Patent Publication Number: US-2021186158-A1

Title: Article of footwear and method of manufacture

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/950,192, filed Dec. 19, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an article of footwear and a method of manufacturing an article of footwear. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Footwear often includes many components of many different materials. An article of footwear typically includes a sole structure configured to be located under a wearer&#39;s foot, to space the foot away from the ground. A footwear upper attached to the sole structure at least partially surrounds an interior volume that receives the foot. Footwear manufacturing strives to provide high quality, durable footwear in an environmentally conscience manner. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, the article of footwear may comprise a sole structure and an upper fixedly attached to the sole structure. The upper may include a wall that at least partially surrounds an interior volume operative to receive a foot of a wearer. The wall may further comprise an inner layer and an outer layer coupled to the inner layer, such that the inner layer and the outer layer define a closed pocket therebetween. An insert may be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer within a closed pocket, such that the outer layer protrudes outwardly from the inner layer at the closed pocket and is radially spaced apart from the inner layer by a thickness of the insert throughout the closed pocket. The outer layer may be formed of an at least partially transparent material, such that the insert is at least partially visible through the outer layer. 
     The method of manufacture may be a top down construction comprising placing the insert in a recess defined by the outer layer of the upper, such that the insert abuts an inner surface of the outer layer; and positioning the inner layer on the inner surface of the outer layer over the recess and the insert, such that the inner layer and outer layer form the closed pocket at the recess, with the insert disposed within the closed pocket. 
     The insert and the outer layer may extend outwardly and away from the inner layer at the closed pocket, such that the insert thickness creates a contoured and textured appearance of the upper, while allowing the inner layer to remain flush with the foot of a wearer. Further, the at least partially transparent nature of the outer layer may create a unique and deconstructed visual effect, such that the insert is at least partially visible through the outer layer. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic, perspective view of a lateral side of an example article of footwear including a sole structure, an upper, and at least one insert disposed in a closed pocket formed between an inner layer and an outer layer of the upper. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic, perspective view of a medial side of an example article of footwear including a sole structure, an upper, and at least one insert disposed in a closed pocket formed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the upper. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic, perspective view of the top portion of an example article of footwear including a sole structure, an upper, and at least one insert disposed in a closed pocket formed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the upper. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic, perspective, partially-exploded view of the top portion of an example article of footwear including a sole structure, an upper, and at least one insert disposed in a closed pocket formed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the upper. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the upper of an example article of footwear taken along line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an example silicone pad, wherein the silicone pad defines a pressing surface and the pressing surface further defines at least one cavity. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an at least partially transparent outer layer of the upper positioned over the pressing surface of the silicone pad and pressed into the at least one cavity to form a recess within the at least one cavity. 
         FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of at least one insert positioned in the recess defined by the outer layer within the at least one cavity. 
         FIG. 6D  is a perspective view of an inner layer of the upper positioned on an inner surface of the outer layer and over the recess and the insert, such that the inner layer and outer layer form a closed pocket at the recess with the insert disposed within the closed pocket. 
         FIG. 6E  is a perspective view of a fully formed upper including the inner layer, the insert, and the outer layer, wherein the outer layer is coupled to the inner layer. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow chart of the example method of manufacturing the article of footwear of  FIGS. 1-6E . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the present disclosure may be described with respect to specific applications or industries, those skilled in the art will recognize the broader applicability of the disclosure. 
     The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. 
     The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims. 
     Features shown in one figure may be combined with, substituted for, or modified by, features shown in any of the figures. Unless stated otherwise, no features, elements, or limitations are mutually exclusive of any other features, elements, or limitations. Furthermore, no features, elements, or limitations are absolutely required for operation. Any specific configurations shown in the figures are illustrative only and the specific configurations shown are not limiting of the claims or the description. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Any numerical designations, such as “first” or “second” are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way. 
     The term “longitudinal”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term “forward” or “anterior” is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term “rearward” or “posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis. 
     The term “transverse”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis. 
     The term “vertical”, as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term “upward” or “upwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term “downward” or “downwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear. 
     In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a footwear component or is closer toward a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions. 
