Patent Publication Number: US-2021177070-A1

Title: Method including footwear and sock having aligning indicia

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/148,244, filed May 6, 2016, which is a continuation, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/651,990, filed Oct. 15, 2012. The above referenced applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a footwear and sock system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is advantageous to include markings on footwear to facilitate observation, for example, by a trainer or by still photography or video motion capture for analysis of athletic performance. For example, systems have been developed that include markings on various external surfaces of footwear to provide references for the positioning of the foot of the wearer during athletic movements. Markings are also used for aesthetic purposes to provide footwear with a desired appearance. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a footwear system. The footwear system may include a first article of footwear including a first sole structure and a first upper secured to the first sole structure, the first upper defining a first opening configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The first upper may include a first indicia portion disposed adjacent to the first opening. In addition, the system may include a sock including a second indicia portion, wherein, when the sock is worn by the wearer on a foot received within the upper, one or more features of the second indicia portion are substantially aligned with one or more features of the first indicia portion on the upper to form a first indicia. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a footwear system including indicia. The system may include an article of footwear including a sole structure and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper defining an opening configured to receive a foot of a wearer, wherein the upper includes a first portion of the indicia disposed adjacent to the opening on the external surface of the upper. The system may also include a sock including a base portion and a strap portion configured to wrap at least partially around an ankle region of the base portion of the sock. The sock may further include a second portion of the indicia disposed on the base portion of the sock and a third portion of the indicia disposed on the strap portion, wherein, when the sock is worn by the wearer on a foot received within the upper, one or more features of the first portion of the indicia, one or more features of the second portion of the indicia, and one or more features of the third portion of the indicia, are substantially aligned to form the indicia. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a footwear system. The system may include a first article of footwear including a first sole structure and a first upper secured to the first sole structure, the first upper defining a first opening configured to receive a foot of a wearer, wherein the opening is continuous with a lacing gap in an instep region of the article of footwear. The system may also include a sock including an instep portion configured to be externally exposed through the lacing gap of the article of footwear when the sock is worn by the wearer on a foot received within the upper. In addition, the sock may further include a base portion and a strap portion configured to wrap at least partially around an ankle region of the base portion of the sock. The sock may also include a first indicia portion disposed on the base portion of the sock and a second indicia portion disposed on the strap portion of the sock, wherein, when the sock is worn by the wearer on a foot received within the upper, one or more features of the first indicia and one or more features of the second indicia portion are substantially aligned to form an indicia in the instep region of the sock, the indicia being exposed through the lacing gap of the article of footwear. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary 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 and this summary, 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  shows an assembled view of an exemplary footwear system; 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the footwear system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows another assembled view of the footwear system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows another assembled view of the footwear system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows an assembled view of an exemplary footwear system; 
         FIG. 6  shows an assembled view of an exemplary footwear system; 
         FIG. 7  shows an assembled view of an exemplary footwear system; 
         FIG. 8  shows the sock from the system shown in  FIG. 7  with a strap portion in a fastened condition; 
         FIG. 9  shows the sock from the system shown in  FIG. 7  with a strap portion in an unfastened condition; 
         FIG. 10  is a front, assembled view of a footwear system; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear view of an assembled footwear system featuring both left and right socks and footwear; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded view of a footwear system having interchangeable socks; 
         FIGS. 13-15  are assembled views of the system shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  shows a footwear system having interchangeable footwear; and 
         FIG. 17  shows another footwear system having interchangeable footwear. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose a sole structure for an article of footwear. Concepts associated with the footwear disclosed herein may be applied to a variety of athletic footwear types, including soccer shoes, baseball shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, and hiking shoes and boots, for example. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed herein apply to a wide variety of footwear types. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction extending a length of a sole structure, i.e., extending from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the sole. The term “forward” is used to refer to the general direction in which the toes of a foot point, and the term “rearward” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction in which the heel of the foot is facing. 
     The term “lateral direction,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a side-to-side direction extending a width of a sole. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article of footwear, with the lateral side of the article of footwear being the surface that faces away from the other foot, and the medial side being the surface that faces toward the other foot. 
     The term “lateral axis,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to an axis oriented in a lateral direction. 
     The term “horizontal,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to any direction substantially parallel with the ground, including the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction, and all directions in between. Similarly, the term “side,” as used in this specification and in the claims, refers to any portion of a component facing generally in a lateral, medial, forward, and/or rearward direction, as opposed to an upward or downward direction. 
     The term “vertical,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term “upward” refers to the vertical direction heading away from a ground surface, while the term “downward” refers to the vertical direction heading towards the ground surface. Similarly, the terms “top,” “upper,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially furthest from the ground in a vertical direction, and the terms “bottom,” “lower,” and other similar terms refer to the portion of an object substantially closest to the ground in a vertical direction. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the foregoing directional terms, when used in reference to an article of footwear, shall refer to the article of footwear when sitting in an upright position, with the sole facing groundward, that is, as it would be positioned when worn by a wearer standing on a substantially level surface. 
