Patent Publication Number: US-2021169170-A1

Title: Article of footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/945,826, filed on Dec. 9, 2019. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure. 
     Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole and/or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper. 
     High-intensity interval training (MIT) workouts alternate bouts of going all-out with periods of rest to recover. The movements are diverse—burpees, kettlebell swings, lunges, mountain climbers, push-ups, squats and many more—and are sequenced to get maximum impact from maximum effort. In HITT workout classes, athletes typically wear footwear that is optimized for cushioning or footwear that is optimized for support. Unfortunately, such footwear, while adequate for its intended purpose (i.e., cushioning or support), isn&#39;t designed to concurrently provide both benefits and, as a result, do not perform optimally during HIIT movements. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a lateral side elevation view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded, top perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; taken along section line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; taken along section line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; taken along section line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; taken along section line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a lateral side elevation view of another example of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a lateral side elevation view of another example of an article of footwear according to the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  is a medial side elevation view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 16 ; and 
         FIG. 19  is a top plan view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. 
     One aspect of the disclosure includes an article of footwear. The article of footwear includes an upper. The article of footwear also includes a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield extending from the upper surface and along a medial side of the upper and a second side shield extending from the upper surface and along a lateral side of the upper. The article of footwear also includes one or more fluid-filled bladders each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate. 
     This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the one or more fluid-filled bladders includes a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on a medial side and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on a lateral side. In some implementations, the first end of the plate includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated from the lateral portion by a gap. In some configurations, the first cushioning element includes one or more apertures each configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders. 
     In some examples, each of the plate and the upper are received between the first side shield and the second side shield. In some configurations, one or more fluid-filled bladders is disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield. In some implementations, the first side shield and the second side shield include an arch extending from a first end to a second end along the respective side of the article of footwear. 
     Optionally, the article of footwear may include a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in a mid-foot region of the article of footwear. Here, the article of footwear may include an outsole having a first fragment attached to the first cushioning element, a second fragment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third fragment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders. In some examples, the plate includes one or more upper sockets each receiving a first end of one of the one or more bladders and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets each receiving a second end of one of the one or more bladders. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides an article of footwear including an upper and a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface. The plate extends from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield defining a first opening formed in a lateral side of the first cushioning element and a second shield defining a second opening formed in a medial side of the first cushioning element. The article of footwear further includes one or more fluid-filled bladders each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate. 
     This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the one or more fluid-filled bladders includes a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on a medial side and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on a lateral side. In some implementations, the first end of the plate includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated from the lateral portion by a gap. In some configurations, the first cushioning element includes one or more apertures each configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders. 
     In some configurations, each of the plate and the upper are received between the first side shield and the second side shield. In some examples, the one or more fluid-filled bladders is disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield. In some implementations, each of the first side shield and the second side shield includes an arch extending from a first end to a second end along the respective side of the article of footwear. 
     In some examples, the article of footwear further includes a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in a mid-foot region of the article of footwear. In some examples, the article of footwear includes an outsole having a first fragment attached to the first cushioning element, a second fragment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third fragment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders. Optionally, the plate includes one or more upper sockets each receiving a first end of one of the one or more bladders and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets each receiving a second end of one of the one or more bladders. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an article of footwear  10  includes an upper  100  and sole structure  200 . The footwear  10  may further include an anterior end  12  associated with a forward-most point of the footwear  10 , and a posterior end  14  corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear  10 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a longitudinal axis A 10  of the footwear  10  extends along a length of the footwear  10  from the anterior end  12  to the posterior end  14  parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the footwear  10  into a medial side  16  and a lateral side  18 . Accordingly, the medial side  16  and the lateral side  18  respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear  10  and extend from the anterior end  12  to the posterior end  14 . As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end  12  to the posterior end  14 , while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side  16  to the lateral side  18 . 
     The article of footwear  10  may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region  20 , a mid-foot region  22 , and a heel region  24 . The forefoot region  20  may be subdivided into a toe portion  20 T corresponding with phalanges and a ball portion  20 B associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region  22  may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region  24  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. 
