact with a surface in a predetermined manner. Ball control element500should be understood to illustrate a generic example of a ball control element. Accordingly, ball control element500can be formed in any desired shape or size and can have any desired surface. For example, a ball control element can have a hard surface to improve kicking power or a ball control element can have a softer stickier surface to improve kick accuracy.

Preferably, the surface that ball control surface520interacts with is the surface of a ball. In some embodiments, ball control surface520can be configured to tightly grip or otherwise interact with a known surface of a type of ball, such as a soccer ball. In other embodiments, the ball can be another type of ball, for example, a football. In other embodiments, ball control surface520is configured to interact with another type of object. For example, ball control surface520can be configured to interact with a rock surface in a rock climbing embodiment.

Preferably, ball control element500can be selected based on a number of factors. For example, ball control element500can be selected based on the ball control quality of ball control surface520. In some embodiments, ball control surface520is configured to provide a tight grip to a ball. In other embodiments, ball control surface520is configured to have a slippery interaction with a ball. In other embodiments, ball control surface520is selected based on how well ball control surface interacts with a ball in a wet environment.

In some embodiments, ball control element500can be harder to provide more power to a kick. In other embodiments, ball control element500can be configured to provide a kicker with more accuracy. In other embodiments, such as in rock climbing, ball control element500can be configured to have a predetermined grip. In addition, in some embodiments, ball control surface520can be configured to have a rough tread surface.

In addition, in some embodiments, ball control element500can be selected on a basis of size. For example, ball control element500can be designed to extend from a corresponding shell. In other example, ball control element is selected to be flush with a corresponding shell. In some embodiments, ball control element500has a large size to provide a large contact area while in other embodiments, a smaller contact area is desired.

FIG. 6is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of article610. Referring toFIG. 6, article610is configured to receive a bootie, for example bootie200ofFIG. 2. Similar to shell120ofFIG. 1, article610preferably includes upper618and sole640. Preferably, article610includes provisions to accommodate one or more ball control element. That is, article610can preferably receive a bootie having ball control elements, and article610preferably exposes the ball control elements.

As shown inFIG. 6, the ball control element provisions can include ball control passages defined in upper618. The ball control passages can include medial ball control passage680that is preferably provided in the medial side614of article610. Lateral ball control passage684is preferably provided in the lateral side612of article610. Medial forefoot passage690and lateral forefoot passage694are each preferably provided in the front portion616of article610.

Article610preferably includes lace element group620. Lace element group620is preferably configured to receive and direct shoelace650around the ball control elements on the bootie to be received. In some embodiments, lace element group can preferably be configured to receive first ball control element272, second ball control element274, and third ball control element276of bootie200ofFIG. 2between shoelace650. In a preferred embodiment, a lace element group can be arranged depending on the bootie configuration.

In some embodiments, lace element group620preferably includes first portion622and second portion624. Shoelace650preferably extends from between first portion622and second portion624to extend to both sides of lace element group620. First portion622preferably directs shoelace650to third portion626and second portion624preferably directs shoelace650to fourth portion628. In some embodiments, the lace portions can direct shoelace650straight across element group620while in other embodiments, the lace portions can direct shoelace650any direction, including vertically, horizontally, and diagonally.

Shoelace650emerges from third portion626and can preferably extend diagonally across lace element group620to sixth portion632. Shoelace also emerges from fourth portion628and can preferably extend to fifth portion630. Shoelace650then extends from fifth portion630and can preferably first shoelace hole634. Shoelace650can preferably extend from sixth portion632to second shoelace hole636. Shoelace650emerges from first hole634and second hole636and may then be tied.

First portion622, second portion624, third portion626, fourth portion628, fifth portion630, and sixth portion632of lace element group620can each be configured to guide shoelace650around a received ball control element.

Depending on the embodiment, lace element group620can contain any combination or arrangement of lace portions. That is, the arrangement of the lace portions as illustrated should not be read to limit the type, size, shape, or configuration of the lace portions of a lace control group on a shell. Preferably, a lace control group is configured to guide a shoelace around or between ball control elements provided on the tongue of a bootie. Accordingly, lace portions preferably guide the shoelace vertically over a corresponding ball control element.