     To assist and clarify the subsequent description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). An “article of footwear”, a “footwear article of manufacture”, and “footwear” may be considered to be both a machine and a manufacture. Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as “article(s) of footwear”. 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various footwear configurations and methods relating to manufacturing of the same. Although the article of footwear  10  is depicted as athletic footwear configured for sports, such as sneakers, in the associated Figures, concepts associated with the configurations and methods may be applied to various other types of athletic footwear articles, such as a hiking boots and shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, running shoes, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, basketball shoes, etc. However, the article of footwear  10  is not limited to sneakers or other sports shoes. In some embodiments, the disclosed provisions may be configured for use with various kinds of non-sports-related footwear, including but not limited to, boots, leisure shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, or any other category of footwear, which may also incorporate concepts discussed herein. 
     In a general sense, the article of footwear  10  of the present disclosure is manufactured via an environmentally friendly and sustainable process and designed to have a contoured and deconstructed appearance, wherein an insert  22  is disposed within a closed pocket  33  formed between an inner layer  18  and an outer layer  20  of a wall  15  of an upper  12 . The outer layer  20  extends outwardly over the insert  22  and away from the inner layer  18  at the closed pocket  33 . A thickness  52  of the insert  22  creates a contoured and textured appearance of the upper  12 , while allowing the inner layer  18  to remain flush with the foot of a wearer, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Further, the outer layer  20  may be formed of an at least partially transparent material. The at least partially transparent nature of the outer layer  20  creates a unique and deconstructed visual effect, such that the insert  22 , and/or a graphic  50  disposed thereon, is at least partially visible through the outer layer  20 . 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components throughout the several views, an article of footwear  10  is provided. As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the article of footwear  10  comprises an upper  12  fixedly attached to a sole structure  14 . 
     The upper  12  is a portion of the article of footwear  10  that defines an interior volume or cavity  16  adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper  12  in this disclosure further includes a wall  15  that at least partially surrounds the interior volume or cavity  16 . For the purpose of consistency and clarity, the “interior” of the article of footwear  10  refers to space that is occupied by a wearer&#39;s foot when the article of footwear  10  is worn. The “inner side” of the wall  15 , inner layer  18 , or other shoe element refers to the face or surface of that panel or element that is (or will be) oriented toward the interior in a completed article of footwear  10 . The “outer side” or “exterior” of an element refers to the face of that element that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior in a completed article of footwear  10 . 
     As indicated in  FIGS. 1-5 , the article of footwear  10  may be divided into a forefoot region  32 , a midfoot region  34 , and a heel region  36 , which are likewise the forefoot region  32 , the midfoot region  34 , and the heel region  36 , of the sole structure  14  and the upper  12  respectively. The forefoot region  32  generally includes portions of the article of footwear  10  corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. The midfoot region  34  generally includes portions of the article of footwear  10  corresponding with the arch area and instep of the foot. The heel region  36  corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The forefoot region  32 , the midfoot region  34 , and the heel region  36  are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the footwear  10  but are instead intended to represent general areas of the footwear  10  to aid in the following discussion. 
     The article of footwear  10  further has a lateral side portion  24  ( FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 ) and a medial side portion  26  ( FIGS. 2-4 ). The lateral side portion  24  and medial side  26  portion extend through each of the forefoot region  32 , the midfoot region  34 , and the heel region  36 , and correspond with opposite sides of the article of footwear  10 , each falling on an opposite side of a longitudinal midline LM of the article of footwear  10 , partially indicated in  FIG. 3 . The medial side portion  26  is thus considered opposite to the lateral side portion  24 . 
     The sole structure  14  may include provisions for attenuating ground reaction forces (i.e., cushioning and stabilizing the foot during vertical and horizontal loading). In addition, the sole structure  14  may be configured to provide traction, impart stability, and control or limit various foot motions, such as pronation, supination, or other motions. For example, the disclosed concepts may be applicable to footwear configured for use on any of a variety of surfaces, including indoor surfaces or outdoor surfaces. In some embodiments, the sole structure  14  may be configured to provide traction and stability on hard indoor surfaces (such as hardwood); soft, natural turf surfaces; or on hard, artificial turf surfaces. 