     The upper  100  includes interior surfaces that define an interior void  102  configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure  200 . The upper  100  may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void  102 . Suitable materials of the upper  100  may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , in some examples, the upper  100  includes a strobel having a bottom surface opposing the sole structure  200  and an opposing top surface defining a footbed of the interior void  102 . Stitching or adhesives may secure the strobel to the upper  100 . The footbed may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the upper  100  may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner that may be disposed upon the strobel and reside within the interior void  102  of the upper  100  to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear  10 . An ankle opening  104  in the heel region  24  may provide access to the interior void  102 . For example, the ankle opening  104  may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void  102  and to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void  102 . In some examples, one or more fasteners  106  extend along the upper  100  to adjust a fit of the interior void  102  around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the sole structure  200  includes a midsole  202  configured to provide characteristics of cushioning and responsiveness, and an outsole  204  configured to provide a ground-engaging surface to the article of footwear  10 . Unlike conventional midsoles formed of a single slab material, the midsole  202  of the present example is formed as a composite structure and includes various subcomponents configured to impart desired characteristics to the article of footwear  10 . For example, the midsole  202  includes a rigid or semi-rigid plate  206 , a forefoot cushioning element  208 , a heel cushioning element  210 , and a fluid cushioning arrangement  212  having one or more fluid-filled bladders  214 . Likewise, the outsole  204  includes a composite structure and includes a toe fragment  216  attached to the forefoot cushioning element  208  at the anterior end  12 , a forefoot fragment  218  disposed in the forefoot region  20  and attached to the fluid cushioning arrangement  212 , and a heel fragment  220  attached to the heel cushioning element  210  at the posterior end  14 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the plate  206  includes an elastomeric material, such as a polyether block amide (PEBA) (e.g., Pebax® brand elastomers manufactured by Arkema S.A). The plate  206  extends from a first end  222  disposed in the forefoot region  20  to a second end  224  disposed at the posterior end  14 . The plate  206  includes a top surface  225   a  attached to the strobel of the upper  100  and bottom surface  225   b  formed on an opposite side of the plate  206  from the top surface  225   a.  A distance from the top surface  225   a  to the bottom surface  225   b  defines a thickness of the plate  206 . As shown, the first end  222  of the plate  206  may include a forked configuration where a gap or split  226  extends through the thickness of the plate  206  and partially along a length of the plate  206  from the first end  222 . Thus, the gap  226  separates the first end  222  into medial and lateral tabs  228   a,    228   b  that can flex independently from each other. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the medial and lateral tabs  228   a,    228   b  may include sockets  229   a,    229   b  on the bottom surface  225   b  for engaging and securing the bladders  214  of the fluid cushioning arrangement  212 . 
     The forefoot cushioning element  208  and the heel cushioning element  210  each include a resilient polymeric material, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. The forefoot cushioning element  208  and the heel cushioning element  210  may include the same or different materials to impart desired performance characteristics to the respective regions of the sole structure  200 . Example resilient polymeric materials for the cushioning elements  208 ,  210  may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both. 
     In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefinic polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof In other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono-fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
     In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof. 
     In yet further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these aspects, the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof. For instance, the ionomeric polymer(s) may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
     In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
     In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Examples of suitable polyurethanes include those discussed above for barrier layers. Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene. 
     When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as adodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate. 
     In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used. Furthermore, the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like. 
     The resilient polymeric material may be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the resilient polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and vulcanized. 
     In another example, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. A thermoplastic polymeric material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam. 
     Optionally, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and/or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both. 
     The compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheet stock, and the like. The compression molded foam may then be made by placing the one or more preforms formed of foamed polymeric material(s) in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and/or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration of time to alter the preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse individual foam particles to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof. Following the heating and/or application of pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1-5 , the forefoot cushioning element  208  extends from a first end  230  at the anterior end  12  to a second end  232  disposed in the mid-foot region  22 . The forefoot cushioning element  208  includes a top surface  233   a  attached to the bottom surface  225   b  of the plate  206  and a bottom surface  233   b  disposed on the opposite side. A distance from the top surface  233   a  to the bottom surface  233   b  defines a thickness of the forefoot cushioning element  208 . The forefoot cushioning element  208  includes one or more apertures  234   a,    234   b  formed through the entire thickness (i.e., from the top surface  233   a  to the bottom surface  233   b ), which are configured to receive each of the bladders  214  therein. Accordingly, when the sole structure  200  is assembled, the bladders  214  of the fluid cushioning arrangement  212  will be surrounded by the forefoot cushioning element  208 . 