FIG. 7is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of top surface700of sole640. Referring toFIG. 7, top surface700is preferably configured to receive foot pad220of bootie200. Sole640preferably includes forefoot contact portion710and heel contact portion720. Referring to FIGS.2and7, forefoot contact portion710and heel contact portion720can associate with the bottom surface of foot pad220to stabilize bootie200in article610. In particular, heel contact portion720can associate with tread250of bootie200. Forefoot contact portion710can associate with cushion240of bootie200.

Returning toFIG. 7, top surface700can be configured to receive any desired bootie embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, forefoot contact portion710and heel contact portion720can associate with a food pad of a received bootie in a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, forefoot contact portion710and heel contact portion720can be configured as indentations in sole640. In other embodiments, forefoot contact portion710and heel contact portion720can have tread portions that match the tread or cushion of a received bootie. Alternatively, in some embodiments, forefoot contact portion710and heel contact portion720can extend from sole640to be received by a foot pad of the received bootie.

FIG. 8is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of article610after assembly. Referring toFIG. 8, first ball control element272preferably corresponds to first portion622and second portion624; second ball control element274preferably corresponds to third portion626and fourth portion628; third ball control element276preferably corresponds to fifth portion630and sixth portion632; lateral element284preferably corresponds to lateral ball control passage684; and medial element280preferably corresponds to medial ball control passage680. In addition, medial forefoot element290preferably corresponds to medial forefoot passage690and lateral forefoot element294preferably corresponds to lateral forefoot passage694.

When assembled, article610preferably has ball control elements projecting from upper618. Preferably, first ball control element272extends from between fifth portion630and sixth portion632; second ball control element274extends from between third portion626and fourth portion628; third ball control element276extends from between first portion622and second portion624; lateral element284extends from lateral ball control passage684; medial element280extends from medial ball control passage680; medial forefoot element290extends from medial forefoot passage690; and lateral forefoot element294extends from lateral forefoot passage694.

Article610can have any combination or arrangement of ball control elements protruding through upper618and should not be read as being limited to the illustrated arrangement. Accordingly, different embodiments of article610can have different arrangements of the ball control passages and the ball control elements. For example, one embodiment can have an article of footwear with ball control elements only provided on the lace area of the bootie. In another example, an embodiment can include an article having only medial ball control elements. Preferably, ball control elements are provided at portions of the upper that may contact another surface.

Preferably, a user can select a particular bootie from a number of available candidate booties. Preferably, all of the candidate booties of a particular size, or range of sizes, are configured to associate with a corresponding shell of a matching size. In other words, a shell of a particular size is configured to receive multiple candidate booties of a compatible size. Each bootie can be selected by the user according to the type of ball control elements on the bootie. For example, some ball control elements can have a greater stickiness to work with a certain type of ball. Other ball control elements can be preferably used in different types of weather. For example, a user can have a choice between a dry-use bootie, a wet-use bootie, and a mud bootie.

In addition to different ball control elements, different booties can preferably have different structural properties to allow for foot size differences. For example, if a user chooses a size 10 article, the user may find the fit too loose. The user can then use a bootie that has a thicker foot cover to compensate. Likewise, an article that is too tight can receive a bootie having a thinner foot cover. Thus, an individual article can receive different booties to have a different fit for a user.

Other structural differences can include the amount of foot covered. For example, foot cover210ofFIG. 2may only cover a top or toe portion of a foot. Other embodiments can include booties that surround the foot. A bootie that surrounds the foot can provide more area for ball control elements. In addition, a full foot bootie can keep the foot warm or dry, depending on the embodiment.

In addition to different bootie embodiments, the user can select from different embodiments of shells. In various embodiments, the user may desire a shell having large cleats, small cleats, or any other arrangement of cleats. In addition, some embodiments can have booties with high tops or low tops. In another embodiment, a shell may be provided that is light weight. Accordingly, the user can ultimately select an article of footwear from both a bootie and a shell.

FIG. 9is a diagram of a preferred embodiment of article900. Referring toFIG. 9, article900includes bootie810and shell910. Shell910preferably includes upper912and sole914. Shell910includes first forefoot ball control element960and second forefoot ball control element962. In addition, lace area950is provided on upper912. In other embodiments, shell910can include any arrangements of ball control elements.

In addition, bootie810can include lateral ball control element820, medial ball control element824, first lace ball control element830, second lace ball control element832, third lace ball control element834, and fourth lace ball control element836. In other embodiments, however, bootie can include any arrangement of ball control elements.