     In different embodiments, the sole structure  14  may include different components, which may, individually or collectively, provide an article with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, or other attributes. For example, the sole structure  14  may include a midsole, an outsole, and a cushioning layer and/or insole. The compressible polymer element of the sole structure  14  attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities, and may be formed from a compressible polymer element, such as a thermoset or a thermoplastic, for example, a cross-linked thermosetting plastic, a cross-linked thermosetting resin, or a crosslinked thermosetting elastomer (e.g., rubber), a polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate (EVA) foam, an ionomeric polymer foam, or the like. In further configurations, the midsole may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. 
     The midsole may be a single, one-piece midsole, or could be multiple components integrated as a unit. In some embodiments, the midsole may be integrated with the outsole as a unisole. The outsole may be one-piece, or may be several outsole components, and may be formed from a wear-resistant rubber material that may be textured to impart traction and/or may include traction elements such as cleats secured to the midsole. 
     When the foot is positioned within the foot-receiving interior cavity  16  of the article of footwear  10 , the foot is supported on a foot-facing surface of the midsole. Optionally, the foot-facing surface of the midsole may be covered by a strobel secured to a lower region of the upper  12 . Also, optionally, an insole may rest on the strobel or directly on the sole structure  14  in embodiments without a strobel, in which case the foot is supported by both the sole structure  14  and the insole. 
     It may be appreciated however that the sole structure  14  is not limited to incorporating traditional sole components and may incorporate various, different kinds of elements arranged at the outermost, innermost, and intermediate ‘layers’, or locations, of the sole. Thus, the sole structure  14  can include an outer sole member or element, which may or may not coincide with a conventional ‘outsole’. Likewise, the sole structure  14  may include an inner sole member or element, which may or may not be an ‘insole’. Further, the sole structure  14  can include any number of intermediate and/or middle sole members or elements, which may or may not be a ‘midsole’. 
     The sole structure  14  may be permanently and/or fixedly attached to one or more portions of the upper  12  (for example, with adhesive, stitching, welding, or other suitable techniques) and may have a configuration that extends between the upper  12  and the ground. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “permanently attached” shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated (for example, without destroying one or both of the components). In addition, two components may be “permanently attached” by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, through a molding process. 
     In general, the upper  12  includes provisions to reduce any tendency of the foot to be pulled away from the sole structure  14  during use. In some embodiments, the upper  12  may be a conventional upper  12  defining and at least partially surrounding an interior volume or cavity  16  for receiving a foot of a wearer. The wall  15  of the upper  12  may be formed of a variety of materials, such as leather, textiles (woven or non-woven), polymers, cotton, foam, composites, etc. The wall  15  may include an inner layer  18  of a material that has elasticity, breathability, or both in order to aid with foot insertion and comfort. For example, the inner layer  18  may be a leather or synthetic leather material, polymeric material, textile material capable of providing elasticity, and may be of a braided construction, a knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) construction, or a woven construction. 
     In other embodiments, the upper  12  may be configured to provide a ‘tension fit’ about a wearer&#39;s foot. As used herein, the term tension fit refers to a fit that ensures the upper is pulled against the foot at all times, including on a lower side where the sole of the foot contacts a bottom portion of the upper  12 . In some cases, a tension fit upper may be configured so that when no foot is present within the interior cavity  16 , the interior cavity  16  has a volume that is smaller than the volume after a foot has been inserted. In other words, the upper  12  may be configured to stretch or expand as a foot is inserted. Such a configuration may provide an upper  12  that ‘stays with’ the foot, and especially the sole of the foot, at all times during any activities (e.g., running, jumping, walking, etc.). A tension fit may or may not require stretching in the upper  12 . In some cases, the upper  12  can be configured to stretch significantly when a foot is inserted. In other cases, however, the upper  12  may simply fit the foot very snugly without significant expansion. 
     The wall  15  at least partially defines the lateral side portion  24  and medial side portion  26  of the upper  12 , such that upper  12  may further define a vamp  46  that extends into the forefoot region  32  and the midfoot region  34  on each of the lateral side  24  and the medial side  26  of the upper  12 . The wall  15  of the upper  12  may form at least a portion of the vamp  46 . The wall  15  further defines a throat opening  28  disposed between the lateral side portion  24  ( FIGS. 1 and 3-4 ) and the medial side portion  26  ( FIGS. 2-4 ). The throat opening  28  may permit a wearer&#39;s foot to extend into the interior volume  16 . The throat opening  28  may be bordered or surrounded by an eyestay reinforcement. 
