Patent Publication Number: US-2022211145-A1

Title: Sole structure for an article of footwear

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/581,840, filed Sep. 25, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a sole structure for an article of footwear, and more particularly to a sole structure comprising a midsole having an insert received therein. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art. 
     Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure. 
     Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate an insert (e.g., a fluid-filled bladder or a foam insert) to increase the 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 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. 
     Midsoles employing inserts typically include a recess sized and shaped to receive a similarly sized and shaped insert. The inserts are often constructed from a foam material that both flexes and provides support when compressed resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. In this regard, inserts are often designed to balance support for the foot with cushioning characteristics that provide responsiveness as the insert resiliently compresses under an applied load. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is bottom plan view of a sole structure of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  corresponding to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the sole structure of  FIG. 2 , taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  and corresponding to a lateral axis of the sole structure; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of a midsole of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded top perspective view of an insert of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the insert of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of another insert for use with the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the insert of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a front elevation view of the insert of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a recess defining a first opening in the peripheral surface. The sole structure also includes an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value. The second material is at least partially disposed within the first opening. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the first material is visible through the second material. The first opening may be disposed in a medial side of the midsole. The recess may define a second opening in the peripheral surface and the second material may be at least partially disposed within the second opening. Here, the first opening may be disposed in a medial side of the midsole and the second opening may be disposed in a lateral side of the midsole opposite the medial side. 
     In some examples, the sole structure includes an outsole coupled to at least one of the midsole or the insert and defines an aperture, the second material at least partially disposed within the aperture. Here, the insert may include a protrusion disposed within the aperture. Optionally, the second material may be disposed on the protrusion. 
     In some configurations, the insert includes a central member and a peripheral member, the peripheral member at least partially disposed within the first opening. Here, the second material is disposed on the peripheral member. In some examples, the second gloss unit value is greater than the first gloss unit value. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure includes a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The midsole includes a recess (i) disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface and (ii) defines a first opening in the peripheral surface. The sole structure also includes an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value. The second material is at least partially disposed within the first opening. 
     Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some configurations, the first material is visible through the second material. The first opening may be disposed in a medial side of the midsole. The recess may define a second opening in the peripheral surface, the second material being at least partially disposed within the second opening. Here, the first opening may be disposed in a medial side of the midsole and the second opening may be disposed in a lateral side of the midsole opposite the medial side. 
     In some implementations, an outsole is coupled to at least one of the midsole or the insert and defines an aperture, the second material at least partially disposed within the aperture. Here, the insert may include a protrusion disposed within the aperture. The second material may be disposed on the protrusion. 
     In some examples, the insert includes a central member and a peripheral member, the peripheral member at least partially disposed within the first opening. Here, the second material may be disposed on the peripheral member. In other examples, the second gloss unit value is greater than the first gloss unit value. 
     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 an upper  100  and a sole structure  200 . The article of footwear  10  may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region  12 , a mid-foot region  14 , and a heel region  16 . The forefoot region  12  may be subdivided into a toe portion  12 T corresponding with phalanges, and a ball portion  12 B associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region  14  may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region  16  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. 
     The footwear  10  may 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 F  of the footwear  10  extends along a length of the footwear  10  from the anterior end  18  to the posterior end  20 , parallel to a ground surface. The longitudinal axis A F  may be centrally located along the length of the footwear  10 , such that the longitudinal axis A F  generally divides the footwear  10  into a medial side  22  and a lateral side  24 . 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 . As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end  18  to the posterior end  20 , while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side  22  to the lateral side  24 . 
     The article of footwear  10 , and more particularly, the sole structure  200 , may be further described as including a peripheral region  26  and an interior region  28 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The peripheral region  26  is generally described as being a region between the interior region  28  and an outer perimeter of the sole structure  200 . Particularly, the peripheral region  26  extends from the forefoot region  12  to the heel region  16  along each of the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , and wraps around each of the forefoot region  12  and the heel region  16 . The interior region  28  is circumscribed by the peripheral region  26 , and extends from the forefoot region  12  to the heel region  16  along a central portion of the sole structure  200 . Accordingly, each of the forefoot region  12 , the mid-foot region  14 , and the heel region  16  may be described as including the peripheral region  26  and the interior region  28 . 