Bootie810preferably includes tongue850. In some embodiments, first lace ball control element830, second lace ball control element832, third lace ball control element834, and fourth lace ball control element836can be provided on tongue850. In addition, lace receiving element838can be provided on tongue850to receive shoelace970.

In addition, bootie810can include logo860provided on footpad870. Similar to bootie200ofFIG. 2, bootie810may include any of a cushion, reinforcement, and tread on a bottom of footpad870.

First forefoot ball control element960and second forefoot ball control element962can be provided on forefoot portion940of shell910. First forefoot ball control element960and second forefoot ball control element962can be permanently attached to shell910. In other embodiments, first forefoot ball control element960and second forefoot ball control element962can be removable. In addition, shell910can include lateral ball control passage920through can receive lateral ball control element820; medial ball control passage924which can receive medial ball control element824; first lace portion930which can receive first lace ball control element830; second lace portion932which can receive second lace ball control element832; third lace portion934which can receive third lace ball control element834; and fourth lace portion936which can receive fourth lace ball control element836. That is, shell910can be configured to direct shoelace970around ball control elements on a received bootie. Different embodiments of article900can receive any number of different booties to possess different types of lateral, medial and lace ball control elements.

Assembled article916includes bootie810associated with shell910. As can be observed, the ball control elements of bootie810extend through shell910. Shoelace970is illustrated as being received in lace receiving element838. In some embodiments, however, lace receiving element838may not be employed to allow for faster removal of a bootie from a shell.

While a complete article of footwear or a shell may be expensive, sets of booties can be considerably cheaper. Therefore, the intended user need only purchase one shell, and may then purchase many different bootie sets. Different bootie sets allows the user a wide range of variations in fit and ball control element styles by wearing different booties with a shell. Additionally, because changing from one bootie set to another bootie set is easy, the user can change article characteristics at any time. For example, if rain develops just before a game begins, the user of the article can easily switch from a dry weather bootie to a wet weather bootie.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of ball control element1110. Referring toFIG. 10, ball control element1110is provided on bootie1130. Ball control element1110is shown as being received in shell1120. Outer surface of ball control element is preferably flush with the outer surface of shell1120.

FIG. 11is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of ball control element1210. Referring toFIG. 11, ball control element1210is provided on bootie1230. Ball control element1210is shown as being received in bootie1220. Outer surface of ball control element preferably extends outward from the outer surface of bootie1220.

FIG. 12is a diagram of a system of selecting an article of footwear according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG. 12, a user can select from several different elements to create a custom article of footwear. As can be observed, the user can choose from first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, or fourth bootie1040. However, any number of different booties can be available for the user to choose.

Each of first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, and fourth bootie1040can have different arrangements and properties. For example, according to an embodiment, first bootie1010can have dry weather ball control elements. On the other hand, the user can select second bootie1020because second bootie1020is an embodiment having ball control elements designed for wet weather. It can also be observed that first and second bootie1010and1020have a partial foot cover.

On the other hand, the user may also choose from the styles of third bootie1030and fourth bootie1040. Third bootie1030and fourth bootie1040both have full covered foot areas. In one embodiment, third bootie1030can be water proof and have wet weather capable ball control elements. Similarly, fourth bootie1040can be thicker to create a snugger fit. Fourth bootie1040can also have dry weather ball control elements.

In some embodiments, a system of selecting an article of footwear can include different provisions to cushion a foot. For example, in some embodiments, different booties may include cushion portions. The configuration of a cushioning portion for a bootie can depend on an intended playing condition. In some embodiments, a dry weather bootie may have more cushioning than a wet weather embodiment. Preferably, a dry weather bootie such as first bootie1010can include a cushion portion, for example cushion240ofFIG. 3. Preferably, a wet weather bootie such as third bootie1030has no cushioning element.

First shell1050and second shell1060are preferably configured to associate first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, and fourth bootie1040. Preferably, first shell1050and second shell1060have ball control element receiving portions that correspond to ball control elements on first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, and fourth bootie1040. Accordingly, the user can choose from either of first shell1050and second shell1060into which any of first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, and fourth bootie1040can be inserted and worn.

In addition, first shell1050can be an embodiment having large cleats that are spaced apart while second shell1060has smaller cleats that are spaced closer together. It can also be observed that second shell1060is a high top model while first shell1050is a low top model.