     The forefoot cushioning element  208  further includes a pair of shields  235   a,    235   b  extending upwardly from opposite sides of the forefoot cushioning element  208  between the first end  230  and the second end  232 . Here, each of the shields  235   a,    235   b  is configured to extend upwardly along one of the medial and lateral sides  16 ,  18  of the upper  100  in a portion of the forefoot region  20  associated with the ball of the foot, thereby providing lateral reinforcement and stability to the sides of the upper  100  in that region. In the illustrated example, each of the shields  235   a,    235   b  is formed as an arched structure extending from a first end  236   a,    236   b  to a second end  237   a,    237   b  along the side of the forefoot cushioning element  208 . Here, the arched structure provides the desired lateral stability, while still allowing the sole structure  200  to flex suitably across the ball portion  20 B of the forefoot region  20 . As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the shields  235   a - 235   b  define lateral openings  238   a,    238   b  extending from an outer periphery of the forefoot cushioning element  208  and intersecting with the apertures  234  formed through the thickness of the forefoot cushioning element  208 . Thus, when the sole structure  200  is assembled, the bladders  214  may be exposed through the openings  238   a,    238   b  formed through the forefoot cushioning element  208 . 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 1-5 , the heel cushioning element  210  is attached to a bottom surface of the plate  206  and extends from a first end  239  in the mid-foot region  22  to a second end  240  at the posterior end  14  of the sole structure  200 . As best shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first end  239  of the heel cushioning element  210  faces or opposes the second end  232  of the forefoot cushioning element  208 . However, the first end  239  of the heel cushioning element  210  is separated from the second end  232  of the forefoot cushioning element  208  by a gap  242  in the mid-foot region  22 . Here, a bottom surface of the plate  206  is exposed along the gap  242 . The gap provides stability in movements commonly associated with HIIT training exercises, such as plank positions, and allows the foot to bend naturally when driving into mountain climbers. The first end  239  of the heel cushioning element  210  may include a notch  244  extending along a longitudinal direction of the article of footwear  10 , such that the first end  239  is separated into medial and lateral fingers  246   a,    246   b  that can move independently of each other. 
     The fluid cushioning arrangement  212  of the illustrated example includes a pair of bladders  214  each defining a respective chamber for including a pressurized fluid. A first one of the bladders  214  is disposed on the medial side  16  of the sole structure  200  in the forefoot region  20 , and a second one of the bladders  214  is disposed on the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200  in the forefoot region  20 . As discussed above, each of the bladders  214  extends through one of the apertures  234  formed through the forefoot cushioning element  208  such that a top surface of each bladder  214  is received within one of the sockets  229   a,    229   b  and attached to the bottom surface  225   b  of the plate  206 , and a bottom surface of each bladder  214  is received by a socket the forefoot fragment  218  of the outsole  204 . 
     Each of the bladders  214  may include a first barrier element  248   a  and a second barrier element  248   b  formed of an elastomeric material. The chamber of each of the bladders  214  may receive a tensile element  250  ( FIG. 8 ) therein. Each tensile element  250  may include a series of tensile strands  252  extending between an upper tensile sheet  254  and a lower tensile sheet  254 . The upper tensile sheet  254  may be attached to the first barrier element  248   a  while the lower tensile sheet  254  may be attached to the second barrier element  248   b.  In this manner, when the bladder  214  receives the pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  252  of the tensile element  250  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  254  is attached to the first barrier element  248   a  and the lower tensile sheet  254  is attached to the second barrier element  248   b,  the tensile strands  252  retain a desired shape of the bladder  214  when the pressurized fluid is injected into the chamber. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the toe fragment  216  of the outsole  204  is formed of a resilient elastomeric material, and is disposed at the anterior end  12  of the sole structure  200 . The forefoot fragment  218  is disposed in the forefoot region  20  and is formed independently of each of the toe fragment  216  and the heel fragment  220 . As shown, the forefoot fragment  218  includes one or more sockets  256   a,    256   b  formed in a top surface, which are configured to receive and secure a lower portion of corresponding ones of the bladders  214 . Thus the forefoot fragment  218  provides a bottom structure for securing the bladders  214 . In some instances, the forefoot fragment  218  may be formed of a material having a greater rigidity than the other fragments  216 ,  220  to impart stability between the independent bladders  214 . 
