Patent Publication Number: US-11638464-B2

Title: Sole structure for article of footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/429,386, filed Jun. 3, 2019 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/459,118, filed Mar. 15, 2017, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/308,819, filed Mar. 15, 2016, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear and more particularly to sole structures incorporating a fluid-filled chamber having a plurality of fluid-filled segments. 
     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 may be 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 additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled chamber to increase durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a stroble attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner. 
     Midsoles using fluid-filled chambers are generally configured as a chamber formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together, and pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the chamber to retain the shape of the chamber when the chamber compresses resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. Generally, fluid-filled chambers are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the fluid-filled chamber resiliently compresses under an applied load. The fluid-filled chamber as a whole, however, fails to adequately provide support for the foot, as well as an acceptable level of traction between the outsole and the ground surface, during directional shifts between successive ground-reaction forces during athletic movements, thereby resulting in the foot being unstable in preparation for a next athletic movement. Accordingly, creating a midsole from a fluid-filled chamber that provides acceptable traction between the outsole and the ground surface and adequate support for the foot while attenuating ground-reaction forces applied in different directions is difficult to achieve. 
    
    
     
       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 side perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1    showing a sole structure having a heel cup, a fluid-filled chamber, and an outsole arranged in a layered configuration; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1    showing an over mold portion attached between fluid-filled segments of a fluid-filled chamber and an outsole within a heel region of a sole structure; 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  1    showing a web area extending continuously from a lateral side of a sole structure to a medial side of the sole structure and formed by the joining between upper and lower barrier layers of a fluid-filled chamber; 
         FIG.  5    is a side perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  5    showing a sole structure having a midsole, a fluid-filled chamber, and an outsole arranged in a layered configuration; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG.  5    showing an over mold portion attached between fluid-filled segments of a fluid-filled chamber and an outsole within a heel region of a sole structure; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  5    showing a web area extending continuously from a lateral side of a sole structure to a medial side of the sole structure and formed by the joining between upper and lower barrier layers of a fluid-filled chamber; 
         FIG.  9    is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  5    showing a geometry and configuration of a plurality of fluid-filled segments of a sole structure; 
         FIG.  10    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  9    showing fluid-filled segments disposed within a forefoot region of the sole structure; 
         FIG.  11    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  9    showing fluid-filled segments disposed within a mid-foot region of the sole structure; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG.  9    showing fluid-filled segments disposed within a mid-foot region adjacent to a heel region of the sole structure; 
         FIG.  13    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG.  9    showing fluid-filled segments extending through a forefoot region and a mid-foot region of the sole structure and between a lateral side of the sole structure and a medial side of the sole structure; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a fluid-filled segment having an outsole segment attached thereto; 
         FIG.  15    is a bottom view of a fluid-filled chamber having an over mold portion attached to fluid-filled segments of the fluid-filled chamber; 
         FIG.  16    is a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  5    showing cushioning and support vectors defined by fluid-filled segments of a sole structure; and 
         FIG.  17    is a rear perspective view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  5    showing an over mold portion attached to a lower layer of a fluid-filled chamber. 
     
    
    
     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 provides a sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, a midfoot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region, a first fluid-filled segment, a second fluid-filled segment, and a third fluid-filled segment. The first fluid-filled segment is disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The second fluid-filled segment is disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. The third fluid-filled segment is disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side and having a distal end that terminates at a first location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the third fluid-filled segment includes a third portion extending from the first portion of the third fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side. The third portion may be convergent with the second portion. The third portion may include a distal end that terminates at a second location between the medial side and the lateral side. The first location may be different than the second location. One of the second portion and the third portion may extend toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side to a greater extent than the other of the second portion and the third portion. In some examples, the second portion and the third portion include different lengths. The distal end of at least one of the second portion and the third portion may taper in a direction toward the upper. 
     In some implementations, the first portion of the fluid-filled segment is convergent with the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment. The first fluid-filled segment may include a second portion extending along the one of the medial side and the lateral side and a third portion extending from the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side. The third portion of the first fluid-filled segment may include a distal end that terminates between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end of the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment may taper in a direction toward the upper. 
     The first fluid-filled segment may include a fourth portion extending along the other of the medial side and the lateral side and a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. The fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment may include a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end of the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment may taper in a direction toward the upper. In some examples, the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment and the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment are substantially parallel to one another. 
     In some implementations, the second fluid-filled segment includes a second portion extending from the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment along the other of the medial side and the lateral side. The second fluid-filled segment may include a third portion extending from the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. The third portion of the second fluid-filled segment may include a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end of the third portion of the second fluid-filled segment may taper in a direction toward the upper. The second fluid-filled segment may also include a fourth portion extending from the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment and along the one of the medial side and the lateral side. In some examples, the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment are in fluid communication with one another. 
     The sole structure may include an outsole including a plurality of discrete segments respectively attached to at least one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment. Each segment of the outsole may include a shape contoured to conform to a shape of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment. The segments of the outsole may include a ground-engaging surface defining a series of grooves extending substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment and the third fluid-filled segment. At least one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment may include a linear ridge that supports the respective segment of the outsole attached thereto. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear including a heel region, a forefoot region, a midfoot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region, a first fluid-filled segment and a second fluid-filled segment. The first fluid-filled segment extends between the heel region and the forefoot region and from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The second fluid-filled segment extends between the heel region and the forefoot region and from the lateral side of the sole structure to the medial side of the sole structure. The second fluid-filled segment crosses the first fluid-filled segment at the midfoot region. 
     This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. The second fluid-filled segment may extend continuously from the lateral side to the medial side across the midfoot region. The first fluid-filled segment may include a first portion disposed on a first side of the second-filled segment and a second portion disposed on an opposite second side of the second fluid-filled segment. The second fluid-filled segment may cross the first fluid-filled segment at a location between the first portion and the second portion. The longitudinal axis of the first portion may be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the second portion. 
     In some examples, the first fluid-filled segment includes a third portion extending from the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the medial side of the sole structure. The third portion of the first fluid-filled segment may extend continuously from the lateral side to the medial side. The first fluid-filled segment may include a fourth portion extending from the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment and along the medial side of the sole structure. The first fluid-filled segment may further include a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion of the first fluid-filled segment and toward the lateral side of the sole structure. The fifth portion of the first fluid-filled portion may include a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end may taper in a direction toward the upper. 
     In some examples, the second fluid-filled segment includes a first portion extending between the heel region and the forefoot region and from the lateral side of the sole structure to the medial side of the sole structure and a second portion extending from the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the lateral side. The second portion of the second fluid-filled segment may include a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end of the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment may taper in a direction toward the upper. The second portion of the second fluid-filled segment may be substantially parallel to the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment. 
     In some implementations, an over mold portion is attached to the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The over mold portion may include at least one of a greater thickness and stiffness than a material forming the first fluid-filled segment and a material forming the second fluid-filled segment. The over mold portion may be attached to the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment at a location where the second fluid-filled segment crosses the first fluid filled segment. The sole structure may further include an outsole attached to the over mold portion on an opposite side of the over mold portion than the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. 
     In some configurations, the first fluid-filled segment is in fluid communication with the second fluid-filled segment. The second fluid-filled segment may extend in a direction away from the upper to a greater extent than the first fluid-filled segment. In some examples, the sole structure includes an outsole including a plurality of discrete segments respectively attached to at least one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. For instance each segment of the outsole may include a shape contoured to conform to a shape of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. The segments of the outsole may include a ground-engaging surface that defines a series of grooves extending substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. In some configurations, at least one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment includes a linear ridge that supports the respective segment of the outsole attached thereto. 
     In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a first fluid-filled segment having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure and the second portion extends from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side. The second portion includes a distal end that terminates at a first location between the medial side and the lateral side and tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     In some configurations, the first fluid-filled segment also includes a third portion that extends from the first portion toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side. The third portion may be convergent with the second portion and may include a distal end that terminates at a second location between the medial side and the lateral side. The first location may be different than the second location. In some examples, one of the second portion and the third portion extends toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side to a greater extent than the other of the second portion and the third portion. Here, the second portion and the third portion include different lengths. 
     In some implementations, the sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed adjacent to the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending between the medial side and the lateral side. In these implementations, the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment may extend continuously between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. The first portion of the second fluid-filled segment and the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment may be substantially parallel to one another. 
     In some examples, the second fluid-filled segment also includes a second portion that extends along the other of the medial side and the lateral side and a third portion that extends from the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. The second portion of the second fluid-filled segment may include a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end may taper in a direction toward the upper. 
     The first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment may be in fluid communication with one another and an article of footwear may incorporate the sole structure. 
     In yet another aspect of the disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a first fluid-filled segment having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion extends along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure and the second portion extends from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side. The third portion extends from the first portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side and is convergent with the second portion. 
     In some implementations, the second portion includes a distal end that terminates at a first location between the medial side and the lateral side and tapers in a direction toward the upper. Additionally or alternatively, the third portion may include a distal end that terminates at a second location between the medial side and the lateral side. The first location and the second location may be different, while one of the second portion and the third portion may extend toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side to a greater extent than the other of the second portion and the third portion. The second portion and the third portion may also include different lengths. 
     In some configurations, the sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed adjacent to the first fluid-filled segment and having a first portion extending between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. In these configurations, the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment may extend continuously between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. The first portion of the second fluid-filled segment may also be substantially parallel to the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment. In some examples, the second fluid-filled segment includes a second portion that extends along the other of the medial side and the lateral side and a third portion that extends from the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. Here, the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment may include a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. The distal end of the second portion may optionally taper in a direction toward the upper. 