     The upper  100  includes interior surfaces  101  that define an interior void  102  configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure  200 . The upper  100  may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void  102 . Suitable materials of the upper  100  may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in some examples, the upper  100  includes a strobel  104  having a bottom surface opposing the sole structure  200  and an opposing top surface defining a footbed  106  of the interior void  102 . Stitching or adhesives may secure the strobel to the upper  100 . The footbed  106  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the upper  100  may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole  108  or sockliner that may be disposed upon the strobel  104 . The insole or sockliner  108  may reside within the interior void  102  of the upper  100  and be positioned to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear  10 . Referring again to  FIG. 1 , an ankle opening  114  in the heel region  16  may provide access to the interior void  102 . For example, the ankle opening  114  may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void  102  and to facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void  102 . 
     In some examples, one or more fasteners  110  extend along the upper  100  to adjust a fit of the interior void  102  around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper  100  may include apertures, such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners  110 . The fasteners  110  may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. The upper  100  may include a tongue portion  116  that extends between the interior void  102  and the fasteners  110 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the sole structure  200  includes a midsole  202  configured to provide cushioning characteristics to the sole structure  200 , and one or more outsole members  204  configured to provide a ground-engaging surface  30  of the article of footwear  10 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the midsole  202  may include a plurality of subcomponents for providing zonal cushioning and performance characteristics. For example, the midsole  202  may include a primary member  206  and a secondary member or insert  208 . The subcomponents  206 ,  208  of the midsole  202  may be assembled and secured to each other using various methods of bonding, including adhesively bonding and melding, for example. As described in greater detail below, the outsole  204  may be overmolded onto the subcomponents  206 ,  208  of the midsole  202 , such that the midsole  202  defines a profile of the ground-engaging surface  30  of the footwear  10 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the primary member  206  extends from a first end  212  at the anterior end  18  of the footwear  10  to a second end  214  at the posterior end  20  of the footwear. Accordingly, the primary member  206  may extend along an entire length of the footwear  10 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the primary member  206  may further include a top surface  216  and a bottom surface  218  formed on an opposite side of the primary member  206  than the top surface  216 . The top surface  216  of the primary member  206  is configured to oppose the strobel  104  of the upper  100 , and may be contoured to define a profile of the footbed  106  corresponding to a shape of the foot. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a distance between the top surface  216  and the bottom surface  218  defines a thickness T FE , of the primary member  206 , which may vary along the length of the sole structure  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the primary member  206  further includes a peripheral side surface  220  extending between the top surface  216  and the bottom surface  218 . The peripheral side surface  220  generally defines an outer periphery of the sole structure  200 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 5 , the primary member  206  may include a recess  226  sized and shaped to receive the insert  208 . The recess  226  may be formed in the forefoot region  12  of the sole structure  200  and may be defined by an anterior peripheral sidewall  232  and a posterior peripheral sidewall  233 . The anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  may extend from the bottom surface  218  of the primary member  206  towards the top surface  216 . Generally, the recess  226  separates the primary member  206  into an anterior segment  228  and a posterior segment  230 . The anterior segment  228  extends between the recess  226  and the anterior end  18  of the sole structure  200 , while the posterior segment  230  extends between the recess  226  and the posterior end  20  of the sole structure  200 . In this regard, the anterior peripheral sidewall  232  may be disposed at a posterior end of the anterior segment  228 , while the posterior peripheral sidewall  233  may be disposed at an anterior end of the posterior segment  230 , such that the anterior peripheral sidewall  232  generally opposes or faces the posterior peripheral sidewall  233 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , in some implementations, the anterior peripheral sidewall  232  defines a concave “U” shape, while the posterior peripheral sidewall  233  defines a convex “U” shape. It will be appreciated, however, that the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  may define other shapes (e.g., arcuate, sinusoidal, zig-zag, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     In the illustrated example, the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  of the recess  226  extend partially from the bottom surface  218  to the top surface  216  and terminate at an intermediate surface  234  disposed between the bottom surface  218  and the top surface  216 . Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a depth D R  of the recess  226 , measured from the bottom surface  218  to the intermediate surface  234 , extends only partially through the thickness T FE , of the primary member  206 . Here, the anterior segment  228  and the posterior segment  230  of the primary member  206  are connected to each other by the portion of the primary member  206  formed between the intermediate surface  234  and the top surface  216 . Accordingly, the primary member  206  may be formed as a unitary structure extending from the forefoot region  12  to the heel region  16 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in some examples, the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  intersect with the peripheral side surface  220  of the primary member  206  to define an opening  235  into the recess  226  through the peripheral side surface  220  of the primary member  206 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , in some examples, the recess  226  defines one or more receptacles  242  for receiving the insert  208 . As shown, a profile of each of the receptacles  242  may be defined by the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  of the recess  226  and may correspond to an outer peripheral profile of the insert  208 . In this regard, the intermediate surface  234  and the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  may engage the insert  208 , such that each receptacle  242  is substantially filled by the insert  208 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6, and 7 , in the illustrated example, the insert  208  is formed as a multi-component structure arranged to provide cushioning in the forefoot region  12  of the sole structure  200 . For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 , the insert  208  may include a central member  236 , a lateral peripheral member  238 , and a medial peripheral member  240 . The central member  236  and the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  may be assembled and secured to each other using various methods of bonding, including adhesively bonding and melding, for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 4, 6, and 7 , the central member  236  may further include a top surface  243 , a bottom surface  244  formed on an opposite side of the central member  236  than the top surface  243 , and a peripheral side surface  246  extending between the top surface  243  and the bottom surface  244 . The peripheral side surface  246  generally defines an outer periphery of the central member  236 . In the assembled configuration, the top surface  243  of the central member  236  may oppose (e.g., engage) the intermediate surface  234  of the primary member  206 , while the peripheral side surface  246  may oppose (e.g., engage) the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  or the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  that define the recess  226 . In some implementations, the peripheral side surface  246  is contoured to match a profile or shape of (i) the intermediate surface  234  or the anterior or posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  of the primary member  206 , or (ii) the lateral or medial peripheral members  238 ,  240 . In this regard, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , one or more of the top, bottom, and peripheral side surfaces  243 ,  244 ,  246  may define the shape of the central member  236  to include a lobed-shape having a plurality of lobes. For example, the central member  236  may include an anterior lobe  248 , a lateral posterior lobe  250 , and a medial posterior lobe  252 , each defined at least in part by one of the surfaces  243 ,  244 ,  246 . In particular, the anterior lobe  248 , the lateral posterior lobe  250 , and the medial posterior lobe  252  may each be defined by convex “U”-shaped portions of the peripheral surface  246 , such that the central member  236  defines a substantially clover-shaped construct. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the bottom surface  244  of the central member  236  may include a protrusion  253 . For example, the protrusion  253  may define a peripheral lip surrounding a portion  244 - 1  of the bottom surface  244 . In some implementations, the portion  244 - 1  of the bottom surface  244  is concave. As will be explained in more detail below, in an assembled configuration, the portion  244 - 1  of the bottom surface  244  may be exposed through the outsole  204 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the peripheral surface  246  of the central member  236  may further include lateral and medial peripheral grooves  254 ,  256  extending around a portion of the central member  236 . For example, the lateral posterior lobe  250  may include the lateral peripheral groove  254 , while the medial posterior lobe  252  may include the medial peripheral groove  256 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the lateral peripheral groove  254  may extend from a first end  258  disposed between a pair of the lobes  248 ,  250 ,  252  (e.g., between the lateral and medial posterior lobes  250 ,  252 ) to a second end  260  disposed between another pair of the lobes  248 ,  250 ,  252  (e.g., between the lateral posterior lobe  250  and the anterior lobe  248 ). Similarly, the medial peripheral groove  256  may extend from a first end  264  disposed between a pair of the lobes  248 ,  250 ,  252  (e.g., between the lateral and medial posterior lobes  250 ,  252 ) to a second end  266  disposed between another pair of the lobes  248 ,  250 ,  252  (e.g., between the medial posterior lobe  252  and the anterior lobe  248 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first ends  258 ,  264  of the lateral and medial peripheral grooves  254 ,  256 , respectively, may be separated by a first outwardly projecting portion  268  of the central member  236 , while the second ends  260 ,  266  of the lateral and medial peripheral grooves  254 ,  256 , respectively, may be separated by a second outwardly projecting portion  270  of the central member  236 . For example, at the first and second outwardly projecting portions  268 ,  270 , one or more of the top surface  243 , the bottom surface  244 , or the peripheral surface  246  may extend outwardly relative to adjacent portions of the top surface  243 , the bottom surface  244 , or the peripheral surface  246 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a cross-sectional shape of the peripheral grooves  254 ,  256  may correspond to (e.g., match) an outer cross-sectional shape of the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240 . In some implementations, the lateral and medial peripheral grooves  254 ,  256  extend partially from the top surface  243  to the bottom surface  244  of the central member  236  and terminate at lateral and medial intermediate surfaces  272 ,  274 , respectively, disposed between the bottom surface  244  and the top surface  243 , such that the central member  236  includes lateral and medial flanges  273 ,  275  extending outwardly from the peripheral surface  246  and a central portion of the central member  236 . The flanges  273 ,  275  may be defined at least in part by the bottom surface  244  and the intermediate surfaces  272 ,  274 . In this regard, the corresponding peripheral surface  246  may extend through only a portion of a thickness of the central member  236  at the peripheral grooves  254 ,  256 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the size, shape, and assembled arrangement of the lateral peripheral member  238  may be substantially similar to the size, shape, and arrangement of the medial peripheral member  240 . Accordingly, like reference numerals will be used to describe like features of the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240 . The peripheral members  238 ,  240  may each include opposed inner and outer peripheral surfaces  276 ,  278  and opposed proximal and distal ends  280 ,  282 . The inner and outer peripheral surfaces  276 ,  278  may extend from the proximal end  280  to the distal end  282 . In some implementations, the outer peripheral surface  278  defines a convex profile extending between the proximal and distal ends  280 ,  282 . For example, the profile of the outer peripheral surface  278  may match the profile of the peripheral surface  246  of the central member  236 . Similarly, the profile of the inner peripheral surface  276  may match the profile of the peripheral surface  246  at the peripheral grooves  254 ,  256 . 
     In some implementations, the central member  236  and the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  are each made at least in part of a polymer foam material. For example, the central member  236  may be constructed from a first polymer foam material having a first set of properties (e.g., density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rigidity, stiffness, etc.), and the lateral or medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  may be constructed from a second polymer foam material having a second set of properties (e.g., density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rigidity, stiffness, etc.). The second set of properties may be different than the first set of properties, such that the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  have a different reaction (e.g., flex, shear, compression, etc.) than the central member  236  upon the application of a force on the central member  236  and the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240 . For example, the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  may have a modulus of rigidity or elasticity that is greater than the modulus of rigidity or elasticity of the central member  236  such that, a force applied on the outer peripheral surface  278  of the peripheral members  238 ,  240  or the top surface  243  of the central member  236  is attenuated differently by the peripheral members  238 ,  240  than it is by the central member  236 . In particular, the peripheral members  238 ,  240  may compress less than the central member  236  under an applied load to provide a variable distribution of forces across the insert  208  and active cushioning, stability, and support by attenuating ground-reaction forces during forward running movements of the footwear  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the peripheral members  238 ,  240  and/or the central member  236  may further include a material  284  on