     The heel fragment  220  extends around the heel region  24  and includes a first segment  258   a  extending along the medial side  16 , a second segment  258   b  extending along the lateral side  18 , and an arcuate third segment  258   c  extending around the posterior end  14 . As shown, the second segment  258   b  may be longer than the first segment  258   a.    
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 13-15 , an article of footwear  10   a  is provided and includes an upper  100   a  a sole structure  200   a  attached to the upper  100   a.  In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   a,  like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     In the article of footwear of  FIGS. 13-15 , the sole structure  200   a  includes a unitary midsole  202   a  including a single cushioning element including a foam material extending from the anterior end  12  to the posterior end  14 . Here, sole structure  200   a  does not include independent cushioning elements or bladders. The midsole  202   a  includes medial and lateral side shields  235   c,    235   d  having a narrower profile than the side shields  235   a,    235   b  of the previous example. In this example, the side shields  235   c,    235   d  are formed as solid (i.e., not including openings) elements along the sides of the midsole  202   a.  Optionally, the midsole  202   a  may include arcuate relief channels  270   a - 270   d  formed in the peripheral surface of the midsole  202   a  on opposite ends of the side shields  235   c,    235   d  to allow the midsole  202   a  to bend about the side shields  235   c,    235   d.  Thus, the sole structure  200   a  is configured as a simplified, lightweight alternative to the sole structure  200 . The minimalistic sole structure  200   a  may be desirable for travel (i.e., packing in luggage) and for use in confined areas. 
     The upper  100   a  of the article of footwear  10   a  may include arcuate flex zones  130   a,    130   b  partially surrounding the side shields  235   c,    235   d.  As shown, the flex zones  130   a,    130   b  each extend from a first one of the relief channels  130   a,    130   c  at an anterior end of one of the side shields  235   c,    235   d  to a second one of the relief channels  130   b,    130   d  formed at an anterior end of the respective side shield  235   c,    235   d.  Thus, the upper  100   a  cooperates with the relief channels  170   a - 170   d  to provide flexibility along the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 16-19 , an article of footwear  10   b  is provided and includes an upper  100   b  and a sole structure  200   b  attached to the upper  100   b.  In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   b,  like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16-19 , another example of an article of footwear  10   b  according to the principles of the present disclosure is configured for use with a bicycle. The upper  100   b  includes a translucent mesh material extending over the forefoot region  20  and along the lateral side  18  along the mid-foot region  22 . The upper  100   b  further includes a forefoot strap  108  and a mid-foot strap  110  each extending over the upper  100   b  from the medial side  16  to the lateral side  18 . 
     The forefoot strap  108  includes a medial forefoot band  112  attached at a biteline formed between the upper  100   b  and the sole structure  200   b  on the medial side  16  and a lateral forefoot band  114  attached at the biteline on the lateral side  18 . Each of the forefoot bands  112 ,  114  includes a fixed end  116 ,  118  attached at the biteline and a free end operable to adjustably attach to the free end of the other forefoot band  112 ,  114 . As shown, the fixed ends  116 ,  118  of the forefoot bands  112 ,  114  are flared (i.e., increase in width along a direction towards the biteline) and include an arcuate reinforcement strip  120  attached to or embedded within the fixed end  116 ,  118 . Thus, the fixed ends  116 ,  118  of the forefoot strap  108  may function similar to the shields  235   a,    235   b  discussed above to provide lateral stability along the ball region of the foot while also allowing the upper to flex or bend along the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. 