     In addition, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “fixedly attached” shall refer to two components joined in a manner such that the components may not be readily separated (for example, without destroying one or both of the components). Exemplary modalities of fixed attachment may include joining with permanent adhesive, rivets, stitches, nails, staples, welding or other thermal bonding, and/or other joining techniques. In addition, two components may be “fixedly attached” by virtue of being integrally formed, for example, in a molding process. 
     The term “indicia,” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, can refer to both singular and a plurality of markings. The markings forming indicia in the disclosed embodiments may have any of a variety of forms including, for example, shapes, logos, alpha-numeric characters, and/or other types of markings. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a footwear system  105 . System  105  may include an article of footwear  110 , which may include a sole structure  112  and an upper  114  secured to sole structure  112  and configured to receive a foot. System  105  may also include a sock  138 . As discussed in greater detail below, footwear  110  and sock  138  may each have portions of indicia that, when sock  138  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  110 , the indicia portions may align with one another to form the indicia. 
     For reference purposes, system  105  may be divided into three general regions: a forefoot region  116 , a midfoot region  118 , and a heel region  120 . Forefoot region  116  generally includes portions of footwear  110  corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region  118  generally includes portions of footwear  110  corresponding with an arch area of the foot. Heel region  120  generally corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Forefoot region  116 , midfoot region  118 , and heel region  120  are not intended to demarcate precise areas of footwear  10 . Rather, forefoot region  116 , midfoot region  118 , and heel region  120  are intended to represent general relative areas of system  105 . 
     Since various features of sock  138  and footwear  110  extend substantially the entire length of system  105 , the terms forefoot region  116 , midfoot region  118 , and heel region  120  apply not only to footwear  110  and sock  138  in general, but also to the various features of footwear  110  and sock  138 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , upper  114  may include one or more material elements, which may be stitched, adhesively bonded, molded, or otherwise formed to define an interior void configured to receive a foot. The material elements may be selected and arranged to selectively impart properties such as durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. Upper  114  may define an opening  122  configured to receive a foot of a wearer. In addition, upper  114  may include a lace  124 , which may be utilized to modify the dimensions of the interior void, thereby securing the foot within the interior void and facilitating entry and removal of the foot from the interior void. Lace  124  may extend through apertures (eyelets) in upper  120 . Upper  114  may alternatively implement any of a variety of other configurations, materials, and/or closure mechanisms. For example, alternative closure mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners (for example, straps), buckles, clasps, cinches, or any other arrangement for securing a foot within the void defined by upper  114 . 
     Sole structure  112  may be fixedly attached to upper  114  (for example, with adhesive, stitching, welding, and/or other suitable techniques) and may have a configuration that extends between upper  114  and the ground. Sole structure  112  may include provisions for attenuating ground reaction forces (that is, cushioning and stabilizing the foot during vertical and horizontal loading). In addition, sole structure  112  may be configured to provide traction, impart stability, and/or limit various foot motions, such as pronation, supination, and/or other motions. 
     The configuration of sole structure  112  may vary significantly according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure  112  may be used. For example, the disclosed concepts may be applicable to footwear configured for use on indoor surfaces and/or outdoor surfaces. The configuration of sole structure  112  may vary based on the properties and conditions of the surfaces on which footwear  110  is anticipated to be used. For example, sole structure  112  may vary depending on whether the surface is harder or softer. In addition, sole structure  112  may be tailored for use in wet or dry conditions. 
     In some embodiments, sole structure  112  may be configured for a particularly specialized surface and/or condition. For example, in some embodiments, footwear  110  is illustrated in the accompanying figures as a basketball or court type shoe and, accordingly, the illustrated sole structure  112  is configured for providing cushioning, stability, and traction on hard, smooth surfaces, such as hardwood floors. The proposed sock/footwear systems may be applicable to any kind of footwear, however. For example, in some configurations, sole structure  112  may include a sole for a soccer shoe configured to provide traction and stability on soft, natural turf surfaces and/or on hard, artificial turf surfaces. 
     In some embodiments, sole structure  112  may include multiple components, which may individually and/or collectively provide footwear  110  with a number of attributes, such as support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, and/or other attributes. In some embodiments, sole structure  112  may include an insole/sockliner (not shown), a midsole  128 , and a ground engaging sole component  130 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In some cases, however, one or more of these components may be omitted. 
     The insole may be disposed in the void defined by upper  114 . The insole may extend through each of forefoot region  116 , midfoot region  118 , and heel region  120 , and between the lateral and medial sides of footwear  10 . Insole  127  may be formed of a deformable (for example, compressible) material, such as polyurethane foams, or other polymer foam materials. Accordingly, the insole may, by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability. 