     The throat opening  28  may be further configured to house a closure system  38 , such as laces  39  or the like, that may selectively couple the lateral side  24  and the medial side  26  across the throat opening  28 , while providing an ability to adjust the girth of the upper  12 . The closure system  38  may generally include a unitary closure panel or tongue portion  30  and a plurality of laces  39  each extending between the lateral side portion  24  and the medial side portion  26  of the wall  15 . The tongue portion  30  may be integrated with or separately secured to the wall  15 . The tongue portion  30  may extend over the instep region of the foot. 
     More particularly, the wall  15  may further comprise an inner layer  18  that defines the interior cavity  16  adapted to receive a foot of a wearer. In some embodiments, the inner layer  18  may include multiple discrete layers. The inner layer  18 , thereby has an interior surface  21  that contacts the wearer&#39;s foot and an outer surface  25  that faces away from the foot of the wearer and the interior volume  16 . The inner layer  18  may be comprised of a material that has elasticity, breathability, or both in order to aid with foot insertion and comfort. 
     The upper  12  may further include an outer layer  20  formed of an at least partially transparent material, such as a transparent or translucent textile, polymer, mesh, or the like. As used herein, a component is “partially transparent” if it has a luminous transmittance (i.e., a percentage of incident light that is transmitted) of at least eighty (80%) percent and haze (i.e., percentage of transmitted light that is scattered) of not more than fifty-six (56%) percent. Those skilled in the art will readily understand a variety of methods to determine luminous transmittance and haze of an object, such as the outer layer  20 . The outer layer  20  may further comprise an open mesh material. The outer layer  20  may further comprise a monofilament mesh material. The mesh material may be Nylon, Polyester, or the like. The outer layer  20  may further define an outermost surface  31 , wherein the outermost surface  31  of the outer layer  20  is an outermost surface of the upper  12 . The outer layer  20  may further define an outer layer inner surface  40 . 
     The outer layer  20  may be coupled to the inner layer  18 , such that a closed pocket  33  is formed between the inner layer  18  and outer layer  20  of the wall  15 . In the present disclosure, the closed pocket  33  is defined as a closed void space between the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20 . The closed pocket  33  is not an open pocket within which contents may be freely interchanged to change the outward appearance of the article of footwear  10 . The closed pocket  33  is sealed, such that, after the final forming of the article of footwear  10  is complete, the inner layer  18  and outer layer  20  are permanently attached, i.e., joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated (for example, without destroying one or both of the components). 
     The outer layer  20  may be further coupled to and permanently attached to the inner layer  18  at a plurality of bonded areas  42 . Said another way, the outer layer  20  may be selectively coupled to the inner layer  18  at the plurality of bonded areas  42  to define a plurality of closed pockets  33 . The bonded areas  42  enclose and/or surround an outer boundary of each of the closed pockets  33 , such that each of the closed pockets  33  is enclosed and bordered along an entirety of the respective outer boundary by the bonded areas  42 . However, while the bonded areas  42  border the closed pockets  33 , the closed pockets  33  and the bonded areas  42  do not overlap. In this way, the closed pockets  33  have a plurality of different predefined shapes. 
     The plurality of bonded areas  42  may be defined in multiple ways. In one example, the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  may be welded together. In this way, the plurality of bonded areas  42  may be defined as a plurality of pocket boundary weld junctions, such that the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  may be permanently attached via welding, i.e., the inner layer  18  is welded to the outer layer  20  at the plurality of bonded areas  42 . 
     As utilized herein, the term “welding” or variants thereof (such as “thermal bonding”) is defined as a technique for securing two elements to one another that involves a softening or melting of a polymer material within at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. Similarly, the term “weld” or variants thereof (e.g., “thermal bond”) is defined as the bond, link, or structure that joins two elements through a process that involves a softening or melting of a polymer material within at least one of the elements such that the materials of the elements are secured to each other when cooled. 
