Patent Publication Number: US-2023157405-A1

Title: Article of footwear for soccer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/133,156, which was filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on 4 Jun. 2008 and entitled ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR FOR SOCCER, such prior U.S. Patent Application being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an article of footwear, and in particular to an article of footwear configured for indoor soccer. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Articles of footwear with provisions for increasing flexibility in the sole have been previously proposed. Bade (U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,156) teaches sections of a sole that may be separated by a plurality of zones. The zones can be formed of material of the intermediate sole. Bade teaches that by varying the dimensions of the sole sections, their separations and the lengths and widths of the zones, as well as by appropriate selection of the properties of the materials for the intermediate sole and the sections of the outer sole, it is possible to adapt the flexibility in the sole. 
     The Bade design lacks provisions for twisting at the arch of the sole, as well as for different degrees of bending on a medial and lateral side of the sole. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention discloses an article of footwear with flexing portions disposed in a sole system. In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a medial portion, a lateral portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the medial portion and the lateral portion; a lacing portion configured to tighten the upper; the lacing portion including a first end portion disposed adjacent to an entry hole of the upper; the lacing portion including a second end portion disposed adjacent to a toe portion of the upper; and where the first end portion is disposed in the intermediate portion and where the second end portion is disposed in the medial portion. 
     In another aspect, the upper includes a pad on the lateral portion. 
     In another aspect, the upper is associated with a sole system. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a first flexing portion and a second flexing portion that are disposed in an arch portion of the sole system and wherein the first flexing portion is separated from the second flexing portion in a lateral direction by an intermediate portion. 
     In another aspect, the first flexing portion is configured to bend independently of the second flexing portion. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole system comprising a first flexing portion and a second flexing portion; an intermediate portion disposed between the first flexing portion and the second flexing portion in a lateral direction; the first flexing portion being more flexible than the intermediate portion and the second flexing portion being more flexible than the intermediate portion; and where the first flexing portion can flex independently of the second flexing portion. 
     In another aspect, the first flexing portion and the second flexing portion are disposed in an arch portion of the sole system. 
     In another aspect, the first flexing portion and the second flexing portion comprise a plurality of slots. 
     In another aspect, the slots are filled with a material that has a different rigidity than the first flexing portion and the second flexing portion. 
     In another aspect, the first flexing portion is more rigid than the second flexing portion. 
     In another aspect, the sole system is associated with an upper that comprises an asymmetric lacing portion. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a trapping portion configured to trap a ball. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole system comprising a peripheral toe portion configured to contact a ground surface and a central trapping portion bounded by the peripheral toe portion and configured to contact a ball; the peripheral toe portion having a first coefficient of friction and the central trapping portion having a second coefficient of friction; and where the second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a plurality of trapping portions. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a first trapping portion set disposed on a periphery of the sole system. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a second trapping portion set disposed throughout the sole system. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a first flexing portion and a second flexing portion disposed on an arch portion. 
     In another aspect, the first flexing portion is separated from the second flexing portion in a lateral direction by an intermediate portion. 
     In another aspect, the first flexing portion is configured to bend differently from the second flexing portion. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole including a front portion; a toe bumper disposed on the front portion, the toe bumper being configured to contact a ball; and where the toe bumper has an asymmetric shape. 
     In another aspect, the toe bumper includes a protrusion disposed adjacent to a big toe of a wearer when the article of footwear is worn. 
     In another aspect, the toe bumper includes a standard curved portion and a flattened curved portion. 
     In another aspect, the standard curved portion is disposed on a lateral side of the sole and wherein the flattened curved portion is disposed on a medial side of the sole. 
     In another aspect, the asymmetric shape of the toe bumper is configured to increase the surface area of the front portion. 
     In another aspect, the toe bumper includes a textured surface. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole including a heel portion; a heel bumper disposed on the heel portion, wherein the heel bumper is configured to contact a ball; and where the heel bumper has an asymmetric shape. 
     In another aspect, the heel portion includes a rearward portion disposed between a medial portion and a lateral portion of the sole system. 
     In another aspect, the heel bumper includes a rearward edge disposed in the rearward portion. 
     In another aspect, the heel bumper has an approximately triangular shape. 
     In another aspect, the heel bumper includes a textured surface. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole system; an arch portion a medial portion and a lateral portion; the arch portion including at least one slot portion; the slot portion having a wide portion open to the medial portion and the slot portion having a narrow portion disposed on the lateral portion; and where the at least one slot portion provides flexibility to the arch portion. 
     In another aspect, the at least one slot portion is configured to accommodate twisting of the arch portion. 
     In another aspect, the arch portion includes at least two slot portions. 
     In another aspect, the at least one slot portion is formed by removing a portion of the sole system from the arch portion. 
     In another aspect, the at least one slot portion is approximately V-shaped. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole system including an arch portion with at least one slot portion; an insole including an arch portion with at least one groove; and where the at least one slot portion is disposed adjacent to the at least one groove when the insole is inserted into the article of footwear and where the at least one slot portion is configured to cooperate with the at least one groove to facilitate flexibility of the sole system and the insole. 
     In another aspect, the arch portion of the sole system includes at least two slot portions. 
     In another aspect, the arch portion of the insole includes at least two grooves. 
     In another aspect, the sole system includes a forefoot portion with at least one flexing groove. 
     In another aspect, the insole includes a forefoot portion with at least one groove. 
     In another aspect, the at least one flexing groove of the sole system corresponds with the at least one groove of the forefoot portion of the insole. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole system comprising a peripheral toe portion configured to contact a ground surface and a central trapping portion bounded by the peripheral toe portion and configured to contact a ball; and where the central trapping portion is recessed with respect to the peripheral toe portion. 
     In another aspect, the central trapping portion has a concave shape. 
     In another aspect, the central trapping portion has an inward dome-like shape. 
     In another aspect, the central trapping portion is configured with a shape that conforms to a contour of a ball. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a lacing portion; the lacing portion including a cut out portion with a first side and a second side; the lacing portion including a stretching portion connected to the first side and the second side; and where the stretching portion is configured to stretch and provide flexibility to the upper. 
     In another aspect, the stretching portion is made of elastic. 
     In another aspect, the lacing portion includes at least two cut out portions and wherein the at least two cut out portions are associated with two stretching portions. 
     In another aspect, the upper is associated with a sole system that is configured to flex. 
     In another aspect, the stretching portion allows the upper to flex in a manner that cooperates with the flexing of the sole system. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG.  1    is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  2    is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  3    is a top view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  4    is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a bottom surface of a sole system of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a bottom surface of a sole system of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  7    is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear passing a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear trapping a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  9    is an isometric view from underneath an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear trapping a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear trapping a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  11    is an isometric view from underneath an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear trapping and compressing a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  12    is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  13    is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  14    is a top view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  15    is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  16    is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  17    is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a bottom surface of a sole system of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  18    is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a bottom surface of a sole system of an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  19    is an exploded isometric view from underneath a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear including an insole; 
         FIG.  20    is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an insertion of an insole into an article of footwear; 
         FIG.  21    is an isometric view from underneath a preferred embodiment of an article of footwear with an insole; 
         FIG.  22    is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear passing a soccer ball with a toe bumper; 
         FIG.  23    is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear passing a soccer ball with a heel bumper; 
         FIG.  24    is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear trapping a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  25    is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of an article of footwear trapping a soccer ball; 
         FIG.  26    is an isometric view from underneath an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear trapping and compressing a soccer ball; and 
         FIG.  27    is an isometric view from underneath an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with an insole trapping and compressing a soccer ball. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    illustrate a preferred embodiment of article of footwear  100 . For clarity, the following detailed description discusses a preferred embodiment, in the form of an indoor soccer shoe, but it should be noted that the present invention could take the form of any article of footwear including, but not limited to, outdoor soccer shoes, football shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. As shown in  FIG.  1   , article of footwear  100 , also referred to simply as article  100 , is intended to be used with a right foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may equally apply to a mirror image of article of footwear  100  that is intended for use with a left foot. 
     Article of footwear  100  preferably includes upper  102 . Generally, upper  102  may be any type of upper. In particular, upper  102  could have any design, shape, size and/or color. Preferably, upper  102  is configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot. In this preferred embodiment, upper  102  includes entry hole  103  configured to receive a foot of a wearer. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , upper  102  includes medial portion  104 . Also, upper  102  includes lateral portion  106  disposed opposite of medial portion  104  as seen in  FIG.  2   . Furthermore, upper  102  includes intermediate portion  108  disposed between medial portion  104  and lateral portion  106 . Preferably, intermediate portion  108  corresponds to the instep or vamp of upper  102 . In a preferred embodiment, intermediate portion  108  may partially coincide with tongue  197  of upper  102 . 