     Midsole  128  may be fixedly attached to a lower area of upper  114  (for example, through stitching, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding (for example, welding), and/or other techniques), or may be integral with upper  114 . Midsole  128  may extend through each of forefoot region  116 , midfoot region  118 , and heel region  120 , and between the lateral and medial sides of footwear  110 . In some embodiments, portions of midsole  128  may be exposed around the periphery of footwear  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, midsole  128  may be completely covered by other elements, such as material layers from upper  114 . 
     Upper  114  may be formed from any suitable material. For example, upper  114  may be formed from textiles, foam, leather, synthetic leather, and other suitable materials. Midsole  128  may be formed from any suitable material having the properties described above, according to the activity for which footwear  110  is intended. In some embodiments, midsole  128  may include a foamed polymer material, such as polyurethane (PU), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitable material that operates to attenuate ground reaction forces as sole structure  112  contacts the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. Sole component  130  of footwear  110  may be formed using any of the materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,954 to Lyden et al., entitled “Chemical Bonding of Rubber to Plastic in Articles of Footwear,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     Sock  138  may have any suitable configuration. For example, sock  138  may be a low-cut, mid-cut, or high-cut length. For instance, basketball socks may be relatively low-cut (for example, extending one or two inches above the ankle) or mid-cut (extending approximately mid-way up the lower leg) or high-cut (extending up to the knee). Soccer socks are typically high-cut as well. Further, sock  138  may be formed of any suitable materials, such as cottons, polyesters, nylons, and other such materials, and may have any suitable construction (for example woven/knit). 
     A sock may have indicia located at one or more locations. In addition to imparting a unique aesthetic to system  105  and enhancing enjoyment of the wearer, indicia may provide other advantages. For example, the indicia of system  105  may increase the visibility of the wearer in various lighting and environmental conditions. The colors and/or reflectivity of the indicia may be selected to provide desired visual effects. In addition, indicia may also be utilized on system  105  during product testing to enhance the visibility of areas of the sock, footwear, and/or the leg and foot of the wearer that are subjected to tensile, compression, bending, or twisting forces. For example, the indicia may improve the degree to which areas of these components may be captured with still image photography or video, such as high-speed film or other mediums that visually-capture performance data during biomechanical or other forms of testing. 
     In some embodiments, footwear  110  may have indicia, such as a logo, symbol, design, or other type of marking, included on various portions of the footwear. For example, a first indicia  132  may be located on a bottom of sole component  130 . In some cases, the indicia may be reflective and/or otherwise facilitate image/video capture or general observation of athletic movement. In some embodiments, the same logo of sole indicia  132  may be provided on other portions of footwear  110 , such as on the medial or lateral side, heel region, or in a toe region of footwear  110 . In some embodiments, portions of an indicia may be provided adjacent the opening to the upper and on the sock proximate the ankle, such that the indicia portion on the sock aligns with the indicia portion on the footwear when the sock and footwear are worn by a wearer. For example, this sock/footwear combination may form a second indicia  134  In some cases, the second indicia  134  formed by the sock/footwear combination may be the same logo shown elsewhere on the footwear, such as first indicia  132 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Embodiments where the indicia portion on the sock aligns with the indicia portion on the footwear to form a sock/footwear combination indicia may enable image/video capture as well as general observation of an enlarged portion of the lower extremity. For example, portions of the ankle and/or Achilles tendon may coincide with the sock indicia. This may also enable the presentation of significantly larger indicia than could be included on the sock or footwear alone. Further, a sock/footwear combination indicia may be configured to have a desired aesthetic appearance. 
       FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of system  105  from  FIG. 1 . System  105  may include a first indicia portion  136  disposed on upper  114  adjacent to opening  122 . In addition, sock  138  may include a second indicia portion  140 , which may be configured such that when sock  138  is worn by the wearer on a foot received within upper  114 , one or more features of second indicia portion  140  may be substantially aligned with one or more features of first indicia portion  136  on upper  114  to form second indicia  134  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The indicia may have any suitable configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the indicia may include three pair of elongate markings, wherein each pair of elongate markings includes a first marking and a second marking oriented substantially parallel to the first marking, each pair of elongate markings extending substantially radially from a central region. As shown in  FIG. 2 , first indicia portion  136  may include a first pair of elongate markings  142 , including a first marking  152  and a second marking  154 . In some embodiments, first marking  152  may be substantially parallel to second marking  154 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, first pair of markings  142  may be disposed on the rear portion of the heel region of upper  114  and may extend in a substantially vertical direction. For example, when viewed from the rear, first pair of elongate markings  142  may be in substantial alignment with a vertical axis  143 . This arrangement may facilitate visualization and observation of portions of the footwear system, the leg, and or foot. For example, the radially oriented marking pairs may provide a cross-hairs effect, or a triangulation effect that may be more readily visible to the eye and/or in still photography or video capture equipment. 