     The first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment may be in fluid communication with one another. An article of footwear may incorporate the sole structure. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , in some implementations, an article of footwear  10  includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200  attached to the upper  100 . The article of footwear  10  may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region  12 , a mid-foot region  14  and a heel region  16 . The forefoot region  12  may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region  14  may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region  16  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwear  10  may include lateral and medial sides  18 ,  20 , respectively, corresponding with opposite sides of the footwear  10  and extending through the regions  12 ,  14 ,  16 . 
     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 . An ankle opening  104  in the heel region  16  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 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 accommodate entry and removal therefrom. The upper  100  may include apertures such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners  106 . The fasteners  106  may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. 
     The upper  100  may include a tongue portion (not shown) that extends between the interior void  102  and the fasteners  106 . 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 may include, but are not limited, 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. 
     In some implementations, the sole structure  200  includes an outsole  210 , a fluid-filled chamber  300 , and a stroble  220  ( FIGS.  2 - 4   ) arranged in a layered configuration. The sole structure  200  (e.g., the outsole  210 , the fluid-filled chamber  300  and the stroble  220 ) defines a longitudinal axis L. For example, the outsole  210  engages with a ground surface during use of the article of footwear  10  and the fluid-filled chamber  300  is disposed between the outsole  210  and the stroble  220 , which attaches to the upper  100 . The fluid-filled chamber  300  may include portions attaching to the outsole  210 , portions attaching to the stroble  220 , and portions extending upon exterior surfaces along a perimeter of the upper  100 . In some examples, the sole structure  200  may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole  216  ( FIGS.  3  and  4   ) or sockliner that may be disposed upon the stroble  220  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 footwear  10 . In some examples, a heel cup  230  extending through the heel portion  16  and the mid-foot portion  14  of the sole structure  200  is disposed between the fluid-filled chamber  300  and the stroble  220  to align and provide additional support for the calcaneus bone of the foot during ground-reaction forces. 
     The fluid-filled chamber  300  is formed from an upper barrier layer  301  (hereinafter ‘upper layer  301 ’) and a lower barrier layer  302  (hereinafter ‘lower layer  302 ’) during a molding or thermoforming process. In some examples, the upper and lower layers  301  and  302  are formed from one or more polymer materials. The upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  are joined together around the periphery of the sole structure  200  to define a flange  306  ( FIGS.  3  and  4   ). Moreover, the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  are joined together at various locations between the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200  to define a web area  308  ( FIGS.  3  and  4   ). 
     In some implementations, the fluid-filled chamber  300  includes a plurality of fluid-filled segments  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360 ,  370  each containing a pressurized fluid (e.g., air) to provide cushioning and stability for the foot during use of the footwear  10 . The fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  are formed in areas of the sole structure  200  where the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  are separated and spaced apart from one another to define respective voids for enclosing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air). As such, the flange  306  and the web area  308  correspond to areas of the fluid-filled chamber  300  where the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  are joined and bonded, and cooperate to bound and define a perimeter of each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 . Accordingly, the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may be disposed within corresponding ones of the regions  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure  200  and spaced apart from one another by the web area  308  but may be in fluid communication with one another such that a pressurized fluid disposed within the chamber  300  is permitted to flow between the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . The geometry and configuration of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  is shown with reference to an article of footwear  10   a  of  FIG.  9   . In other implementations, one or more cushioning materials, such as polymer foam and/or particulate matter, are enclosed by one or more of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  in place of, or in addition to, the pressurized fluid to provide cushioning for the foot. In these implementations, the cushioning materials may provide a soft-type cushioning when compressed under an applied load. 
     Each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  may define a thickness that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200  between the upper layer  301  of the chamber  300  and the lower layer  302  of the chamber  300 . In other words, the thickness of each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  is defined by a distance the lower layer  302  protrudes away from the upper layer  301  in a direction away from the upper  100 . 
     At least two of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may define different thicknesses. For example, one or more fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  disposed in the heel region  16  may be associated with greater thicknesses than thicknesses associated one or more fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  disposed in the forefoot region  12 . In some implementations, one or more of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  include at least two portions each associated with a different length and extending in different directions from one another. For instance, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  includes a portion that extends continuously between the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200  and the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200  and another portion extending from one of the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  to a distal end  5  that terminates at a location between the medial side  18  and the lateral side  20 . Additionally, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may include a portion extending along one of the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200  and another portion extending from one of the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  to a distal end  5  that terminates at a location between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18 . The distal ends  5  of these portions may terminate at different locations between the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200 . At least one of the distal ends  5  of these portions may be associated with a thickness that tapers in a direction toward the upper  100 . Moreover, the portions terminating at their respective locations between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  for at least two of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may be parallel to one another or convergent. In some implementations, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  includes three or more portions with two of these portions each extending from one of the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  to a respective distal end  5  that terminates at a respective different location between the medial side  18  and the lateral side  20 . In these implementations, the portions of the fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  terminating at their respective locations between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  may be parallel to one another or convergent. 
     In some implementations, one or more of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  includes at least one bend  3  ( FIG.  9   ) in a medial direction and/or at least one bend  3  in a lateral direction. Additionally, one or more of the fluid-filled segments includes at least one bend  3  in a first direction away from the heel region  16  and along the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200  and/or at least one bend  3  in a second opposite direction toward the heel region  16  of the sole structure  200 . 
     The fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may cooperate to enhance the functionality and cushioning characteristics that a conventional midsole provides, while simultaneously providing increased stability and support for the foot during directional shifts between applied loads to the sole structure  200  during use of the footwear  10 . For instance, a direction of the applied load to the sole structure  200  during forward movements, such as walking or running movements, is different than a direction of the load applied to the sole structure  200  during lateral movements, such as shifting or cutting movements. For a given direction of a load currently being applied to the sole structure  200 , some of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may compress to provide responsive-type cushioning for the foot to attenuate the ground-reaction force while other fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may retain their shape to impart stability and support characteristics that prevent the foot from moving relative to the sole structure  200 , and thereby keep the foot in an optimal position for executing a subsequent forward movement or lateral movement. Additionally, the geometry and positioning of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  ( FIG.  9   ) along the sole structure  200  may enhance traction between the outsole  210  and the ground surface during forward movements as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface from the heel region  16  to the forefoot region  12 , as well as during lateral movements as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface from one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  to the other one of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . 
       FIG.  2    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10  of  FIG.  1   . The stroble  220  may include a bottom surface  222  and a footbed  224  disposed on an opposite side of the stroble  220  than the bottom surface  222 . Stitching  226  or adhesives may secure the stroble  220  to the upper  100 . The footbed  224  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. In some examples, the insole  216  or sockliner (shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   ) may be disposed on the footbed  224  under the foot within at least a portion of the interior void  102  of the upper  100 . The bottom surface  222  may oppose the heel cup  230  in the heel and mid-foot regions  12  and  14  of sole structure  200  and may oppose the upper layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  in the forefoot region  12  of the sole structure  200 . 
     In some implementations, the heel cup  230  is disposed between the bottom surface  222  of the stroble  220  and the upper layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  and extends through the heel region  16  and the mid-foot region  14  of the sole structure  200 . The heel cup  230  may include exterior surfaces that extend upon and around an outer periphery of the upper  100 . The heel cup  230  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the calcaneus bone of the foot and facilitate a neutral gait cycle for the foot as the heel region  16  of the sole structure  200  initially strikes the ground surface and the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface through the regions  16 ,  14 ,  12  before toe off. 
     The upper layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  opposes and attaches to the heel cup  230  in the heel and mid-foot regions  16  and  14  and opposes and attaches to the bottom surface  222  of the stroble  220  in the forefoot region  12 . The upper layer  301  may be formed from one or more polymer materials during a molding process or thermomolding process and include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward upon an outer periphery of the heel cup  230  and/or upper  100 . 
     The lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  is disposed on an opposite side of the upper layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  than the upper  100 . As with the upper layer  301 , the lower layer  302  may be formed from the same or different one or more polymer materials during the molding or thermoforming process. The lower layer  302  may include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward toward the upper  100  and joins with the outer peripheral edge of the upper layer  301  to form the flange  306 . In some implementations, the lower layer  302  defines the geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the plurality of fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . The lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301  may join together in a plurality of discrete areas between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  to form portions of the web area  308  that bound and separate each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 . Thus, each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  is associated with an area of the fluid-filled chamber  300  where the upper and lower layers  301  and  302  are not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another to form respective voids associated with each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 . In some implementations, adhesive bonding joins the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  to form the flange  306  and the web area  308 . In other implementations, the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  are joined to form the flange  306  and web area  308  by thermal bonding. 
     In some implementations, the upper and lower layers  301  and  302  are formed by respective mold portions each defining various surfaces to define depressions associated with the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 , the conduits fluidly coupling the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 , and pinched surfaces to define locations where the flange  306  is formed when the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301  join and bond together. In some examples, one or both of the upper and lower layers  301  and  302  are heated to a temperature that facilitates shaping and bonding. In some examples, the layers  301  and/or  302  are heated prior to being located between their respective molds. In other examples, the mold may be heated raise the temperature of the layers  301  and/or  302 . In some implementations, a molding process used to form the fluid-filled chamber  300  incorporates vacuum ports within mold portions to remove air such that the upper and lower layers  301  and  302  are drawn into contact with respective mold portions. In other implementations, fluids such as air may be injected into areas between the upper and lower layers  301  and  302  such that pressure increases to cause the layers  301  and  302  to engage with surfaces of their respective mold portions. 