     In some cases, portions of upper  102  may include one or more pads. Generally, one or more pads may absorb an impact from contact with other objects, including, but not limited to, balls and ground surfaces. A pad could be disposed on any portion of upper  102 . In some embodiments, one or more pads could be associated with medial portion  104 . In other embodiments, one or more pads could be associated with intermediate portion  108 . In a preferred embodiment, one or more pads could be associated with lateral portion  106 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , lateral portion  106  includes pad  199 . In some embodiments, pad  199  may extend over an entire length of lateral portion  106 . In a preferred embodiment, pad  199  may extend over a lateral side of toe portion  109  of upper  102 . With this arrangement, pad  199  may be configured to absorb impacts from a ball during some types of passing. 
     In some embodiments, article of footwear  100  may include a fastening system configured to tighten upper  102 . Generally, article of footwear  100  could be associated with any type of fastening system including, but not limited to laces, straps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, as well as other types of fastening systems. In a preferred embodiment, article of footwear  100  may include a lacing system. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , article  100  includes lace  198  that may be used to tighten upper  102 . Preferably, lace  198  is disposed over tongue  197  in lacing portion  110  of upper  102 . Lacing portion  110  is configured with first end portion  111  and second end portion  112 . First end portion  111  may be disposed adjacent to entry hole  103 . Similarly, second end portion  112  may be disposed adjacent to toe portion  109 . With this arrangement, lace  198  may tighten lacing portion  110  to secure a foot within upper  102 . 
     Generally, lacing portion  110  may be disposed in any manner on upper  102 . In some embodiments, lacing portion  110  may be disposed symmetrically on intermediate portion  108 . In a preferred embodiment, lacing portion  110  may be disposed asymmetrically on upper  102 . The term “asymmetric” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any arrangement of a lacing portion where the lacing portion does not extend symmetrically over the medial portion and the lateral portion of an upper. 
     Preferably, an asymmetric fastening system may provide greater comfort and a better fit for a wearer. In some cases, a fastening system may be configured with an asymmetrical bias to a lateral portion of an upper. Typically, outdoor soccer players kick the ball on a medial portion of a toe portion. By positioning a fastening system on a lateral portion, the fastening system preferably does not interfere with the power of a kick for an outdoor soccer player. However, indoor soccer players may rely more on finesse than power. In particular, indoor soccer players often use a lateral portion of a toe portion to make short and medium distance passes. For example, a short distance pass made with the lateral portion of the toe portion is often used in a “give and go” passing situation. In a preferred embodiment, a fastening system may be configured with an asymmetrical bias to a medial portion of an upper. Preferably, this asymmetrical bias to the medial portion helps prevent interference between the lacing portion and a ball during finesse passing. 
     In this embodiment, lacing portion  110  is configured with an asymmetrical bias to medial portion  104 . In particular, first end portion  111  of lacing portion  110  is disposed in intermediate portion  108 . Furthermore, second end portion  112  is disposed in medial portion  104 . With this arrangement, the asymmetrical bias to medial portion  104  preferably provides a better fit that contributes to the finesse capabilities of a wearer of article  100 . 
     For purposes of clarity, only some portions of upper  102  are discussed in this embodiment. It should be understood that upper  102  may include other provisions that are known in the art for assisting in running, kicking or other athletic maneuvers. 
     Preferably, an article of footwear configured for soccer includes provisions to enhance the trapping abilities of a wearer. During trapping, a wearer of the article of footwear may stop a ball on a toe portion of an article. The wearer of the article may then curl the toe portion of the article to capture the ball between the article and a ground surface. In some embodiments, a flexible material may be used in a sole of an article of footwear to allow a wearer to curl the toe portion of the article. In a preferred embodiment, a sole of an article of footwear may include flexible portions configured to allow a toe portion of a sole to curl. 
     In the current embodiment, upper  102  is associated with sole system  120 . Referring to  FIG.  4   , sole system  120  includes bottom surface  132 . Bottom surface  132  is preferably configured to contact a ground surface, including, but not limited to natural grass or synthetic grass. For the purposes of illustration, the top surface of sole system  120  is not shown in these Figures. Furthermore, in some cases, sole system  120  may include a midsole and/or insole, as well as provisions for traction including, but not limited to cleats and traction elements, that are not illustrated in these Figures for purposes of clarity. 
     In order to increase the flexibility of article  100 , sole system  120  includes two flexing portions. In other embodiments, sole system  120  may include more or less flexing portions. In this embodiment, sole system  120  includes first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122 . Preferably, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  are disposed in arch portion  150  of sole system  120 . In particular, first flexing portion  121  is disposed on medial portion  114  of sole system  120 . Likewise, second flexing portion  122  is disposed on lateral portion  116 , opposite of medial portion  114 , of sole system  120 . 
     In some embodiments, first flexing portion  121  may be separated from second flexing portion  122 . In this embodiment, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  are separated in a lateral direction by intermediate portion  124  on bottom surface  132 . In other embodiments, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be disposed adjacent to one another. 
     Although first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  are disposed in arch portion  150  in the current embodiment, in other embodiments, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  could be located in other portions of sole system  120 . For example, in another embodiment, first flexing portion  121  and/or second flexing portion  122  could be disposed in toe portion  119  of sole system  120 . In still another embodiment, first flexing portion  121  and/or second flexing portion  122  could be disposed in a heel portion of sole system  120 . 
     Generally, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be configured with any shapes and sizes. In this embodiment, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  have substantially similar shapes and sizes. In particular, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  have a rounded triangular shape with prominent lobes. Specifically, first flexing portion  121  includes first lobe  141 . Similarly, second flexing portion  122  includes second lobe  142 . Although second lobe  142  is similar to first lobe  141 , second lobe  142  is smaller than first lobe  141 . In addition, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  are inverted with respect to each other. In other words, first lobe  141  is directed toward toe portion  119  while second lobe  142  faces rearward toward a heel portion of article  100 . This arrangement preferably facilitates the curling of toe portion  119  of sole system  120 . By providing a means of curling toe portion  119 , the finesse abilities of a wearer may be enhanced. 
     Preferably, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  include slots  125 . Generally, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may include any number of slots. In some embodiments, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may each include a single slot. In other embodiments, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may include multiple slots. In a preferred embodiment, first flexing portion  121  includes seven slots and second flexing portion  122  includes six slots. 
     Generally, slots  125  may extend in any direction. In this embodiment, slots  125  may extend in a generally lateral direction. The term “lateral direction” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction running between a medial portion and a lateral portion of an article of footwear. In other embodiments, however, slots  125  could extend in a longitudinal direction. The term “longitudinal direction” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the lateral direction. In other words, the longitudinal direction may run between a toe portion and a heel portion of an article of footwear. In still other embodiments, slots  125  could extend in a diagonal direction that is between a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction. 
     First flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be formed in any manner known in the art. In this embodiment, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be formed by removing at least a portion of sole system  120 . Specifically, material may be removed from first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  to create slots  125 . In some embodiments, slots  125  may be filled with a material with a different rigidity than first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122 . In some cases, slots  125  may be filled with a more flexible material than first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122 . This arrangement may allow slots  125  to compress when a wearer arches article  100  to curl toe portion  119  of sole system  120 . In other embodiments, slots  125  may remain hollow. Preferably, slots  125  decrease the rigidity of sole system  120  to provide greater flexibility to sole system  120 . With this preferred configuration, slots  125  enable a wearer to bend article  100  with greater ease. 
     Preferably, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  are more flexible than intermediate portion  124 . Furthermore, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be configured to bend independently. For example, in some cases, first flexing portion  121  may be bent more than second flexing portion  122 . This difference in the bending of first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  produces greater curvature in medial portion  114  than lateral portion  116 . Likewise, in other cases, second flexing portion  122  may be bent more than first flexing portion  121  to produce greater curvature in lateral portion  116  than medial portion  114 . With this arrangement, sole system  120  may accommodate bending, curling and twisting. This preferred arrangement gives greater control to a wearer of article  100  for finesse maneuvers. 
     Generally, sole system  120  may be constructed of multiple materials. In some embodiments, bottom surface  132  may be constructed of materials typically used for an outsole including, but not limited to elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics. In some cases, first flexing portion  121 , intermediate portion  124  and second flexing portion  122  may be constructed of the same material as bottom surface  132 . In other embodiments, intermediate portion  124  may be constructed from the same material as bottom surface  132 . In addition, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be constructed with different materials to fine tune the flexing properties of arch portion  150 . For example, first flexing portion  121  may be constructed of a material that is more rigid than the material comprising second flexing portion  122 . In a preferred embodiment, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may be constructed of a material that is softer and more flexible than conventional material for an outsole. In addition, intermediate portion  124  may comprise conventional material for an outsole. With this preferred arrangement, the flexibility of first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  in arch portion  150  may be increased to allow article  100  to trap a soccer ball. 