     Welding generally produces a heat-affected zone in which the materials of the two joined components are intermingled. This heat-affected zone may be considered a “weld” or “thermal bond.” Further, welding may involve (a) the melting or softening of two layers that include polymer materials, such that the polymer materials from each layer intermingle with each other (e.g., diffuse across a boundary layer between the polymer materials) and are secured together when cooled, as well as (b) the melting or softening a polymer material in a first layer such that the polymer material extends into or infiltrates the structure of a second layer (e.g., infiltrates crevices or cavities formed in the second layer or extends around or bonds with filaments or fibers in the second layer) to secure the layers together when cooled. Further, welding may occur when only one layer includes a polymer material, when both layers include polymer materials, or when a polymer material or resin is disposed between the respective layers. 
     Accordingly, in a welded example, a first hot melt layer  48  may be coupled to and/or disposed on the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20  at the bonded areas  42 , such that the outer layer  20  is adhered to the inner layer  18  at the plurality of bonded areas  42 . Bonding or welding of the inner layer  18  to the outer layer  20  is performed via hot pressing the inner layer  18 , the first hot melt layer  48 , and the outer layer  20  together in a hot press machine, such that the first hot melt layer  48  is heated to a viscous state, such that the first hot melt layer  48  infiltrates the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  at each of the plurality of bonded areas  42 , and the hot melt layer  48  is then cooled to a solid state, such that the inner layer  18  and outer layer  20  are bonded to one another via the first hot melt layer  48 . 
     The wall  15  of the upper  12  may further include an insert  22  disposed in the closed pocket  33  between the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20 . The insert  22  may be comprised of a compressible foam material, such as an Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam material, an ionomeric foam material, or the like. The insert  22  may be die cut into a predefined shape and size, such that insert  22  has an outer boundary that corresponds with the predefined different shapes of the closed pockets  33 . 
     The insert  22  may define an inner insert surface  49  and an outer insert surface  51 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the insert  22  may have a thickness  52  defined between the inner insert surface  49  and the outer insert surface  51 . A graphic  50  may be applied to or disposed on the outer insert surface  51 . The graphic  50  may be a decorative or aesthetic element disposed on the insert  22  to enhance ascetics, design, display branding, or the like. The graphic  50  may be drawn or printed on the insert  22 , applied to the insert  22  via a transfer film, adhered to the outer insert surface, or the like. 
     Accordingly, the inner insert surface  49  abuts the outer surface  25  of the inner layer  18  and the outer insert surface  51  abuts the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20 . In this way, at the closed pocket  33 , the outer layer  20  protrudes outwardly from the inner layer  18  and is spaced apart from the inner layer  18  by the insert thickness  52  throughout the closed pocket  33 . At each of the bonded areas  42  and the closed pocket  33 , the inner layer  18  remains flush with the interior cavity  16  and the foot of the wearer throughout. Said another way, the insert  22  does not protrude into the interior volume  16  ( FIG. 5 ). The insert  22  and the outer layer  20  extend outwardly and away from the inner layer  18  at the closed pocket  33 , such that the insert thickness  52  creates a contoured and textured appearance of the upper  12 , while allowing the inner layer  18  to remain flush with the foot of a wearer. 
     The insert  22  may be coupled to the inner layer  18 . In one example, a second hot melt layer  58  may be coupled to or disposed on the inner insert surface  49  of each insert  22 , such that each inner insert surface  49  is adhered to the outer surface  25  of the inner layer  18  via the second hot melt layer  58 . The insert  22  is not fixed to the outer layer  20 ; the outer insert surface  51  merely abuts the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20  throughout the closed pocket  33 , such that the outer layer  20  is radially spaced apart from the inner layer  18  by the thickness  52  of the insert  22  throughout the closed pocket  33  ( FIG. 5 ). Said another way, the insert  22  is free floating with respect to the outer layer  20 . 
     To provide a unique and deconstructed visual effect, the outer layer  20  may be formed of an at least partially transparent material, such that the insert  22  and/or the graphic  50  disposed on the outer insert surface  51  is at least partially visible through the outer layer  20 . 