     The thicknesses of the fluid-filled segments  330 ,  340 ,  350 ,  360 ,  370  in the heel and mid-foot regions  16  and  14  may be greater than the thicknesses of the fluid-filled segments  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340  in the forefoot region  12  to provide a greater degree of cushioning for absorbing higher ground-reaction forces that initially occur in the heel region  16  and gradually decrease as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface. With reference to the article of footwear  10   a  of  FIG.  9   , in some examples, the fluid-filled segment  340  extends between the heel region  16  and the forefoot region  12  and from the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200  to the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200 , and the fluid-filled segment  330  extends between the heel region  16  and the forefoot region  12  and from the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200  to the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200 . In these examples, the fluid-filled segment  340  extends continuously from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20  across the mid-foot region  14  and crosses the fluid-filled segment  330  in the mid-foot region  14 . In some implementations, an over mold portion  304  is attached to areas of the lower layer  302  that partially define the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370  residing in the heel and mid-foot regions  16  and  14  to provide increased durability and resiliency for the fluid-filled chamber  300  when under an applied loads. Thus, the over mold portion  304  may include a plurality of discrete segments each defining a shape that conforms to the shape of the respective fluid-filled segment  330 - 370 , whereby the over mold portion  304  is absent from the flange  306  and web area  308  where the lower layer  302  joins the upper layer  301 . As the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  may extend through the mid-foot region  14  and into the forefoot region  12 , the over mold portion  304  may only attach to areas of the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  residing in the mid-foot region  14 , while the over mold portion  304  is absent from the remaining areas that extend into the forefoot region  12 . In some examples, the over mold portion  304  includes a greater thickness than the lower layer  302 . The over mold portion  304  is formed from one or more polymer materials that may be the same or different than the one or more polymer materials forming each of the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300 . Additionally or alternatively, the over mold portion  304  may include a greater stiffness than the one or more materials forming the lower layer  302  and/or the upper layer  301 . The over mold portion  304  may be formed during a molding or thermoforming process and joined to the respective portions of the lower layer  302  when the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301  are joined together (e.g. at the flange  306  and web area  308 ) to form the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . 
     In some examples, the outsole  210  includes a ground-engaging surface  212  and an opposite inner surface  214  that attaches to the over mold portion  304  and areas of the lower layer  302  that define the fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  where the over mold portion  304  is absent. Accordingly, as with the over mold portion  304 , the outsole  210  may include a plurality of discrete segments each defining a shape that conforms to the shape of a respective fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 , whereby the outsole  210  is absent in regions between the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  to thereby expose the flange  306  and web area  308  of the fluid-filled chamber  300 . The outsole  210  generally provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at least a portion of the outsole  210 . The ground-engaging surface  212  may define a plurality of grooves that extend parallel along the lengths fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . For example,  FIG.  14    shows the outsole  210  attached to the fluid-filled segment  320  and the plurality of grooves  215  formed on the ground-engaging surface  212  that extend parallel and along longitudinal axes of each portion  321 ,  322 ,  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320 . 
       FIG.  3    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1    showing the over mold portion  304  attached to areas of the lower layer  302  that cooperate with the upper layer  302  to define the fluid-filled segments  330  and  350 . The stroble  220  secures to the upper  100  via stitching  226  or other securing techniques, while the insole  216  or sock liner resides in the interior void  102  upon the footbed  224  of the stroble  220  and the heel cup  230  is disposed between the bottom surface  222  of the stroble  220  and the upper layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300 . In some examples, the heel cup  230  adhesively bonds to the bottom surface  222  of the stroble  220  and includes peripheral edges that extend upon peripheral surfaces of the upper  100 .  FIG.  3    shows the upper layer  301  attaching to the heel cup  230  and having peripheral edges extending toward the upper  100  and joining with the peripheral edges of the lower layer  301  to form the flange  306  around the perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber  300 . 
     The lower layer  302  also extends toward the upper  100  and joins with the upper layer  301  to form two regions of the web area  308  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , such that a portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  along the medial side  20  is bounded by the flange  306  at the medial side  20  and one of the regions of the web area  308  and another portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  along the lateral side  18  is bounded by the flange  306  at the lateral side  18  and another of the regions of the web area  308 . Moreover, the fluid-filled segment  360  extending between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  is bounded by the two regions of the web area  308 . In some examples, the fluid-filled segment  350  protrudes outward from the upper  100  along the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . Whereas the upper layer  301  is generally concave and rounded to conform to the shape of the foot during use of the footwear  10 , the lower layer  302  is more contoured with the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  extending or protruding away from the flange  306  and web area  308 . Thus, the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360 , as well as the other fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  and  370 , protrude away from the upper  100  and toward the outsole  210  to form independent supports or cushioning elements in the sole structure  200 . In some implementations, adjacent fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  are in fluid communication with one another such that all of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  associated with the fluid-filled chamber  300  as a whole are in fluid communication with one another. 
     Moreover, the over mold portion  304  attaches to a portion of the lower layer  302  in regions where the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  are formed to provide increased durability and resiliency for the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  associated with greater thicknesses in the heel region  16  of the sole structure  200 . More particularly, the over mold portion  304  is contoured to the rounded surfaces of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . In some examples, the lower layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  is formed to include a reduced thickness along portions where the over mold portion  304  is attached thereto. The inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  attaches to the over mold portion  304 . In some implementations, the portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  extending along the lateral side  18  and the other portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  extending along the medial side  20  each include semi-tubular cross-sectional shapes relative to the view of  FIG.  3    to facilitate inward and/or outward rolling of the sole structure  200  during lateral movements. 
     In some examples, each portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  extending along respective ones of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  is associated with a greater thickness (e.g., separation distance between the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  301 ) than the thickness associated with the fluid-filled segment  360  therebetween. Incorporating the greater thickness of the fluid-filled segment  350  along the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  allows the fluid-filled segment  350  to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force and thereby compress before the ground-reaction force is applied to the fluid-filled segment  360  in a center of the heel region  16  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , such that a trampoline effect is created as the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  compress in succession, thereby providing gradient responsive-type cushioning in the heel region  16 . 
     The fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  each contain the pressurized fluid (e.g., air) therein. In some implementations, conduits provide fluid communication between the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360 . Other conduits may provide fluid communication between one or more of the other fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  and  370 . In some examples, one or more conduits may be absent to segregate the pressurized fluid in one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  from another one of the fluid-filled segments, thereby enabling the fluid to be pressurized differently. 
       FIG.  4    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  1    showing the stroble  220 , the upper  100 , the heel cup  230 , and the upper layer  301  arranged the layered configuration of  FIG.  3   . However,  FIG.  4    depicts a region of the sole structure  200  where the flange  306  and the web area  308  uniformly and continuously extend from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200 . In some examples, the fluid-filled segment  350  of  FIG.  3    is in fluid communication with the fluid-filled segment  340  along the lateral side  18 . Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-filled segment  350  of  FIG.  3    may be in fluid communication with the fluid-filled segment  330  along the medial side  20 . Moreover, the fluid-filled segment  370  may be in fluid communication with one or both of the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340 . 
     In some examples, the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  extending along respective ones of the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  are associated with greater thicknesses (e.g., separation distance between the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  301 ) than the thickness associated with the fluid-filled segment  370  therebetween. As with the fluid-filled segment  350  of  FIG.  3   , the greater thicknesses at the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  allows the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force and thereby compress before the ground-reaction force is applied to the fluid-filled segment  370  between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , such that the trampoline effect is created as the fluid-filled segment  370  compresses in succession with the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340 , thereby providing gradient responsive-type cushioning. In some examples, the fluid-filled segment  340  extends from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20  and is associated with a greater thickness than the thickness of the fluid-filled segment  330  to accommodate for the curved profile of the arch of the foot. In this manner, the increased thickness of the fluid-filled segment  340  may follow the curvature of the arch of the foot to facilitate a natural gait cycle for the foot by preventing the foot from excessive pronation or supination as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface. 
     The outsole  210  attaches to and conforms in shape with one or more of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . In some examples, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  defines a linear ridge extending along its length that is configured to receive and support a respective segment of the outsole  210 .  FIG.  4    also shows the ground-engaging surface  212  of the outsole  210  including the series of grooves  215  (see  FIG.  14   ) that extend in parallel along the lengths of each respective segment  310 - 370  to enhance traction with the ground surface. The segments of the outsole  210  attaching (via the over mold portion  304 ) to respective ones of the fluid-filled segments  330 ,  340 ,  370  each include a respective series of grooves that extend parallel along the length of the corresponding fluid-filled segment  330 ,  340 ,  370 . Thus, as the fluid-filled segment  370  is substantially perpendicular along its length to each of the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  along their respective lengths relative to the cross-sectional view of  FIG.  4   , the series of grooves formed on the ground-engaging surface  212  of the segment of the outsole  210  attaching to the fluid-filled segment  370  are convergent with the series of grooves formed on the ground-engaging surface  212  of the segments of the outsole  210  attaching to respective ones of the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340 . In some implementations, the fluid-filled segment  340  at the lateral side  18  and the fluid-filled segment  330  at the medial side  20  each include semi-tubular cross-sectional shapes relative to the view of  FIG.  4    to facilitate inward and/or outward rolling of the sole structure  200  during lateral movements. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 17   , an article of footwear  10   a  is provided and includes an upper  100   a  and 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. 
