Abstract:
A midsole for an article of footwear is strategically incised or scored to produce various straight and arcuate lines. Straight lines are integrated widthwise between edges on an arch side on an outer side. Arcuate lines are integrated into various places at the top of a toe portion, with at least one extending down through a midpoint in a heel portion. The latter arcuate line maintains curvatures that parallel curvatures on the outer side at some places and the arch side at other places. Also crossing at the midpoint in the heel portion are intersecting lines.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14/206,400, filed Mar. 12, 2014, and titled “Flexible Sole and Upper for an Article of Footwear” and having attorney docket number NIKE.194569, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/789,201, filed Mar. 15, 2013, titled “Flexible Sole And Upper For An Article Of Footwear” and having attorney docket number NIKE.162496. Each of these identified applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Footwear, such as shoes, nearly all include a sole for support that may be made of rubber, foam, or some other material. While offering support and comfort to people&#39;s feet, soles themselves are usually somewhat rigid for various reasons. For one, the sole must support a person&#39;s foot when walking and running across different surfaces that are not always even. Hiking, for example, challenges people to move across uneven wilderness that can require a person to climb hills, scale rocks, or otherwise move across uneven surfaces, none of which present perfectly flat surfaces for the sole of a shoe to land. Even activities as simple are running or walking often present terrain that is uneven, inclined, or declined in some manner. When a foot hits nonlevel surfaces, different areas of the foot absorb more force than others. So shoe soles must be flexible enough to fit feet contorting in different ways on nonlevel surfaces. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Instead, it is provided to explain several different examples of the present invention, but not all examples possible. Thus, this summary should not be relied on to limit claimed subject matter. 
         [0004]    One aspect of the invention is directed to a shoe sole that includes various sipes (e.g., cut lines) are strategically integrated into the top and bottom surfaces of the midsole to provide flexibility in different directions. Further, it is contemplated that a plurality of sipes on the top surface are substantially parallel with a plurality of sipes on the bottom surface. Further yet, it is contemplated that the parallel sipes on the top surface are offset from the sipes on the bottom surface in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction that the sipes extend. Further yet, it is contemplated that an outsole having channels extending in a direction substantially parallel with those of the bottom sipes is also incorporated in aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  illustrates a bottom view of a sole with strategically cut lines in the bottom in accordance with one example of the present invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom view of a sole with strategically cut lines in accordance with an example of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of a sole with strategically cut lines in accordance with an example of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of a sole affixed to an outsole in accordance to one example of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of an outsole affixed to a sole strategically cut with various lines in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of an outsole affixed to a sole with a shoe also attached and stretched to curl the toe and heel portions upwards in accordance with one example of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  depicts a superior (i.e., top) surface perspective of an exemplary midsole of a sole, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  depicts an inferior (i.e., bottom) perspective of an outsole of the sole, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  depicts a lateral view of the sole, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  depicts a medial view of the sole, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  depicts a toe-end view of the sole, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  depicts a heel-end view of the sole, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  depicts an inferior surface of the midsole, in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  depicts a cross-sectional view along cutline  13 - 13  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  depicts a cross-sectional view along cutline  14 - 14  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  depicts a cross-sectional view along cutline  15 - 15  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  depicts a cross-sectional view along cutline  16 - 16  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  depicts a cross-sectional view along cutline  17 - 17  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  depicts the focus region  18  of  FIG. 17  along cutline  17 - 17  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  depicts the focus region  19  of  FIG. 17  along cutline  17 - 17  of the sole depicted in  FIG. 6 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  depicts an article of footwear incorporating dynamic elements, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    The subject matter described herein is presented with specificity to meet statutory requirements. The description herein, however, is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Instead, it is contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
         [0028]    In general, the present invention is directed toward a shoe sole (referred to herein as simply a “sole”) with various line segments cut (including scored, formed, or otherwise integrated therein) into a bottom and/or top surface of the sole. In particular, a midsole portion may be comprised of the one or more various line segments on a top and/or bottom surface of the midsole. The lines (e.g., channels, grooves, recess, cuts) are integrated into the sole for better flexibility and reduced weight across one or more portions of the sole. In one example, lateral (arch side toward an outer side) lines are integrated across the sole from side to side so that the heel and toe portions of the sole can more easily bend upwardly (e.g., top side) away from each other. Other examples include parallel-running, arcuately integrated lines in the upper toe portion of the sole and an arcuately integrated line running from a top edge of the toe portion to a bottom edge of the heel portion of the sole. Additionally, some examples may include lines integrated into the heel portion in a crisscross or pinwheel manner. 