     The mid-foot strap  110  includes a medial mid-foot band  122  and a lateral mid-foot band  124  cooperating to extend over the upper  100   b  adjacent to the ankle opening  104 . The medial mid-foot band  122  is integrally formed with the upper  100   b,  as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 19 . Thus, medial mid-foot band  122  extends along the medial side of the footwear and defines a medial quarter panel and a medial heel panel. When the medial mid-foot band  122  is attached to the lateral mid-foot band  124 , the medial mid-foot band  122  can be drawn over an instep region of the foot to adjust a size of the upper  100   b  and the ankle opening  104 . Here, the lateral mid-foot band  124  includes a fixed end  126  attached to the upper  100   b  on a lateral side  18  of the ankle opening  104  and a second end configured to adjustably attach to the medial mid-foot band  122 . 
     The sole structure  200   b  includes a forefoot plate  260  and a heel plate  262  attached to the upper  100   b.  The forefoot plate  260  includes a coupler  264  with SPD and Delta cleats. The forefoot plate  260  also includes a plurality of vents  266  formed through a thickness of the forefoot plate  260  and in communication with the interior void  102  of the upper  100  to provide ventilation to the plantar surface of the foot within the upper  100   b.  Each of the forefoot plate  260  and the heel plate  262  includes resilient studs  268  to provide traction during walking. 
     Using fluid-filled bladders with tensile members in the forefoot not only creates a dynamic aesthetic, but also helps provide impact protection and responsiveness. The fluid-filled cushioning arrangement—a two-unit system under the forefoot—does not act alone. A plate running from the heel to the forefoot helps roll the foot forward and into a ready position for the majority of upright HIIT movements. The upper is crafted to support lateral moves, such as skaters and side lunges. 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a sole structure and an article of footwear described above. 
     Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield extending from the upper surface and along a medial side of the upper and a second side shield extending from the upper surface and along a lateral side of the upper; and one or more fluid-filled bladders each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate. 
     Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders includes a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on a medial side and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on a lateral side. 
     Clause 3: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first end of the plate includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated from the lateral portion by a gap. 
     Clause 4: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first cushioning element includes one or more apertures each configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders. 
     Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the plate and the upper are received between the first side shield and the second side shield. 
     Clause 6: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders is disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield. 
     Clause 7: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the first side shield and the second side shield includes an arch extending from a first end to a second end along the respective side of the article of footwear. 
     Clause 8: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein further comprising a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in a mid-foot region of the article of footwear. 
     Clause 9: The article of footwear of Clause 8, further comprising an outsole having a first fragment attached to the first cushioning element, a second fragment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third fragment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders. 
     Clause 10: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the plate includes one or more upper sockets each receiving a first end of one of the one or more bladders and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets each receiving a second end of one of the one or more bladders. 
     Clause 11: An article of footwear comprising: an upper; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield defining a first opening formed in a lateral side of the first cushioning element and a second side shield defining a second opening formed in a medial side of the first cushioning element; and one or more fluid-filled bladders each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate. 
     Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders includes a first fluid-filled bladder disposed on a medial side and a second fluid-filled bladder disposed on a lateral side. 
     Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first end of the plate includes a lateral portion and a medial portion separated from the lateral portion by a gap. 
     Clause 14: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first cushioning element includes one or more apertures each configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders. 
     Clause 15: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the plate and the upper are received between the first side shield and the second side shield. 
     Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the one or more fluid-filled bladders is disposed between the first side shield and the second side shield. 
     Clause 17: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein each of the first side shield and the second side shield includes an arch extending from a first end to a second end along the respective side of the article of footwear. 
     Clause 18: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein further comprising a second cushioning element disposed in the heel region and spaced apart from the first cushioning element by a gap in a mid-foot region of the article of footwear. 
     Clause 19: The article of footwear of Clause 18, further comprising an outsole having a first fragment attached to the first cushioning element, a second fragment attached to the second cushioning element, and a third fragment attached to the one or more fluid-filled bladders. 
     Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the plate includes one or more upper sockets each receiving a first end of one of the one or more bladders and the outsole includes one or more lower sockets each receiving a second end of one of the one or more bladders. 
     The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.