     As detailed herein above, in a general sense, the article of footwear  10  of the present disclosure is designed to be manufactured in an environmentally friendly and sustainable process  100 . Accordingly, as detailed by the method of manufacture  100  disclosed herein and shown by example in  FIGS. 1-7 , generally comprises a top down construction including placing the insert  22  in a recess  44  defined by the outer layer  20  of the wall  15  of the upper  12 , such that the outer insert surface  51  abuts the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20  and positioning the inner layer  18  on the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20  and over the recess  44  and the insert  22 , such that the inner layer  18  and outer layer  20  form the closed pocket  33  at the recess  44  with the insert  22  disposed within the closed pocket  33 . 
     In this way, as shown in  FIG. 6A  and step  101  of  FIG. 7 , the outer layer  20 , comprised of an at least partially-transparent material, may be positioned over a silicone pad  60  and secured with locating pins. The silicone pad  60  may define a pressing surface  56 , and the pressing surface  56  may further define at least one cavity  62  having a predetermined shape and size. The pressing surface  56  may further define a plurality of cavities  62 , each having a different predetermined shape and size. The outermost surface  31  of the outer layer  20  may be in contact with the pressing surface  56  when the outer layer  20  is positioned over the silicone pad  60 . 
     At step  102  of  FIG. 7  and as shown in  FIG. 6B , the outer layer  20  may be pressed into the at least one cavity  62 , such that the outermost surface  31  of the outer layer  20  is in contact with the silicone pad  60  along the contour of pressing surface  56 . In this way, the outer layer  20  forms a recess  44  within the at least one cavity  62 , such that the recess  44  has the predetermined shape and size of the respective cavity  62 . The outer layer  20  may be pressed into the at least one cavity  62  to form the recess  44  via a forming press or another suitable pressing and/or forming process. 
     At step  103  of  FIG. 7  and as shown in  FIG. 6C , inserts  22  may be die-cut into a predetermined shape and predetermined size that corresponds with the predetermined shape and size of a respective recess  44 . Further, in some examples, a graphic  50  may be applied to the outer insert surface  51 . The graphic  50  may be a decorative or aesthetic element disposed on the insert  22  to enhance ascetics, design, display branding, or the like. The graphic  50  may be drawn or printed on the insert  22 , applied to the insert  22  via a transfer film, adhered to the outer insert surface  51 , or the like. 
     The respective inserts  22 , once die-cut to shape and size and having any desired graphics applied thereto, may be placed in a respective recess  44  having the same predetermined shape and size as the respective insert  22 . When the insert  22  is placed in the recess  44 , the insert  22  is placed such that the outer insert surface  51  is placed in contact with the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20 . However, the outer insert surface  51  of the insert  22  is not coupled with, attached to, or otherwise engaged with the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20 , the outer insert surface  51  merely abuts the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20 . With the outer layer  20  being formed of an at least partially-transparent material, the outer insert surface  51  and any graphic  50  applied thereto is visible through the outer layer  20 . 
     In some examples, at step  104  of  FIG. 7 , a hot melt layer  48  may be applied to the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20  at areas that surround the recess  44 , i.e., the bonded areas  42 . Another hot melt layer  58  may be applied to the interior insert surface  49  ( FIG. 6C ). 
     At step  105  of  FIG. 7  and as shown in  FIG. 6D , the inner layer  18  of the upper  12  is positioned over the recess  44  and the insert  22 , such that the exterior surface  25  of the inner layer  18  is in contact with the inner surface  40  of the outer layer  20  and the inner insert surface  49 . In this way, the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  form the closed pocket  33  at the recess  44  with the insert  22  disposed within the closed pocket  33 . The inner layer  18  may be secured in position over the outer layer  20 , the recess  44 , and the insert  22  via a plurality of locating pins. 
     At step  106  of  FIG. 7 , the inner layer  18  may then be bonded to the outer layer  20  at the plurality of bonded areas  42  around the closed pocket  33  and the insert  22 . The outer layer  20  may be bonded to the inner layer  18  at the bonded areas  42  via a hot melt layer  48 , simultaneously as the inner insert surface  49  is bonded to the inner layer exterior surface  25  via the hot melt layer  58  at the recess  44  to form the closed pocket  33  with the insert  22  disposed therein. Bonding the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  at the bonded area lines  42  and bonding the insert  22  to the inner layer  18  at the closed pocket  33  may be completed via hot pressing, such that, in one example, the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  may be welded together. 