         [0029]    Before proceeding, some terminology should be clarified. “Soles,” as discussed herein, refer to midsole portion of footwear, e.g., the portion of a shoe between an insole and an outsole. One skilled in the art will understand that an insole is the interior bottom of a shoe that sits directly beneath a person&#39;s foot under the footbed (commonly known as the sock liner), in an exemplary aspect. An insole may attach to a lasting margin of a shoe&#39;s upper that is wrapped around the last during the closing of the shoe during a lasting operation. Insoles can be made from cellulosic paper board, synthetic nonwoven insole board, or the like. 
         [0030]    To add extra cushioning, a sole—which, again, is commonly known as the midsole—is often added underneath the insole for comfort; to control the shape, moisture, or smell of a shoe; or for health reasons like dealing with defects in the natural shape of the foot or positioning of the foot during standing, walking, running, etc. Soles may be made or integrated from foam, foam-cushioning sheets, latex, ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), polyurethane, plastic, thermoplastic, or a blend thereof. Soles may not be made entirely from one type of material, in an exemplary aspect. For instance, soles may comprise air or gel pockets for support and/or steel or plastic toes for protection. Other variations are also possible and will generally be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
         [0031]    Connected to the bottoms of soles are “outsoles,” which are layers of a shoe made for directly contacting the ground. Dress shoes often have leather or resin rubber outsoles, and casual or athletic shoes usually have outsoles made from natural rubber, plastic, or synthetic material like polyurethane. The outsole may comprise a single piece of material or may be an assembly of separate pieces of different materials. Additionally, outsoles may include different fixtures for various purposes, such as cleats for athletics, high heels or wood for fashion, tread, or the like. In particular, tread may be formed on outsoles in patterns to maximize gripping. For example, the tread of an outsole may include raised portions in circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other types of patterns. Examples of such patterns are shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed in greater length below. 
         [0032]    Lines are integrated, cut, formed, and/or scored into soles according to the patterns and examples described herein. Integrated lines need not be discussed at length herein, as one skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that numerous machines and processes may be used to effectively integrate lines into a sole. Such integration may be performed by hand, by machine, and/or by either. For example, a conveyor may introduce soles to a laser cutting device that is computer controlled to integrate a specific patterns of lines. Or perhaps a worker may position soles underneath a cutting device and manually force the device to integrated or score the soles. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a bottom view of a sole with strategically integrated lines in the bottom in accordance with one example of the present invention. Sole  100  includes at least two portions: toe portion  102  and heel portion  104 . Toe portion  102  covers the anterior (e.g., toe end) half of sole  100  including the region designed to support a person&#39;s toes. Heel portion  104  covers the posterior half (e.g., heel end) of sole  100  including the region designed to support a person&#39;s heel. Sole  100  also includes two sides referred to herein as an arch side  106  (e.g., a medial side) and outer side  108  (e.g., a lateral side). Arch side  106  includes the edge of a sole  100  closest to a person&#39;s arch. Outer side  108  includes the opposite edge of sole  100 , the one away from the person&#39;s arch. 
         [0034]    Sole  100  includes several strategically integrated lines running across different portions and sides. Lateral lines  110  run widthwise from arch side  106  to outer side  108  in the toe portion  102  and/or heel portion  104 . Lateral lines, in this example, are spaced evenly between one another. While not shown, some examples of the present invention may actually space lateral lines  110  in a manner that edges are closer together in the middle of arch side  106  and further apart in the upper region of outer side  108  to accommodate spacing around smaller and larger curves. In an actual shoe, lateral lines  110  may provide sole  100  greater flexibility for curling the shoe&#39;s heel and/or toe regions. Further, it is contemplated that the spacing, size, shape, and location of one or more lines may be different from those depicted herein. 
         [0035]    Looking at toe portion  102 , five lines are integrated extending from a forward toe edge of toe portion  102 . The four rightmost arcuate lines (inner lines  112  and longer line  114 ) are parallel to one another and also substantially parallel to the curvature of outer side  108  in the same region of toe portion  102 . Extending toward heel portion  104 , inner lines  112  terminate at one lateral line  110 , and the longer line  114  terminates at a more-healwardly lateral line  110 . 
         [0036]    Both inner lines  112  and longer line  114  also traverse several lateral lines  110 . It is contemplated that alternative lengths and combinations of lines may be implemented in accordance with aspects of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Lengthwise line  116  is next to longer line  114  and spans—across lateral lines  110 —across both toe portion  102  and heel portion  104 , extending from the toe edge and a heel edges of each portion, respectively. Lengthwise line  116  mimics and is substantially parallel to the curvature of outer side  108  in toe portion  102 . As lengthwise line  116  extends into the heel portion  104 , lengthwise line  116  includes a curvature in the opposite direction, i.e., curving to mimic and substantially parallel the curvature of arch side  106 . 