     Typically, during trapping, a soccer ball may be first received at toe portion  119  of sole system  120 . In some cases, toe portion  119  may include provisions for gripping the ball. In a preferred embodiment, toe portion  119  may include a central trapping portion that has a high coefficient of friction for gripping a ball. 
     In some embodiments, toe portion  119  of sole system  120  may comprise peripheral toe portion  149  and central trapping portion  130 . Preferably, peripheral toe portion  149  bounds central trapping portion  130  and extends to the edges of toe portion  119 . In this manner, peripheral toe portion  149  may be configured to contact a ground surface while central trapping portion  130  is configured to contact a ball. Preferably, central trapping portion  130  enhances the ability of a wearer to stop and capture the ball in central trapping portion  130 . 
     In some embodiments, peripheral toe portion  149  may be associated with a first coefficient of friction. Likewise, central trapping portion  130  may be associated with a second coefficient of friction. In a preferred embodiment, the second coefficient of friction is greater than the first coefficient of friction. With this arrangement, central trapping portion  130  may be “stickier” than peripheral toe portion  149  to trap a soccer ball. 
     In order to assist a wearer in trapping a ball, central trapping portion  130  may be configured in any shape and with any size. Examples of various shapes include, but are not limited to, hexagons, squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, polygonal and irregular shapes, as well as any other type of shape. Additionally, central trapping portion  130  may protrude various heights from bottom surface  132 . By using different shapes protruding with different heights, trapping portion  130  may be configured to engage and trap a soccer ball. 
     In this embodiment, central trapping portion  130  is shaped substantially similar to a panel of a soccer ball with a hexagonal shape. The hexagonal shape of central trapping portion  130  is smaller than a panel of a soccer ball. In other embodiments, the hexagonal shape of central trapping portion  130  may be the same size as a panel of a soccer ball. In addition, central trapping portion  130  is generally flush with bottom surface  132 . With this configuration, central trapping portion  130  preferably facilitates the trapping of a soccer ball. 
     In some embodiments, a sole system may utilize a plurality of trapping portions to increase the trapping abilities of a wearer.  FIGS.  5 - 6    are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of article of footwear  500  with multiple trapping portions. In particular,  FIG.  5    provides a side view of lateral portion  506  of article of footwear  500 . Furthermore,  FIG.  6    provides a view of sole system  520  of article  500 . In this alternative embodiment, article of footwear  500  is substantially similar to article of footwear  100  of the previous embodiment. However, in this embodiment, multiple trapping portions are disposed on sole system  520 . Preferably, this configuration enhances the trapping abilities of a wearer. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , bottom surface  535  of sole system  520  includes central trapping portion  530 . In particular, central trapping portion  530  is disposed in toe portion  519  of sole system  520 . Furthermore, central trapping portion  530  is bounded by peripheral toe portion  549  in a manner substantially similar to the previous embodiment. As previously discussed, trapping portions may include any shape. In this embodiment, central trapping portion  530  is configured with a generally circular shape. 
     Furthermore, sole system  520  includes first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532 . Generally, first trapping portion set  531  includes a plurality of trapping portions disposed on peripheral portion  550  of sole system  520 . Likewise, second trapping portion set  532  includes a plurality of trapping portions that are disposed throughout toe portion  519  and heel portion  510  of sole system  520 . 
     Generally, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may include any number of trapping portions. Furthermore, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may be associated with any sizes. For example, in this preferred embodiment, first trapping portion set  531  is associated with trapping portions that are larger than the trapping portions of second trapping portion set  532 . With this arrangement, first trapping portion set  531  may provide primary contact with a ball or ground surface. In other embodiments, however, the trapping portions of first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  could have substantially similar sizes. 
     In this embodiment, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  are smaller than central trapping portion  530 . In particular, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  are configured with generally hexagonal shapes. In other embodiments, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  could be configured with any other shapes, including, but not limited to hexagons, squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, polygonal and irregular shapes, as well as any other type of shape. Preferably, this arrangement of first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  provide increased opportunities for a wearer to trap a ball at toe portion  549  and heel portion  510 . 
     Generally, bottom surface  535  of sole system  520  may be associated with a first coefficient of friction. Furthermore, central trapping portion  530  may be associated with a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction. Preferably, this arrangement enhances the trapping capabilities of central trapping portion  530 . In some embodiments, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may be associated with a coefficient of friction substantially similar to the second coefficient of friction. In other embodiments, central trapping portion  530 , first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may be configured with different coefficients of friction. By manipulating the frictional properties of central trapping portion  530 , first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532 , the trapping capabilities of article of footwear  500  may be fine tuned. 
     Preferably, central trapping portion  530 , first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  are made of materials substantially similar to the materials discussed in the previous embodiment for central trapping portion  130 . In some cases, different materials can be used for central trapping portion  530 , first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  in order to adjust the individual frictional properties of each set of trapping portions. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may protrude a distance from bottom surface  535  in a similar manner to cleats. By protruding from bottom surface  535 , first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may increase the chances of article  500  stopping and trapping a soccer ball. In some cases, first trapping portion set  531  and second trapping portion set  532  may also be configured to function as low profile cleats for some ground surfaces. 
     As discussed with respect to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the asymmetric bias of lacing portion  110  preferably allows a soccer player to easily pass a ball using lateral portion  106  of toe portion  109  without interference from lacing portion  110 .  FIG.  7    is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of article  100  passing soccer ball  701 . It should be understood that this embodiment is intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, article  100  may contact soccer ball  701  in another manner in order to pass soccer ball  701 . 
     Typically, a wearer will pass or strike the soccer ball with lateral portion  106  of toe portion  109  of article of footwear  100 . In this embodiment, lacing portion  110  does not contact soccer ball  701  when lateral portion  106  of toe portion  109  contacts soccer ball  701  in order to pass soccer ball  701 . Preferably, this configuration of lacing portion  110  with an asymmetrical bias to medial portion  104  does not interfere with the passing of soccer ball  701  using lateral portion  106 . 
     As previously discussed, article  100  includes pad  199  disposed on lateral portion  106  of toe portion  109 . When lateral portion  106  of toe portion  109  contacts soccer ball  701  in order to pass soccer ball  701 , pad  199  may absorb some of the impact of soccer ball  701 . With this arrangement, pad  199  may assist a wearer when passing or striking soccer ball  701  by buffering some of the force of the pass or strike of soccer ball  701 . In addition, pad  199  provides a firm surface to contact soccer ball  701  when passing or striking with lateral portion  106  of toe portion  109 . This firm surface preferably provides an effective contact point to generate power and agility during striking or passing soccer ball  701 . 
     In some cases, a wearer of article of footwear  100  may catch a pass in order to trap a soccer ball.  FIGS.  8 - 11    illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of article of footwear  100  trapping soccer ball  801 . The scenario illustrated in this embodiment is intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, a wearer of article of footwear  100  may trap soccer ball  801  in another manner. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 - 9   , soccer ball  801  is preferably stopped by toe portion  119  of sole system  120 . In particular, central trapping portion  130  contacts soccer ball  801  in order to stop soccer ball  801 . In other embodiments, however, soccer ball  801  may be trapped by other portions of article of footwear  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , central trapping portion  130  may be clearly seen contacting soccer ball  801 . For purposes of clarity, soccer ball  801  is shown in phantom. Preferably, the relatively high coefficient of friction of central trapping portion  130  facilitates a wearer of article  100  in trapping soccer ball  801 . In particular, central trapping portion  130  may be configured to stick to a portion of soccer ball  801  and prevent any further rolling of soccer ball  801  beneath article  100 . 
     As previously discussed, in order to firmly trap a soccer ball, a wearer may curl a toe portion of an article of footwear toward the soccer ball. This allows the soccer ball to be compressed between a ground surface and the article. Referring to  FIGS.  10 - 11   , a wearer arches article of footwear  100  to firmly trap soccer ball  801 . In particular, as a wearer traps soccer ball  801 , first flexing portion  121  is disposed adjacent to top portion  1002  of soccer ball  801 . With this arrangement, toe portion  119  curls toward soccer ball  801  to push soccer ball  801  toward a ground surface. In some cases, a heel portion of article  100  may also bend toward soccer ball  801 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  11   , soccer ball  801  is illustrated in phantom so that bottom surface  132  of sole system  120  is visible. In this embodiment, as toe portion  119  curls around soccer ball  801 , first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  arches upward. Preferably, slots  125  contract to allow first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  to bend. 