     Accordingly, in such an example, bonding or welding of the inner layer  18  to the outer layer  20  is performed via hot pressing the inner layer  18 , the first hot melt layer  48 , and the outer layer  20  together in a hot press machine, such that the first hot melt layer  48  is heated to a viscous state, such that the first hot melt layer  48  infiltrates the inner layer  18  and the outer layer  20  at each of the plurality of bonded areas  42 , and the hot melt layer  48  is then cooled to a solid state, such that the inner layer  18  and outer layer are bonded to one another via the first hot melt layer  48 . Simultaneously, welding of the inner layer  18  to the insert  22 , is performed via hot pressing the inner layer  18 , second hot melt layer  58 , and the insert  22  together in the hot pressing machine, such that the second hot melt layer  58  is heated to a viscous state, such that the second hot melt layer  58  infiltrates the inner layer  18  and the insert  22  at the closed pocket  33 , and the hot melt layer  58  is then cooled to a solid state, such that the inner layer  18  and the insert  22  are bonded to one another via the second hot melt layer  58 . 
     At step  107  of  FIG. 7 , after bonding the inner layer  18  to the outer layer  20 , the wall  15  of the upper  12  may be removed from the silicone pad  60 . As shown in  FIG. 6E , the outer layer  20  protrudes and extends outwardly from the inner layer  18  and is radially spaced apart from the inner layer  18 , by the insert thickness  52 , at the closed pocket  33 , such that the insert thickness  52  creates a contoured and textured appearance of the upper  12 , while allowing the inner layer  18  to remain flush with the foot of a wearer. 
     Further, to add a unique and deconstructed visual effect, the at least partially-transparent nature of the material of the outer layer  20  allows the insert  22  and any graphic  50  applied thereto to be at least partially visible through the outer layer  20 . 
     In one example, the closed pocket  33  may be disposed in the forefoot region  32 . In another example, the closed pocket  33  may be disposed in the midfoot region  34 . In another example, the closed pocket  33  may be disposed in the heel region  36 . In another example, the closed pocket  33  may be disposed in each of the forefoot region  32 , the midfoot region  34 , and the heel region  36 . In yet another example embodiment, the wall  15  of the upper  12  at least partially defines a vamp  46  that extends into the forefoot region  32  and the midfoot region  34  on each of the lateral side  24  and the medial side  26  of the upper  12 . In such an example, the closed pocket  33  may be positioned or disposed in the vamp  46 . 
     Irrespective of where the closed pocket  33  is positioned on the upper  12 , the insert thickness  52  creates a contoured and textured appearance of the upper  12  and the transparent and/or translucent nature of the outer layer  20  allows the insert  22  and any graphics  50  or coloration disposed thereon or applied thereto, to be at least partially visible through the outer layer  20 . In this way, the insert  22  and any graphics  50  or coloration applied thereto or disposed thereon may be readily seen by viewers or wearers of the article of footwear  10  to showcase a deconstructed visual effect and the sustainable and environmentally conscience method of manufacture  100 . 
     The detailed description and the drawings or figures are supportive and descriptive of the present teachings, but the scope of the present teachings is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the present teachings defined in the appended claims. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims. 
     The following Clauses provide example configurations of an article of footwear disclosed herein. 
     Clause 1. An article of footwear comprising: an upper at least partially surrounding an interior volume operative to receive a foot of a wearer, wherein the upper comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, wherein the inner layer is disposed between the interior volume and the outer layer, and wherein the outer layer is coupled to the inner layer, such that the inner layer and the outer layer define a closed pocket therebetween; and an insert disposed in the closed pocket between the inner layer and the outer layer, such that the outer layer protrudes outwardly from the inner layer at the closed pocket; and wherein the outer layer is formed of an at least partially transparent material, such that the insert is at least partially visible through the outer layer. 
     Clause 2. The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein the insert has an outer insert surface, wherein a graphic is applied to the outer insert surface and is at least partially visible through the outer layer. 
     Clause 3. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-2 wherein the insert is comprised of a compressible foam material. 
     Clause 4. The article of footwear of clause 3 wherein the compressible foam material is Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. 
     Clause 5. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-4 wherein the insert has an inner insert surface, an outer insert surface, and an insert thickness defined between the inner insert surface and the outer insert surface, wherein the inner insert surface is coupled to the inner layer and the outer insert surface abuts the outer layer, such that the outer layer is spaced apart from the inner layer by the insert thickness throughout the closed pocket. 