         [0038]    Intersecting lines  118  and  120  traverse several lateral lines  110  so as to cross at a midpoint  122 , which lengthwise line  116  also crosses. Intersecting lines  118  and  120  run diagonally between arch side  106  and outer side  108  in opposite directions. Intersecting line  118  runs from an upper region of arch side  106  to a lower region of outer side  108 . Conversely, intersecting line  120  runs from an upper region of outer side  108  to a lower region of arch side  106 . 
         [0039]    Sole  100  merely illustrates a single example of the present invention. Alternative examples may include additional lines or exclude some of the lines shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, the present invention may include a different number of lateral lines  110 , inner lines  112 , longer lines  114 , lengthwise lines  116 , or intersecting lines  118  and  120  than the number of each depicted. Likewise, different examples will include different numbers of spacing between the lines shown in sole  100 . The different variations number far too many to list herein, but it should be noted that various examples of the present invention may include different placements and numbers of strategically integrated lines. 
         [0040]    Not only do lateral lines  110  add flexibility so that sole  100  can better curl upward in the toe and heel portions, inner lines  112 , longer line  114 , and lengthwise line  116  increase flexibility of sole  100  widthwise, meaning arch side  106  and outer side  108  can more easily curl upward. Also, intersecting lines  118  and  120  work with lengthwise line  116  to increase flexibility downward in heel portion  104 , allowing easier receipt and cushion of a person&#39;s heel. These are merely some of the benefits produced by the strategic lines to sole  100 , and are listed here merely for explanatory purposes. The described benefits are by no means an exhaustive list and should not be used to limit claimed examples of the present invention to any particular benefit. 
         [0041]      FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom view of a sole with strategically integrated lines in accordance with an example of the present invention. Sole  200  includes two portions: toe portion  202  and heel portion  204 . Toe portion  202  covers the anterior half of sole  100  including the region designed to support a person&#39;s toes. Heel portion  204  covers the posterior half of sole  200  including the region designed to support a person&#39;s heel. Sole  200  also includes two sides referred to herein as an arch side  206  (i.e., medial) and outer side  208  (i.e., lateral). Arch side  206  includes the edge of sole  200  closest to a person&#39;s arch. Outer side  208  includes the opposite edge of sole  200 , the one away from the person&#39;s arch. 
         [0042]    Sole  200  includes several strategically integrated lines running across different portions and sides. Lateral lines  210  run widthwise from arch side  206  to outer side  208  in either toe portion  202  or heel portion  204 . Lateral lines are spaced evenly between one another. While not shown, some examples of the present invention may actually space lateral lines  210  in a manner that edges are closer together in the middle of arch side  206  and further apart in the upper region of outer side  208  to accommodate spacing around smaller and larger curves. In an actual shoe, lateral lines  210  give sole  200  greater flexibility for curling the shoe&#39;s heel and/or toes. 
         [0043]    Looking at toe portion  202 , five lines are integrated to end at the top of toe portion  202 . The four rightmost arcuate lines (inner lines  212  and longer line  214 ) are parallel to one another and also parallel the curvature of outer side  208  in the same region of toe portion  202 . Flowing toward heel portion  204 , inner lines  212  stop at one lateral line  210 , and longer line  214  stops at the next successive lateral line  210 . Both inner lines  212  and longer line  214  also traverse several lateral lines  210 . 
         [0044]    Lengthwise line  216  lies next to longer line  214  and spans—across lateral lines  210 —into both toe portion  202  and heel portion  204 , touching top and bottom edges of each portion, respectively. Lengthwise line  216  mimics and parallels the curvature of outer side  208  in toe portion  202 . As lengthwise line  216  runs into heel portion  204 , lengthwise line  216  includes a curvature in the opposite direction, i.e., curving to mimic and parallel the curvature of arch side  206 . 
         [0045]    Sole  200  merely illustrates a single example of the present invention. Alternative examples may include additional lines or exclude some of the lines shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, the present invention may include a different number of lateral lines  210 , inner lines  212 , longer lines  214 , or lengthwise lines  216  than the number of each depicted. Likewise, different examples will include different numbers of spacing between the lines shown in sole  100 . The different variations number far too many to list herein, but it should be noted that various examples of the present invention may include different placements and numbers of strategically integrated lines. 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of a sole with strategically integrated lines in accordance with an example of the present invention. Sole  300  includes two portions: toe portion  302  and heel portion  304 . Toe portion  302  covers the top half of sole  300  including the region designed to support a person&#39;s toes. Heel portion  304  covers the bottom half of sole  300  including the region designed to support a person&#39;s heel. Sole  300  also includes two sides referred to herein as an arch side  306  and outer side  308 . Arch side  306  includes the edge of sole  300  closest to a person&#39;s arch. Outer side  308  includes the opposite edge of sole  300 , the one away from the person&#39;s arch. 