     The upper  100   a  may be formed from the one or more materials to define the interior void  102  and impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. In some implementations, the sole structure  200   a  includes a stroble  220   a , a midsole  240 , a fluid-filled chamber  300   a , and the outsole  210  arranged in a layered configuration and defining the longitudinal axis L extending through the forefoot region  12 , the mid-foot region  14 , and the heel region  16 . The stroble  220   a  includes the footbed  224  opposing the interior void  102  and receiving the insole  216  or sockliner and a bottom surface  222   a  disposed on an opposite side of the stroble  220   a  than the footbed  224  and opposing the midsole  240 . 
     In some implementations, the midsole  240  is disposed between the bottom surface  222   a  of the stroble  220   a  and an upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a . More particularly, the midsole  240  includes a bottom surface  242  and a top surface  244  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  240  than the bottom surface  242 . The top surface  244  of the midsole joins with the bottom surface  222   a  of the stroble  220   a  and also extends around and joins with peripheral surfaces of the upper  100 . The bottom surface  242  of the midsole  240  joins with the upper surface  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a . Whereas the upper layer  301  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  of the footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4    joins directly with the upper  100  in the forefoot region  12  and the heel cup  230  in the mid-foot and heel regions  14  and  16 , the midsole  240  is operative as an intermediate layer to indirectly attach the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  to the upper  100   a  by joining the top surface  244  of the midsole  240  to the upper  100   a  and/or bottom surface  222   a  of the stroble  220   a  and joining the bottom surface  242  to the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300 , thereby securing the sole structure  200   a  (e.g., the outsole  210 , the fluid-filled chamber  300 , and the midsole  240 ) to the upper  100   a . By contrast to the upper layer  301  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the midsole  240  of the footwear  10   a  also reduces the extent to which the upper layer  301   a  extends onto the peripheral surfaces of the upper  100   a , and therefore increases durability of the footwear  10   a  by reducing the possibility of the upper layer  301   a  detaching from the upper  100   a  over extended use of the footwear  10   a.    
     Additionally, the midsole  240  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot to provide cushioning and support for the foot. In some examples, the midsole  240  is formed from a slab of one or more polymer foam materials that compress resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. In some implementations, compressibility by the plurality of fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  under an applied load provide a responsive-type cushioning while compressibility by the midsole  240  under an applied load provides a soft-type cushioning. Accordingly, the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  and the midsole  240  may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear  10   a  that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  are compressed and, thus, the more responsive the footwear  10   a  performs). 
     The fluid-filled chamber  300  is formed from the upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302  during a molding or thermoforming process. The upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302  may be formed from the same or different one or more polymer materials and joined together around a periphery of the sole structure  200   a  to define the flange  306 . Additionally, the upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302  join together at various locations between the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200   a  and the medial side of the sole structure  200  to define the web area  308 . In a similar fashion to the footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the web area  308  extends between the plurality of fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  each containing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air) and formed in areas of the sole structure  200   a  where the upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302  are separated and spaced apart from one another to define the respective voids for enclosing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air). As such, the flange  306  and the web area  308  correspond to areas of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  where the upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302  are joined and cooperate to bound and define a perimeter of each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  to thereby seal the pressurized fluid therein. 
     As described above with reference to the footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   , and described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG.  9   , one or more of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  includes at least one bend  3  that may extend in a medial direction, a lateral direction, a first direction away from the heel region  16  along the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200   a , or in the second opposite direction away from the heel region  16  of the structure  200   a . Compressibility by the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  provide responsive-type cushioning when under an applied load, while shear forces acting upon the segments  310 - 370  cause the segments  310 - 370  to retain their shape for providing increased stability and support for the foot. Thus, for a given direction of a load currently being applied to the sole structure  200   a , some of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  may compress to provide responsive-type cushioning for the foot to attenuate the ground-reaction force, while shear forces are applied to other fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  so that these segments retain their shape to impart stability characteristics by preventing the foot from moving relative to the sole structure  200   a , and thereby keep the foot in an optimal position for executing a subsequent forward movement or lateral movement. Additionally, the geometry and positioning of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  along the sole structure  200   a  may enhance traction between the outsole  210  and the ground surface during both forward and lateral movements as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface. 
       FIG.  6    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10   a  of  FIG.  5   . The stroble  220   a  secures to the upper  100   a  via stitching  226  or adhesives and includes the footbed  224  opposing the interior void  102  and the bottom surface  222   a  disposed on an opposite side of the stroble  220   a  than the footbed  224  and opposing the top surface  244  of the midsole  240 . The midsole  240  may define a length extending along the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200   a  through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel regions  12 ,  14 ,  16  and a width extending between the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200   a  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200   a.    
     The top surface  244  of the midsole  240  joins with the bottom surface  222   a  of the stroble  220   a  and extends upon peripheral surfaces of the upper  100   a  while the bottom surface  242  of the midsole  240  joins with the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a . Adhesives or other bonding techniques may be used to join the midsole  240  to the upper  100   a  and the upper layer  301   a  to thereby attach and secure the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  to the upper  100   a.    
     The upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  opposes and attaches (e.g., joins) to the bottom surface  242  of the midsole  240 . As with the upper layer  301  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the upper layer  301   a  may be formed from one or more polymer materials during a molding process or a thermoforming process and include an outer peripheral edge that extends upward upon an outer periphery of the midsole  240 . In some examples, portions of the outer peripheral edge of the upper layer  301   a  in the forefoot region  12  extend beyond the midsole  240  and onto peripheral surfaces of the upper  100   a.    
     The lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  is disposed on an opposite side of the upper layer  301   a  than the midsole  240  and includes an outer peripheral edge that extends upward toward the upper  100   a  and joins with the outer peripheral edge of the upper layer  301   a  to form the flange  306 . In some implementations, the lower layer  302  defines the geometry (e.g., thickness/length/width) of the plurality of fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . The lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  may join together in a plurality of discrete areas between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   s  to form portions of the web area  308  that bound and separate each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 . Thus, each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  is associated with an area of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  where the upper and lower layers  301   a  and  302  are not joined together, and thus, separated from one another to form respective voids therebetween associated with each fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 . In some implementations, adhesive bonding joins the upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302  to form the flange  306  and the web area  308 . In other implementations, the upper layer  301  and the lower layer  302  are joined to form the flange  306  and web area  308  by thermal bonding. 
     As described above with reference to the footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  defined by the fluid-filled chamber  300  are associated with greater thicknesses (e.g., separation distance between the upper layer  301   a  and the lower layer  302 ) in the heel and mid-foot regions  16  and  14  than the thicknesses in the forefoot region  12 . As such, the over mold portion  304  attaches to areas of the lower layer  302  that partially define the fluid-filled segments extending through the heel and mid-foot regions  16  and  14  of the sole structure  200   a  to provide increased durability and resiliency as the fluid-filled chamber  300  compresses under applied loads. The over mold portion  304  includes the plurality of discrete segments each defining a shape that conforms to the respective fluid-filled segment  330 - 370  in the heel and mid-foot regions  16  and  14 , whereby the over mold portion  304  is absent from the flange  306  and the web area  308  where the lower layer  302  joins the upper layer  301   a . In some examples, the over mold portion  304  includes a greater thickness than the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  302   a  of the fluid-filled chamber, and may optionally include a greater stiffness than the one or more materials forming the lower layer  302  and/or the upper layer  301   a . The over mold portion  304  may be formed during a molding or thermoforming process and joined to the respective portions of the lower layer  302  when the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  are joined together (e.g. at the flange  306  and web area  308 ) to form the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . 
     The outsole  210  may include the ground-engaging surface  212  and the opposite inner surface  214  that attaches to the over mold portion  304  and areas of the lower layer  302  that define the fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  where the over mold portion  304  is absent. Accordingly, the outsole  210  may include the plurality of discrete segments each defining a shape that conforms to the shape of the respective fluid-filled segment  310 - 370 , whereby the outsole  210  is absent in regions between the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  to thereby expose the flange  306  and web area  308  of the fluid-filled chamber  300 . The outsole  210  generally provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface and may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at least a portion of the outsole  210 . As shown in  FIGS.  9 , 14 , and  16   , the ground-engaging surface  212  may define a plurality of grooves  215  that extend parallel with one another along the lengths of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . 
       FIG.  7    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG.  5    showing the over mold portion  304  attached to areas of the lower layer  302  that cooperate with the upper layer  301   a  to define the fluid-filled segments  330  and  350 . The stroble  220   a  secures to the upper  100  via stitching  226  or other securing techniques, while the insole  216  or sock liner resides in the interior void  102  upon the footbed  224  of the stroble  220   a . Conversely to the bottom surface  222  of the stroble  220  attaching to the heel cup  230  of the footwear  10  shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the bottom surface  222   a  of the stroble  220   a  attaches to the top surface  244  of the midsole  240 , while peripheral edges of the midsole  240  also extend upon, and attach to, peripheral surfaces of the upper  100   a .  FIG.  7    shows the upper layer  301   a  attaching to the bottom surface  242  of the midsole  240  and having peripheral edges extending toward the upper  100   a  and joining with the peripheral edges of the lower layer  302  to form the flange  306  around the perimeter of the fluid-filled chamber  300 . As described above with reference to the footwear  10  of  FIG.  3   , the lower layer  302  may extend toward the upper  100   a  and join with the upper layer  301   a  to form two regions of the web area  308  between the flange  306  at the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  to define and bound the portions of the fluid-filled segment  350  and the fluid-filled segment  360  disposed therebetween. 