     In this example, first flexing portion  121  and second flexing portion  122  may experience different degrees of bending. Specifically, first flexing portion  121  may bend more than second flexing portion  122 . In this case, since first flexing portion  121  is disposed adjacent to top portion  1002  of soccer ball  801  as seen in  FIG.  10   , first flexing portion  121  may undergo bending to conform to the curvature of top portion  1002  of soccer ball  801 . Likewise, since second flexing portion  122  is disposed further from top portion  1002  of soccer ball  801 , second flexing portion  122  may undergo less bending than first flexing portion  121 . Preferably, this configuration allows a wearer of article of footwear  100  to exert greater control to compress soccer ball  801  toward a ground surface and effectively trap soccer ball  801 . 
     In embodiments where a toe portion of an article is used for striking a ball, the article can include provisions for increasing accuracy and power to facilitate striking the ball. In some embodiments, an article of footwear can include a toe bumper that increases the surface area of a toe portion to assist with passing and striking a ball. In some cases, a toe bumper may be configured as part of an upper of an article of footwear. In a preferred embodiment, a toe bumper may be configured as part of a sole system of an article of footwear. 
       FIGS.  12 - 14    illustrate a preferred embodiment of article of footwear  1200  including provisions for contacting a ball at a toe portion of article  1200 . In this embodiment, article of footwear  1200  includes upper  1202  and sole system  1220 . Generally, upper  1202  can be any type of upper with any design, shape, size and/or color. In this case, upper  1202  includes medial portion  1204  and lateral portion  1206 . In addition, upper  1202  includes intermediate portion  1208  disposed between medial portion  1204  and lateral portion  1206 . Also, upper  1202  includes toe portion  1209 . For purposes of clarity, only some portions of upper  1202  are discussed in this embodiment. 
     Sole system  1220  includes front portion  1226 . In particular, front portion  1226  may extend upward from a bottom surface of sole system  1220 . This configuration may dispose front portion  1226  adjacent to toe portion  1209  of upper  1202 . With this configuration, front portion  1226  can contact a ball during striking or passing. 
     In some embodiments, front portion  1226  of sole system  1220  may include toe bumper  1229 . Generally, toe bumper  1229  may be disposed adjacent to toe portion  1209  of upper  1202 . Furthermore, toe bumper  1229  may extend from lateral portion  1206  to medial portion  1204  of toe portion  1209 . In a preferred embodiment, toe bumper  1229  may be configured with a shape that increases the surface area of front portion  1226  to assist in contacting a ball during passing or striking. 
     Generally, a toe bumper can be configured with any shape to increase the surface area of a front portion and/or toe portion of an article. In some embodiments, a toe bumper may be configured with a generally symmetric shape. In other words, a toe bumper may cover a medial portion and a lateral portion of an article in a substantially similar manner. For example, a toe bumper may be configured with a curved shape that generally follows the contours of a toe portion of an article. In other embodiments, a toe bumper can be configured with an asymmetrical shape. In some cases, a toe bumper may be configured with an asymmetrical shape that provides more surface area on a medial portion than a lateral portion of an article. In other cases, a toe bumper can include an asymmetrical shape with more surface area on a lateral portion than a medial portion of an article. In a preferred embodiment, a toe bumper is configured with an asymmetrical shape that includes a protrusion. 
     In this preferred embodiment, toe bumper  1229  includes protrusion  1227  that extends outward slightly from toe portion  1209  with a generally convex shape, as illustrated in  FIG.  14   . Generally, protrusion  1227  may be disposed on any portion of toe bumper  1229 . In some cases, protrusion  1227  may be disposed on medial portion  1204  of toe portion  1209 . In other cases, protrusion  1227  may be disposed on lateral portion  1206  of toe portion  1209 . In still other cases, protrusion  1227  may be disposed in the middle of toe portion  1209 . In a preferred embodiment, protrusion  1227  may be disposed adjacent to toe portion  1209  in approximately the location of a big toe of a foot inserted in article  1200 . As seen in  FIG.  14   , the location of protrusion  1227  provides toe bumper  1229  with an asymmetrical shape. 
     In this embodiment, toe bumper  1229  includes standard curved portion  1241  and flattened curved portion  1242  that are separated by protrusion  1227 . Standard curved portion  1241  may be associated with lateral portion  1206  and intermediate portion  1208  of upper  1202 . Similarly, flattened curved portion  1242  can be associated with medial portion  1204 . 
     Preferably, standard curved portion  1241  and flattened curved portion  1242  may be associated with different types of curvature. In particular, flattened curved portion  1242  includes a generally flat shape that may be associated with less surface area than a curved shape. Furthermore, standard curved portion  1241  is configured with a curved shape that is configured to follow the contour of toe portion  1209 . This asymmetrical arrangement of toe bumper  1229  can provide a greater surface area for standard curved portion  1241  associated with lateral portion  1206 . This arrangement can be particularly helpful for indoor soccer players using lateral portion  1206  of toe portion  1209  to make short and medium distance passes in a “give and go” passing situation. By creating more surface area, standard curved portion  1241  can provide better accuracy for a player passing a ball with lateral portion  1206  of toe portion  1209 . 
     In different embodiments, toe bumper  1229  can be made of different materials. In some cases, toe bumper  1229  can be made of a material that is generally stiffer than the material used for sole system  1220 . In other cases, toe bumper  1229  can be made of a softer material than the material used for sole system  1220 . In a preferred embodiment, toe bumper  1229  can be made of a stiffer material than sole system  1220  in order to increase support for toe portion  1209  during contact with a ball. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, toe bumper  1229  may be made of rubber. 
     In different embodiments, toe bumper  1229  can be associated with different coefficients of friction. In some cases, toe bumper  1229  can have a greater coefficient of friction than sole system  1220 . In other words, toe bumper  1229  can be stickier than sole system  1220 . In other cases, toe bumper  1229  can have a lower coefficient of friction than sole system  1220 . In other words, toe bumper  1229  can be slicker than sole system  1220 . In a preferred embodiment, toe bumper  1229  has a greater coefficient of friction than sole system  1220  in order to facilitate contact with a ball. 
     In some embodiments, toe bumper  1229  may include additional provisions to increase traction between article  1200  and a ball in order to increase the accuracy of kicks and passes. Referring to  FIGS.  12 - 13   , toe bumper  1229  includes textured surface  1243 . Textured surface  1243  can be configured in any manner. In some cases, textured surface  1243  may include one or more divots. In other cases, textured surface  1243  can include one or more bumps. In this preferred embodiment, textured surface  1243  comprises small bumps that bulge outward from toe bumper  1229 . In particular, these small bumps may be substantially evenly spaced over the entirety of toe bumper  1229 . Preferably, textured surface  1243  assists a player in contacting a ball by providing a high coefficient of friction with the ball. 
     Generally, toe bumper  1229  may be associated with sole system  1220  in any manner. In some embodiments, toe bumper  1229  may be integrally formed with sole system  1220 . In other embodiments, toe bumper  1229  may be attached to sole system  1220  through any manner known in the art including, but not limited to adhesives and stitching. In this embodiment, toe bumper  1229  is attached to front portion  1226  through stitching. 
     In embodiments including a sole system that is configured to flex, an article may include provisions to facilitate flexing of the upper in order to accommodate flexing of the entire article. Generally, provisions for facilitating flexing of an upper can be provided on any portion of an upper. In a preferred embodiment, a fastening system may include stretching portions to accommodate flexing and bending of an article of footwear. The term “stretching portion” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any portion configured to undergo elastic deformation. 
     Referring to  FIG.  14   , upper  1202  includes lacing portion  1210  configured to receive lace  1298 . In particular, lace  1298  may span lacing gap  1429  of upper  1202  in order to fasten upper  1202 . In other embodiments, article of footwear  1200  can include another type of fastening system. In this embodiment, lacing portion  1210  is configured with an asymmetrical bias in manner substantially similar to lacing portion  110  of article  100  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . With this asymmetrical bias, first end portion  1211  of lacing portion  1210  is disposed on intermediate portion  1208  of upper  1202  while second end portion  1212  of lacing portion  1210  is disposed on medial portion  1204 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, lacing portion  1210  includes first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218 . Generally, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  may be made of any material configured to flex. Examples of different flexible materials include, but are not limited to elastic, nylon, rubber, as well as other materials that are configured to stretch. In a preferred embodiment, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  may be made of elastic. With this arrangement, lacing portion  1210  may stretch at first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  to accommodate the bending of sole system  1220 . 
     Generally, stretching portions may be disposed on any portion of a fastening system to increase the flexibility of an upper. In some embodiments, stretching portions may be disposed on both a medial portion and a lateral portion of a fastening system. In other embodiments, stretching portions may be disposed only on a medial portion. In still other embodiments, stretching portions may be disposed only on a lateral portion. In a preferred embodiment, stretching portions may be disposed on both a medial portion and a lateral portion of a fastening system. 