         [0047]    Sole  300  includes several strategically integrated lines running across different portions and sides. Lateral lines  310  run widthwise from arch side  306  to outer side  308  in either toe portion  302  or heel portion  304 . Lateral lines are spaced evenly between one another. While not shown, some examples of the present invention may actually space lateral lines  310  in a manner that edges are closer together in the middle of arch side  306  and further apart in upper region of outer side  308  to accommodate spacing around smaller and larger curves. In an actual shoe, lateral lines  310  give sole  300  greater flexibility for curling the shoe&#39;s heel and/or toes. 
         [0048]    Intersecting lines  312  and  314  traverse several lateral lines  310  so as to cross at midpoint  316 . Intersecting lines  312  and  314  run diagonally between arch side  306  and outer side  308  in opposite directions. Intersecting line  312  runs from an upper region of arch side  306  to a lower region of outer side  308 . Conversely, intersecting line  314  runs from an upper region of outer side  308  to a lower region of arch side  306 . 
         [0049]    Sole  300  merely illustrates a single example of the present invention. Alternative examples may include additional lines or exclude some of the lines shown in  FIG. 3 . Thus, the present invention may include a different number of lateral lines  310  and intersecting lines  312  and  314  than the number of each depicted. Likewise, different examples will include different numbers of spacing between the lines shown in sole  300 . The different variations number far too many to list herein, but it should be noted that various examples of the present invention may include different placements and numbers of strategically integrated lines. 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of a sole affixed to an outsole in accordance to one example of the present invention. Sole  400  is connected to outsole  402  by adhesive, gluing, sewing, fusion, or other technique for affixing outsoles to midsoles. Several types of integrated lines are included into an inferior surface of sole  400 , which is then coupled to outsole  402  at a superior surface of the outsole  402 . The lines of the inferior surface of the sole  400  include, but are not limited to: lateral lines  404 , inner lines  406 , longer line  408 , lengthwise line  410 , and intersecting lines  412  and  414 . Each line runs across the inferior surface of sole  400  in a manner similar to the lines depicted in  FIG. 1 . Alternative line patterns may be used in other examples, such as, for example, those illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0051]    Outsole  402  includes treads  416  on an inferior surface, which are pictured as raised hexagonal shapes. Other examples will include different patterns or shapes of treads. For instance, treads need not be symmetrically positioned across outsole  402 ; instead, treads  416  may be positioned in an asymmetrical manner. Along the same lines, treads  416  may need to be positioned around other outsole features like cleats, plates, high heels, or the like. Treads  416  themselves may alternatively be formed as circles, triangles, rectangles, pentagons, octagons, or other shapes. In some examples, treads  416  may be inverted instead of raised or combinations of the two (inverted and raised) may be incorporated into outsole  402 . 
         [0052]    The integration of the outsole  402  with the sole  400  may provide one or more advantages. For example, the outsole  402  may be formed from a thin elastic material, such as a thermo/elastic polymer, that prevents one or more foreign objects from lodging or otherwise impaling the sole  400 . In particular, the outsole  402  may be effective from allowing an object (e.g., rocks, stones, stick, mud) from being wedged and maintained between portions of the sole formed by the lines. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of an outsole affixed to a sole strategically integrated with various lines in accordance with one example of the present invention. Sole  500  may be attached to outsole  502  using any of the aforementioned techniques (e.g., adhesion, gluing, sewing, fusion, etc.). Outsole  502  includes a pattern of outwardly extending treads  504 , and sole  500  includes several integrated lines  506  that may include any of the lateral, inner, longer, lengthwise, or intersecting lines discussed herein, all of which are shown to be integrated into sole  500  to a certain depth (e.g., 0.5 mm). Any of the patterns of lines discussed herein may be used. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a side view of outsole  502  affixed to sole  500  with a shoe  508  also attached and stretched to curl the toe and heel portions upward in accordance with one example of the present invention. As depicted, shoe  500  can easily stretch farther because lines  506  open fuller (e.g., the width between a first wall and a second wall of a line increases with the articulation of the sole) the farther shoe  508  stretches. While not shown, arcuate lines in sole  500  may also stretch to open fuller when different movements or pressures are put on sole  500 . For example, a heel portion of sole  500  may depress further than normal in a middle region when a person&#39;s heel is in shoe  508 , or perhaps when the person plants the heel firmly on sole  500 . Or, in another example, a runner may get extra widthwise flexibility in shoe  508  on the balls of the runner&#39;s feet when the runner shifts laterally due to arcuate inner lines and/or one or more longer and lengthwise line. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 6-20  depict an exemplary aspect of a dynamic shoe having the ability to adapt and move with a changing anatomy of a foot when in an as-worn position. In particular, the components of the footwear to be discussed hereinafter work in a harmonious manner to provide the freedom of movement desired. For example, the outsole, the midsole, and the strobel (in an exemplary aspect) are formed, sized, and assembled in a manner such that each compliments the motion and movement desired for the assembly as a whole. As will be illustrated and discussed, features of each component may be positioned, oriented, sized, and used in combination to achieve a holistic result of a flexible adaptable shoe and shoe sole. 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  depicts a superior (i.e., top) surface perspective of an exemplary midsole  601  of a sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The midsole  601  is comprised of a toe end  602 , an opposite heel end  606 , a medial side  608 , and an opposite lateral side  604 . As previously discussed, the superior surface of a sole is the traditional top side of that sole. For example, a traditional strobel (or insole) contact the superior surface of a midsole while an outsole contacts the tradition inferior surface of a midsole. 