     As also shown in  FIG. 2 , second indicia portion  140  disposed on sock  138  may include a second pair of elongate markings  144 , which may include a third marking  156  and a fourth marking  158 . Further, second indicia portion may also include a third pair of elongate markings  146 , which may include a fifth marking  160  and a sixth marking  162 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , third marking  156  and fourth marking  158  may be substantially parallel to one another and may extend upward and toward a medial side  148  of sock  138 . Further, fifth marking  160  and a sixth marking  162  may extend upward and toward a lateral side  150  of sock  138 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , first marking  152 , second marking  154 , third marking  156 , fourth marking  158 , fifth marking  160 , and sixth marking  162  may extend substantially radially from a central region  165 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , footwear  110  may include additional features, such as a liner  166  disposed internally to upper  114 . In some embodiments, a portion of liner  166  may be visible at the opening of footwear  10 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . As also shown in  FIG. 3 , footwear  110  may also have additional structural components externally, such as a support piece  164  included on the heel portion of footwear  110 . In some embodiments, indicia may be interrupted by such additional structural features. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , first marking  152  and second marking  154  may be interrupted by support piece  164 . In other embodiments, the indicia may extend onto the additional structural features. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, first marking  152  and second marking  154  may extend across support piece  164 . 
     An enlarged view  168  in  FIG. 4  illustrates a central portion of the sock/footwear combination indicia. Enlarged view  168  illustrates the portions of the indicia arranged without footwear components for purposes of showing the relative positioning and alignment of the indicia markings. For example, enlarged view  168  illustrates the substantial alignment of some indicia features and substantial non-alignment of other indicia features, when sock  138  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  110 . 
     In some embodiments, when sock  138  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  110 , one or more features of first marking  152  may be substantially aligned with one or more features of third marking  156  and/or fourth marking  158 . For example, first marking  152  may include a first inner edge  170 . Similarly, second marking  154  may include a second inner edge  172 . As discussed above, first marking  152  and second marking  154  may be arranged substantially parallel to one another. Further, in some embodiments, first inner edge  170  may be substantially parallel to second inner edge  172 . 
     In addition, when sock  138  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  110 , one or more features of first marking  152  may be substantially aligned with one or more features of fifth marking  160  and/or sixth marking  162 . For example, first inner surface  170  of first marking  152  may be in substantial alignment with a third surface  178  of fifth marking  160 . This alignment is illustrated by a first axis  174  shown in  FIG. 4  extending from a first vertex  184  of first marking  152 , a second vertex of sixth marking  162 , and a third vertex  182  of fifth marking  160 , all of which may lie on axis  174 . Similarly, second inner edge  172  of second marking  154  may be in substantial alignment with fourth edge  180 , for example, along a second axis  176 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     In another manner of alignment, first marking  152  may have a fifth edge  186  and sixth marking  162  may have a sixth edge  188 . When sock  138  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  110 , fifth edge  186  and sixth edge  188  may be substantially aligned with one another. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , fifth edge  186  and sixth edge  188  may be substantially parallel to one another. Further, in some embodiments, fifth edge  186  and sixth edge  188  may face each other. 
     In some embodiments, features of indicia portions may be substantially non-aligned with features of other indicia portions. For example, first marking  152  may have a seventh edge  190  and sixth marking  162  may have an eighth edge  192 . In some embodiments, when sock  138  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  110 , seventh edge  190  and eighth edge  192  may be in substantial non-alignment. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , seventh edge  190  may be oriented along a third axis  194 , and eighth edge  192  may be oriented along a fourth axis  196 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , third axis  194  and fourth axis  196  may be substantially non-aligned and substantially non-parallel to each other. Accordingly, third axis  194  and fourth axis  196  may intersect at an intersection  198 . In some embodiments, intersection  198  may be substantially equidistant from first marking  152  and sixth marking  162 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a system  505  including an article of footwear  510  having a sole structure  512  secured to an upper  514 . Upper  514  may define an opening  522  configured to receive the foot of a wearer. System  505  may also include a sock  538 . When combined, markings on footwear  510  and sock  538  may form an indicia  534  formed by indicia portions on both footwear  510  and sock  538 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . For example, upper  514  may include a first indicia portion  536 , at least a portion of which may be disposed adjacent opening  522 . Sock  538  may include a second indicia portion  540 . When sock  538  is disposed on the foot of a wearer received within footwear  510 , first indicia portion  536  may substantially align with second indicia  540  to form indicia  534 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , footwear  510  may include a liner  566 , at portion of which may be visible in the area of opening  522 . In some embodiments, liner  566  may have a color that differs from indicia  534 , such that a small portion  568  of liner  566  interrupts indicia  534 . In some embodiments, liner  522  may not be visible or may include coloration in portion  568  to provide continuity between first indicia portion  536  and second indicia portion  540 . Further, in some embodiments, the different coloration and consequent discontinuity may form a portion of indicia  534 . 