     In this embodiment, first stretching portion  1217  is disposed on lateral lacing portion  1216  of lacing portion  1210 . Similarly, second stretching portion  1218  is disposed on medial lacing portion  1214  of lacing portion  1210 . Furthermore, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  are disposed on middle portion  1219  of lacing portion  1210  between first end portion  1211  and second end portion  1212 . With this configuration, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  can provide flexibility to both lateral portion  1206  and medial portion  1204  to provide flexibility for upper  1202 . Furthermore, with this arrangement, upper  1202  may be configured to bend in a manner that cooperates with the bending of sole system  1220 . 
     Generally, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  can be configured with lacing portion  1210  in any manner known in the art. In some embodiments, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  may be integrally formed with lateral lacing portion  1216  and medial lacing portion  1214 , respectively. In other embodiments, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  can be attached to lateral lacing portion  1216  and medial lacing portion  1214 , respectively. This may be accomplished by any manner known in the art including, but not limited to stitching and adhesives. In a preferred embodiment, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  may be attached to cut out portions in lateral lacing portion  1216  and medial lacing portion  1214 , respectively. 
     In this embodiment, lateral lacing portion  1216  includes first cut out portion  1417  adjacent to periphery portion  1419  of lacing portion  1210 . Similarly, medial lacing portion  1214  includes second cut out portion  1418  adjacent to periphery portion  1419 . Generally, first cut out portion  1417  and second cut out portion  1418  may be configured with any size and shape. In this arrangement, first cut out portion  1417  and second cut out portion  1418  are configured with generally triangular shapes. In particular, first cut out portion  1417  comprises first side  1401  and second side  1402  adjacent to periphery portion  1419 . Likewise, second cut out portion  1418  includes third side  1403  and fourth side  1404  adjacent to periphery portion  1419 . 
     Preferably, first stretching portion  1217  spans first cut out portion  1417 . In a similar manner, second stretching portion  1218  extends across second cut out portion  1418 . This arrangement disposes first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  on periphery portion  1419  of lacing portion  1210  adjacent to lacing gap  1429 . 
     In this embodiment, first stretching portion  1217  is attached to lateral lacing portion  1216  at first side  1401  and second side  1402  of first cut out portion  1417 . Likewise, second stretching portion  1218  is attached to medial lacing portion  1214  at third side  1403  and fourth side  1404  of second cut out portion  1418 . In other embodiments, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  can be attached to different portions of first cut out portion  1417  and second cut out portion  1418 , respectively. Using this arrangement, first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  can be fastened to lateral lacing portion  1216  and medial lacing portion  1214 , respectively. This allows first stretching portion  1217  and second stretching portion  1218  to flex to accommodate curling of toe portion  1209  when a wearer traps a ball. 
     Although two stretching portions are used in the current embodiment, in different embodiments, the number of stretching portions can vary. In some embodiments, more than two stretching portions can be used. For example, in an alternative embodiment, additional pairs of stretching portions can be disposed on adjacent edges of a lacing portion of an upper. By using additional stretching portions, an upper can be configured to accommodate bending in different locations of the upper. 
     In activities where heel passes may be used, an article of footwear can include provisions that facilitate kicking a ball with a heel portion of the article. In particular, since heel passes are usually made using a medial portion of the heel portion, an article may include provisions for kicking the ball with a medial portion of the heel portion of the article. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15  and  16   , article of footwear  1200  includes heel portion  1520 . Preferably, heel portion  1520  is configured to cradle a heel of a wearer. In some cases, heel portion  1520  may include provisions to increase support for a heel of a wearer. In the current embodiment, heel portion  1520  includes heel counter  1503 , as illustrated in  FIG.  16   . Although only a portion of heel counter  1503  is visible in  FIG.  16   , it should be understood that heel counter  1503  may cover a majority of heel portion  1520 . With this arrangement, heel counter  1503  can provide support for a heel of a foot inserted within article  1200 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, heel portion  1520  includes heel bumper  1502 . Heel bumper  1502  is disposed on medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520 , as illustrated in  FIG.  15   . Specifically, heel bumper  1502  is disposed on medial portion  1204  adjacent to sole system  1220 . In some cases, heel bumper  1502  may cover a portion of heel counter  1503 . Using this preferred arrangement, heel bumper  1502  can facilitate contact between a ball and medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520  during a heel pass. 
     Preferably, heel bumper  1502  is configured with a shape that enables a wearer to contact a ball with heel bumper  1502 . In this embodiment, heel bumper  1502  is configured with an asymmetrical shape. In particular, heel bumper  1502  comprises a generally rounded triangular shape. In other embodiments, heel bumper  1502  may be configured with another shape. Examples of other shapes include, but are not limited to, rectangular shapes, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, regular shapes and irregular shapes as well as other types of shapes. During a heel pass, only a portion of a ball may contact medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520 . In some cases, heel bumper  1502  may be configured with a shape that agrees with the shape of a portion of a ball that may contact medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520  during a heel pass. 
     In some embodiments, heel bumper  1502  includes curved edge  1551  disposed adjacent to upper  1202 . Curved edge  1551  connects to bottom edge  1553  disposed adjacent to sole system  1220 . Furthermore, curved edge  1551  also joins rearward edge  1552 , which is disposed proximate to lateral portion  1206 . In particular, rearward edge  1552  is disposed in rearward portion  1599  of heel portion  1520 , which is disposed between medial portion  1204  and lateral portion  1206 . With this configuration, heel bumper  1502  is configured to contact a ball at medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520 . 
     Generally, a heel bumper can be made any material including, but not limited to elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics. In some embodiments, a heel bumper may be configured with a rubber-like material that can absorb some of the force of a pass or strike. In other embodiments, a heel bumper can comprise a material with a high coefficient of friction in order to grip a ball during passing. In a preferred embodiment, a heel bumper can comprise a rubber-like material that absorbs some of the force of a pass or a strike and include a textured surface with a high coefficient of friction. 
     In some embodiments, a heel bumper may include provisions to help increase traction with a ball in order to improve the accuracy of a heel pass. In some cases, the heel bumper may be made of a material with an increased coefficient of friction in order to increase traction between the heel bumper and a contacting ball. In other cases, the heel bumper could include a textured surface that is configured to increase traction between the toe bumper and a contacting ball. In a preferred embodiment, the heel bumper includes a textured surface with small protrusions. 
     In this embodiment, heel bumper  1502  includes textured surface  1543 . Preferably, textured surface  1543  comprises a surface with a high coefficient of friction to engage a ball following contact with the ball. In this embodiment, textured surface  1543  comprises small densely packed bumps. However, in other embodiments, textured surface  1543  may be configured in another manner. For example, in other embodiments, textured surface  1543  could comprise divots, large bumps, as well as other arrangements. With this configuration, heel bumper  1502  may help increase traction with a ball to increase the accuracy of a heel pass. 
       FIG.  17    illustrates a plan view of a preferred embodiment of bottom surface  1735  of sole system  1220  of article  1200 . Bottom surface  1735  is configured to contact a ground surface, including, but not limited to natural grass, synthetic grass, tile, concrete, as well as any other types of surfaces. For the purposes of illustration, the top surface of sole system  1220  is not shown in these Figures. 
     In this embodiment, an outsole of sole system  1220  may be visible. However, it should be understood that sole system  1220  can also include a midsole and/or an insole. Additionally, in some cases, sole system  1220  may include additional provisions for traction including, but not limited to cleats and traction elements. 
     In embodiments where an article is used for trapping a ball, a sole system may include provisions for flexing. In some embodiments, a sole system can also be configured with a particular shape to facilitate curling of a toe portion. In some cases, an arch portion of a sole system can comprise a shape that facilitates the curling of a toe portion. In a preferred embodiment, an arch portion of a sole system includes slot portions that compress inward when an arch portion bends to facilitate the curling of a toe portion of the sole system. 
     In different embodiments, the number of slot portions can vary. In some cases, a sole system may include a single slot portion. In other cases, a sole system may include two or more slot portions. In this embodiment, arch portion  1750  of sole system  1220  includes first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752 . 
     Generally, the location of first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may vary. In some embodiments, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be associated with medial portion  1754  of sole system  1220 . In other embodiments, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be associated with lateral portion  1756  of sole system  1220 . In a preferred embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be associated with medial portion  1754  of sole system  1220 . In particular, first slot portion  1751  is disposed adjacent to forefoot portion  1709  of sole system  1220 . Likewise, second slot portion  1752  is disposed adjacent to heel portion  1710  of sole system  1220 . Furthermore, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be coextensive with periphery portion  1755  of bottom surface  1735 . As a result, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may provide a recessed periphery portion  1755  of bottom surface  1735 , as shown in  FIG.  17   . Periphery portion  1755  may be recessed in a direction extending between medial portion  1754  and lateral portion  1756 . Using this configuration, arch portion  1750  can compress inward at first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  to enable bending of arch portion  1750 . 