         [0057]    The midsole  601  is comprised of a plurality of sipes (e.g., cuts, channels, gouges, recesses, lines). A sipe may be formed during a molding process of the article or as a post process application, such as application of a knife or laser to form the one or more sipes in one or more surfaces of the midsole  601 . The sipes of the midsole  601 , in this example, are arranged with a first grouping in a substantially parallel orientation to one another that generally extend from a medial-toewardly direction towards a lateral-heelwardly direction. A second grouping of side integrated into the midsole  601  superior surface are arranged in a substantially parallel orientation to one another that generally extend from a lateral-toewardly direction towards a medial heelwardly direction. Sipe  612  is an exemplary sipe of the first grouping and sipe  610  is an exemplary sipe of the second grouping. As a result, the first grouping of sipes and the second grouping of sipes are arranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation to one another. Further, the first grouping and the second grouping of sipes are oriented at an approximate 45 degree from an axis generally defined by the cutline  17 - 17 . 
         [0058]    As illustrated, the superior surface of the midsole  601  incorporates the first grouping of sipes and the second grouping of sipes across a substantial portion of a foot-support region of the midsole  601 . A foot-supporting region is a portion of the midsole  601  in which the force of a wearer&#39;s foot transfers through the midsole  601  when in an at-rest position. Stated differently, the foot-supporting region is substantially adjacent to the bottom of a wearer&#39;s foot when in an as-worn position. Therefore, a perimeter region of the midsole  601  superior surface, in an exemplary aspect, is without one or more sipes. The termination of sipe at the perimeter region, in an exemplary aspect, provides structural integrity and medial/lateral support by providing a metered level of continuity as specified locations (e.g., the perimeter region) of the midsole  601 . In the alternative, it is contemplated that one or more sipes on the superior surface (and/or the inferior surface) may extend all of the way to the edge of the midsole, in an exemplary aspect. 
         [0059]    The midsole may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, it is contemplated that an ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”) material may be utilized in the forming of the midsole  601 . As previously discussed, it is desired to a level of elasticity/stretchability and flexibility in the midsole of the preset invention. However, EVA may not provide a desired quantitative value of elasticity and/or flexibility without mechanical enhancement. As such, it is contemplated that the strategic integration of sipes on the superior surface and/or the inferior surface (as will be discussed in  FIG. 12  hereinafter) may allow an EVA-formed midsole to exhibit the desired amount of elasticity/stretchability and/or flexibility. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  depicts a plurality of cutlines for depicting cross-section views of the illustrated sole  600  of  FIG. 6 . For example, cutline  17 - 17  extends from the toe end  602  to the heel end  606 , and the cross-sectional view at cutline  17 - 17  is illustrated in  FIG. 17  hereinafter. The cross-sectional view at cutline  13 - 13  is illustrated in  FIG. 13  hereinafter. The cross-sectional view at cutline  14 - 14  is illustrated in  FIG. 14  hereinafter. The cross-sectional view at cutline  15 - 15  is illustrated in  FIG. 15  hereinafter. The cross-sectional view at cutline  16 - 16  is illustrated in  FIG. 16  hereinafter. 
         [0061]      FIG. 7  depicts an inferior (i.e., bottom) perspective of an outsole  701  of the sole  600 , in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The outsole  701  is comprised of a plurality of treads (e.g., tread  702 ) separated by a plurality of channels (e.g., channel  704 ). The treads are protrusion-like features that extend outwardly (e.g., in an inferior direction) from the outsole webbing (e.g., the inferior surface of the channels). While the shape of the treads depicted are rectangular prisms (e.g., cuboids), it is contemplated that the treads may be of any shape (e.g., cylindrical). Further, while a particular size of treads on the inferior surface and a particular width of channels are depicted, it is contemplated that both the size and width may be altered, in exemplary aspects. 