     Indicia  534  may have any suitable configuration. For example, indicia  534  may be disposed on a medial or lateral portion of system  505 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . In other embodiments, indicia  534  may be located on other portions of system  505 . Further, indicia  534  may have any suitable form. For example, in some embodiments, indicia  534  may be configured as a stripe, as also shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     First indicia portion  536  may include a first edge  570  and second indicia portion  540  may include a second edge  572 . When sock  538  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  510 , first edge  570  may be substantially aligned with second edge  572 . In addition, first indicia portion  536  may include a third edge  574  and second indicia portion  540  may include a fourth edge  576 . When sock  538  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  510 , third edge  574  and fourth edge  576  may be arranged substantially facing each other. It will be noted that other shapes and configurations for indicia  534  are also possible. 
     In some embodiments, the indicia may have other shapes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a footwear system  605  may include an article of footwear  610  having a sole structure  612  secured to an upper  614 . Upper  614  may define an opening  622  configured to receive the foot of a wearer. System  605  may also include a sock  638 . When combined, markings on footwear  610  and sock  638  may for an indicia  634  formed by indicia portions on both footwear  610  and sock  638 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . For example, upper  614  may include a first indicia portion  636 , at least a portion of which may be disposed adjacent opening  622 . Sock  638  may include a second indicia portion  640 . When sock  638  is disposed on the foot of a wearer received within footwear  610 , first indicia portion  636  may substantially align with second indicia  640  to form indicia  634 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 6 , a liner  666  may create discontinuity between first indicia portion  636  and second indicia portion  640 . 
     First indicia portion  636  may include a first edge  670  and second indicia portion  640  may include a second edge  672 . When sock  638  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  610 , first edge  670  may be substantially aligned with second edge  672 . In addition, first indicia portion  636  may include a third edge  674  and second indicia portion  640  may include a fourth edge  676 . When sock  638  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  610 , third edge  674  and fourth edge  676  may be arranged substantially facing each other. It will be noted that other shapes and configurations for indicia  634  are also possible. 
     In some embodiments, the sock may include a proprioceptive component. For example, in some embodiments, the sock may include a cuff or strap configured to wrap around the ankle portion of the sock. Such a strap may be fastenable around the ankle to provide improved tactile feedback regarding the positioning of the foot and the loading of the shoe against the foot. Because the strap may be made out of cloth, textile, or other lightweight material, the proprioceptive benefit may be provided without the extra weight and/or restriction of movement that may result from simply making the upper of the shoe higher on the ankle. In some embodiments, the strap may provide a thermal benefit by keeping the ankle warm, which may promote flexibility and potentially prevent injury. Further, in some embodiments, the strap may provide compression, which may promote blood circulation and/or reduce/prevent swelling in the ankle and foot. 
     In embodiments in which the sock includes a strap, the indicia may be incorporated on to portions of the strap. By incorporating the indicia onto the strap, both the enlarged indicia and proprioceptive benefits may be implemented in the same footwear system. 
       FIGS. 7-9  illustrate a footwear system  705 , which may include an article of footwear  710  having a sole structure  712  secured to an upper  714 . Upper  714  may define an opening  722  configured to receive the foot of a wearer. System  705  may also include a sock  738 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , system  705  may include an indicia  734 , which may be formed by indicia portions disposed on footwear  710  and sock  738 . For example, the external surface of upper  714  of footwear  710  may include a first indicia portion  736 , at least a portion of which may be disposed adjacent opening  722 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, first indicia portion  736  may be disposed on a medial side  748  of footwear  710 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, first indicia portion  736  may be disposed on a lateral side  750  of footwear  710  In addition, sock  738  may include a second indicia portion  741  and a third indicia portion  742 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , when sock  738  is worn on a foot received within footwear  710 , first indicia portion  738 , second indicia portion  741 , and third indicia portion  742  may be substantially aligned to form indicia  734 . 
     Sock  738  may include a base portion  739  and a strap portion  740  configured to wrap at least partially around an ankle region of base portion  739  of sock  738 . Second indicia portion  741  may be disposed on base portion  739  of sock  738  and third indicia portion  742  may be disposed on strap portion  740 . 
     In some embodiments, indicia  734  may include three pair of elongate markings, wherein each pair of elongate markings includes a first marking and a second marking oriented substantially parallel to the first marking, each pair of elongate markings extending substantially radially from a midpoint. For example, indicia  734  may include a first marking  752  and a second marking  754 , which may be substantially parallel to one another. In addition, indicia  734  may also include a third marking  756  and a fourth marking  758 , which may be substantially parallel to one another, and a fifth marking  760  and a sixth marking  762 , which may also be substantially parallel to one another. Each pair of markings may extend substantially radially from a central region  764 . 