     In this embodiment, first slot portion  1751  is separated from second slot portion  1752  by separating portion  1753 . As shown in  FIG.  17   , first slot portion  1751 , second slot portion  1752 , and separating portion  1753  may form a continuous recessed periphery portion  1755  of bottom surface  1735 . The recessed periphery portion  1755  may be located in arch portion  1750 . Generally, separating portion  1753  may be configured with any shape. Examples of different shapes for a separating portion include, but are not limited to, triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, trapezoidal shapes, elliptical shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes, as well as other types of shapes. In a preferred embodiment, separating portion  1753  is configured with a generally rectangular shape. 
     Generally, slot portions can be configured with any shape to facilitate the curling of a toe portion of a sole system. In some embodiments, slot portions can be configured with shapes that allow a medial portion and a lateral portion of a sole system to bend in a substantially similar manner. In a preferred embodiment, slot portions can be configured with shapes that allow a medial portion and a lateral portion to bend in different manners. 
     In some embodiments, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  can have substantially similar shapes. In other embodiments, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  can have different shapes. In a preferred embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  can have substantially similar shapes. 
     In this preferred embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be approximately V-shaped. In particular, first slot portion  1751  includes first narrow portion  1761  and first wide portion  1771 . In a similar manner, second slot portion  1752  includes second narrow portion  1762  and second wide portion  1772 . In this embodiment, first wide portion  1771  and second wide portion  1772  are disposed adjacent to medial portion  1754 . Similarly, first narrow portion  1761  and second narrow portion  1762  are disposed proximate to lateral portion  1756  of sole system  1220 . 
     Preferably, first wide portion  1771  and second wide portion  1772  cover a greater area than first narrow portion  1761  and second narrow portion  1762 . Since first wide portion  1771  and second wide portion  1772  cover a greater area than first narrow portion  1761  and second narrow portion  1762 , first wide portion  1771  and second wide portion  1772  may be configured to compress inward to a greater degree than first narrow portion  1761  and second narrow portion  1762 . This can allow medial portion  1754  to bend more than lateral portion  1756 . With this preferred configuration, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may also facilitate twisting of forefoot portion  1709  with respect to heel portion  1710 , which can result in a more effective trapping of a ball. 
     Generally, the orientation of one or more slot portions can vary. In this embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  extend in a generally lateral direction. In other embodiments, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may extend in other directions. In some cases, the orientation of first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  can be changed in order to fine tune the flexing properties of arch portion  1750 . 
     First slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be formed in any manner known in the art. In some embodiments, material from sole system  1220  may be removed to form first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752 . In some cases, only a portion of a sole system  1220  may be removed to form first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752 . For example, an outsole of sole system  1220  can be removed to form first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752 . As a result, at least a portion of upper  1202  may be exposed through the first slot portion  1751  and the second slot portion  1752 , as shown in  FIG.  17   . In other words, at least the first slot portion  1751  and the second slot portion  1752  may form an opening through the bottom surface of the sole system so that a portion of upper  1202  may be exposed through the opening. In this preferred embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  are integrally formed with sole system  1220 . With this arrangement, arch portion  1750  is configured with a shape that can compress inward to enable bending of arch portion  1750 . This bending can facilitate the curling of toe portion  1719  of sole system  1220 . 
     In some embodiments, a sole system may also include provisions for increasing the flexibility of the forefoot and heel portions of an article. Referring to  FIG.  17   , sole system  1220  may include one or more flexing grooves to increase the flexibility of sole system  1220 . In some cases, flexing grooves can be disposed on forefoot portion  1709  of sole system  1220 . In other cases, flexing grooves can be disposed on heel portion  1710  of sole system  1220 . In still other cases, flexing grooves can be disposed on arch portion  1750  of sole system  1220 . In a preferred embodiment, both forefoot portion  1709  and heel portion  1710  can include flexing grooves. 
     In order to increase the flexibility of forefoot portion  1709 , sole system  1220  includes forefoot flexing groove set  1784  disposed on forefoot portion  1709 . In addition, sole system  1220  includes heel flexing groove set  1794  disposed on heel portion  1710 . Preferably, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  may allow forefoot portion  1709  and heel portion  1710 , respectively, to bend in order to facilitate trapping a ball. 
     Generally, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  can include any number of flexing grooves to increase the flexibility of forefoot portion  1709  and heel portion  1710 , respectively. In some cases, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  can include a similar number of flexing grooves. In other cases, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  can include a different number of flexing grooves. In a preferred embodiment, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  each include two flexing grooves. 
     In this embodiment, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  may include first forefoot flexing groove  1722  and second forefoot flexing groove  1723 . Preferably, first forefoot flexing groove  1722  is disposed between first portion  1781  and second portion  1782  of forefoot portion  1709 . Likewise, second forefoot flexing groove  1723  is disposed between second portion  1782  and third portion  1783  of forefoot portion  1709 . With this arrangement, first portion  1781  and second portion  1782  may be configured to flex with respect to one another at first forefoot flexing groove  1722 . Likewise, second portion  1782  and third portion  1783  may be configured to flex with respect to one another at second forefoot flexing groove  1723 . 
     In this embodiment, heel flexing groove set  1794  includes first heel flexing groove  1724  and second heel flexing groove  1725 . Preferably, first heel flexing groove  1724  is disposed between first portion  1791  and second portion  1792  of heel portion  1710 . Likewise, second heel flexing groove  1725  is disposed between second portion  1792  and third portion  1793  of heel portion  1710 . With this arrangement, first portion  1791  and second portion  1792  may be configured to flex with respect to one another at first heel flexing groove  1724 . Likewise, second portion  1792  and third portion  1793  may be configured to flex with respect to one another at second heel flexing groove  1725 . 
     In some embodiments, sole system  1220  may be provided with a tread pattern. In some cases, the tread pattern can comprise repeating shapes. Generally, the repeating shapes can be any type of shape, including but not limited to regular shapes, such as circles, squares, hexagons, rectangles, as well as irregular shapes. In a preferred embodiment, sole system  1220  includes tread pattern  1799  with repeating hexagon shapes. 
     In different embodiments, the shape of flexing grooves can vary. In some cases, flexing grooves may have generally straight shapes. In other cases, flexing grooves could have zig-zag shapes. In a preferred embodiment, flexing grooves may have a shape that corresponds to the contours of tread pattern  1799  of sole system  1220 . 
     As seen in  FIG.  17   , forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  may be associated with shapes that are contoured to the edges of tread pattern  1799 . For example, first heel flexing groove  1724  is disposed between the edges of first hexagon  1775 , second hexagon  1776 , third hexagon  1777 , fourth hexagon  1778  and fifth hexagon  1779 . Preferably, the remaining flexing grooves are shaped to agree with the contours between the edges of adjacent hexagons in a similar manner. 
     For aesthetic purposes, some portions of sole system  1220  may be configured with a different appearance. For example, portions of sole system  1220  can comprise different colors. In this preferred embodiment, second portion  1782  of forefoot portion  1709  and second portion  1792  of heel portion  1710  can be relatively transparent. In contrast, first portion  1781  and third portion  1783  of forefoot portion  1709  as well as first portion  1791  and third portion  1793  of heel portion  1710  can have an opaque appearance. Preferably, this configuration provides an aesthetically appealing appearance for bottom surface  1735  of sole system  1220 . 
     Similar to previous embodiments, toe portion  1719  also includes a central trapping portion for gripping a ball during trapping. In this embodiment, toe portion  1719  includes central trapping portion  1730 . Central trapping portion  1730  is disposed adjacent to peripheral toe portion  1749  of toe portion  1719 . Preferably, peripheral toe portion  1749  bounds central trapping portion  1730  and extends to the edges of toe portion  1719 . With this configuration, peripheral toe portion  1749  can be configured to contact a ground surface while central trapping portion  1730  is configured to contact a ball. In addition, central trapping portion  1730  is disposed within second portion  1782  of forefoot portion  1709 . 
     In some embodiments, peripheral toe portion  1749  and central trapping portion  1730  can have different coefficients of friction. For example, in one embodiment, central trapping portion  1730  can have a greater coefficient of friction than peripheral toe portion  1749  to increase traction with a ball at central trapping portion  1730 . In a preferred embodiment, however, peripheral toe portion  1749  and central trapping portion  1730  can have substantially similar coefficients of friction. 
     As previously discussed, central trapping portion  1730  may be configured in any shape and with any size. In this embodiment, central trapping portion  1730  is configured with a hexagonal shape substantially similar, but smaller, than a panel of a soccer ball. Furthermore, central trapping portion  1730  is slightly raised with respect to bottom surface  1735 . With this configuration, central trapping portion  1730  preferably facilitates the trapping of a soccer ball. 