         [0062]    However, in the depicted aspect, the size of the treads and the channel width provide a functional characteristic. For example, of three substantially parallel channels, the first and the third channels have a distance substantially similar, in this example, to the distance between a first sipe and a second sipe of a common sipe grouping. It is contemplated that the orientation of the channels of the outsole  701  are aligned with orientation of the sipes of the midsole  601  of  FIGS. 6 and 12 , in an exemplary aspect. Further, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, it is contemplated that sipes on an inferior surface of the midsole  601  are aligned with and correspond to channels of the outsole  701 , in an exemplary aspect. As will be appreciated, it is the orientational alignment of midsole sipes and outsole channels that may facilitate achieving a desired level of movement, responsiveness, and flexibility of the sole as a whole when coupled as an assembly. While specific sizes, orientations, and relationships are illustrated and depicted, it is contemplated that any size, shape, and alignment may be implemented in aspects of the present invention. 
         [0063]    The outsole  701  may be formed from a variety of materials that provide a level of flexibility, elasticity, and responsiveness desired. For example, it is contemplated that a rubber (e.g., synthetic rubber) material formulated with a degree of stretchability is utilized to form the outsole. Further, it is contemplated that the outsole may be formed such that the webbing thickness (e.g., superior surface to the inferior surface of the channel portion) is approximately 1 millimeter. Further, it is contemplated that the tread is formed such that the tread thickness is about 4 millimeters from the superior surface to the distal end of the tread (e.g., or 3 millimeters from the inferior surface of the webbing to the tread distal end). The relatively minimal webbing thickness may achieve a desired characteristic of the outsole  701 . While specific measurements are provided, it is contemplate that other sizes and ranges may be utilized in aspects of the present invention. 
         [0064]      FIG. 8  depicts a lateral view of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the sole  600  is comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and a band  801 . Also identified for orientation purposes are the toe end  602  and the lateral side  604 . 
         [0065]    The band  801  is a sole reinforcement feature that provides additional medial and lateral support to the sole  600 . The band may extend along a perimeter region of the midsole  601  including the toe end  602 , the lateral side  604 , the heel end  606 , and the medial side  608 , in an exemplary aspect. The band  801 , like other feature of the sole  600 , in an exemplary aspect, incorporates flexibility and responsiveness into the assembly of the sole  600 . Therefore, the band  801  may be formed from a material that has a modulus of elasticity that achieves a desired level of stretchability while still providing the desired sidewall and medial/lateral stability. 
         [0066]      FIG. 9  depicts a medial view of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the sole  600  is comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Also identified for orientation purposes are the toe end  602  and the medial side  608 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 10  depicts a toe-end view of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the sole  600  is comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Also identified for orientation purposes are the medial side  608  and the lateral side  604 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 11  depicts a heel-end view of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the sole  600  is comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Also identified for orientation purposes are the medial side  608  and the lateral side  604 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 12  depicts an inferior surface of the midsole  601 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The midsole  601  is formed with the toe end  602 , the medial side  608 , the heel end  606 , and the lateral side  604 . Further, the inferior surface is comprised of a plurality of sipes, such as those discussed with respect to  FIG. 6  on the superior surface of the midsole  601 . 
         [0070]    In particular, the sipes of the inferior surface as depicted are comprised of a first grouping in a substantially parallel orientation to one another that generally extend from a medial-toewardly direction towards a lateral-heelwardly direction. A second grouping of sipes integrated into the midsole  601  inferior surface are arranged in a substantially parallel orientation to one another that generally extend from a lateral-toewardly direction towards a medial heelwardly direction. Sipes  1206 ,  1208 ,  1210 , and  1212  are exemplary sipes of the first grouping and sipes  1202 ,  1204 ,  1214 , and  1216  are exemplary sipes of the second grouping. As a result, the first grouping of sipes and the second grouping of sipes are arranged in a substantially perpendicular orientation to one another. Further, the first grouping and the second grouping of sipes are oriented at an approximate 45 degree from an axis generally defined by the cutline  17 - 17 . Sipes  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206 ,  1208 ,  1210 ,  1212 ,  1214 , and  1216  emphasized in  FIG. 12  for illustration purposes only. It is contemplated, as depicted, the inferior surface incorporates sipes across the foot-supporting portion of the inferior surface, similar to that discussed with respect to the superior surface at  FIG. 6  hereinabove. 
         [0071]    In an exemplary aspect, the sipes of the superior surface and the sipe of the inferior surface are offset from one another, as depicted in  FIG. 15  hereinafter. Further, it is contemplated that the offset is approximately half the distance between sipe of a common grouping (e.g., half the distance between  1206  and  1208 ). Further, it is contemplated that a similar distance is maintained between sipes within a grouping of sipes on the superior surface as to the distance maintained between sipes within a grouping of sipes on the inferior surface. Stated differently, it is contemplated in an exemplary aspect that the orientation relative to other sipes on the same surface, the orientation relative to the midsole  601 , and the sizing of sipes are maintained consistent between sipes on the superior surface and sipes on the inferior surface. However, it is also contemplated that groupings of sipes on the superior surface and groupings of sipes on the inferior surface are not aligned in a superior-inferior direction, but instead are offset from one another. This offsetting of sipes established an accordion-like effect that allows the midsole to stretch and conform to a dynamic environment and dynamic foot. 
