Patent Publication Number: US-9901139-B2

Title: Strap securing system, E.G., for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to securing systems, e.g., for use in the field of footwear and other foot-receiving devices. More specifically, aspects of the present invention pertain to strap type securing systems, e.g., for articles of footwear and other foot-receiving devices. Additional aspects of this invention relate to athletic footwear and methods of making it. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper provides a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure is secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation. Some general features and configurations of the upper and the sole structure are discussed in greater detail below. 
     The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle or foot-insertion opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to support, limit movement, or control movement of the heel. 
     The sole structure generally incorporates multiple layers that are conventionally referred to as an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole (which also may constitute a sock liner) is a thin member located within the upper and adjacent the plantar (lower) surface of the foot to enhance footwear comfort, e.g., to wick away moisture. The midsole, which is traditionally attached to the upper along the entire length of the upper, forms the middle layer of the sole structure and serves a variety of purposes that include controlling foot motions and attenuating impact forces. The outsole forms the ground-contacting element of footwear and is usually fashioned from a durable, wear-resistant material that includes texturing or other features to improve traction. 
     The primary element of a conventional midsole is a resilient, polymer foam material, such as polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate (“EVA”), that extends throughout the length of the footwear. The properties of the polymer foam material in the midsole are primarily dependent upon factors that include the dimensional configuration of the midsole and the specific characteristics of the material selected for the polymer foam, including the density of the polymer foam material. By varying these factors throughout the midsole, the relative stiffness, degree of ground reaction force attenuation, and energy absorption properties may be altered to meet the specific demands of the activity for which the footwear is intended to be used. 
     Terminology/General Information 
     First, some general terminology and information is provided that will assist in understanding various portions of this specification and the invention(s) as described herein. As noted above, at least some aspects of the present invention relate to the field of footwear and other foot-receiving devices, including securing systems for such devices. “Foot-receiving device” means any device into which a user places at least some portion of his or her foot. In addition to all types of footwear (described below), foot-receiving devices include, but are not limited to: bindings and other devices for securing feet in snow skis, cross country skis, water skis, snowboards, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for securing feet in pedals for use with bicycles, exercise equipment, and the like; bindings, clips, or other devices for receiving feet during play of video games or other games; and the like. “Foot-receiving devices” may include one or more “foot-covering members” (e.g., akin in function to footwear upper components, which help position the foot with respect to other components or structures) and one or more “foot-supporting members” (e.g., akin in function to footwear sole structure components, which support at least some portion of a plantar surface of a user&#39;s foot). “Securing systems,” like those in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention, may help position and/or securely hold the user&#39;s foot in place with respect to the foot-covering member(s) and/or the foot-supporting member(s). “Footwear” means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as cricket shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, etc.), and the like. “Foot-supporting members” may include components for and/or functioning as midsoles and/or outsoles for articles of footwear (or members providing corresponding functions in non-footwear type foot-receiving devices). 
       FIG. 1  also provides information that may be useful for explaining and understanding the specification and/or at least some aspects of this invention. More specifically,  FIG. 1  provides a representation of a footwear/foot-receiving device component  100 , which in this illustrated example constitutes a portion of a sole structure for an article of footwear. The same general definitions and terminology may apply to footwear and foot-receiving devices in general and/or to other footwear/foot-receiving device components or portions thereof, such as an upper, a midsole component, etc. 
     First, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the terms “forward” or “forward direction” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a toe area of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component  100 . The terms “rearward” or “rearward direction” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a heel area of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component  100 . The terms “lateral” or “lateral side” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the outside or “little toe” side of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component  100 . The terms “medial” or “medial side” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the inside or “big toe” side of the footwear or foot-receiving device structure or component  100 . 
     Also, various example features and aspects of this invention are disclosed or explained herein with reference to a “longitudinal direction” and/or with respect to a “longitudinal length” of a footwear/foot-receiving device component  100  (such as a footwear upper component or sole structure). As shown in  FIG. 1 , the “longitudinal direction” is determined as the direction of line extending from a rearmost heel location (RH in  FIG. 1 ) to the forwardmost toe location (FT in  FIG. 1 ) of the footwear component  100  in question. The “longitudinal length” L is the length dimension measured from the rearmost heel location RH to the forwardmost toe location FT. The rearmost heel location RH and the forwardmost toe location FT may be located by determining the rear heel and forward toe tangent points with respect to front and back parallel vertical planes VP when the component  100  (e.g., sole structure or foot-supporting member in this illustrated example, optionally as part of an article of footwear or foot-receiving device) is oriented on a horizontal support surface S in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight or other external force applied to it other than potentially the weight of the shoe/foot-receiving device components with which it is engaged). If the forwardmost and/or rearmost locations of a specific footwear or foot-receiving device component  100  constitute a line segment (rather than a tangent point), then the forwardmost toe location and/or the rearmost heel location constitute the mid-point of the corresponding line segment. If the forwardmost and/or rearmost locations of a specific footwear or foot-receiving device component  100  constitute two or more separated points or line segments, then the forwardmost toe location and/or the rearmost heel location constitute the mid-point of a line segment connecting the furthest spaced and separated points and/or furthest spaced and separated end points of the line segments (irrespective of whether the midpoint itself lies on the component  100  structure). 
     Once the longitudinal direction of a component or structure  100  has been determined with the component  100  oriented on a horizontal support surface S, planes may be oriented perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (e.g., planes running into and out of the page of  FIG. 1 ). The locations of these perpendicular planes may be specified based on their position along the longitudinal length L where the perpendicular plane intersects the longitudinal direction between the rearmost heel location RH and the forwardmost toe location FT. In this illustrated example of  FIG. 1 , the rearmost heel location RH is considered as the origin for measurements (or the “0L position”) and the forwardmost toe location FT is considered the end of the longitudinal length of this component (or the “1.0L position”). Plane position may be specified based on its location along the longitudinal length L (between 0L and 1.0L), measured forward from the rearmost heel RH location in this example.  FIG. 1  further shows locations of various planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (and oriented in the transverse direction) and located along the longitudinal length L at positions 0.25L, 0.4L, 0.5L, 0.55L, 0.6L, and 0.8L (measured in a forward direction from the rearmost heel location RH). These planes may extend into and out of the page of the paper from the view shown in  FIG. 1 , and similar planes may be oriented at any other desired positions along the longitudinal length L. While these planes may be parallel to the parallel vertical planes VP used to determine the rearmost heel RH and forwardmost toe FT locations, this is not a requirement (rather, the orientation of the perpendicular planes along the longitudinal length L will depend on the orientation of the longitudinal direction, which may or may not be parallel to the surface S in the arrangement/orientation shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention. 
     While useful for any desired types or styles of shoes or foot-receiving devices, aspects of this invention may be of particular interest for athletic shoes, including cricket shoes, basketball shoes, golf shoes, football shoes, etc. 
     Some aspects of this invention relate to securing systems, e.g., strap type securing systems for articles of footwear or other foot-receiving devices, that include: a strap support including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a slot extending from the first surface to the second surface. The strap support may have a generally four-sided polygonal configuration, e.g., somewhat rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The slot is defined in the strap support at a location between the first end and the second end, and this slot has a first edge and an opposite second edge, wherein the first edge is located closer to the first end than is the second edge. A slot reinforcement may be provided, e.g., at least adjacent some portions of the first edge of the slot (optionally including any corners or ends of the slot). A strap has a fixed end located proximate to the first end of the strap support and an opposite free end. This strap includes: (a) a first portion that extends along the first surface of the strap support, (b) a second portion that extends through the slot and around the slot reinforcement, and (c) a third portion that extends beyond the slot and/or the slot reinforcement and toward (and to) the free end of the strap. The slot and the strap may be structured and oriented such that when the third strap portion is in an unfolded or untwisted condition, it can lie adjacent the second surface of the strap support such that a portion of the strap support is located between (sandwiched between) at least some of the first and third strap portions. 
     Securing systems of these types may be incorporated into uppers, foot-covering members, articles of footwear, or other foot-receiving devices. When incorporated into such devices, the strap support described above may be engaged with one or more other components of the overall structure, such as with one or more footwear upper components (or other foot-covering member components) and/or with one or more footwear sole structure components (such as a midsole component, or other foot-supporting component). Securing systems of these types also may be incorporated into other products, such as closure/securing systems for articles of apparel, athletic equipment, containers, etc. 
     Additional aspects of this invention include uppers (or other foot-covering members) for articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) that include:
         (A) a first upper component part having: (a) a first end located adjacent a medial side of a foot-receiving opening and/or front instep area defined by the upper/foot-covering member, (b) a first major surface, (c) a second major surface opposite the first major surface, and (d) a slot defined in the first upper component part and extending from the first major surface to the second major surface, wherein at least a majority of the slot (and optionally all of the slot) is defined at least 0.75 inches away from the first end of the first upper component part, wherein the slot has a first edge and an opposite second edge, and wherein the first edge is located closer to the first end than is the second edge; and   (B) a strap having a fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end, wherein the fixed end of the strap is fixed proximate to the first end of the first component part (e.g., via a sewn seam), and wherein the strap includes: (a) a first portion that extends along the first major surface of the strap support (e.g., for at least 0.75 inches), (b) a second portion that extends through the slot and around the first edge of the slot, and (c) a third portion that extends beyond the slot and toward (and to) the free end of the strap.       

     Uppers or foot-covering members of these types further may include a slot reinforcement provided adjacent at least a portion of the first edge of the slot (e.g., at its extreme edges or corners). The slot reinforcement may take on a variety of different constructions without departing from this invention, including, for example: a D-ring; an O-ring; a plastic component with a slot through it; a coating or an infiltrate applied to the first upper component part at least at some portion(s) of the first edge and/or the corners of the slot; etc. The slot reinforcement may constitute a plastic, textile, or metal part, e.g., with a slot formed through it, that is fit and optionally fixed within the slot provided in the first upper component part (e.g., in the strap support). The slot reinforcement may be engaged with the first upper component part (e.g., the strap support) by a mechanical connection (e.g., crimped metal or a fastener), by a mechanical connector, by a seam, by an adhesive or cement, etc. 
     In uppers/foot-covering members of these types, the slot and the strap may be structured and oriented such that when the third strap portion is in an unfolded or untwisted condition, it can lie adjacent the second major surface of the strap support such that a portion of the first upper component part is located between (sandwiched between) at least some of the first and third strap portions. Furthermore, in such uppers/foot-covering members, the third portion of the strap, at a location closer to the free end than the fixed end, may include a first portion of a fastening device (e.g., one or more hook-and-loop type fasteners, one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more buckles, etc.). This fastening device portion may engage a complementary portion of the fastening device, e.g., located on a component of the upper/foot-covering member and/or some other portion of the footwear/foot-receiving device structure. The portions of the fastening device may be releasably engagable with one another, e.g., to releasably secure the upper/foot-covering member and/or footwear/foot-receiving device with a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     The first upper component part (e.g., the strap support) described above may constitute a rectangular or trapezoidal strap type structure that extends along the medial heel area of the upper/foot-covering member (e.g., from the foot-receiving opening and/or the top, front instep area to the bottom and/or sole structure/foot-supporting area of the device, optionally extending in a rearward, downward slanted direction). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, uppers/foot-covering components in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include a similar rectangular or trapezoidal strap type structure as a lateral heel component that extends along the lateral heel area of the upper/foot-covering member (optionally extending from the foot-receiving opening and/or the top, front instep area to the bottom and/or sole structure/foot-supporting area of the device, optionally extending in a rearward, downward slanted direction). Some examples of this lateral heel component may include: a first end located adjacent a lateral side of the foot-receiving opening and/or top, front instep area; a second end located proximate a bottom, lateral heel area; a first edge extending between the first end and the second end of the lateral heel component and located along a lateral heel area; and a second edge extending between the first end and the second end and located along the lateral heel area (wherein the first edge of the lateral heel component is located closer to the rear heel area of the upper than is the second edge of the lateral heel component). The lateral heel component may be of the same general size, shape, and orientation as the medial heel component (but on the opposite side of the heel). 
     Still further example uppers/foot-covering members according to at least some examples of this invention may include:
         (A) a plurality of upper component parts that define at least a portion of a foot-receiving chamber and include at least: (a) a first upper component part extending at least along a medial midfoot area of the upper, (b) a strap support engaged with the first upper component part and including: (i) a first end located adjacent a medial side of a foot-receiving opening defined by the upper, (ii) a second end located proximate a bottom, medial heel area of the upper, (iii) a first edge extending between the first end and the second end and located along a medial heel area of the upper, and (iv) a second edge extending between the first end and the second end and located along the medial heel area of the upper, wherein the second edge is located closer to a toe area of the upper than is the first edge;   (B) a strap tensioning element engaged with the strap support between the first end and the second end; and   (C) a strap having a fixed end and a free end opposite the fixed end, wherein the fixed end of the strap is fixed proximate to the first end of the strap support, wherein the strap includes a first portion that extends from the fixed end to the strap tensioning element, a second portion that extends around the strap tensioning element, and a third portion located beyond the strap tensioning element that extends toward (and to) the free end of the strap, and wherein the strap wraps around the strap tensioning element such that when the third portion of the strap is in an unfolded or untwisted condition, at least some of the third portion of the strap can overlap (and overlie) the first portion of the strap.       

     The strap tensioning element may constitute a ring, a partial ring, or a slotted member around which the second portion of the strap wraps. 
     In at least some examples, this upper/foot-covering member need not include a portion of the strap support sandwiched between portions of the strap when the strap is engaged (e.g., pulled tight around a foot). Rather, if desired, the strap tensioning element may be mounted to an exterior surface of the upper/foot-covering member and the strap may remain at the exterior of the upper/foot-covering member. Alternatively, the strap tensioning element described above may constitute a slot formed in the strap support and/or a slot reinforcement formed in the strap support (e.g., so that a portion of the strap may be located between the strap support and an underlying layer of the upper). 
     Additional aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) that include upper members (or other foot-covering members) and/or securing systems of the various types described above. Such articles of footwear (or other foot-receiving devices) may include a sole structure (or other foot-supporting members) engaged with the upper (or other foot-covering member), e.g., in any desired manner, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear art. The sole structures may include cleats, spikes, and/or other types of traction-enhancing element, including fraction elements for specific sports or other activities, such as cricket. 
     Additional aspects of this invention relate to methods of making articles of footwear and/or other foot-receiving devices that include engaging the various parts described above together, e.g., using mechanical connectors; using cements or adhesives (including hot melt adhesive materials); using sewing or stitching; etc. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears. 
         FIG. 1  is provided to help illustrate and explain background and definitional information useful for understanding certain terminology used in this specification and some aspects of this invention; 
         FIG. 2A  provides a medial side view of an example article of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this invention; 
         FIG. 2B  provides a lateral side view of the example article of footwear shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  provides a top view of the example article of footwear shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2D  provides a rear view of the example article of footwear shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2E  provides a medial side view of the example article of footwear shown in  FIG. 2A  with the strap in an unengaged position; 
         FIG. 2F  provides a top or exterior view of a strap support component provided, for example, in uppers and articles of footwear in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention; 
         FIG. 2G  provides a bottom or interior view of the strap support component of  FIG. 2F ; 
         FIG. 2H  provides a cross sectional view of the strap support component of  FIGS. 2F and 2G ; and 
         FIGS. 2I through 2L  provide cross sectional views of alternative embodiments of strap support components and the slot reinforcements thereof in accordance with some aspects of this invention. 
     
    
    
     The reader should understand that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description of various examples of footwear and foot-receiving device structures and components according to aspects of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     I. Detailed Description of Example Articles of Footwear or Other Foot-Receiving Devices According to this Invention 
     Referring to the figures and following discussion, various articles of footwear and features thereof in accordance with the present invention are disclosed. The footwear depicted and discussed are athletic shoes (e.g., cricket shoes), but the concepts disclosed with respect to this footwear may be applied to a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including, but not limited to: walking shoes, tennis shoes, golf shoes, soccer shoes, football shoes, basketball shoes, running shoes, and cross-training shoes. In addition, aspects of the present invention may be applied to a wide range of non-athletic footwear, including work boots, sandals, loafers, and dress shoes, as well as to other foot-receiving devices. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  show various views of an article of footwear  200  in accordance with one example of this invention in the form of a cricket shoe. The article of footwear  200  includes an upper  202  and a sole structure  204  engaged with the upper  202 . While this engagement may be made in any desired manner, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear art, in this illustrated example, the upper  202  and the sole structure  204  are engaged by cements or adhesives, e.g., applied between the top surface of the midsole member  204   a  and the bottom surface of a strobel member  222 . The upper  202  (optionally along with the sole structure  204  and/or strobel member  222 ) defines an interior chamber  206  for receiving a wearer&#39;s foot. Access to this chamber  206  may be made through a foot-insertion opening  208  provided at the top, rearward area of the upper  202  and/or along the top, front instep area of the upper  202 . 
     The upper  202  may have any desired construction and/or may be made from any desired number of parts and/or materials without departing from this invention. In some examples of this invention, the upper  202  will have a multiple layer construction, with various layers and/or combinations of layers at various locations so as to provide desired functions and/or characteristics, such breathability, abrasion/wear resistance, support for intended use, etc.; desired aesthetics; etc. Similarly, the sole structure  204  may have any desired construction and/or may be made from any desired number of parts and/or materials without departing from this invention. In some examples of this invention, the sole structure  204  will have a multiple layer construction, with various layers and/or combinations of layers at various locations so as to provide desired functions (e.g., flexibility, support, gait control, breathability, fraction, etc.). The illustrated example shows that the sole structure  204  includes midsole component  204   a  (e.g., made from a polymeric foam material) and an outsole component  204   b  (e.g., made from a rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane material). In this example, outsole component  204   b  covers an entire bottom surface of the shoe and, at least at some locations, wraps around the side surfaces of the midsole  204   a  and partially cups or contains the midsole  204   a . Other sole structure options are possible without departing from this invention. 
     When present as a multi-layered upper construction, the upper  202  may be produced in any desired manner without departing from this invention, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the footwear art. As some more specific examples, if desired, the upper  202  may include one or more “skin” layers  212  (e.g., a thin, thermoplastic sheet or membrane layer, such as a TPU, that provides abrasion resistance, support, desired aesthetics, etc.) made from a “no-sew” type material that may be adhered to an underlying mesh layer  214  (or other upper layer) using an adhesive or hot melt material, e.g., by application of heat and/or pressure. The mesh layer  214  provides a lightweight base and may be left exposed in certain areas, if desired, e.g., to enhance breathability and/or flexibility at desired areas. As additional examples, if desired, the skin layer(s)  212  may be engaged with the underlying mesh layer  214  (or other upper layer) by other types of cements or adhesives and/or by sewn seams. As yet additional examples, if desired, the upper  202  (or portions thereof) may be constructed by bonding various layers of materials using fusing techniques, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,429,835 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,321,984, each of which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
     As still additional examples, uppers  202  in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., “dynamic” and/or “adaptive fit” structures) of the types described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publication No. 2013/0104423, which publication is entirely incorporated herein by reference. Examples of these features are illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C  as the lace engaging elements  216  formed as loops of wire, fiber, thread, or other strand-like structures that at least partially wrap around the sides (and optionally around the bottom) of the upper  202  (e.g., extending between components of the upper  202  and midsole  204   a , between the midsole  204   a  and outsole  204   b , etc.). The illustrated shoe  200  of this example includes both loop/strand type dynamic or adaptive fit lace engaging elements  216  and conventional lace engaging openings  216   a  defined in the upper  202 . 
     The upper  202  may include other support elements at desired locations, optionally sandwiched between an exterior skin layer  212  and the underlying mesh layer  214 , between other layers of the upper  202 , inside the upper  202 , or attached to the upper  202  exterior surface. For example, a heel counter (e.g., to support a wearer&#39;s heel) may be provided as an interior or sandwiched component in this example footwear structure  200 . The heel counter, when present, may be made from a rigid, plastic material, such as PEBAX, TPU, fiber reinforced plastics (e.g., carbon fiber or fiberglass), or other polymeric material. As additional options, the heel counter may include one or more openings (e.g., to control flexibility, breathability, support characteristics, etc.; to reduce weight; etc.). The heel counter also may be made from a heavy and/or thick textile material (e.g., leather), if desired. Additionally or alternatively, a heel counter and/or other supports may be provided as exterior upper structures as well. 
     Other potential materials that may be used in uppers  202  in accordance with at least some examples of this invention include one or more of: synthetic leather, natural leather, textiles, fabrics, thermoplastic polyurethanes, other polymers, any combination of these materials, and/or any combinations of these materials with any of the other materials described above. As another potential feature, if desired, at least some portion(s) of the upper  202  may be formed by a knitting procedure, such as flat knitting, circular knitting, etc. Optionally, at least a majority (or even all) of the upper  202  may be formed using knitting procedures, in at least some examples of this invention. Knitted textile components can be used to provide lightweight, breathable, and comfortable upper constructions. 
     As noted above, the sole structure  204  also can take on any desired construction, components, and the like without departing from this invention. In the illustrated example, the sole structure  204  includes a single piece outsole  204   b  that extends continuously to support an entire plantar surface of a wearer&#39;s foot, and this outsole  204   b  has plural cleats or spikes  204   c  (primary traction components) engaged with it (permanently fixed and/or removable/replaceable (and releasably attached via a mechanical connection, such as a turnbuckle or threaded connector or structure)). Secondary traction components  204   d  (e.g., raised nubs, molded in cleats or nubs, etc.) also may be provided in the outsole  204   b . As noted above, portions of the outsole  204   b  wrap up around the sides of the footwear structure  200  (e.g., around the midsole  204   a  side surfaces) at some locations, e.g., to provide additional support, wear resistance, and/or other properties at those locations. More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B , and  2 D, the outsole  204   b  of this example wraps upward and around the side of the shoe  200  (around a portion of the side surfaces of midsole component  204   a ) in the forward toe area, at the lateral midfoot/forefoot area, at the lateral heel side area, around the entire rear heel area (or, optionally, around one or more separated portions of the rear heel area), at the lateral heel/midfoot area, and at the lateral midfoot/forefoot area. The outsole  204   b  also could be made of two or more separate parts, if desired. 
     Also, while the foam midsole  204   a  and TPU or rubber outsole  204   b  are the only sole structures visible in this example shoe  200  construction, the shoe  200  may include other and/or different sole components, as well, such as other and/or different outsole, midsole, and/or insole components. As some more specific examples, sole structures  204  that may be used in examples of this invention may include one or more of: one or more impact-force attenuating columns (akin to SHOX type footwear products available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.); one or more fluid-filled bladders (akin to AIR type footwear products available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.); one or more lugs and/or sipes (e.g., to provide more natural motion, akin to sole structures used in FREE type footwear products available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.); mechanical shock absorbing structures; etc. 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  further illustrate that the upper  202  of this example article of footwear  200  includes a partial interior bootie component  220 . This example interior bootie component  220 , along with a strobel member  222  sewn to its bottom edge, defines at least a majority of the actual interior chamber  206  for receiving the wearer&#39;s foot. The bootie component  220  includes a heel containment portion  220   a  and a footwear “tongue” element  220   b  (over the instep area), and this bootie component  220  extends from the rear heel to the forefoot toe area of the foot-containing chamber  206 . The bootie component  220  is engaged at some locations with an outer upper shell layer  202   a  that includes the skin layers  212 , mesh layer  214 , and the like described above. This engagement may be by sewn seams, mechanical connectors, cements or adhesives, etc., and may be provided only at select locations around the upper construction (e.g., at the bottom, at the rear heel, at the instep area (e.g., see sewn seam  224  in  FIG. 2C ), etc. In this illustrated example, the strands  216  forming the adaptive or dynamic fit lace-engaging components extend in an open volume or an unattached area between interior bootie component  220  and the outer shell layer  202   a  of the upper  202  at the midfoot to forefoot area of the upper  202  construction. The interior bootie member  220  of this example may be a relatively soft foam and/or fabric type component that helps moderate the feel of the footwear securing system at the wearer&#39;s foot and/or otherwise provides a soft, comfortable feel. 
     In addition to the lacing system described above (e.g., with dynamic fit lace engaging strands  216  and lace openings  216   a ), the shoe  200  in accordance with at least some examples of this invention includes an additional strap-type securing system  250 . Various features of strap-type securing systems  250  in accordance with some aspects of this invention now will be described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 2A through 2L . 
       FIGS. 2A-2E  illustrate that this example upper  202  includes a plurality of upper component parts engaged together (e.g., by stitching or sewing, by adhesives or cements (e.g., including fuse bonded or hot melt bonded components), etc.) to define at least a portion of the foot-receiving chamber  206 . While any desired number of parts or components may be provided in the upper  202  (some examples of which are described above), this illustrated example upper  202  includes one upper component part  202   m  extending at least along a medial midfoot area of the upper  202  (see  FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2E ). A medial side strap support  252  (which may be considered part of the strap securing system  250  and/or an upper component part) is engaged at least with the upper component part  202   m  (e.g., by stitching or other seams, by an adhesive, by a mechanical connector, etc.). In this illustrated example, the medial side strap support  252  includes a first (top) end  252   a  (located adjacent the foot-receiving opening  208  and/or at a top, front instep area), a second (bottom) end  252   b  opposite the first end  252   a , a first (rear) side edge  252   c  that extends between the top end  252   a  and the bottom end  252   b , a second (front) side edge  252   d  that extends between the top end  252   a  and the bottom end  252   b , a first (interior) surface  252   e , and a second (exterior) surface  252   f  opposite the first surface  252   e . In this manner (but while other constructions, shapes, sizes, etc., are possible), the medial side strap support  252  has a generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape, and it extends in a direction from the top or front instep area of the foot-receiving opening  208  to the location where the upper  202  meets the sole structure  204 . In this illustrated example, the medial side strap support  252  extends this complete distance and is secured between the top (interior) surface of the midsole component  204   a  and a bottom surface of the strobel member  222  by an adhesive or cement bond. Thus, the medial side strap support  252  forms a band-like structure that extends along the medial ankle and medial heel area of the upper  202  in a downward and rearward slanted direction. 
     As further shown in the figures, the medial side strap support  252  of this example includes a slot  254  extending from its interior surface  252   e  to its exterior surface  252   f . In this illustrated example, the slot  254  is defined in the strap support  252  at a location between the first end  252   a  and the second end  252   b  and generally extends in a direction between the rear edge  252   c  and the front edge  252   d . The ends of the slot  254  may stop somewhat short of the rear edge  252   c  and the front edge  252   d  (e.g., within 0.1 to 0.5 inches from the edges  252   c / 252   d ). The slot  254  of this example has a first (top) edge  254   a  and an opposite second (bottom) edge  254   b , and these edges  254   a / 254   b  may be separated from one another (in an unstressed or unloaded condition) by a distance of less than 0.5 inches, and in some examples, by a distance of less than 0.25 inches, or even less than 0.1 inches over a majority (or even over all) of the slot&#39;s length. 
     The slot  254  may be located at any desired location in the strap support  252 . As some more specific examples, in at least some structures in accordance with this invention, the slot  254  may be sized, shaped, and defined through the major surfaces  252   e  to  252   f  of the strap support  252  at a location such that at least a majority of the slot  254  (and optionally at least 75%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even 100% of the slot  254 ) is defined at least 0.5 inches (and in some examples, at least 0.75 inches or even at least 1 inch) away from the upper (first) end  252   a  of the strap support  252 . The slot  254  also may be located closer to the upper end  252   a  than the lower end  252   b  of the strap support  252 . 
     In at least some examples of this invention, in the completed shoe structure, the upper component part that forms the entire strap support  252  may be located along the longitudinal length L of the shoe  200  at a location rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.6L, and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes located at 0.55L or 0.5L (e.g., the forward most edge or point  252   i  of medial strap support  252  and/or the corner of top end  252   a  and forward edge  252   d  may be located rearward of these plane locations). As some additional potential orientation parameters, one or more of the following may apply to strap support  252 :
         (A) the forward-most portion of slot  254  may be located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.5L (and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes oriented at 0.45L or 0.4L);   (B) the rearward-most portion of slot  254  may be located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.35L (and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes oriented at 0.3L or 0.25L);   (C) the corner of top end  252   a  and rear edge  252   c  may be located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.5L (and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes oriented at 0.45L or 0.4L);   (D) the forward edge  252   d  may meet the sole structure  204  (the midsole  204   a , in this illustrated example) at a location rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.45L, and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes located at 0.4L or 0.35L; and/or   (E) the rearward edge  252   c  may meet the sole structure  204  (the midsole  204   a , in this illustrated example) at a location rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.15L, and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes located at 0.125L or 0.1L.       

     If desired, the entire strap support  252  (or at least the entire visible or exposed portion(s) of strap support  252 ) may be located between perpendicular planes oriented at 0L and 0.6L, and in some examples, between perpendicular planes located at 0.02L and 0.5L or even between perpendicular planes located at 0.04L and 0.45L. All of these noted plane locations are based on the longitudinal direction and longitudinal length L defined by the completed shoe structure (e.g., like shoe structure  200  shown in the figures), and as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
     Footwear structures  200  in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include an upper component part in the form of a lateral heel component or a lateral side strap support  260 . This lateral side strap support  260  also may be considered to constitute a portion of the strap securing system  250 . The lateral side strap support  260  may have a similar shape and/or orientation to the medial side strap support  252 , if desired (e.g., a somewhat rectangular or trapezoidal shape that extends in a direction from (and optionally completely between) the foot-insertion opening  208  and/or the top, front instep area to the sole structure  204  at the lateral heel area of the upper  202 ). Also, the lateral side strap support  260  may engage other upper component parts, such as a lateral midfoot part  202   l  (which may be a portion of the same part as upper component part  202   m  or may be a separate part). More specifically, the lateral side strap support  260  may include: (a) a first (top) end  260   a  located adjacent a lateral side of the foot-receiving opening  208  defined by the upper  202  (e.g., along or at the top instep area of the foot-receiving opening  208 ); (b) a second (bottom) end  262   b  located proximate a bottom, lateral heel area of the upper  202  (e.g., and potentially extending along a top (interior) surface of midsole component  204   a ); (c) a first (rearward) edge  260   c  extending between the first end  260   a  and the second end  260   b  and located along a lateral heel area of the upper; and (d) a second (forward) edge  260   d  extending between the first end  260   a  and the second end  260   b  and located along the lateral heel area of the upper. Thus, the lateral side strap support  260  forms a band-like structure that extends along the lateral ankle and lateral heel area of the upper  202  in a downward and rearward slanted direction. 
     While other sizes, shapes, and/or orientations are possible, in this illustrated example, the upper component part that forms the lateral strap support  260  may be located along the longitudinal length L of the shoe  200  at a location rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.6L, and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes located at 0.55L or 0.5L (e.g., the forward most edge or point of lateral strap support  260  and/or the corner of top end  260   a  and forward edge  260   d  may be located rearward of these plane locations). As some additional potential orientation parameters, one or more of the following may apply to lateral strap support  260 :
         (A) the corner of top end  260   a  and rear edge  260   c  may be located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.5L (and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes oriented at 0.45L or 0.4L);   (B) the forward edge  260   d  may meet the sole structure  204  (the midsole  204   a , in this illustrated example) at a location rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.45L, and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes oriented at 0.4L or 0.35L; and/or   (C) the rearward edge  260   c  may meet the sole structure  204  (the midsole  204   a , in this illustrated example) at a location rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and oriented at 0.15L, and in some examples, rearward of perpendicular planes oriented at 0.125L or 0.1L.       

     If desired, the entire lateral strap support  260  (or at least the entire visible or exposed portion(s) of the lateral strap support  260 ) may be located between perpendicular planes oriented at 0L and 0.6L, and in some examples, between perpendicular planes located at 0.02L and 0.5L or even between perpendicular planes located at 0.04L and 0.45L. All of these noted plane locations are based on the longitudinal direction and longitudinal length L defined by the completed shoe structure (e.g., like shoe structure  200  shown in the figures), and as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1 . 
     The strap supports  252  and/or  260  may be made of any desired material (the same or different materials) without departing from this invention, including materials conventionally known and used in footwear upper constructions. As some more specific examples, the strap supports  252  and/or  260  may be made from a relatively non-stretchable material (non-stretchable under forces typically applied in fastening a shoe to a wearer&#39;s foot), such as leathers (natural or synthetic), thermoplastics polyurethanes, etc. The term “non-stretchable,” as used herein in this context, means a material that stretches less than 10% of its length under an applied force in the length or force application direction. 
     The figures further illustrate that this example shoe  200  includes a strap  270  that helps secure the shoe  200  to a wearer&#39;s foot. In this illustrated example, the strap  270  has a fixed end  270   f  located between layers of the upper  202  (as will be explained in more detail below) and a free end  270   g  opposite the fixed end  270   f . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2E-2H , the fixed end  270   f  of the strap  270  may be fixed proximate to the first (top) end  252   a  of the medial strap support  252 , at its interior surface  252   e , e.g., by a sewn seam  272 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 2A-2H , the strap  270  includes: (a) a first portion  270   a  (an interior strap portion in this example) that extends along the interior surface  252   e  of the medial strap support  252  and optionally is located between the medial strap support  252  and another layer of the upper  202  (such as bootie component  220 ), (b) a second portion  270   b  that extends through the slot  254  (and wraps around top edge  254   a  of slot  254 ), and (c) a third portion  270   c  that extends beyond the slot  254  and toward (and to) the free end  270   g  of the strap  270 . The slot  254  and the strap  270  may be structured and oriented such that when the third strap portion  270   c  is extended and wrapped around the footwear  200  structure in an unfolded or untwisted condition, it can lie adjacent the second (exterior) surface  252   f  of the medial strap support  252  such that a portion of the strap support  252  is located between (sandwiched between) at least some of the first portion  270   a  and the third portion  270   c  of the strap  270 . Note, for example,  FIGS. 2A and 2H . 
       FIGS. 2A through 2E  illustrate additional features of the strap securing system  250  according to this example of the invention. More specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 2D and 2E , the third portion  270   c  of strap  270  includes a first portion  274   a  of a releasable fastening device  274  at a location closer to the free end  270   g  than to the fixed end  270   f  of strap  270 . Additionally, the lateral heel component or strap support  260  includes a second portion  274   b  of the fastening device  274  (e.g., engaged with an outer surface  260   f  of lateral strap support  260 ). While any type of releasable fastening device  274  may be used without departing from this invention, in this illustrated example, the fastening device  274  is a hook-and-loop type fastening device for releasably securing the upper  202  with a wearer&#39;s foot. In use, the strap  270  can be pulled tight around the wearer&#39;s foot by applying a pulling force on the strap  270 , which is translated to a force on medial heel component  252  by the second portion  270   b  of the strap  270  engaged around the top edge  254   a  of slot  254 . The strap  270  can be pulled tight around the slot edge  254   a  and then fixed in place (e.g., at a lateral ankle or heel area) via engagement of the portions  274   a ,  274   b  of fastening device  274 . 
     Other types of fastening devices  274  that may be used without departing from this invention include but are not limited to: buckle type fasteners, snap type fasteners, button type fasteners, and the like. As another example, an exterior surface of the lateral heel component  260  (or other footwear component) may be equipped with a strap tensioning device, such as a ring (e.g., an O-ring or a D-ring or the like), a partial ring, or a slotted member (e.g., like slot reinforcement  282  described in more detail below) through which the free end  270   g  of the strap  270  is fed and doubled back over itself and then fastened (e.g., using a hook and loop fastener, a buckle type fastener, a snap type fastener, a button type fastener, or the like). In this manner, the strap  270  can be pulled tight around the wearer&#39;s foot by applying a pulling force on medial heel component  252  around the slot edge  254   a  and a pulling force on the lateral heel component  260  via the additional tensioning member described above. 
     In the various strap support and upper structures described above, the strap  270  is fed through a slot  254  formed in the strap support  252  and is pulled (a tensile force is applied) against the top edge  254   a  of the slot  254 . Depending on the material of the strap support  252  and/or the force applied to it, this tensile force may tend to cause the strap support  252  to tear, particularly at its corners. Accordingly, in at least some examples of this invention, at least some portion(s) of the slot  254  area of the strap support  252  may include a slot reinforcement  280  engaged with it (e.g., and provided adjacent at least a portion of the first edge  254   a  of the slot  254 ). One example slot reinforcement  280  is illustrated in  FIGS. 2G and 2H . The slot reinforcement  280  of this example includes a D-ring type structure in which the opening  280   a  in the D-ring is substantially aligned with the opening defined by the slot  254 . In use, the strap  270  is fed through the opening  280   a  in the slot reinforcement  280  and through the slot  254  such that the second portion  270   b  of the strap  270  engages and wraps around the slot reinforcement  280 . When the strap  270  is pulled tight, the pulling force may be applied at least primarily to the slot reinforcement  280  rather than against the slot  254  and/or the strap support  252  itself. 
     While other ways of engaging the slot reinforcement  280  with the strap support  252  may be used without departing from this invention (e.g., including cements, adhesives, or mechanical connectors), in this illustrated example (as shown in  FIGS. 2G and 2H ), the strap  270 , the slot reinforcement  280 , and the strap support  252  are engaged together at least at the top edge  254   a  of the slot  254  by sewing or stitching (see seam  282 ). Optionally, if desired, seam  282  may run completely around the slot  254  (along both edges  254   a  and  254   b ) and the slot reinforcement  280 , or two or more seams  282  may be provided around the slot  254  to engage the slot reinforcement  280  with the strap support  252  on both sides of the slot  254 . See  FIG. 2G . Alternatively, if desired, one seam  282  (or a discontinuous seam) may be provided only on the top side  254   a  of slot  254  (see  FIG. 2H ). The slot reinforcement  280  may be made from a relatively hard or a relatively tough (e.g., tear resistant) polymer or textile material under forces typically experienced in securing shoes to a wearer&#39;s foot, if desired. The slot reinforcement  280  may extend continuously or discontinuously along the slot  254  opening (and optionally at least at the edges or corners of the slot  254 ). 
       FIG. 2H  provides a cross sectional view of a strap support  252  with a slot  254 , strap  270 , and slot reinforcement  280  of the general type described and illustrated with respect to  FIGS. 2A-2G . As further shown in  FIGS. 2G and 2H , if needed, the strap support  252  further may include a seam support component  284  to support seam  272  through the strap  270  at fixed end  270   f  and the top end  252   a  of the strap support  252 . This seam support component  284  may simply help prevent the stitches from pulling out or through the materials of the strap  270  and/or the strap support  252 . 
       FIGS. 2G and 2H  further show that the first portion  270   a  of the strap  270  extends along the interior surface  252   e  of the strap support  252  from the top end  252   a  to the slot reinforcement  280  and the slot  254 . On the other side of the slot  254 , the interior surface  252   e  of the strap support  252  of this example includes a spacer fabric  286  engaged with it (e.g., by stitching, by adhesives, etc.). The spacer fabric  286  helps maintain a more consistent thickness for the overall strap support  252  (e.g., the spacer fabric  286  provides additional thickness to the strap support  252  toward end  252   b  to better match the additional thickness provided by seam support  284  (if present), strap portion  270   a , and/or slot reinforcement  280 ). This spacer fabric  286 , while optional, may help the strap support  252  lie more evenly atop any interior upper components and/or provide a smoother appearing exterior surface when engaged with other upper components and/or incorporated into a shoe  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2H , in this illustrated example, the slot reinforcement  280  is provided only at the interior surface  252   e  of the strap support  252 . Other slot reinforcement constructions and/or options are possible. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2I , a slot reinforcement  290  may be provided that extends around the top edge  254   a  of slot  254 , extending from the bottom surface  252   e  to the top surface  252   f  of the strap support  252 . This slot reinforcement  290  may constitute a plastic or metal component that is clamped or crimped around the top edge  254   a  of the slot  254 . Alternatively, it may constitute a leather, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other relatively tough, thick, and/or tear resistant fabric or textile material, e.g., attached via one or more seams in the manner described above with respect to slot reinforcement  280 /seam  282 . The slot reinforcement  290  may extend continuously or discontinuously around and/or along the length of the top edge  254   a  of slot  254  opening. 
       FIG. 2J  shows another example slot reinforcement  292  structure in the form of a D-ring or O-ring type structure that extends through the slot  254 . This example slot reinforcement  292 , however, extends around and along both the top edge  254   a  and bottom edge  254   b  of the slot  254 . This example slot reinforcement  292  may extend continuously or discontinuously around and/or along the length of slot  254  opening. The slot reinforcement  292  may be made from any of the noted materials and attached to the remainder of the component parts (e.g., strap support  252  and/or strap  270 ) in any of the noted manners described above with respect to slot reinforcements  280 ,  290 , and/or in any other desired manner. 
     Another example slot reinforcement  294  is shown in  FIG. 2K . In this example, slot reinforcement  294  constitutes a band or strip of reinforcing material located along the interior surface  252   e  of the strap support  252  adjacent the top edge  254   a  of slot  254 . This reinforcement  294  does not necessarily extend into the opening of slot  254 . This example slot reinforcement  294  may extend continuously or discontinuously around and/or along the length of slot  254  opening. The slot reinforcement  294  may be made from any of the noted materials and attached to the remainder of the component parts (e.g., strap support  252  and/or strap  270 ) in any of the noted manners described above with respect to slot reinforcements  280 ,  290 , and/or in any other desired manner. 
       FIG. 2L  shows another example slot reinforcement  296 , in this instance formed as a coating or an infiltrate applied to at least some portion(s) of the strap support  252 . In this illustrated example, the coating or infiltrate  296  is applied along at least some portion of the top edge  254   a  of the slot  254 , optionally at least near the corners of the slot  254 . The coating or infiltrate  296  may constitute a composition that absorbs into the material of the strap support  252  and/or adheres to the material of the strap support  252  and, when dried (or optionally cured), creates a harder, tougher, and/or more tear-resistant property for the strap support  252 . This example slot reinforcement  296  may extend continuously or discontinuously around and/or along the length of slot  254  opening, and it may be provided on both edges  254   a ,  254   b  of the slot  254  opening, if desired. The coating or infiltrate reinforcement  296  may extend over any desired portion or proportion of the strap support  252  construction. 
     In the various embodiments of the invention shown in  FIGS. 2A-2L , the strap  270  has: (a) one end (fixed end  270   f ) fixed adjacent the foot-insertion opening  208  and/or a top, front instep area, (b) a portion  270   a  extending for at least 0.5 inches (and in some examples at least 0.75 inches or even at least 1 inch) along interior surface  252   e  of strap support  252 , (c) a portion  270   b  extending through and around slot  254  formed in the strap support  252 , and (d) a portion  270   c  that doubles back over exterior surface  252   f  of the strap support  252  (to sandwich a portion of the strap support  252  between portions  270   a  and  270   c  of the strap  270 ). From there, the strap  270  extends over the instep area of the upper  202  at the front of the foot insertion opening  208  (the top instep area) and is releasably engaged with another portion of the upper  202  to engage the shoe  200  with a wearer&#39;s foot. The orientation of the strap  270  in this manner, with the portion  270   c  that “doubles back” over portion  270   a , helps the user apply a greater tensioning force and helps the user somewhat control the direction of this applied force. The extension of the strap support  252  downward from the slot  254 , its generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape, and its extension/orientation in the generally rearward direction (from the top down) also help the pulling force somewhat wrap around the heel and/or ankle area of the foot (at least at the medial side) and help provide a strong, stable feel. When present, the generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape of lateral strap support  260 , and its extension/orientation in the generally rearward direction (from the top down), also help the pulling force somewhat wrap around the lateral heel and/or ankle area of the foot and help provide a strong, stable feel at the lateral side, particularly when a tensioning force is applied to the lateral strap support  260 . 
     In other footwear structures in accordance with some examples of this invention, however, the strap  270  need not extend beneath a strap support component and/or between layers of the upper  202 . Rather, the fixed end  270   f  could be provided at the exterior surface  252   f  of a strap support  252  or other upper component (e.g., fixed by stitching near the foot-receiving opening  208  and/or forward instep area), and a portion  270   a  thereof could extend along the exterior surface  252   f  for at least 0.5 inches (and in some examples at least 0.75 inches or even at least 1 inch). At this point, the strap  270  could meet a tensioning ring mounted on the strap support  252  or other portion of the upper  202  or footwear  200  structure. The tensioning ring may be formed like the D-rings or O-rings described above (e.g., like strap reinforcement  280 , a slotted member, etc.), and it may simply be a structure fixed to or incorporated into the upper  202  around which the strap  270  wraps to change its direction and to enable a tensioning force to be applied. Once it extends around the tensioning ring (at strap portion  270   b ), strap portion  270   c  can extend back over at least some of strap portion  270   a , over the front instep area, and to the lateral side of the shoe (where its free end  270   g  may be releasably engaged to secure the shoe to a foot, e.g., in the various manners described above). 
     II. Conclusion 
     The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments and/or options. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the features of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.