     The markings of indicia  734  may extend across a single or multiple components of system  705 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 7 , first marking  752  and second marking  754  are completely disposed on footwear  710 . However, third marking  756  and sixth marking  762  extend across both sock  738  and footwear  710 . In addition, third marking  756  and fourth marking  758  extend across both base portion  739  and strap portion  740  of sock  738 . In some embodiments, however, discrete markings of an indicia may be strictly disposed on a single component. In some embodiments, a liner  766  may be visible proximate opening  722  and may interrupt indicia  734  or may be colored to integrate with indicia  734  as discussed above regarding other disclosed embodiments. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate sock  738  by itself without footwear  710 .  FIG. 8  shows strap portion  740  in a fastened condition, as it would be when sock  738  is worn within footwear  710 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, third marking  756  and sixth marking  762  may be fully represented on sock  738 , even though small portions of third marking  756  and sixth marking  762  are also represented on upper  714  (see  FIG. 7 ). This may ensure that there is desired continuity between the portions of indicia  734  on sock  738  and the portions of indicia  734  on footwear  710 , as sock  738  may sit at different heights on the ankle depending on the shape and size of the foot of the wearer, how tightly the wearer pulls the sock onto the foot, and the positioning of strap portion  740  when the wearer fastens it around the ankle. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates sock  738  with strap portion  740  unfastened. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a second portion  768  of third marking  756  may be provided on the distal end of strap portion  740 . Similarly, a second portion  770  of fourth marking  758  may also be provided on the distal end of strap portion  740 . As also shown in  FIG. 9 , sock  738  may include fastening portions for fastening strap  740  against base portion  739  of sock  738 . For example, a first fastening portion  772  may be provided on base portion  739  and a second fastening portion  774  may be provided at the distal end of strap portion  740 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . First fastening portion  772  and second fastening portion  774  may, for example, include hook and loop fastening patches. In some embodiments, however, alternative fastening structures may be implemented. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a footwear system  1005 , which may include an article of footwear  1010  having a sole structure  1012  secured to an upper  1014 . Upper  1014  may define an opening  1022  configured to receive the foot of a wearer. System  1005  may also include a sock  1038 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , footwear  1010  may include an instep region  1016 . In addition, opening  1022  may be continuous with a lacing gap  1018 , which may extend along instep region  1016  of footwear  1010 . Lacing gap  1018  may be disposed, for example, between portions of upper  1014  including lace eyelets  1020 . In some embodiments, footwear  1010  may be provided without a tongue in lacing gap  1018 , and an instep portion  1041  may serve as the tongue of footwear  1010  to protect the foot of the wearer from laces (not shown) threaded through eyelets  1020 . 
     In some embodiments, sock  1038  may include indicia that is visible in lacing gap  1018 . Further, in some embodiments, the indicia may be formed by the combination of indicia portions on a base portion of the sock and a strap portion of the sock. For example, as shown in  FIG. 10 , sock  1038  may include a base portion  1039 , and a strap portion  1040  which may wrap at least partially around an ankle region of base portion  1039 . A discussion of the advantages of such a strap portion is provided above regarding other embodiments. 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 10 , instep portion  1041  of sock  1038  may be configured to be externally exposed through lacing gap  1018  of footwear  1010  when sock  1038  is worn by the wearer on a foot received within upper  1014 . In some embodiments, sock  1038  may also include a first indicia portion  1042  disposed on base portion  1039  of sock  1038  and a second indicia portion  1044  disposed on strap portion  1040  of sock  1038 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , when sock  1038  is worn by the wearer on a foot received within upper  1014 , first indicia portion  1042  and second indicia portion  1044  are substantially aligned to form an indicia in instep region  1041  of sock  1038 , the indicia being exposed through lacing gap  1018  of footwear  1010 . As further shown in  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the indicia may include three pair of elongate markings, wherein each pair of elongate markings includes a first marking and a second marking oriented substantially parallel to the first marking, each pair of elongate markings extending substantially radially from a midpoint  1064 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a rear view of a footwear system  1105  including a pair of footwear and a pair of socks. For example, system  1105  may include a first article of footwear  1110  having a first sole structure  1112  secured to a first upper  1114 . First upper  1114  may define a first opening  1122  configured to receive the foot of a wearer. System  1105  may also include a first sock  1138 . First footwear  1110  and first sock  1138  may be configured, for example, to accommodate a left foot of a wearer. In addition, system  1105  may also include a second article of footwear  1111  having a second sole structure  1113  secured to a second upper  1115 . Second upper  1115  may define a second opening  1123  configured to receive the foot of a wearer. System  1105  may also include a second sock  1139 . Second footwear  1111  and second sock  1139  may be configured, for example, to accommodate a right foot of a wearer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , system  1105  may include an indicia  1136  which may be formed by the combination of indicia portions disposed on first footwear  1110 , second footwear  1111 , first sock  1138 , and second sock  1139 . A left indicia portion  1140  may be formed by the combination of indicia portions on a first heel region  1116  of first footwear  1110  and first sock  1138 , and a right indicia portion  1141  may be formed by the combination of indicia portions on a second heel region  1117  of second footwear  1111  and second sock  1139 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , first sock  1138  may include a first section  1144  of indicia  1136  and right sock  1139  may include a second section  1145  of indicia  1136 . In some embodiments, first section  1144  of indicia  1136  may be different than second section  1145  of indicia  1136 . However, in some embodiments, first section  1144  and second section  1145  may be the same. In some embodiments, when first sock  1138  and right sock  1139  are worn by a wearer, first section  1144  of indicia  1136  and second section  1145  of indicia  1136  substantially align with one another to form a subportion of indicia  1136 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 11 , first footwear  1110  may include a third section  1142  of indicia  1136  and second footwear  1111  may include a fourth section  1143  of indicia  1136 . In some embodiments, third section  1142  of indicia  1136  may be different than fourth section  1143  of indicia  1136 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . As further shown in  FIG. 11 , when first footwear  1110 , second footwear  1111 , first sock  1138 , and second sock  1139  are worn together, first section  1144 , second section  1145 , third section  1142 , and fourth section  1143  of indicia  1136  may substantially align with one another to form indicia  1136 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , indicia  1136  or its various subcomponents may include any desired graphical configuration. For example, in some embodiments, all or a portion of indicia  1136  may include alpha-numeric indicia  1146 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Alternatively or additionally, indicia  1136  may include a graphical shape, such as a stripe  1147 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Other types of graphics are also possible. It should also be noted that the various portions of indicia  1136  may have varying colors and/or other visual properties, such as reflectivity, shine, sparkle. The indicia portions on the left shoe and/or sock may be the same or different than those on the right shoe and/or sock. As shown in  FIG. 11 , when the indicia portions on the left shoe and/or sock are different than those on the right shoe and/or sock, features of the left and right indicia portions may align with one another when the shoes are situated next to each other to form a larger indicia having components on both the left and right shoe/sock combinations. 