         [0072]      FIG. 13  depicts a cross-sectional view  1300  along cutline  13 - 13  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The sole is depicted as being comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Further, the sole  600  is defined in part, with the lateral side  604  and the medial side  608 . 
         [0073]    The cross-sectional view  1300  depicts a plurality of sipes on the superior surface of the midsole  601 , such as the sipe  610  and the sipe  612 , both previously identified in  FIG. 6 . Further, the midsole  601  is comprised of a plurality of sipes on the inferior surface, such as sipes  1202 ,  1204 ,  1206 , and  1208 , which were previously identified in  FIG. 12   
         [0074]      FIG. 14  depicts a cross-sectional view  1400  along cutline  14 - 14  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The sole is depicted as being comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . 
         [0075]    The cross-sectional view  1400  depicts an exemplary relationship between sipes on the inferior surface of the midsole  601  and corresponding channels of the outsole  701 . For example, an inferior sipe  1408  is relationally oriented superior to a channel  1404  of the outsole  701 . The channel  1404  is formed between treads, such as treads  1402  and  1406 . As previously discussed, it is contemplated that sipes on the inferior surface of the midsole may align with and be oriented to correspond with channels on the outsole inferior surface. In this example, it is contemplated that alignment of a flexible region of the midsole formed by the inferior sipes with a flexible region of the outsole formed by the channels allows for the sole assembly to respond and flex in a manner that adapts with a dynamic environment. As depicted in  FIGS. 13-16 , there is a substantial alignment of inferior sipes on the midsole  601  with channels on the outsole  701  across the width of the sole. However, it is contemplated that aspects of the present invention implement an offset of features (e.g., sipe, channels) and/or are indifferent to the alignment/relationship among features. 
         [0076]      FIG. 15  depicts a cross-sectional view  1500  along cutline  15 - 15  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The sole is depicted as being comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Cross-sectional view  1500  depicts the exemplary offset between superior surface sipes and inferior surface sipes of the midsole  601 . For example, as cutline  15 - 15  crosses sipes on the superior midsole surface at an intersection between the first grouping and the second groupings (e.g., as best illustrated on  FIG. 6 ) and the cutline  15 - 15  also crosses sipes on the inferior midsole surface at an intersection between the first grouping and the second grouping (e.g., as best illustrated on  FIG. 12 ), the offset nature of the inferior and superior sipes on the midsole is clearly depicted. It is the offsetting of the sipes that provides, in this exemplary aspect, an accordion-like effect to the midsole that provides a mechanically-introduced stretchability to the component. The stretchability introduced, is not limited in a specific direction (e.g., toe to heel or medial to lateral) because of the interaction between the siping geometry of the midsole and the channel geometry of the outsole (e.g., alignment of a channel  1504  in the outsole  701  with the inferior sipe  1502 ), in this example. However, as indicated throughout, it is contemplated that additional configuration that may or may not utilize corresponding geometries and or alignment may be implemented as well. 
         [0077]      FIG. 16  depicts a cross-sectional view  1600  along cutline  16 - 16  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The sole is depicted as being comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Further, an exemplary inferior surface sipe  1602  is depicted as being in alignment with an outsole channel  1604 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 17  depicts a cross-sectional view  1700  along cutline  17 - 17  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The sole is depicted as being comprised of the outsole  701 , the midsole  601 , and the band  801 . Further, the sole  600  is defined in part, with the toe end  602  and the heel end  606 . Further, a focus region  18  is depicted. Focus region  18  is expanded in  FIG. 18  hereinafter. Additionally, a focus region  19  is depicted. Focus region  19  is expanded in  FIG. 19  hereinafter. 
         [0079]      FIG. 18  depicts the focus region  18  of  FIG. 17  along cutline  17 - 17  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the midsole  601  and the outsole  701  are illustrated. The midsole  601  is comprised of a midsole superior surface  1802  and a midsole inferior surface  1804 . Further, the midsole  601  is comprised of a plurality of sipes on the midsole superior surface  1802 , such as the superior sipe  1810 . Similarly, the midsole inferior surface  1804  is comprised of a plurality of sipes, such as the inferior sipe  1812 . 