       FIG.  18    is an alternative embodiment of sole system  1820  of article of footwear  1800 . In this embodiment, sole system  1820  includes bottom surface  1832 . Bottom surface  1832  is configured to contact a ground surface, including, but not limited to natural grass, synthetic grass, tile, concrete, as well as any other types of surfaces. For the purposes of illustration, the top surface of sole system  1820  is not shown in these Figures. Furthermore, in some cases, sole system  1820  may include a midsole and/or insole that are not illustrated in these Figures for purposes of clarity. 
     In order to provide traction with a ground surface, bottom surface  1832  is configured with cleats  1871 . In other embodiments, bottom surface  1832  may not include cleats  1871 . In some cases, bottom surface  1832  can include additional provisions for increasing traction with a ground surface such as tread elements. 
     Generally, cleats  1871  can be configured in any manner on bottom surface  1832 . In this embodiment, cleats  1871  include small cleats  1872  and large cleats  1873 . Preferably, small cleats  1872  and large cleats  1873  are disposed on forefoot portion  1809  and heel portion  1810  of sole system  1820 . Furthermore, in this preferred embodiment, large cleats  1873  may be disposed on a periphery of sole system  1820 . With this arrangement, cleats  1871  provide traction for article  1800 . 
     In some embodiments, sole system  1820  can also include provisions to help with shock absorption. For example, in some embodiments, sole system  1820  can include a fluid filled bladder. An example of such a bladder is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,845, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Generally, a fluid filled bladder may be provided in any portion of sole system  1820 , such as a forefoot portion, an arch portion or a heel portion of sole system  1820 . Preferably, in embodiments including a fluid filled bladder, the fluid filled bladder is disposed beneath bottom surface  1832  of sole system  1820 . For purposes of clarity, no fluid filled bladder is shown in this embodiment. 
     In embodiments including trapping portions, the trapping portions can be provided with shapes to facilitate contact with a ball. In some embodiments, trapping portions may protrude from a bottom surface of a sole system. In other embodiments, trapping portions may be recessed with respect to a bottom surface of a sole system. This can enhance the ability of a wearer to trap a ball with a trapping portion. 
     In order to assist a wearer trapping a ball, bottom surface  1832  includes central trapping portion  1830 . Central trapping portion  1830  is disposed in a substantially similar manner as the previous embodiment of central trapping portion  1730  illustrated in  FIG.  17   . Specifically, central trapping portion  1830  is disposed on toe portion  1819 . In addition, central trapping portion  1830  is bounded by peripheral toe portion  1849  that extends from central trapping portion  1830  to edges of toe portion  1819 . With this arrangement, peripheral toe portion  1849  may be configured to contact a ground surface while central trapping portion  1830  is configured to contact a ball. 
     Generally, central trapping portion  1830  can be configured with any shape and size to trap a ball. In this embodiment, central trapping portion  1830  comprises a circular shape. However, in other embodiments, central trapping portion  1830  can comprise another shape. Examples of different shapes for a trapping portion include, but are not limited to, triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, trapezoidal shapes, elliptical shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes, as well as other types of shapes. 
     In some embodiments, central trapping portion  1830  may be recessed with respect to bottom surface  1832 . In particular, central trapping portion  1830  is configured with a generally concave shape with respect to bottom surface  1832 . In other words, central trapping portion  1830  is disposed inward of bottom surface  1832 . Preferably, this concave shape can accommodate the round shape of a ball to increase engagement with the ball. By facilitating engagement, central trapping portion  1830  may improve the trapping abilities of a wearer. 
     Preferably, sole system  1820  is configured with other provisions to enhance the trapping abilities of a wearer. Similar to the previous embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  17   , arch portion  1850  of sole system  1820  includes a shape configured with slot portions that compress to enable bending of arch portion  1850 . Specifically, arch portion  1850  includes first slot portion  1851  and second slot portion  1852 . First slot portion  1851  and second slot portion  1852  are disposed and shaped in a substantially similar manner to first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  of the previous embodiment illustrated in  FIG.  17   . Using this configuration, first slot portion  1851  and second slot portion  1852  can enable medial portion  1854  and lateral portion  1856  of sole system  1820  to bend in different manners. This preferred arrangement allows sole system  1820  to twist during finesse maneuvers. This can provide greater flexibility for sole system  1820  to accommodate a curling of toe portion  1819  when trapping a ball. 
     In some embodiments, a sole system with provisions for flexing can include an insole. An insole can be disposed adjacent to a foot inserted within an article. In embodiments using a generally rigid insole, the insole may interfere with the flexibility of an outsole. In a preferred embodiment, an insole may be configured to cooperate with provisions for flexibility in an outsole. 
       FIG.  19    illustrates a preferred embodiment of article  1200  including sole system  1220  and insole  1901 . In particular, the bottom surfaces of both sole system  1220  and insole  1901  are visible in this embodiment. Insole  1901  is preferably configured to contact a foot inserted within article  1200 . Likewise, bottom surface  1235  may be associated with outsole  1902  of sole system  1220  and configured to contact a ground surface. Furthermore, sole system  1220  can include a midsole, as well as provisions for traction including, but not limited to cleats and traction elements, that are not illustrated in these Figures for purposes of clarity. 
     As previously discussed, bottom surface  1235  is configured with provisions to increase the flexibility of article  1200 , as illustrated in  FIG.  17   . Specifically, bottom surface  1235  of outsole  1902  includes forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  to facilitate bending at forefoot portion  1709  and heel portion  1710 . Furthermore, arch portion  1750  includes first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  that compress inward to allow arch portion  1750  to bend. 
     Preferably, insole  1901  is configured to cooperate with provisions for flexibility included on bottom surface  1235  of outsole  1902 . In this embodiment, forefoot portion  1909  of insole  1901  includes first insole groove set  1984 . First insole groove set  1984  preferably includes first groove  1913  and second groove  1916 . 
     Generally, grooves of first insole groove set  1984  may be disposed in any manner on forefoot portion  1909 . In some cases, grooves may be disposed in a longitudinal direction. In other cases, grooves may be disposed in a lateral direction. In still other cases, grooves may be disposed in a direction between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. In a preferred embodiment, grooves of first insole groove set  1984  may be oriented in a substantially lateral direction. 
     In some embodiments, arch portion  1950  of insole  1901  may include second insole groove set  1915 . Second insole groove set  1915  may include any number of grooves. In a preferred embodiment, second insole groove set  1915  may comprise approximately 7 grooves. 
     Generally, grooves of second insole groove set  1915  may be disposed in any manner on arch portion  1950 . In some cases, grooves may be disposed in a longitudinal direction. In other cases, grooves may be disposed in a lateral direction. In still other cases, grooves may be disposed in a direction between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. In a preferred embodiment, grooves of second insole groove set  1915  may be oriented in a substantially lateral direction. 
     In some embodiments, insole  1901  may further include longitudinal groove  1917  that extends in a longitudinal direction through forefoot portion  1909  and arch portion  1950 . Preferably, longitudinal groove  1917  is configured to intersect with each of the grooves of first insole groove set  1984  and second insole groove set  1915 . With this arrangement, longitudinal groove  1917  can also provide some lateral flexibility for insole  1901 . 
     Forefoot portion  1909  may include provisions for increasing cushioning on insole  1901 . In this embodiment, forefoot portion  1909  may include cushioning portion set  1980 . Cushioning portion set  1980  may include first cushioning portion  1991 , second cushioning portion  1992 , third cushioning portion  1993 , fourth cushioning portion  1994 , fifth cushioning portion  1995  and sixth cushioning portion  1996 . 
     In some embodiments, cushioning portions may be provided with slots for facilitating flexibility. In this embodiment, cushioning portion set  1980  may include slots  1914 . Generally, each cushioning portion of cushioning portion set  1980  may include any number of slots. In some cases, each cushioning portion can include a single slot. In other cases, each cushioning portion can include two or more slots. In this preferred embodiment, each cushioning portion may include four slots. 
     Generally, slots  1914  can be oriented in any manner on cushioning portion set  1980 . In some cases, slots  1914  can be oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. In other cases, slots  1914  can be oriented in a generally lateral direction. In still other cases, slots  1914  can be oriented in a direction between the lateral and longitudinal directions. In a preferred embodiment, slots  1914  may be oriented in a generally lateral direction in order to facilitate curling of toe portion  1919  of insole  1901 . 
     Typically, insole  1901  may be inserted into an inner portion of upper  1202  through an opening for a foot disposed in upper  1202  and/or through lacing gap  1429 , as illustrated in  FIG.  20   . In some cases, insole  1901  can be associated with article  1200  prior to a purchase of article  1200 . In other cases, insole  1901  can be associated with article  1200  by a wearer of article  1200 . 