Different combinations of first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, or fourth bootie1040and first shell1050or second shell1060can be associated to create different articles of footwear. It can be observed that third bootie1030and first shell1050have been joined to create article1070. Accordingly, article1070has a large cleats and a full foot cover area with dry weather ball control elements.

However, it can be understood that in a preferred embodiment, the user can have many more options available. The options can include many different styles of booties and shells.

FIG. 13is an illustration of a preferred embodiment of a retail system. Referring toFIG. 13, shells1310are sold simultaneously sold with booties1320. In this embodiment, the retail system is a wall section. In a preferred embodiment, this wall would be a portion of a sneaker section in a store. Shells1310and booties1320are shown generically inFIG. 13only for the purpose of illustration. In some embodiments, these shells and booties can be different styles, colors, and arrangements of ball control elements.

In addition, in a preferred embodiment, shells1310can be prepackaged in boxes1330. Boxes1330can contain a set of shells that are marked for shoes size, cleat or tread style, and footwear style, such as hightops or running shoes. Shells1310are illustrated as being sold in boxes1330, however shells1310can be sold in any style, packaging, or manner desired.

Packages of booties1320can be sold along side boxes1330.FIG. 13illustrates an example in which booties1320are sold in plastic hanging packages. For example, booties could be sold in packages, including wet bootie packages1340, power shoe bootie packages1342, and dry use bootie packages1344. However, booties1320can be sold in any arrangement or packaging desired. The retail wall system ofFIG. 13allows the user to easily purchase different shell styles and their respective booties.

Using a retail system, a user could select a shell and select booties from a group of candidate bootie sets that have been prepackaged. By associating a bootie of the selected bootie candidate group with a selected shell, the user has a modified article of footwear to provide varying degrees of fit, appearance, and ball control.

In some situations, it may be preferable for a user to purchase multiple pre-packaged bootie sets at one time. Using a retail system, such as the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, a user could purchase two different shells1310and two different booties1320. This purchase would provide the user with four different variations in the type of article of footwear that could be obtained through the interchange of booties1320and shells1310.

Referring toFIGS. 12 and 13, a user can be likewise be presented with a retail system where first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, or fourth bootie1040can be presented in wet bootie packages1340, power shoe bootie packages1342, and dry use bootie packages1344and first shell1050and second shell1060are presented in boxes1330. In a retail system having four bootie styles and two shell styles, the user is provided with eight different variations of an article of footwear without the expense of purchasing eight different articles of footwear.

In addition, in another embodiment of the retail system, first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, or fourth bootie1040can be sold having different appearances. By selecting different booties, the user may change the appearance of completed article of footwear1070. For example, each of first bootie1010, second bootie1020, third bootie1030, or fourth bootie1040can have different colors, patterns, logos, or customized appearances. Similarly, in some embodiments, shells may also be provided that have different appearances.

In some embodiments, a retail system can include provisions to customize an article of footwear or a bootie. For example, in some embodiments, a customized appearance article may be selected from a website. A customer may select custom colors, writing, control element, stitching, and patterns to be provided on a custom article of footwear or bootie. For example, commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/721,445, filed Nov. 11, 2000, describes a custom fit system.

In some embodiments, a retail system may include provisions to retrieve either of a custom article of footwear or bootie. For example, a customer's foot may be measured. The customer's measurements can then be stored in a database. The customer can then purchase a custom fit or preferred fit article of footwear by accessing the database. For example, a customer's preferred fit may be provided on a portable storage device or access card. For example, a customer may simply access an account on a website. Preferably, a customer may simply provide an ID card at retail location to receive custom fit or preferred fit articles of footwear and booties. Commonly assigned U.S. patent publication 2007/003750, filed on Aug. 12, 2005, published on Feb. 15, 2007, describes an online retail system and a customer database. The methods and systems described in the two prior applications could be adapted for use with embodiments of the retail system and articles of footwear and booties described above. U.S. patent publication 2007/003750 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/721,445 are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention will help a user to control the interaction of an article of footwear with surfaces. A user can change booties to change the surface interaction quality of the article. In addition, an article of footwear can be provided with a number of compatible booties to change the fit, feel, appearance, and behavior of the article. Thus, the present invention provides an elegant solution by allowing an article of footwear to have many different qualities at a lower cost than purchasing separate articles of footwear.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that may more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention.