Patent Publication Number: US-2023137398-A1

Title: Sole structure for article of footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/272,861, filed on Oct. 28, 2021. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear, and more particularly, to sole structures having a composite structure. 
     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 defines an opening to receive a foot. 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 bladder 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 strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner. 
    
    
     
       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 perspective view of an article of footwear including a sole structure in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded top perspective view of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, for use with the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded bottom perspective view of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, for use with the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a partially exploded top perspective view of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, for use with the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a partially exploded top perspective view of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, for use with the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, for use with the article of footwear of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a bottom plan view of a forefoot cushioning element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, for use with the sole structure of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG.  7   , taken along Line  8 - 8  of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a forward elevation view of the sole structure of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a rear elevation view of the sole structure of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  11    is cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG.  6   , taken along Line  11 - 11  of  FIG.  7   ; and 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG.  6   , taken along Line  12 - 12  of  FIG.  7   . 
     
    
    
     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. 
     In one configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper cushioning element including a first material having a first durometer, a lower cushioning element including a second material having a second durometer and defining a plurality of first engagement elements, and a plate disposed between the upper cushioning element and the lower cushioning element, the plate including a plurality of second engagement elements cooperating with the first engagement elements to position the plate with respect to the lower cushioning element. 
     The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the first durometer may be less than the second durometer. Additionally or alternatively, the second engagement elements may be integrally formed with the plate. 
     In one configuration, the plate may be disposed within a socket formed in a first surface of the lower cushioning element. Further, the plate may be exposed along a periphery of the sole structure between adjacent ones of the first engagement elements. 
     An outsole may define a ground engaging element formed of a third material. In this configuration, the ground engaging element may be disposed adjacent to the lower cushioning element. 
     In one configuration, the plate may be formed of an elastomeric material. Additionally or alternatively, the first material may be a first foamed elastomer and the second material may be a second foamed elastomer. 
     An insole may be positioned above the upper cushioning element. 
     The lower cushioning element may define a thickness between a top surface and a bottom surface. The thickness of the lower cushioning element may be non-uniform. 
     In another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first cushioning element defining a first peripheral side surface, a second cushioning element attached to the first cushioning element and defining a second peripheral side surface aligned with the first peripheral side surface, and a plate disposed between the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element and including a first portion that extends from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface. 
     The sole structure may include one or more of the following optional features. For example, the second cushioning element may include a plurality of openings formed through a thickness of the second cushioning element. In this configuration, a bottom surface of the plate may be exposed through each of the openings. 
     In one configuration, the first portion of the plate may extend from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface at a mid-foot region of the sole structure. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion of the plate may extend from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface at one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure. 
     At least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element may include a recess that receives the plate. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element may include at least one engagement element operable to receive an engagement element of the plate to position the plate relative to the at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element. 
     In one configuration, the plate may include a second portion that extends from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface. In this configuration, the second portion may be spaced apart and separated from the first portion by an expanse of at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element. 
     The first cushioning element may include a first material having a first durometer and the second cushioning element may include a second material having a second durometer different than the first durometer. 
     The second cushioning element may include a heel counter. The heel counter may at least partially surround the plate. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , an article of footwear  10  includes a sole structure  100  and an upper  300  attached to the sole structure  100 . The article of footwear  10 , the sole structure  100 , and the upper  300  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 . As indicated in  FIG.  8   , the forefoot region  12  may be described as including a toe portion  12   T  corresponding with the phalanges of the foot and a ball portion  12   B  corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the 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 , the sole structure  100 , and the upper  300  may further include an anterior end  18  associated with a forward-most point of the forefoot region  12 , and a posterior end  20  corresponding to a rearward-most point of the heel region  16 . A longitudinal axis A 10  of the footwear  10  extends along a length of the footwear  10  from the anterior end  18  to the posterior end  20 , and generally divides the footwear  10  into a medial side  22  and a lateral side  24 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . Accordingly, the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24  respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear  10  and extend through the regions  12 ,  14 ,  16 . The upper  300  may include different shapes and/or geometries, but typically includes an opening  302  that receives a foot and one or more fastening elements, such as laces  304 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the sole structure  100  includes a midsole  102  configured to provide cushioning and performance characteristics to the sole structure  100 , an outsole  104  configured to provide a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear  10 , and in insole  106  configured to provide cushioning to the sole structure  100 . Unlike conventional sole structures, the midsole  102  of the sole structure  100  may be formed compositely and include a plurality of subcomponents for providing desired forms of cushioning and support throughout the sole structure  100 . For example, the midsole  102  includes an upper cushioning element  108 , a support plate  110 , and a lower cushioning element  112 . The midsole  102  is disposed between the insole  106  and the outsole  104 . The outsole  104  includes a top surface  116  configured to be disposed against a portion of the midsole  102 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 - 4  and  7   , the upper cushioning element  108  extends longitudinally from a first end  118  at the anterior end  18  to a second end  120  at the posterior end  20 . The upper cushioning element  108  includes a top surface  122 , a bottom surface  124  formed on an opposite side of the upper cushioning element  108  than the top surface  122 , and a peripheral side surface  126 . In one exemplary arrangement, the peripheral side surface  126  extends from the bottom surface  124  to a top edge  128  that at least partially extends above the top surface  122  of the upper cushioning element  108 , thereby defining a socket  130 . The peripheral side surface  126  defines an outer periphery of the upper cushioning element  108 . Referring to  FIG.  8   , a distance from the top surface  122  to the bottom surface  124  defines a thickness T 108  of the upper cushioning element  108 . In some examples, the thickness T 108  varies along the longitudinal axis A 10 . For example, the thickness T 108  is thicker in mid-foot region  14  than in the forefoot region  12  and the heel region  16 . 
     In some examples, as best shown in  FIG.  3   , the peripheral side surface  126  may include one or more lateral cutout sections  132 ,  134 ,  136 . For example, a first lateral cutout section  132  may be provided on the lateral side  24  of peripheral side surface  126 , extending upwardly from the bottom surface  124  and inwardly from the peripheral side surface  126 . A second lateral cutout section  134  extends upwardly from the bottom surface  124  in an arcuate shape adjacent the heel region  16  from a first end  138  toward the forefoot region  12  at a second end  139 . The second cutout section  134  may have a thickness that is variable, in that the second cutout section  134  extends further inwardly adjacent the first end  138  than the second end  139 . The third lateral cutout section  136  is positioned adjacent the forefoot region  12  and extends upwardly from the bottom surface  124  and inwardly from the peripheral side surface  126  toward the interior of the upper cushioning element  108 . 
     While examples of the lateral cutout sections  132 ,  134 ,  136  have been illustrated, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those configurations. Other configurations of lateral cutout sections  132 ,  134 ,  136  are contemplated as being part of the present disclosure. While not shown, it is also understood that the medial side of the peripheral side surface  126  may include one or more cutouts (not shown). In some arrangements, the cutouts on the medial side  22  of the peripheral side surface  126  may mirror the cutout sections  132 ,  134 ,  136  on the lateral side  24 . Alternatively, the cutout sections  132 ,  134 ,  136  on the medial side  22  may be different than the arrangements of cutouts on the lateral side  24 . As yet a further exemplary arrangement, the peripheral side surface  126  may not include any cutout sections on either the lateral side  24  or the medial side  22 , or the cutout sections may be provided on only one of the lateral side  24  or medial side  22  of the peripheral side surface  126 . 
     As best shown in  FIG.  3   , the second end  120  of the upper cushioning element  108  further includes a recessed portion  140  that extends from the bottom surface  124  upwardly to a portion of the peripheral side surface  126  that extends around the second end  120 . The recessed portion  140  defines an engagement lip  141 , as described in further detail below. The engagement lip  141  extends around the second end  120  from the lateral side  24  of the peripheral side surface  126  to the medial side  22  of the peripheral side surface  126 . The first end  118  of the upper cushioning element  108  may further include a recess  142  formed therein. The recess  142  extends from a bottom surface  124  to the top surface  122 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 3   , the support plate  110  is shown. The support plate  110  is defined by a top surface  144  and a bottom surface  146  formed on an opposite side of the support plate  110  than the top surface  144 . In one example, the support plate  110  extends from a first end  148  at the anterior end  18  of the sole structure  100  to a second end  150  at the posterior end  20  of the sole structure  100 . However, in one exemplary arrangement, the support plate  110  may only include a forefoot region so as to provide rigidity to the sole structure to inhibit flexion in the forefoot region. Additional length of the support plate  110  may be used for bonding the support plate  110  to the upper cushioning element  108  and lower cushioning element  112 . A peripheral side surface  152  extends from the top surface  144  to the bottom surface  146  and defines a peripheral profile of the support plate  110 . A distance from the top surface  144  to the bottom surface  146  defines a thickness T 110  of the support plate  110 . In one illustrated example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the thickness T 110  of the support plate  110  is substantially constant. The support plate  110  includes one or more rigid or semi-rigid materials having a greater durometer than any of the cushioning elements  108 ,  112 . In some examples, the plate  110  includes an elastomeric material, such as nylon. Additionally or alternatively, the plate  110  may include one or more composite materials. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  8   , when the sole structure  100  is assembled, the support plate  110  is disposed within a socket  154  of the lower cushioning element  112  and is interposed between the upper cushioning element  108  and the lower cushioning element  112 . As shown, the thickness T 110  of the support plate  110  is the same as a depth D 154  of the socket  154 , such that the top surface  144  of the support plate  110  is flush with a top surface  156  of the lower cushioning element  112  when the sole structure  100  is assembled. Accordingly, when the sole structure  100  is assembled, the top surface  144  of the support plate  110  and the top surface  156  of the lower cushioning element  112  form a continuous surface upon which the bottom surface  124  of the upper cushioning element  108  rests. 
     With reference to  FIG.  2   , the support plate  110  may include one or more engagement elements  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c . Engagement elements  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c  are sized to cooperate with mating engagement elements  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  formed on the lower cushioning element  112 , as will be discussed below in greater detail. In the illustrated example, the engagement elements  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c  are formed as recesses that extends inwardly from the peripheral side surface  152  to define inner edge surfaces  162   a ,  162   b ,  162   c . Edge surface  162   a  is flanked by side edge surfaces  164   a ,  164   b , edge surface  162   b  is flanked by side edge surfaces  166   a ,  166   b , and edge surface  162   c  is flanked by side edge surfaces  168   a ,  168   b.    
     The support plate  110  includes a heel portion  170  that has a width W 170  that is less than a width W 172  of a mid-foot portion  172 . As will be explained below, the increased width of the mid-foot portion  172  permits a portion of the support plate  110  to extend outwardly from the cutout sections  132 ,  134 , and  136  of the peripheral side surface  126  of the upper cushioning element  108 , as shown in  FIG.  1   . This configuration allows the support plate  110  to provide greater support to the plantar surface of the foot along the lateral and medial sides  22  and  24 , while maximizing flexibility of the sole structure  100  through the mid-foot region  14 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  8   , the support plate  110  includes a compound curvature extending from the first end  148  to the second end  150 , and may be described as including different portions  174   a - 174   d  each having a different curvature. Particularly, the support plate  110  includes a toe portion  174   a , a ball portion  174   b , a mid-foot portion  174   c , and a heel portion  174   d , which are respectively disposed in the corresponding regions  12   T ,  12   B ,  14 ,  16 . As shown, the toe portion  174   a  extends from the first end  148  of the support plate  110  and is substantially straight. Each of the ball portion  174   b  and the heel portion  174   d  form concave portions of the support plate  110  where the top surface  144  has a concave curvature. The mid-foot portion  174   c  forms a portion of the support plate  110  where the top surface  144  has a convex curvature. Accordingly, the top surface  144  of the support plate  110  is cupped in the forefoot region  12  and the heel region  16 , and forms an inverted (i.e., convex) transition region between the ball portion  174   b  and the heel portion  174   d.    
     Referring still to  FIG.  8   , the ball portion  174   b  of the support plate  110  is configured to support the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot. As shown, the ball portion  174   b  forms a concave potion of the top surface  144  having a radius R 174b  of curvature between the toe portion  174   a  and the mid-foot portion  174   c . The ball portion  174   b  further includes a lower vertex  176  located at the lowermost point of the ball portion  174   b . In one example, as shown in  FIG.  7   , the lower vertex  176  is positioned approximately 60% of the length L 110  of the support plate  110  from the second end  150  of the support plate  110 . 
     As provided above, each of the mid-foot portion  174   c  and the heel portion  174   d  are also curved to accommodate curvature of the plantar surface of the foot. For example, the mid-foot portion  174   c  of the plate  110  curves along a second radius of curvature R 174c  that is less than the first radius of curvature R 174b  of the ball portion  174   b , and forms a convex portion of the top surface  144 . The heel portion  174   d  of the plate  110  curves along a third radius curvature R 174d  that is less than the first radius of curvature R 174b  of the ball portion  174   b , and forms a concave portion of the top surface  144 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2 - 3   , details of the lower cushioning element  112  will now be described. As discussed above, the lower cushioning element  112  includes the top surface  156  that defines the socket  154  into which the support plate  110  is disposed. A bottom surface  178  is formed on an opposite side of the lower cushioning element  112  than the top surface  156 . The lower cushioning element  112  extends from a first end  180  at the anterior end  18  of the sole structure  100  to a second end  182  at the posterior end  20  of the sole structure  100 . A thickness T 112  of the lower cushioning element  112  is defined by the top and bottom surfaces  156  and  178 , respectively. In some examples, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the thickness T 112  varies between a heel portion  184  and a forefoot portion  186 . 
     The lower cushioning element  112  may be constructed as a composite structure including a heel counter  188  that is attached to the socket  154 . The heel counter  188  extends around the posterior end  20  of the article of footwear  10 , and is configured to provide stability around the heel region  16 . Accordingly, the heel counter  188  may be formed of a material having a greater hardness than the material that defines the socket  154 . The heel counter  188  extends upwardly from the top surface  156  of the lower cushioning element  112 . A peripheral side surface  190  is defined by the heel counter  188  at the heel portion  184 . In one exemplary arrangement, the peripheral side surface  190  may be provided with one or more grooved surfaces  191  to reduce weight and improve flexibility of the heel counter  188 . It is understood that other configurations of the peripheral side surface  190  are contemplated within this disclosure. 
     The socket  154  is defined by a peripheral side surface  192 . The peripheral side surface  192  of the socket  154  is positioned inwardly with respect to the peripheral side surface  190  of the heel counter  188 . The lower cushioning element  112  includes the mating engagement elements  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  that cooperate with the engagement elements  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c , respectively to secure the support plate  110  within the socket  154 . The engagement element members  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c , are raised elements positioned on the peripheral side surface of  192  of the lower cushioning element  112 . The engagement element members  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  define a height H 160  that is greater than the thickness T 112  of the lower cushioning element  112  at the locations where the engagement element members  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  are disposed. With this configuration, each of the engagement element members  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  define respective bearing surfaces  194   a ,  194   b ,  194   c  against which the respective inner edge surfaces  162   a ,  162   b ,  162   c  engage when the support plate  110  is disposed within the socket  154 . 
     In one example, the lower cushioning element  112  may include a forward engagement element  196  that defines an inner bearing surface  198 . The first end  148  of the support plate  110  engages the inner bearing surface  198  when the support plate  110  is engaged in the socket  154 . The lower cushioning element  112  may further be provided with one or more openings  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d  that extend between the top surface  156  and the bottom surface  178 . The openings  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d  may be configured with a variety of different shapes. The openings  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d  serve to reduce the material used in constructing the footwear  10  and, as such, the overall weight of the footwear  10 . 
     The peripheral side surface  192  on the lateral side  24  of the lower cushioning element  112  may be contoured inwardly such that the width W 154  of the socket  154  narrows at a portion that corresponds to the position of the lateral arch of the foot. With this arrangement, when the lower cushioning element  112  is assembled to the upper cushioning element  108 , the cutout  134  may mate with the contoured lateral side  192  to define a continuous groove  202  on the lateral side  24  of the lower cushioning element  112 , with a portion of the support plate  110  bisecting the groove  202 , as shown best in  FIGS.  1  and  6   . In this manner, the support plate  110  provides support to the plantar surface of the foot along the lateral side  24 , but also allows flexibility of the sole structure through the mid-foot region, as well as the forefoot region. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  3  and  7   , the bottom surface  178  of the lower cushioning element  112  is shown. The bottom surface  178  may further include a recessed portion  204  that extends upwardly from the bottom surface  178  and into a portion of the thickness T 112  of the lower cushioning element  112 , adjacent the medial side  22  of the lower cushioning element  112 . In a further example, another recess  206  may be disposed within the recessed portion  204  to further reduce the weight of the footwear  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the outsole  104  will now be described. As discussed above, the outsole  104  includes the top surface  116 . A bottom surface  208  is formed on an opposite side of the outsole  104  than the top surface  116 . The outsole  104  extends from a first end  210  at the anterior end  18  of the sole structure  100  to a second end  212  at the posterior end  20  of the sole structure  100 . A thickness T 104  of the outsole  104  is defined by the top and bottom surfaces  116  and  208 , respectively. In one example, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the thickness T 104  is substantially constant between the first end  210  and the second end  212 . Additionally, the first end  210  is configured to curve upwardly above the top surface  116 . The bottom surface  208  is a ground-engaging element and forms a ground-engaging surface  208  of the article of footwear  10 . The ground-engaging surface  208  may be textured with alternating ridges and grooves, as shown in  FIG.  3   . Alternatively, the ground-engaging surface  208  may be provided with other geometric shapes, to provide a textured surface. 
     The outsole  104  may also be provided with one or more openings  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d  that extend through the outsole  104 . The openings  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d  are positioned to generally correspond to the position of openings  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d  formed in the lower cushioning element  112 . In one exemplary arrangement, the openings  214   a ,  214   b ,  214   c ,  214   d  are sized to be slightly larger than the openings  200   a ,  200   b ,  200   c ,  200   d.    
     The outsole  104  may further comprise a necked portion  216  extending through the mid-foot region  14 . The necked portion  216  is a portion of the outsole  104  in the mid-foot region  14  having a reduced width W 216  relative to the adjacent portions of the outsole  104  in the forefoot region  12  and heel region  16 . As shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the necked portion  216  is formed where a portion of a peripheral side surface  218  along the medial side  22  is inwardly offset towards the interior of the outsole  104  (i.e., the longitudinal axis A 10 ) and forms a recess  220  along the medial side  22  of the outsole  104 . A longitudinal position of the necked portion  216  corresponds to the position of the lateral arch of the foot, while a longitudinal position of the recess  220  corresponds to the position of the medial arch of the foot. In other words, the outsole  104  is absent in a portion of the sole structure  100  corresponding to the medial arch of the foot. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , details of the insole  106  will now be described. The insole  106  includes a top surface  222  and a bottom surface  223  that is formed on an opposite side of the insole  106  than the top surface  222 . The top surface  222  is configured to form a footbed of the sole structure  100 . The insole  106  extends from a first end  224  at the anterior end  18  of the sole structure  100  to a second end  226  at the posterior end  20  of the sole structure  100 . A thickness T 106  of the insole  106  is defined by the top and bottom surfaces  222  and  223 , respectively. In some examples, as shown in  FIG.  8   , the thickness T 106  is substantially constant between the first end  224  and the second end  226 . A peripheral side surface  228  extends upwardly from the top surface  222  of the insole  106  and defines an outer periphery of the insole  106 . 
     The insole  106 , the upper cushioning element  108 , and the lower cushioning element  112  include resilient polymeric materials, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. In the illustrated example, the upper cushioning element  108  includes a first foam material, and the lower cushioning element  112  includes a second foam material. The support plate  110  is formed of a rigid material that is more firm (i.e., rigid) than the first and second foam materials of the upper cushioning element  108  and the lower cushioning element  112  so as to restrict flexion in the forefoot. This will save energy in the foot and minimize foot fatigue. The insole  106  may include a third foam material. For example, the upper cushioning element  108  may include a first foamed material having a first durometer and the lower cushioning element  112  may include a second foamed material having a second durometer. In one exemplary arrangement, the first durometer is less than the second durometer so as to provide a cushioning effect for the wearer in the upper cushioning element  108 . The durometer of the third foam material may be less than the second durometer. In one exemplary arrangement, the durometer of the third foam material is also less than the first durometer. 
     The insole  106 , the upper cushioning element  108 , the support plate  110 , and the lower cushioning element  112 , may be affixed to each other using a fusing process, using an adhesive, or by suspending the elements in a different resilient polymeric material. Alternatively, the plurality of elements may not be affixed to each other, but may remain independent. As discussed above, the cushioning elements  106 ,  108 , and  112  may be formed with cooperating geometries (e.g., steps, protrusions) for restricting relative motion between the components  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  of the sole structure  100 . 
     Example resilient polymeric materials for the cushioning elements  106 ,  108 ,  112  may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both. 
     In some aspects, the one or more polymers may include olefinic homopolymers, olefinic copolymers, or blends thereof. Examples of olefinic polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof In other aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ethylene copolymers, such as, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, EVOH copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-unsaturated mono-fatty acid copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
     In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyacrylates, such as polyacrylic acid, esters of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylic acetate, polymethyl acrylate, polyethyl acrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polymethyl methacrylate, and polyvinyl acetate; including derivatives thereof, copolymers thereof, and any combinations thereof. 
     In yet further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more ionomeric polymers. In these aspects, the ionomeric polymers may include polymers with carboxylic acid functional groups, sulfonic acid functional groups, salts thereof (e.g., sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc.), and/or anhydrides thereof. For instance, the ionomeric polymer(s) may include one or more fatty acid-modified ionomeric polymers, polystyrene sulfonate, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
     In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more styrenic block copolymers, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene acrylonitrile block copolymers, styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene block copolymers, styrene ethylene propylene styrene block copolymers, styrene butadiene styrene block copolymers, and combinations thereof. 
     In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., cross-linked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene. 
     When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as adodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate. 
     In some embodiments, the foamed polymeric material may be a crosslinked foamed material. In these embodiments, a peroxide-based crosslinking agent such as dicumyl peroxide may be used. Furthermore, the foamed polymeric material may include one or more fillers such as pigments, modified or natural clays, modified or unmodified synthetic clays, talc glass fiber, powdered glass, modified or natural silica, calcium carbonate, mica, paper, wood chips, and the like. 
     The resilient polymeric material may be formed using a molding process. In one example, when the resilient polymeric material is a molded elastomer, the uncured elastomer (e.g., rubber) may be mixed in a Banbury mixer with an optional filler and a curing package such as a sulfur-based or peroxide-based curing package, calendared, formed into shape, placed in a mold, and vulcanized. 
     In another example, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the material may be foamed during a molding process, such as an injection molding process. A thermoplastic polymeric material may be melted in the barrel of an injection molding system and combined with a physical or chemical blowing agent and optionally a crosslinking agent, and then injected into a mold under conditions which activate the blowing agent, forming a molded foam. 
     Optionally, when the resilient polymeric material is a foamed material, the foamed material may be a compression molded foam. Compression molding may be used to alter the physical properties (e.g., density, stiffness and/or durometer) of a foam, or to alter the physical appearance of the foam (e.g., to fuse two or more pieces of foam, to shape the foam, etc.), or both. 
     The compression molding process desirably starts by forming one or more foam preforms, such as by injection molding and foaming a polymeric material, by forming foamed particles or beads, by cutting foamed sheet stock, and the like. The compression molded foam may then be made by placing the one or more preforms formed of foamed polymeric material(s) in a compression mold, and applying sufficient pressure to the one or more preforms to compress the one or more preforms in a closed mold. Once the mold is closed, sufficient heat and/or pressure is applied to the one or more preforms in the closed mold for a sufficient duration of time to alter the preform(s) by forming a skin on the outer surface of the compression molded foam, fuse individual foam particles to each other, permanently increase the density of the foam(s), or any combination thereof. Following the heating and/or application of pressure, the mold is opened and the molded foam article is removed from the mold. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  2 - 9   , assembly of the sole structure  100  will be described. In the illustrated example, the upper cushioning element  108  is secured to the support plate  110 . More specifically, the bottom surface  124  of the upper cushioning element  108  is secured to the top surface  144  of the support plate  110 , as shown in  FIG.  4    by any of the methods disclosed above. Alternatively, the support plate  110  may be first disposed within the socket  154  of the lower cushioning element  112 . In either method, the engagement elements  158   a ,  158   b ,  158   c  of the support plate  110  engage with the mating engagement elements  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  of the lower cushioning element  112  such that the inner edge surfaces  162   a ,  162   b , and  162   c  engage against the bearing surfaces  194   a ,  194   b ,  194   c  of the engagement elements  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c . The heel portion  170  is positioned within the area of the lower cushioning element  112  bounded by the heel counter  188 . 
     Due to the contoured peripheral side surface  192  extending inwardly, the peripheral edge  152  of the support plate  110  extends outwardly from the peripheral side surface  192 . As such, at least one of the top surface  144  and the bottom surface  146  of the support plate  110  may extend from and be exposed at the contoured peripheral side surface  192 . For example, the peripheral edge  152  of the support plate  110  may include a first portion that extends from the peripheral side surface  192  at the mid-foot region  14  at one or both of the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 . Further, the support plate  110  may include a second portion that extends from the midsole  102  and is spaced apart and separated from the first portion. See, for example, the exposed portion of the support plate  110  at cutout sections  132 ,  134 ,  136 . 
     Regardless of whether the support plate  110  extends from the midsole  102 , in one exemplary arrangement, the first end  148  of the support plate  110  may engage against the bearing surface  198  of the forward engagement element  196 . Thus, the support plate  110  becomes frictionally locked within the socket  154  to fix a position of the support plate  110  relative to the lower cushioning element  112 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the outsole  104  is secured to the lower cushioning element  112 . More specifically, the top surface  116  of the outsole  104  is secured to the bottom surface  178  of the lower cushioning element  112  by any of the methods discussed above. The first end  210  of the outsole  104  extends upwardly above the top surface  156  of the lower cushioning element  112  when the outsole  104  is secured to the lower cushioning element  112 . The first end  180  of the lower cushioning element  112  may include a recess  211  into which the first end  210  of the outsole  104  is disposed. 
     Still referring to  FIG.  5   , with the support plate  110  being positioned between the lower cushioning element  112  and the upper cushioning element  108 , the upper cushioning element  108  is engaged with the socket  154  of the lower cushioning element  112 . When so engaged, the peripheral side surface  126  is disposed against an inner surface  230  of the heel counter  188 . The engagement lip  141  of the upper cushioning element  108  bears against a top edge  232  of the heel counter  188 . The first end  210  of the outsole  104  also extends through the recess  142  formed in the first end  118  of the upper cushioning element  108 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the insole  106  is disposed within and secured to the socket  130  of the upper cushioning element  108 . An upper edge  234  of the insole  106  extends above the top edge  128  of the upper cushioning element  108 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  8   , when the sole structure  100  is assembled, the midsole  102  has an overall thickness T 102  formed by the stacking of the upper cushioning element  108  (e.g., T 108 ), the support plate  110  (e.g., T 110 ), and the lower cushioning element  112  (e.g., T 112 ). The overall thickness T 102  is variable along the length of the midsole  102 , whereby the thickness T 102  increases from the forefoot region  12  to the mid-foot region  14 , and then decreases from the mid-foot region  14  to the heel region  16 . 
     As provided above, ground-engaging surface  208  of the article of footwear  10  includes of one or more materials for imparting properties of cushioning, traction, and abrasion resistance. 
     As set forth above, the sole structure  100  of the present disclosure advantageously provides zonal and layered cushioning in combination with a rigid support plate. Particularly, the sole structure includes zonal cushioning by providing an upper cushioning element  108  having a first material that is softer than the second material of the lower cushioning element  112 . The plate  110  restricts flexion in the forefoot area and reduces foot fatigue. This configuration provides improved impact attenuation during walking. In addition to the zonal cushioning provided by the midsole  102 , the sole structure  100  includes layered cushioning by providing an insole  106  in layered arrangement with the midsole  102 . Thus, the midsole  102 , having first and second materials that are softer than the third material of the insole  106 , provides underfoot cushioning, while the support plate  110  provides a stabilizing interface between the plantar surface of the foot and the insole  106  and midsole  102 . Providing the support plate  110  between the upper cushioning element  108  and the lower cushioning element  112 , particularly in the forefoot region, further increases stability within the sole structure  100 , and may improve energy return while walking. Altogether, these features cooperate to provide a desirable configuration for articles of footwear associated with long periods of standing and walking. 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear and sole structure described above. 
     Clause 1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising an upper cushioning element including a first material having a first durometer, a lower cushioning element including a second material having a second durometer and defining a plurality of first engagement elements, and a plate disposed between the upper cushioning element and the lower cushioning element, the plate including a plurality of second engagement elements cooperating with the first engagement elements to position the plate with respect to the lower cushioning element. 
     Clause 2. The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the first durometer is less than the second durometer. 
     Clause 3. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second engagement elements are integrally formed with the plate. 
     Clause 4. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate is disposed within a socket formed in a first surface of the lower cushioning element. 
     Clause 5. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate is exposed along a periphery of the sole structure between adjacent ones of the first engagement elements. 
     Clause 6. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising an outsole that defines a ground engaging element formed of a third material, the ground engaging element being disposed adjacent to the lower cushioning element. 
     Clause 7. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate is formed of an elastomeric material. 
     Clause 8. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first material is a first foamed elastomer and the second material is a second foamed elastomer. 
     Clause 9. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising an insole positioned above the upper cushioning element. 
     Clause 10. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the lower cushioning element defines a thickness between a top surface and a bottom surface, the thickness of the lower cushioning element being non-uniform. 
     Clause 11. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a first cushioning element defining a first peripheral side surface, a second cushioning element attached to the first cushioning element and defining a second peripheral side surface aligned with the first peripheral side surface, and a plate disposed between the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element and including a first portion that extends from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface. 
     Clause 12. The sole structure of Clause 11, wherein the second cushioning element includes a plurality of openings formed through a thickness of the second cushioning element. 
     Clause 13. The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein a bottom surface of the plate is exposed through each of the openings. 
     Clause 14. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first portion of the plate extends from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface at a mid-foot region of the sole structure. 
     Clause 15. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first portion of the plate extends from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface at one of a medial side of the sole structure and a lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 16. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element includes a recess that receives the plate. 
     Clause 17. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element includes at least one engagement element operable to receive an engagement element of the plate to position the plate relative to the at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element. 
     Clause 18. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the plate includes a second portion that extends from the first peripheral side surface and the second peripheral side surface, the second portion being spaced apart and separated from the first portion by an expanse of at least one of the first cushioning element and the second cushioning element. 
     Clause 19. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first cushioning element includes a first material having a first durometer and the second cushioning element includes a second material having a second durometer different than the first durometer. 
     Clause 20. The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the second cushioning element includes a heel counter at least partially surrounding the plate. 
     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.