     As described above with reference to the footwear  10  of  FIG.  3   , the over mold portion  304  attaches to portions of the lower layer  302  in regions where the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  protrude away from the upper  100   a  and toward the outsole  210  to provide increased durability and resiliency for the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  in the heel region  16  associated with the greater thickness. In some examples, the lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  is formed to include a reduced thickness along portions where the over mold portion  304  is attached thereto. The inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  attaches to the over mold portion  304 . In some implementations, the portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  extending along the lateral side  18  and the other portion of the fluid-filled segment  350  extending along the medial side  20  each include semi-tubular cross-sectional shapes relative to the view of  FIG.  7    to facilitate inward and/or outward rolling of the sole structure  200  during lateral movements, while the fluid-filled segment  350  disposed between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  may include a reduced thickness to allow the fluid-filled segment  350  to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force and thereby compress before the ground-reaction force is applied to the fluid-filled segment  360  in the center of the heel region  16 , such that the trampoline effect is created as the fluid-filled segments  350 ,  360  compress in succession, thereby providing gradient responsive-type cushioning in the heel region  16 . The fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  each containing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air) may be in fluid communication via one or more conduits. Optionally, one or more conduits may be absent to segregate the pressurized fluid in one or both of the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360 . 
       FIG.  8    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  5    showing the stroble  220   a , the upper  100   a , the midsole  240 , and the upper layer  301   a  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIG.  7   . However, the web area  308  and flange  306  uniformly and continuously extend from the lateral side  18  to the medial side of the sole structure  200   a  relative to the view of  FIG.  8   . As described above with reference to  FIG.  4   , some or all of the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370  may be in fluid communication with one another via one or more conduits. In some configurations, adjacent fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  are in direct fluid communication with one another. 
     As with the fluid-filled segment  350  of  FIG.  7   , the greater thicknesses at the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  allows the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force and thereby compress before the ground-reaction force is applied to the fluid-filled segment  370  centered between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , such that the trampoline effect is created as the fluid-filled segment  370  compresses in succession with the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340 , thereby providing gradient responsive-type. 
     The outsole  210  attaches to and conforms in shape with one or more of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . In some examples, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  defines a linear ridge extending along its length that is configured to receive a respective segment of the outsole  210 .  FIG.  8    also shows the ground-engaging surface  212  of the outsole  210  including a series of grooves  215  (see  FIG.  14   ) that extend in parallel along the lengths of respective ones of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  to enhance traction with the ground surface. In some implementations, the fluid-filled segment  340  at the lateral side  18  and the fluid-filled segment  330  at the medial side  20  each include semi-tubular cross-sectional shapes relative to the view of  FIG.  8    to facilitate inward and/or outward rolling of the sole structure  200  during lateral movements. 
       FIG.  9    provides a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear  10   a  of  FIG.  5    showing the geometry and positioning of each of the plurality of fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  disposed within the sole structure  200   a .  FIG.  9    equally provides the geometry and positioning of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  incorporated by the article of footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4    where like numeral indicate like features. The lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  join together and bond at a plurality of discrete locations to form the flange  306  extending around the periphery of the sole structure  200   a  and the web area  306  extending between the lateral and medial sides  18  and  20  of the sole structure  200   a . The flange  306  and web area  306  cooperate to bound and extend around each of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  to seal the fluid (e.g., air) within the segments  310 - 370 . Accordingly, the web area  308  defines a separation distance separating each of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  from one another, as well as separating each portion of a respective fluid-filled segment from the other portions. In some examples, the separation distance is at least 6 millimeters (mm). In some configurations, regions of the web area  308  define flexion zones to facilitate flexing of the footwear  10   a  as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface. 
     In some examples, the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  are in fluid communication with one another via conduits  9  each fluidly connecting one fluid-filled segment to another fluid-filled segment. Optionally, one or more conduits  9  may be omitted to isolate the fluid within at least one of the segments  310 - 370  from the fluid within another one of the segments  310 - 370  so that at least one of the segments  310 - 370  can be pressurized differently. In some configurations, the geometry and positioning of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  cooperate to provide a pressure system for the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  that directs the fluid into chambers  310 - 370  when under an applied load as the segments  310 - 370  compress or expand to provide cushioning, as well as stability and support, by attenuating ground-reaction forces during forward and/or lateral movements of the footwear  10 ,  10   a.    
     With the exception of the fluid-filled segments  350 ,  360 ,  370  disposed within or adjacent to the heel region  16  of the sole structure  200   a , each fluid-filled segment  310 - 340  includes one or more bends  3  or turns each connecting two portions of the respective fluid-filled segment  310 - 340 , whereby each of the portions connected by a corresponding bend  3  extend in different directions from one another and may optionally include different lengths from one another. As such, each segment  310 - 340  extends between a pair of ends and defines a shape having one or more bends  3  or corners between the ends. For example, the segments  310 - 340  may define an S-shape, a 7-shape, a C-shape, a U-shape, and/or a serpentine shape. Each bend  3  is associated with an internal radius extending toward the periphery of the sole structure  200   a . In some examples, the radius of each bend  3  is at least 3 mm. Moreover, each bend  3  is disposed proximate to the periphery of the sole structure  200   a  on an opposite side of the respective fluid-filled segment  310 - 340  than the flange  306 . By positioning the bends  3  on opposite sides of the fluid-filled segments than the flange  306 , collapsing by the fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  is prevented during directional shifts between loads applied to the sole structure  200   a.    
     The fluid-filled segment  310  is disposed within the forefoot region  12 , the fluid-filled segment  330  is disposed between the heel region  16  and the fluid-filled segment  310 , and the fluid-filled segment  320  is disposed between the fluid-filled segments  310  and  330 . The fluid-filled segment  310  defines a serpentine shape and includes a first portion  311  extending continuously from the medial side  20  to the lateral side  18  and a second portion  312  extending along the medial side  20  from a medial end of the first portion  311  in a forward direction away from the heel region  16 . A third portion  313  of the fluid-filled segment  310  extends from the second portion  312  in a direction toward the lateral side  18  to a distal end  5  that terminates between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . Moreover, the fluid-filled segment  310  also includes a fourth portion  314  extending along the lateral side  18  from a lateral end of the first portion  311  in the forward direction away from the heel region  16 , and a fifth portion  315  extending from the fourth portion  314  in a direction toward the lateral side  18  to a distal end  5  that terminates between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some examples, the distal ends  5  of the third portion  313  and the fifth portion  315  taper in a direction toward the upper  100   a  such that the thicknesses defined by the third portion  313  and the fifth portion  315  decrease along their lengths toward the center of the sole structure  200   a . In doing so, the distal ends  5  are operable as anchor points for the respective portions  313  and  315  for retaining the shapes thereof when shear forces are applied thereto. In some configurations, the third portion  313  and the fifth portion  315  of the fluid-filled segment  310  are substantially parallel to one another and convergent with the first portion  311 . In some examples, the distal end  5  of the third portion  313  is disposed closer to the medial side  20  than the distal end  5  of the fifth portion  315 . 
     In some implementations, the fluid-filled segment  320  disposed between the fluid-filled segments  310  and  330  defines a 7-shape and includes a first portion  321  extending along the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200   a , a second portion  322  extending from one end of the first portion  321  toward the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200   a  to a distal end  5  that terminates between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , and a third portion  322  extending from an opposite end of the first portion  321  toward the medial side  20  to a distal end  5  that terminates between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some implementations, the first portion  321  of the fluid-filled segment  320  is convergent with the first portion  311  of the fluid-filled segment  310 . The second portion  322  and the third portion  323  may include different lengths. In some examples, the distal end  5  of the second portion terminates at a first location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  and the third portion  323  terminates at a second location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  that is different than the first location. In some configurations, the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  is convergent with the third portion  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320  and parallel with the first portion  311  of the fluid-filled segment  310 . Moreover, the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  may extend toward the medial side  18  to a greater extent than the third portion  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320 . As with the distal ends  5  of the third and fifth portions  313  and  315  of the fluid-filled segment  310 , at least one of the distal ends  5  of the second and third portions  322  and  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320  may taper in the direction toward the upper  100   a  to allow the distal ends  5  to operate as anchor points for the respective portions  322  and  323  for retaining the shapes thereof when shear forces are applied thereto. 
     In some implementations, the fluid-filled segment  330  includes a first portion  331  extending continuously between the lateral side  18  of the sole structure  200   a  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200   a . In some implementations, the first portion  331  of the fluid-filled segment  320  is parallel with the third portion  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320 , and convergent with the first and second portions  321  and  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  and also convergent with the first and second portions  311  and  312  of the fluid-filled segment  310 . The fluid-filled segment  330  also includes a second portion  332  extending along the medial side  20  from a medial end of the first portion  331  in a rearward direction toward the heel region  16  and a third portion  333  extending from the second portion  332  toward the lateral side  18  to a distal end  5  that terminates between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  18 . The distal end  5  of the third portion  333  may taper in the direction toward the upper  100   a  to serve as an anchor point for third portion  333  when a shear force is applied thereto. In some examples, the third portion  333  and the first portion  331  of the fluid-filled segment  330  are convergent. Moreover, the fluid-filled segment  330  also includes a fourth portion  334  that partially extends along the lateral side  18  from a lateral end of the first portion  331  in the rearward direction toward the heel region  16  and gradually curves to extend in a direction toward the medial side  20  to the mid-foot region  14  at a location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , while a fifth portion  335  of the fluid-filled segment  330  extends from the medial side  20  toward the lateral side  18  to the mid-foot region  14  at a location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some examples, a longitudinal axis (e.g., see vector  142  of  FIG.  16   ) of the fourth portion  334  of the fluid-filled segment  330  is aligned with a longitudinal axis (e.g., see vector  142  of  FIG.  16   ) of the fifth portion  335  such that the fluid-filled segment  330  extends between the heel region  16  and the forefoot region  12  and from the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200   a , i.e., along the fifth portion  335 , to the lateral side of the sole structure  200   a , i.e., along the fourth portion  334 . 