     In some embodiments, a footwear system may include multiple socks that are interchangeably wearable with the same article of footwear. Each sock may have a different indicia portion that combines with an indicia portion on the same article of footwear to form different indicia. For example, the footwear may have a first indicia portion, a first sock may have a second indicia portion, and a second sock may have a third indicia portion. When the article of footwear is worn with the first sock, the first indicia portion on the footwear and the second indicia portion on the first sock may substantially align with one another to form a first indicia. When the article of footwear is worn with the second sock, the third indicia portion on the second sock substantially aligns with one or more features of the first indicia portion on the upper of the footwear to form a second indicia that is different from the first indicia formed by the combination of the first sock with the article of footwear. In order to provide this interchangeability, the first indicia portion on the article of footwear may form a portion of a larger indicia, such that the indicia portion is common to all of the different indicia formed by the different interchangeable socks. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a footwear system  1205  may include an article of footwear  1210 , which may include a sole structure  1212  and an upper  1214  secured to sole structure  1212 . Upper  1214  may define an opening  1222 . Adjacent opening  1222 , upper  1214  may include a first indicia portion  1242 . In  FIG. 12 , an exemplary first indicia portion  1242  is shown as a shaded shape having a curved lower portion. However, other shapes/graphics may be used as desired. 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 12 , system  1205  may include two or more interchangeable socks. For example, system  1205  may include a first sock  1238 , a second sock  1239 , and a third sock  1240 . First sock  1238  may include a second indicia portion  1244 , second sock  1239  may include a third indicia portion  1246 , and third sock  1240  may include a fourth indicia portion  1248 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , second indicia portion  1244  may be a basketball, for example, third indicia portion  1246  may include a baseball, and fourth indicia portion  1248  may include a football. In some embodiments, the indicia portions on the socks may have the same general shape, but may be differently colored in order to form a different pattern. For example, second indicia portion  1244  and third indicia portion  1246  both are shown as having round shapes, however, the coloration of these two indicia portions are different such that one looks like a basketball and the other looks like a baseball. In other embodiments, the indicia portions on the sock may have different shapes that both align with first indicia portion  1242 . For example, third indicia portion  1246  is shown as having a round shape and fourth indicia portion  1248  is shown as having an oblong (football) shape. However, the lower curved portion of both the round shape and the oblong shape may each align with the rounded shape of first indicia portion  1242 . 
       FIGS. 13-15  show the combinations of each of the interchangeable socks with footwear  1210  to illustrate the differing effects. While  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate how round indicia portions may align with first indicia portion  1242  on footwear  1210 ,  FIG. 15  shows how an oblong shape like a football may be similarly completed by first indicia portion  1242  because of the curved lower edge of first indicia portion  1242 . These graphics are shown to illustrate the interchangeability of socks generally. Accordingly, other graphics may be used in a similar interchangeable way. 
     First indicia portion  1242  may include a first edge  1270  and second indicia portion  1244  may include a second edge  1272 . When sock  1238  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  1210 , first edge  1270  may be substantially aligned with second edge  1272 . In addition, first indicia portion  1242  may include a third edge  1274  and second indicia portion  1244  may include a fourth edge  1276 . When sock  1238  is worn by a wearer on a foot received within footwear  1210 , third edge  1274  and fourth edge  1276  may be arranged substantially facing each other. 