     Preferably, grooves on an insole may be configured to cooperate with slot portions on an outsole to increase the flexibility of a sole system. Following the insertion of insole  1901  into article  1200 , arch portion  1950  of insole  1901  may be aligned with arch portion  1750  of outsole  1902 , as seen in  FIG.  21   . Referring to  FIGS.  19  and  21   , second insole groove set  1915  can be configured in any manner to cooperate with first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  of arch portion  1750 . In some cases, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be aligned with grooves of second insole groove set  1915 . In other cases, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be staggered with respect to grooves of second insole groove set  1915 . In a preferred embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  may be substantially aligned with adjacent grooves of second insole groove set  1915 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  21   , forefoot portion  1909  of insole  1901  may also be aligned with forefoot portion  1709  of outsole  1902 , once insole  1901  has been inserted into article  1200 . Generally, first insole groove set  1984  can be configured in any manner to cooperate with flexing grooves disposed on forefoot portion  1709  of bottom surface  1235 . In some embodiments, first insole groove set  1984  can be aligned with forefoot flexing groove set  1784  on forefoot portion  1709  of outsole  1902 . In some cases, each groove of first insole groove set  1984  can correspond with a flexing groove of forefoot flexing groove set  1784 . In a preferred embodiment, grooves of first insole groove set  1984  can be staggered with flexing grooves of forefoot flexing groove set  1784 . 
     Typically, a wearer may use a toe portion of an article of footwear to pass or strike a soccer ball. In some cases, a wearer may use a lateral portion of a toe portion to make short and medium distance passes in a “give and go” passing situation. As discussed with respect to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , an asymmetrical toe bumper can provide greater surface area to contact a ball on a lateral portion of a toe portion. 
       FIG.  22    illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of article  1200  passing soccer ball  2001 . It should be understood that this embodiment is intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, article  1200  may contact soccer ball  2001  in another manner in order to pass soccer ball  2001 . 
     In this embodiment, a wearer of article  1200  contacts soccer ball  2001  with toe bumper  1229  disposed on front portion  1226  of sole system  1220 . Specifically, standard curved portion  1241  disposed on lateral portion  1206  of toe bumper  1229  contacts soccer ball  2001 . With textured surface  1243  on toe bumper  1229 , standard curved portion  1241  preferably engages and grips soccer ball  2001 . 
     In this preferred embodiment, standard curved portion  1241  preferably comprises a larger surface area due to the configuration of protrusion  1227  on toe bumper  1229 . This greater surface area of standard curved portion  1241  can provide a stable contact point with soccer ball  2001 . With this greater surface area as a stable contact point, a wearer of article  1200  can have greater accuracy when passing or striking soccer ball  2001  with standard curved portion  1241  of toe bumper  1229 . 
     It is also possible that a wearer of an article configured for indoor soccer may pass or a strike a soccer ball with a medial portion of a heel portion of an article. An article can be configured with a heel bumper disposed on a medial portion of a heel portion to pass or strike a soccer ball, as illustrated in  FIG.  15   .  FIG.  23    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of article of footwear  1200  contacting soccer ball  2101  with heel bumper  1502 . This embodiment is intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, heel bumper  1502  can contact soccer ball  2101  in another manner. 
     Typically, only a portion of soccer ball  2101  may contact medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520  during a heel pass. With a generally rounded triangular shape, heel bumper  1502  is configured with an asymmetrical shape that agrees with the shape of a portion of soccer ball  2101  that may contact medial portion  1204  of heel portion  1520  during a heel pass. Preferably, the asymmetrical shape of heel bumper  1502  facilitates contact with soccer ball  2101 . 
     When heel bumper  1502  contacts soccer ball  2101 , heel bumper  1502  preferably absorbs some of the impact of soccer ball  2101 . Furthermore, a high coefficient of friction associated with textured surface  1543  of heel bumper  1502  can assist a wearer of article  1200  to engage soccer ball  2101  with heel bumper  1502 . With this configuration, heel bumper  1502  provides an effective contact point to generate power and agility when striking or passing soccer ball  2101 . 
     As previously discussed, a wearer of an article of footwear may catch a pass in order to trap a soccer ball.  FIGS.  24 - 27    illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a wearer of article of footwear  1200  trapping soccer ball  2201 . The scenario illustrated in this embodiment is intended to be exemplary. In other embodiments, a wearer of article of footwear  1200  may trap soccer ball  2201  in another manner. 
     Referring to  FIG.  24   , soccer ball  2201  is stopped by toe portion  1719  of sole system  1220 . In particular, central trapping portion  1730  contacts soccer ball  2201  to stop soccer ball  2201 . Typically, the relatively high coefficient of friction of central trapping portion  1730  assists a wearer of article  1200  to trap soccer ball  2201 . This configuration can enable central trapping portion  1730  to stick to a portion of soccer ball  2201  and prevent any further rolling of soccer ball  2201  beneath article  1200 . In other embodiments, however, soccer ball  2201  may be trapped by other portions of article of footwear  1200 . 
     As previously discussed, in order to firmly trap a soccer ball, a wearer may curl a toe portion of an article of footwear toward the soccer ball. This allows the article to compress the soccer ball between a ground surface and the article. Referring to  FIGS.  25 - 27   , a wearer curls toe portion  1719  to firmly trap soccer ball  2201 . This configuration can dispose arch portion  1750  adjacent to top portion  2202  of soccer ball  2201 , as illustrated in  FIG.  25   . In particular, medial portion  1754  of arch portion  1750  may be disposed adjacent to top portion  2202  of soccer ball  2201  while lateral portion  1756  of arch portion  1750 , not visible in  FIG.  25   , is disposed further from top portion  2202  of soccer ball  2201 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  26   , soccer ball  2201  is illustrated in phantom so that bottom surface  1735  of sole system  1220  is visible. As a wearer traps soccer ball  2201 , arch portion  1750  may arch upward. This can be accomplished by the inward compression of first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752 . With this inward compression, arch portion  1750  can arch upward and conform to the curvature of soccer ball  2201 . This can allow arch portion  1750  greater control when trapping soccer ball  2201 . By conforming to the curvature of soccer ball  2201 , arch portion  1750  can exert greater control in compressing soccer ball  2201  toward a ground surface. 
     In this preferred embodiment, first slot portion  1751  and second slot portion  1752  are configured with shapes that cover a greater area on medial portion  1754  than lateral portion  1756  of sole system  1220 . This configuration allows medial portion  1754  of arch portion  1750  to compress inward to a greater degree than lateral portion  1756 . This can cause medial portion  1754  to bend to a greater degree than lateral portion  1756 . Since a wearer of article  1200  may trap soccer ball  2201  with medial portion  1754  of arch portion  1750  disposed adjacent to top portion  2202  of soccer ball  2201 , as illustrated in  FIG.  25   , the greater bending of medial portion  1754  can allow a wearer to exert greater control of soccer ball  2201 . In other words, medial portion  1754  may undergo greater bending to conform to the curvature of top portion  2202  of soccer ball  2201 . Similarly, lateral portion  1756  of arch portion  1750  may be disposed further from top portion  2202  of soccer ball  2201 . Since lateral portion  1756  may bend to a lesser degree than medial portion  1754 , arch portion  1750  may twist as well as arch to conform to the curvature of soccer ball  2201 . Preferably, this configuration allows a wearer of article of footwear  1200  to exert greater control to compress soccer ball  2201  toward a ground surface and effectively trap soccer ball  2201 . 
     Preferably, heel portion  1710  as well as forefoot portion  1709  may also bend to firmly trap soccer ball  2201 . In this embodiment, forefoot flexing groove set  1784  and heel flexing groove set  1794  compress inward to allow forefoot portion  1709  and heel portion  1710 , respectively, to bend to conform to the curvature of soccer ball  2201 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  25 - 27   . With this arrangement, bottom surface  1735  can conform to the curvature of soccer ball  2201  and push soccer ball  2201  toward a ground surface to firmly trap soccer ball  2201 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  27   , outsole  1902  of sole system  1220  is illustrated in phantom so that insole  1901  is visible within sole system  1220 . As a wearer traps soccer ball  2201  and outsole  1902  conforms to a curvature of soccer ball  2201 , insole  1901  preferably cooperates with provisions for flexibility disposed on outsole  1902 . In particular, grooves of second insole groove set  1915  of arch portion  1950  compress inward to allow arch portion  1950  to arch upward. This arching cooperates with the upward arching of arch portion  1750  of outsole  1902 . In addition, grooves of first insole groove set  1984  compress inward to allow toe portion  1919  to curl downward. With this configuration, toe portion  1919  can bend in a cooperating manner with toe portion  1719  of outsole  1902 . Preferably, this configuration assists outsole  1902  to conform to the curvature of soccer ball  2201  and trap soccer ball  2201 . 
     While various embodiments of the invention 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 invention. Accordingly, the invention is 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.