     Whereas the fourth and fifth portions  334  and  335  of the fluid-filled segment  330  cooperate to extend between the heel region  16  and the forefoot region  12  and from the medial side  20  to the lateral side  18 , the fluid-filled segment  340  includes a first portion  341  that extends between the heel region  16  and the forefoot region  12  but from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20 . In some configurations, the first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  extends continuously from the lateral side  18  to the medial side  20  and crosses the fluid-filled segment  330  in the mid-foot region  14  at a location between the fourth and fifth portions  334  and  335  of the fluid-filled segment  330 . Accordingly, the fourth portion  334  of the fluid-filled segment  330  is disposed on a first side of the first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  opposing the forefoot region  12 , while the fifth portion  335  of the fluid-filled segment  330  is disposed on an opposite second side of the first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  that opposes the heel region  16 . 
     In some implementations, the fluid-filled segment  340  also includes a second portion  342  extending from a medial end of the first portion  341  toward the lateral side  18  to a distal end  5  that terminates at a location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some implementations, the second portion  342  of the fluid-filled segment  340  is substantially parallel to third portion  333  of the fluid-filled segment  330 . As with the distal end  5  of the third portion  333  of the fluid-filled segment  330 , the distal end  5  of the second portion  342  of the fluid-filled segment  340  may taper in a direction toward the upper  100   a  to provide an anchor point for the third portion  342  of the fluid-filled segment  340 . In some examples, the second portion  342  of the fluid-filled segment  340  extends toward the lateral side  18  to a greater extent that the third portion  333  of the fluid-filled segment  330 . 
     In some implementations, the fluid-filled segment  340  extends a further distance away from the upper  100   a  than the fluid-filled segment  330 . The put another way, the fluid-filled segment  340  may be associated with a greater thickness than the thickness of the fluid-filled segment  330  to accommodate for curvature in the arch of the foot, and thereby facilitate a natural gait cycle for the foot by preventing the foot from excessive pronation or supination as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface. 
     The fluid-filled segment  350  may define a C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped configuration that extends around the heel region  16  of the sole structure  200   a . As described above with reference to  FIGS.  3  and  7   , the fluid-filled segment  350  may be in fluid communication with the first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  and/or with the fifth portion  335  of the fluid-filled segment  330 , e.g., via respective conduits. The fluid-filled segment  360  is disposed between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  and surrounded by ends of the fluid-filled segment  350  at respective ones of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 , while the fluid-filled segment  370  is disposed between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  and surrounded by the first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  at the lateral side  18  and the fifth portion  335  of the fluid-filled segment  330  at the medial side  20 . In some examples, a longitudinal axis of the fluid-filled segment  360  is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the fluid-filled segment  370  and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200   a . The fluid-filled segments  360  and  370  may compress when under an applied load to provide increased cushioning for the calcaneus bone (e.g., heel bone) by attenuating ground-reaction forces. 
       FIG.  10    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  9    showing the sole structure  200   a  in the forefoot region  12  with the stroble  220   a , the upper  100   a , the midsole  240 , and the upper layer  301   a  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIG.  7   . The first, second, and third portions  311 ,  312 ,  313  of the fluid-filled segment  310  each define tube-shaped cross sections in regions where the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  are separated to define the respective voids each containing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air). The third portion  313  of the fluid-filled segment  310  extends from second portion  312  of the fluid-filled segment  310  along the lateral side  18  toward the medial side  20  to the distal end  5  that terminates at the location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some examples, the distal end  5  tapers in the direction toward the upper  100   a . The first portion  311  of the fluid-filled segment extends continuously across the forefoot region  12  and from the medial side  18  to the lateral side  20  and is disposed between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  relative to the view of  FIG.  10   . 
       FIG.  10    also shows the first and second portions  321  and  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  each defining tube-shaped cross sections in regions where the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  are separated to define the respective voids each containing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air). The tube-shaped cross-sections provide a rounded contact surface with the ground surface to rolling engagement with the ground surface during use of the footwear  10   a  when performing forward and/or lateral movements. The first portion  321  of the fluid-filled segment  320  extends along the medial side  20  and the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  extends from the first portion  321  toward the lateral side  18 . 
     The outsole  210  attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the fluid-filled segments  310  and  320  and is absent from the web area  308  extending between each of the segments  310  and  320 , thereby exposing regions of the lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber that join with the upper layer  301   a  to form the web area  308 . In some examples, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310  and  320  defines a linear ridge extending along its length that is configured to accept a respective segment of the outsole  210  for attaching thereto. 
       FIG.  11    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  9    showing the sole structure  200   a  in the mid-foot region  14  with the stroble  220   a , the upper  100   a , the midsole  240 , and the upper layer  301   a  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIG.  7   . The first and second portions  341  and  342  of the fluid-filled segment  340  each define tube-shaped cross sections in regions where the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300  are separated to define the respective voids each containing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air). The tube-shaped cross-sections provide a rounded contact surface with the ground surface to rolling engagement with the ground surface during use of the footwear  10   a  when performing forward and/or lateral movements. The first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  extends between the heel region  16  and the forefoot region  12  and continuously from the medial side  20  to the lateral side  18 , such that the first portion  341  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  18  relative to the view of  FIG.  11   . The second portion  342  of the fluid-filled segment  340  extends from the first portion  341  at the lateral side  18  toward the medial side  20  to the distal end  5  that terminates at the location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . In some examples, the distal end  5  tapers in the direction toward the upper  100   a.    
     Moreover, the fourth portion  334  of the fluid-filled segment  330  extends from the medial side  20  toward the lateral side  18  and is disposed between the medial side  20  and the lateral side  18  relative to the view of  FIG.  11   .  FIG.  11    shoes the thickness associated with the first portion  141  of the fluid-filled segment  340  being greater than the thickness associated with the fourth portion  334  of the fluid-filled segment  330 . The fourth portion  334  of the fluid-filled segment  330  also defines a tube-shaped cross section in regions where the lower layer  302  and the upper layer  301   a  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  are separated to define the respective void that contains the pressurized fluid (e.g., air). The tube-shaped cross-section provides a rounded contact surface with the ground surface to facilitate rolling engagement with the ground surface during use of the footwear  10   a  when performing forward and/or lateral movements. 
     The outsole  210  attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  and is absent from the web area  308  extending between each of the segments  330  and  340 , thereby exposing regions of the lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber that join with the upper layer  301   a  to form the web area  308 . In some examples, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  defines a linear ridge extending along its length that is configured to receive a respective segment of the outsole  210 . 
       FIG.  12    provides a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG.  9    showing the sole structure  200   a  in the mid-foot region  12  with the stroble  220   a , the upper  100   a , the midsole  240 , and the upper layer  301   a  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIG.  7   .  FIG.  12    shows the lower layer  302  extending toward the upper  100   a  and joining with the upper layer  301   a  to form two regions of the web area  308  between the flange  306  at the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  to define and bound the portions of the fluid-filled segments  340  and  330  at respective ones of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  as well as the fluid-filled segment  370  disposed therebetween. In a similar fashion to the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  of  FIG.  7   , the over mold portion  304  attaches to portions of the lower layer  302  in regions where the fluid filled segments  330 ,  340 ,  370  protrude away from the upper  100   a  and toward the outsole  210  to provide increased durability and resiliency for the fluid-filled segments  330 ,  340 ,  370  in areas of the mid-foot region  14  proximate to the heel region  16  that define greater thicknesses compared to the forefoot region  12 . In some examples, the lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  is formed to include a reduced thickness along portions where the over mold portion  304  is attached thereto. The inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  attaches to the over mold portion  304 . 
     In some implementations, the fluid-filled segments  340  and  330  extending along respective ones of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  relative to the view of  FIG.  12    each define semi-tubular cross-sectional shapes to facilitate inward and/or outward rolling of the sole structure  200   a  during lateral movements, while the fluid-filled segment  370  disposed between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  may include a reduced thickness to allow the fluid-filled segments  330  and  340  to absorb the initial impact of a ground-reaction force and thereby compress before the ground-reaction force is applied to the fluid-filled segment  370 , such that the trampoline effect is created as the fluid-filled segments  340 ,  330 ,  370  compress in succession, thereby providing gradient responsive-type cushioning in areas of the mid-foot region  14  proximate to the heel region  16 . The fluid-filled segments  350  and  360  each containing the pressurized fluid (e.g., air) may be in fluid communication, e.g., via conduits. Optionally, one or more conduits may be absent to segregate the pressurized fluid in one or both of the fluid-filled segments  350  and  360 . In some implementations, adjacent fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  are in fluid communication with one another such that all of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370  associated with the fluid-filled chamber  300  as a whole are in fluid communication with one another. 