     Clause 6. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the outer layer and the insert are not fixed to one another. 
     Clause 7. The article of footwear of any of clauses 5-6, wherein the upper further comprises a hot melt layer coupled to the inner insert surface, and wherein the respective hot melt layer is configured to adhere the inner insert surface to an outer surface of the inner layer. 
     Clause 8. The article of footwear of any of clauses 5-6, wherein: the outer layer is selectively coupled to the inner layer at a plurality of bonded areas, and wherein the plurality of bonded areas defines the closed pocket, such that the closed pocket is enclosed by the bonded areas. 
     Clause 9. The article of footwear of clause 8, wherein the upper further comprises a hot melt layer coupled to an inner surface of the outer layer at the bonded areas, and wherein the hot melt layer is configured to adhere an outer surface of the inner layer to an inner surface of the outer layer at the bonded areas. 
     Clause 10. The article of footwear of any of clauses 8-9 wherein the closed pocket is one of a plurality of closed pockets defined by the inner layer and the outer layer, such that each of the closed pockets is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer and enclosed by the bonded areas; the insert one of a plurality of inserts; and each of the plurality of inserts is disposed in a different one of the closed pockets. 
     Clause 11. The article of footwear of clause 10 wherein the closed pockets have a plurality of different predefined shapes; and wherein each of the inserts has an outer perimeter that corresponds with a respective one of the different predefined shapes. 
     Clause 12. The article of footwear of any of clauses 10-11, further comprising a sole structure fixedly attached to the upper and underlying the interior volume; wherein the closed pockets are disposed in at least one of a lateral side, a medial side, or a vamp of the upper. 
     Clause 13. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method of manufacturing comprising: placing an insert in a recess defined by an outer layer of an upper, such that the insert abuts an inner surface of the outer layer; and positioning an inner layer of the upper on the inner surface of the outer layer and over the recess and the insert, such that the inner layer and the outer layer form a closed pocket at the recess, such that the insert is disposed within the closed pocket. 
     Clause 14. The method of clause 13, further comprising: bonding the inner layer to the outer layer at a plurality of bonded areas surrounding the closed pocket and the insert, such that the closed pocket is enclosed by the bonded areas. 
     Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 13-14, wherein the insert and the outer layer are unfixed to one another. 
     Clause 16. The method of any of clauses 13-15 further comprising: prior to positioning the inner layer of the upper on the inner surface of the outer layer, applying a hot melt layer to the inner surface of the outer layer at the plurality of bonded areas around the recess; wherein bonding the inner layer to the outer layer is performed via hot pressing the inner layer to the outer layer at the bonded areas around the recess, and wherein the outer layer protrudes outwardly from the inner layer by a thickness of the insert throughout the closed pocket. 
     Clause 17. The method of any of clauses 13-15 further comprising: prior to positioning the inner layer of the upper on the inner surface of the outer layer, applying a hot melt layer to an inner surface of the insert; wherein bonding the inner layer to the outer layer simultaneously bonds the inner surface of the insert to the inner layer in the closed pocket; and wherein the outer layer protrudes outwardly from the inner layer by a thickness of the insert throughout the closed pocket. 
     Clause 18. The method of any of clauses 13-17 further comprising: prior to placing the insert in the recess, positioning the outer layer over a silicone pad, wherein the silicone pad defines a pressing surface and the pressing surface further defines at least one cavity; and pressing the outer layer into the at least one cavity with a forming press, such that an outer surface of the outer layer is in contact with the silicone pad along the pressing surface; and wherein the outer layer forms the recess within the at least one cavity. 
     Clause 19. The method of clause 18, further comprising: after bonding the inner layer to the outer layer, removing the upper from the silicone pad. 
     Clause 20. The method of any of clauses 13-19, further comprising: prior to placing the insert in the recess, die cutting the insert to a predetermined size and a predetermined shape, such that an outer perimeter of the insert corresponds to a shape of the recess; applying a graphic to an outer surface of the insert; and wherein the outer layer is formed of an at least partially transparent material such that the insert and the graphic are at least partially visible through the outer layer.