     It will also be noted that the coloration of the indicia portions may be varied to further contribute to the continuity between the indicia portions on the socks and the indicia portion on the footwear. For example, as shown in FIGS.  13 - 15 , first indicia portion may have a darker color than the indicia portions on the socks. Further, the lower portions of the indicia portions on the socks may also be darker than the upper portions of the indicia portions on the socks. The darkness may appear as a shadow on a curved underside of the representations of sports balls. By providing first indicia portion  1242  in a relatively dark color, the lower portion of the larger indicia formed by the combination may simply appear as a heavily shadowed surface. Accordingly, first indicia portion  1242  may omit any of the distinctive markings of each type of sports ball, such as the seams on the basketball and baseball, and the stripes on the football, thus providing first indicia portion  1242  as a generic portion of a ball shape. While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 12-15  shows interchangeable socks, in some embodiments, a footwear system may include multiple articles of footwear having differing indicia portions, the multiple articles of footwear being interchangeably wearable with the same sock in order to form differing indicia. 
     In some systems the openings in the upper of interchangeable footwear may be different. Thus the opening of one article of footwear may be configured to expose a different amount of an indicia portion on a sock than the opening of a second article of footwear. As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the same sock may be used with differently configured footwear to form an indicia. For example,  FIG. 16  shows a footwear system  1605 , which may include a sock  1638 , a first article of footwear  1610 , and a second article of footwear  1611 . First footwear  1610  may include a first sole structure  1612  secured to a first upper  1614 . First upper  1614  may define a first opening  1622  configured to receive a foot of a wearer. Second footwear  1611  may include a second sole structure  1613  secured to second upper  1615 . Second upper  1614  may define a second opening  1623 . 
     First upper  1614  of first footwear  1610  may have a different configuration than second upper  1615  of second footwear  1611 . For example, first footwear  1610  may have a higher extending first upper  1614  than second upper  1615 . For instance, first upper  1614  may extend upward to an upper portion  1616 , whereas second upper  1615  may be more of a low-cut configuration. 
     First upper  1614  may include a first indicia portion  1640  adjacent first Opening  1622 . In addition, sock  1638  may include a second indicia portion  1642 . Second indicia portion  1642  may have any suitable configuration, such as an “X,” as shown in  FIG. 16 . Further, when sock  1638  is worn on the foot of a wearer that is received within first upper  1614  of first footwear  1610 , second indicia portion  1642  may substantially align with first indicia portion  1640  to form an indicia. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 , the indicia formed by the sock/footwear combination may be an “X.” 
     Second upper  1615  may include a third indicia  1644  adjacent to second opening  1623 . Third indicia portion  1644  may be configured to align with second indicia portion  1642  on sock  1638  when sock  1638  and second footwear  1611  are worn by the wearer. Because a second edge  1625  of second upper  1615  defining second opening  1623  extends less distance upward than a first edge  1624  of first upper  1614  defining first opening  1622 , more of second indicia  1642  on sock  1638  may be exposed when sock  1638  is worn with second footwear  1611  than when worn with first footwear  1610 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , however, despite this difference in the configuration of first upper  1614  and second upper  1615 , the indicia formed by the combination of second indicia portion  1642  with third indicia portion  1644  may be substantially the same as the indicia formed by the combination of second indicia portion  1642  with first indicia portion  1640 . 
     In some embodiments, interchangeable articles of footwear may be differently configured and, when combined with a common sock, may form different indicia.  FIG. 17  shows a system  1705 , which includes the same sock  1638  and second footwear  1611  shown in  FIG. 16 , and further includes a third article of footwear  1710 . Third footwear  1710  may include a third sole structure  1712  secured to a third upper  1714 , which defines an opening  1722 . Third upper  1714  may include a fourth indicia portion  1740  adjacent an edge  1724  defining opening  1722 . 
     Fourth indicia portion  1740  may be configured such that, when combined with first sock  1638 , a different indicia is formed than when second footwear  1611  is combined with sock  1638 . For example, when sock  1638  is worn by the wearer on a foot received within second upper  1614  of second footwear  1611 , third indicia portion  1644  aligns with second indicia portion  1642  to form a first indicia. When sock  1638  is worn by the wearer on a foot received within third upper  1714  of third footwear  1710 , fourth indicia portion  1740  may substantially align with second indicia portion  1642  on sock  1638  to form a second indicia that is different than the first indicia. For example, because edge  1724  may be angled differently and may extend higher than edge  1625 , upper  1714  may cover more of second indicia portion  1642  on sock  1638 . Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the second indicia may be formed as a “Y” instead of the “X” formed by the first indicia. 
     It will be understood that the configuration, alignment, and coloration of the indicia and indicia portions may vary. Further, socks and/or footwear having indicia portions may be interchangeable to enable a customizable appearance of the sock/footwear combination. Indicia and indicia portions may be monochromatic or polychromatic. 
     In addition to the coloration of the indicia portions, the coloration of other portions of the footwear upper and sock may have varying coloration that provides a background for the indicia. In some cases, the sock and footwear upper may have the same or similar background coloration. In other cases, the sock and footwear upper may have differing background coloration. 
     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. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented together in any suitable combination and that features of one embodiment may be implemented in other disclosed embodiments. 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.