       FIG.  13    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG.  9    showing portions of the fluid-filled segments  310 ,  320 ,  330 ,  340  extending between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200   a .  FIG.  13    shows the stroble  220   a , the upper  100   a , the midsole  240 , and the upper layer  301   a  arranged in the layered configuration as described above with reference to  FIG.  7   . The fluid-filled segment  310  includes the fourth portion  314  extending along the lateral side  18  from the lateral end of the first portion  311  that extends continuously from the medial side  18  to the lateral side  20 . The second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  extends from the lateral side  18  toward the medial side  20  and defines a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first portion  311  of the fluid-filled segment  310 . The web area  308  defines a separation distance separating the first portion  311  of the fluid-filled segment  310  from the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320 , and may also provide a flexion region for the sole structure  200   a  within the forefoot region  12 . The third portion  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320  also extends from the lateral side  18  toward the medial side  20 , but extends toward the medial side  20  by a lesser extent than the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320 . In some implementations, the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  is convergent with the third portion  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320  and also convergent with the first portion  331  of the fluid-filled segment  330  that extends continuously from the medial side  20  to the lateral side. The first portion  331  of the fluid-filled segment  330  may be substantially parallel with the third portion  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320  with the web area  308  separating the portions  331  and  323  and defining a flection region for the sole structure  200   a  between the mid-foot region  14  and the forefoot region  12 . The outsole  210  attaches to and conforms in shape with each of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  and is absent from the web area  308  extending between each of the segments  310 - 340 , thereby exposing regions of the lower layer  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  that join with the upper layer  301   a  to form the web area  308 . In some examples, at least one of the fluid-filled segments  310 - 340  defines a linear ridge extending along its length that is configured to accept and support a respective segment of the outsole  210  attached thereto. 
       FIG.  14    provides a bottom perspective view of the fluid-filled segment  320  of  FIG.  9    that is disposed in the forefoot region  12  between the fluid-filled segment  310  and the fluid-filled segment  330 . In some examples, the third portion  323  extends toward the medial side  20  to the distal end  5  that terminates at a location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . The distal end  5  may taper in a direction toward the upper  100   a . The tapering by the distal end  5  of the third portion  323  may be operable as an anchor point for the third portion  323  when under an applied load. In some examples, a respective segment of the outsole  210  includes a shape conforming to the shape and contour of the fluid-filled segment  320  and attaches to the fluid-filled segment  310  via an adhesive or other attaching techniques. In some configurations, the portions  321 ,  322 ,  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320  each define a linear ridge extending along their respective lengths that is configured to accept and support the segment of the outsole  210  attached thereto. The outsole  210  includes the inner surface  214  opposing and attaching to a region of the lower surface  302  that protrudes away from the upper  100   a  and the ground-engaging surface  212  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210  than the inner surface  214 . In some implementations, the ground-engaging surface  212  defines a series of grooves  215  that extend parallel to one another and along the length of each portion  321 ,  322 ,  323  of the fluid-filled segment  320 . Accordingly, the series of grooves  215  bend and turn at each bend  3  interconnecting the first portion  321  to the second portion  322  as well as the first portion  321  to the third portion  323  such that the series of grooves  215  extend parallel to the longitudinal axes of each of the portions  321 ,  322 ,  323 . The other segments of the outsole  210  may attach to the other fluid-filled chambers  310 ,  330 - 370  in a similar fashion. 
     Referring to  FIG.  15   , in some implementations, the over mold portion  304  includes a plurality of discrete segments attaching to respective portions of the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370  disposed within the mid-foot region  14  and the heel region  16  of the sole structure  200   a .  FIG.  15    shows the outsole  210  removed and shows only the portions of the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370  that attach with the over mold portion  304 . For instance, the over mold portion  304  only attaches to a section of the fourth portion  334  of the fluid-filled segment  330 , while the over mold portion is absent from the remaining section of the fourth portion  334  extending generally toward the forefoot region  12 . Moreover,  FIG.  15    shows the over mold portion  304  attaching to the first portion  341  of the fluid-filled segment  340  at the location where the first portion  341  crosses the fluid-filled segment  330 . In some examples, the over mold portion  304  includes at least one of a greater thickness and stiffness than the material forming the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370  to provide increased resiliency and durability as the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370  compress or expend depending upon the direction of the applied loads to attenuate ground-reaction forces and provide stability and support for the foot. As described above with reference to  FIGS.  7 ,  8 , and  10 - 14   , the lower layer  302  joins and bonds with the upper layer  301   a  to form the flange  306  and the web area  308  that cooperate to bound and seal fluid (e.g., air) within the fluid-filled segments  330 - 370 . 
       FIG.  16    provides a bottom perspective view of the article of footwear  10   a  of  FIG.  5    showing a plurality of cushioning and support vectors  120 ,  122 ,  140 ,  141 ,  142 ,  160  defined by the fluid-filled segments  310 - 370 . The vectors  120 ,  122 ,  140 ,  141 ,  142 ,  160  equally apply to the article of footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 4   . More particularly, a longitudinal axis for each portion of the fluid-filled segment  310 - 370  extending between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  of the sole structure  200   a  defines a respective one of the cushioning and support vectors  120 ,  122 ,  140 ,  141 ,  142 ,  160 . Applied loads associated with directions parallel to a cushioning vector cause the one or more corresponding portions of the fluid-filled segment(s) to retain their shape without collapsing to provide support for the foot in those regions. On the other hand, applied loads associated with directions transverse to a cushioning vector cause the one or more corresponding portions of the fluid-filled segments to compress and collapse to provide cushioning for the foot in those regions by attenuating the ground-reaction force associated with the applied load. 
     In some implementations, a first series of cushioning and support vectors  120  are disposed within the forefoot region  12  and extend parallel to one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200   a . During forward movements, such as walking or running movements, loads applied to the sole structure  200   a  are associated with a direction transverse and generally perpendicular to the first series of vectors  120 . Thus, and with reference to  FIG.  9   , the respective portions  332 ,  323 ,  313 ,  315  defining the vectors  120  successively compress and collapse to provide cushioning for the metatarsal region of the foot through push off from the ground-surface. Similarly, applied loads may be associated with a direction transverse/perpendicular to the vectors  120  responsive to the footwear  10   a  performing a sudden stop. Here, the respective portions  332 ,  323 ,  313 ,  315  compress and collapse to cushion the metatarsal region of the foot and also provide braking for the foot to alleviate the impact of the applied load as the footwear  10   a  quickly decelerates responsive to the sudden stop. During lateral movements, such as shifting or cutting movements, loads applied to the sole structure  200   a  are associated with a direction generally parallel to the first series of vectors  120  to cause the respective portions  332 ,  323 ,  313 ,  315  to be under shear force, thereby causing the respective portions  332 ,  323 ,  313 ,  315  to retain their shape (e.g., not compress) and provide support for the metatarsal region of the foot responsive to the footwear  10   a  performing a lateral movement. 
     In some implementations, a second series of cushioning and support vectors  122  are disposed within the forefoot region  12  and interact with the first series of vectors  120  when the sole structure  200   a  is under load. As the second series of vectors  122  are transverse and converge with the first series of vectors  120 , shear forces are applied to the portions  322  and  311  associated with the second series of vectors  122  to provide support for the foot while the portions  331 ,  323 ,  313  and  315  associated with the first series of vectors  121  are under compression to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces when the footwear  10   a  performs forward movements or suddenly stops. Conversely, the portions  322  and  311  associated with the second series of vectors  122  are under compression to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces while shear forces are applied to the portions  331 ,  323 ,  313  and  315  associated with the first series of vectors  121  to provide support for the foot when the footwear  10   a  performs lateral movements. With reference to  FIG.  9   , as with the distal ends  5  of the portions  323 ,  313 ,  315  corresponding to the first series of vectors  120 , the distal end  5  of the second portion  322  of the fluid-filled segment  320  that is disposed within the forefoot region  12  at the location between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  may taper in the direction toward the upper  100   a , and thereby serve as an anchor point for retaining the shape of the second portion  322  by preventing the portion  322  from collapsing when a shear force is applied thereto. 
     In some implementations, a third series of cushioning and support vectors  140 , a fourth cushioning and support vector  141 , and a fifth cushioning and support vector  142  are disposed within the mid-foot region  14  and interact with one another to provide support and cushioning for the foot when the sole structure is under applied loads during forward and/or lateral movements. For instance, and with reference to  FIG.  9   , when the footwear  10   a  performs forward movements, the portions  333  and  342  associated with the third series of vectors  140  compress to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating the ground-reaction force as the outsole  210  rolls for engagement with the ground surface through the mid-foot region  14 . Here, a shear force is applied to the portion  341  associated with the fourth vector  141  that causes the portion  341  to retain its shape to provide support for the foot. Moreover, the portions  344  and  345  associated with the fifth vector  142  may compress on opposite sides of the fourth vector  141  to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating the ground-reaction force. Conversely, shear forces may be applied to the portions  333  and  342  associated with the third series of vectors  140  and/or the portions  344  and  345  associated with the fifth vector  142  to provide support for the foot when the footwear  10   a  performs lateral movements while portion  341  associated with the fourth vector  141  may compress to provide cushioning for the foot by attenuating the ground-reaction force during the lateral movement. In some examples, the distal ends  5  of the portions  333  and  342  terminate at different locations between the lateral side  18  and medial side  20  and one or both may taper in the direction toward the upper  100   a , and may thereby serve as anchor points for the respective portions  333  and  342  to prevent collapsing thereof when shear forces are applied thereto. 