         [0080]    The outsole  701  is comprised of a superior surface  1806  and an opposite inferior surface  1808 . Further, the outsole  701  is comprised of a channel  1814 . In an exemplary aspect, the midsole inferior surface  1804  is couple with the outsole superior surface  1806  forming the sole as a whole. Exemplary dimensions are depicted. For example, 4.0 millimeters between the outsole inferior and superior surfaces  1808  and  1806  respectively. A measurement of 1.0 millimeter between as the thickness of the outsole webbing. And a 3.0 millimeter measurement of a tread protrusion from the webbing. However, it is contemplated that the dimensions of one or more portions may diverge from those depicted. 
         [0081]      FIG. 19  depicts the focus region  19  of  FIG. 17  along cutline  17 - 17  of the sole  600 , in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In particular, the midsole  601  and the outsole  701  are illustrated. Exemplary dimensions are illustrated. For example, a 3.0 millimeter inferior sipe depth is depicted. Similarly, a 3.0 millimeter superior sipe depth is also depicted. Lastly, an overall posterior to inferior midsole dimension of 6.0 millimeters is depicted. However, it is contemplated that the dimensions of one or more portions may diverge from those depicted. 
         [0082]    While a uniform pattern of siping and channels have been illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 6-19 , it is contemplated that variations may be introduced. For example, if a gradient stretchability is desired, it is contemplated that the size, shape, relative position, and relative orientation of siping and/or channels may be adjusted to achieve a desired degree of stretchability and responsiveness. For example, a zonal variation in siping and/or channeling may be implemented to reduce stretchability in a first zone by affecting the mechanical properties of the midsole, outsole, and/or strobel relative to other zones. 
         [0083]      FIG. 20  depicts an article of footwear  2000  incorporating dynamic elements, in accordance with aspects of the present invention. The footwear (referred to as a “shoe” hereinafter)  2000  is comprised of a sole  2001 , a dynamic upper portion  2002 , and a static upper portion  2004 . 
         [0084]    The sole  2001  is comprised of a midsole and an outsole, such as the sole  600  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6-19 . The dynamic upper portion  2002  is comprised of a high tensile strength thread, such as a nylon-based material. An example of the high tensile strength thread is thread  2006 . The thread  2006  is effective to transfer a load applied by a lacing mechanism (e.g., a lacing eyelet  2008  around which the thread  2006  extends) around a wearer&#39;s foot when in an as-worn position to provide support and structure to the dynamic upper  2002 . As a result, it is contemplated that when the dynamic upper portion  2002  is incorporated with the sole  2001 , which is also flexible, stretchable, and adaptable, the shoe  2000  provides a dynamic response to the movement of the foot and the shoe. 
         [0085]    The thread  2006  may be incorporated within the upper using a sewing and/or embroider-like machine. Further, it is contemplated that the thread  2006  is incorporated into the shoe  2000  such that a first thread (e.g., spool thread) has a first diameter and a second thread (e.g., bobbin thread has a second diameter). In an exemplary aspect, the first thread is a larger diameter providing a greater tensile strength than a smaller diameter second thread. Utilizing a different diameter (or other characteristics—material, twist, and tension) in one of the two threads needed to integrate the thread  2006  into the upper may reduce weight while providing a greater level of structural support to the shoe  2000 . 
         [0086]    Further, it is contemplated that a sock-like liner having flexible support may be integrated into the shoe  2000 . For example, a liner  2010  is depicted as being included within the internal cavity of the shoe  2000  and extending upwardly from a strobel stitch (in this example) towards an ankle opening. The liner  2010  may be formed from a foam-like material having a lattice-like structure maintained between stretchable materials. This laminated structure of the liner  2010  provides a supporting and compressive result while maintain a flexible and dynamic nature to the shoe  2000 . 
         [0087]    While not depicted, the strobel board is a material that extends across the foot bed of the shoe  2000  allowing for the portions of the upper to be formed into a cohesive structure, in an exemplary aspect. It is contemplated that a multi-directional stretch material is incorporated into the strobel board so as to further facilitate a flexible and adaptable shoe. Further, it is contemplated that the strobel material is incorporated into the upper at a bias to a toe-to heel direction. Stated differently, it is contemplated that a warp and/or a weft of the strobel board material may be at an approximate 45 degree angle to an axis extending from the toe end to the heel end of the shoe in which the strobel is integrated. While a strobel technique is implied, it is contemplated that any shoe manufacturing technique may be implemented and a strobel board may be omitted all together. 
         [0088]    The strobel material, in an exemplary aspect, is coupled to the superior surface of the midsole. It is contemplated that a flexible adhesive is applied that allows for the translation of flexibility and movement from the sole through the strobel and the connected upper. Therefore, it is contemplated that the combination of features may be integrated to provide a flexible and dynamic shoe that is responsive to changing environments, terrain, and anatomical form. 
         [0089]    The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to illustrate rather than restrict. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. Many alternative embodiments exist, but are not included because of the nature of this invention. 
         [0090]    Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Instead, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.