     Moreover, a sixth series of cushioning and support vectors  160  may be disposed within the heel region  16  to provide cushioning for the calcaneus bone (e.g., heel bone) during an applied load caused by the initial impact between the outsole  210  and the ground surface. The sixth series of vectors  160  may extend in a direction transverse and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200   a . For instance, when the heal region  16  is under an applied load responsive to impact with the ground surface, the fluid-filled segments  360  and  370  will generally retain their shape to provide support and gradient cushioning as the ends of the portions  341  and  335  and the ends of the fluid-filled segment  350  disposed along respective ones of the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20  are caused to compress and absorb the initial impact of the ground-reaction force. 
       FIG.  17    provides a rear perspective view of the article of footwear  10   a  of  FIG.  5    showing the over mold portion  304  attached to the lower surface  302  of the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  and a gap  188  separating the over mold portion  304  and a location where the lower surface  302  joins and bonds to the upper surface  301   a . In some implementations, the over mold portion  304  includes a rough and dull surface that reduces the transparency of the material forming the over mold portion  304 , thereby inhibiting an ability to view through the fluid-filled chamber  300   a . As the upper and lower surfaces  301   a  and  302  may be formed from transparent polymer materials, the gap  188  provides a region of transparency through the fluid-filled chamber  300   a  to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the footwear  10   a.    
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear described above. 
     Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. A first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and including a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure and a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and including a first portion extending continuously between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. A third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and including a first portion extending along one of the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side and having a distal end that terminates at a first location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the third fluid-filled segment includes a third portion extending from the first portion of the third fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 3: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the third portion is convergent with the second portion. 
     Clause 4: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the third portion includes a distal end that terminates at a second location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 5: The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein the first location is different than the second location. 
     Clause 6: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein one of the second portion and the third portion extends toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side to a greater extent than the other of the second portion and the third portion. 
     Clause 7: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portion and the third portion include different lengths. 
     Clause 8: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the distal end of at least one of the second portion and the third portion tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 9: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first portion of the first fluid-filled segment is convergent with the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 10: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a second portion extending along the one of the medial side and the lateral side and a third portion extending from the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 11: The sole structure of Clause 10, wherein the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment includes a distal end that terminates between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 12: The sole structure of Clause 11, wherein the distal end of the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 13: The sole structure of any of Clauses 10-12, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a fourth portion extending along the other of the medial side and the lateral side and a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment includes a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 15: The sole structure of Clause 14, wherein the distal end of the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 16: The sole structure of any of Clauses 13-15, wherein the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment and the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment are substantially parallel to one another. 
     Clause 17: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second fluid-filled segment includes a second portion extending from the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment along the other of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 18: The sole structure of Clause 17, wherein the second fluid-filled segment includes a third portion extending from the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 19: The sole structure of Clause 18, wherein the third portion of the second fluid-filled segment includes a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 20: The sole structure of Clause 19, wherein the distal end of the third portion of the second fluid-filled segment tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 21: The sole structure of any of Clauses 17-20, wherein the second fluid-filled segment includes a fourth portion extending from the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment and along the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 22: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment are in fluid communication with one another. 
     Clause 23: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an outsole including a plurality of discrete segments respectively attached to at least one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 24: The sole structure of Clause 23, wherein each segment of the outsole includes a shape contoured to conform to a shape of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment, the segments of the outsole including a ground-engaging surface defining a series of grooves extending substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment and the third fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 25: The sole structure of Clause 23, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled segment, the second fluid-filled segment, and the third fluid-filled segment includes a linear ridge that supports the respective segment of the outsole attached thereto. 
     Clause 26: An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses. 
     Clause 27: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. A first fluid-filled segment extending between the heel region and the forefoot region and from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure; and a second fluid-filled segment extending between the heel region and the forefoot region and from the lateral side of the sole structure to the medial side of the sole structure, the second fluid-filled segment crossing the first fluid-filled segment at the midfoot region. 
     Clause 28: The sole structure of Clause 27, wherein the second fluid-filled segment extends continuously from the lateral side to the medial side across the midfoot region. 
     Clause 29: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a first portion disposed on a first side of the second-filled segment and a second portion disposed on an opposite second side of the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 30: The sole structure of Clause 29, wherein the second fluid-filled segment crosses the first fluid-filled segment at a location between the first portion and the second portion. 
     Clause 31: The sole structure of any of Clauses 29-30, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first portion is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the second portion. 
     Clause 32: The sole structure of any of Clauses 29-31, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a third portion extending from the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the medial side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 33: The sole structure of Clause 32, wherein the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment extends continuously from the lateral side to the medial side. 
     Clause 34: The sole structure of any of Clauses 32-33, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a fourth portion extending from the third portion of the first fluid-filled segment and along the medial side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 35: The sole structure of Clause 34, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a fifth portion extending from the fourth portion of the first fluid-filled segment and toward the lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 36: The sole structure of Clause 35, wherein the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled portion includes a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 37: The sole structure of Clause 36, wherein the distal end tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 38: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second fluid-filled segment includes a first portion extending between the heel region and the forefoot region and from the lateral side of the sole structure to the medial side of the sole structure and a second portion extending from the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the lateral side. 
     Clause 39: The sole structure of Clause 38, wherein the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment includes a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 40: The sole structure of Clause 39, wherein the distal end of the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 41: The sole structure of any of Clauses 38-40, wherein the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment is substantially parallel to the fifth portion of the first fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 42: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an over mold portion attached to the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 43: The sole structure of Clause 42, wherein the over mold portion includes at least one of a greater thickness and stiffness than a material forming the first fluid-filled segment and a material forming the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 44: The sole structure of any of Clauses 42-43, wherein the over mold portion is attached to the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment at a location where the second fluid-filled segment crosses the first fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 45: The sole structure of any of Clauses 42-44, further comprising an outsole attached to the over mold portion on an opposite side of the over mold portion than the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 46: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled segment is in fluid communication with the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 47: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second fluid-filled segment extends in a direction away from the upper to a greater extent than the first fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 48: The sole structure of any of Clauses 27-41 and 46-47, further comprising an outsole including a plurality of discrete segments respectively attached to at least one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 49: The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein each segment of the outsole includes a shape contoured to conform to a shape of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment, the segments of the outsole including a ground-engaging surface defining a series of grooves extending substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis of the respective one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 50: The sole structure of Clause 49, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment includes a linear ridge that supports the respective segment of the outsole attached thereto. 
     Clause 51: An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses. 
     Clause 52: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a first fluid-filled segment including a first portion that extends along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure and a second portion that extends from the first portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side, the second portion including a distal end that terminates at a first location between the medial side and the lateral side and tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 53: The sole structure of Clause 52, wherein the first fluid-filled segment includes a third portion extending from the first portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 54: The sole structure of Clause 53, wherein the third portion is convergent with the second portion. 
     Clause 55: The sole structure of Clause 53, wherein the third portion includes a distal end that terminates at a second location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 56: The sole structure of Clause 55, wherein the first location is different than the second location. 
     Clause 57: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein one of the second portion and the third portion extends toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side to a greater extent than the other of the second portion and the third portion. 
     Clause 58: The sole structure of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second portion and the third portion include different lengths. 
     Clause 59: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a second fluid-filled segment disposed adjacent to the first fluid-filled segment and including a first portion extending between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 60: The sole structure of Clause 59, wherein the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment extends continuously between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 61: The sole structure of any of Clauses 59-60, wherein the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment is substantially parallel to the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 62: The sole structure of any of Clauses 59-61, wherein the second fluid-filled segment includes a second portion that extends along the other of the medial side and the lateral side and a third portion that extends from the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 63: The sole structure of Clause 62, wherein the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment includes a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 64: The sole structure of Clause 63, wherein the distal end tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 65: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled segment is in fluid communication with the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 66: An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses. 
     Clause 67: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a first fluid-filled segment including a first portion that extends along one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure, a second portion that extends from the first portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side, and a third portion that extends from the first portion of the first fluid-filled segment toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side and is convergent with the second portion. 
     Clause 68: The sole structure of Clause 67, wherein the second portion includes a distal end that terminates at a first location between the medial side and the lateral side and tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 69: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the third portion includes a distal end that terminates at a second location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 70: The sole structure of Clause 69, wherein the first location is different than the second location. 
     Clause 71: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein one of the second portion and the third portion extends toward the other of the medial side and the lateral side to a greater extent than the other of the second portion and the third portion. 
     Clause 72: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second portion and the third portion include different lengths. 
     Clause 73: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a second fluid-filled segment disposed adjacent to the first fluid-filled segment and including a first portion extending between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 74: The sole structure of Clause 73, wherein the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment extends continuously between the medial side of the sole structure and the lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 75: The sole structure of any of Clauses 73-74, wherein the first portion of the second fluid-filled segment is substantially parallel to the second portion of the first fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 76: The sole structure of any of Clauses 73-75, wherein the second fluid-filled segment includes a second portion that extends along the other of the medial side and the lateral side and a third portion that extends from the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment toward the one of the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 77: The sole structure of Clause 76, wherein the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment includes a distal end that terminates at a location between the medial side and the lateral side. 
     Clause 78: The sole structure of Clause 77, wherein the distal end of the second portion of the second fluid-filled segment tapers in a direction toward the upper. 
     Clause 79: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled segment is in fluid communication with the second fluid-filled segment. 
     Clause 80: An article of footwear incorporating the sole structure of any of the preceding clauses. 
     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.