at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface  278 , the top surface  243 , and/or the bottom surface  244 . In some implementations, the material  284  is applied as a layer on the outer peripheral surface  278  and the bottom surface  244  (e.g., the portion  244 - 1  of the bottom surface  244 ). For example, the material  284  may be applied to the outer peripheral surface  278  and the bottom surface  244  using an overmolding, painting, or other suitable process. The material  284  may include or otherwise define a high gloss finish. For example, the material  284  may have a glossiness corresponding to a first gloss unit value that is greater than the glossiness of the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  (e.g., of the surface  278 ). In some implementations, the material  284  is transparent or translucent such that the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  and/or the central member  236  are visible through the material  284 . Alternatively, the material  284  itself may define an opaque, high-gloss finish. In some implementations, the material  284  and the lateral and/or peripheral members  238 ,  240  may have the same gloss unit value. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , when the sole structure  200  is assembled, the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  may be disposed within the peripheral grooves  254 ,  256 , respectively, such that the inner peripheral surface  276  of the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  engages the peripheral surface  246  of the central member  236 , and the proximal and distal ends  280 ,  282  engage the corresponding ends  258 ,  260 ,  264 ,  266  defined by the peripheral grooves  254 ,  256 . The insert  208  may be disposed within the recess  226  such that the top surface  243  of the central member  236  engages the intermediate surface  234  of the primary member  206 , and the bottom surface  244  of the central member  236  may be flush (e.g., coplanar) with the bottom surface  218  of the central member  236  such that the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  (e.g., the material  284 ) are exposed or visible within the openings  235  of the primary member  206 . In particular, as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the receptacles  242  may receive the components of the insert  208 . For example, in the illustrated example, the anterior lobe  248  may be disposed within a first one of the receptacles  242 , the lateral posterior lobe  250 , including the lateral peripheral member  238 , may be disposed within a second one of the receptacles  242 , and the medial posterior lobe  252 , including the medial peripheral member  240 , may be disposed within a third one of the receptacles  242 . 
     As previously described, the peripheral members  238 ,  240  and the central member  236  may be arranged to provide localized cushioning characteristics to the sole structure  200 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a longitudinal position of the peripheral members  238 ,  240  may correspond to the location of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of the foot at the ball portion  12 B of the forefoot region  12 . 
     Referring to the cross-sectional view of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , when the sole structure  200  is assembled, the primary member  206  and the insert  208  may cooperate to define a profile of the ground-engaging surface  30 . In this regard, the midsole  202  may be referred to as defining the profile of the ground-engaging surface  30 , while the outsole  204  actually forms the ground-engaging surface  30 . For example, the shape of the ground-engaging surface  30  may be determined by the midsole  202 , and the outsole  204  may be overmolded onto the midsole  202  to provide wear resistance and traction properties. In other examples the outsole  204  may be formed separately from the midsole  202  and adhesively bonded to midsole  202 . The outsole  204  may form the ground-engaging surface  30  having a profile substantially similar to the profile defined by the cooperation of the various components  206 ,  208 ,  210  of the midsole  202 . The outsole  204  may be described as having an inner surface  299  configured to attach to the bottom surface  218  of the primary member  206  and the bottom surface  244  of the insert  208 . An outer surface  300  of the outsole  204  may be formed on an opposite side from the inner surface  299  and form the ground-engaging surface  30  of the sole structure  200 . Accordingly, the outsole  204  at least partially encompasses each of the primary member  206  and the insert  208 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in some implementations, the outsole  204  includes an aperture  302 . The aperture  302  may extend through one or both of the inner surface  299  and the outer surface  300 . In the assembled configuration, the protrusion  253  of the insert  208  may be disposed within the aperture  302  such that the portion  244 - 1  of the bottom surface  244  is exposed (e.g., visible) through the aperture  302 . 
     With this arrangement, the cushioning and performance properties of the insert  208  are imparted to the ground-engaging surface  30 . Particularly, forces associated with pushing off of the forefoot during running or jumping motions may be absorbed by the insert  208 . Further, the generally higher modulus of rigidity or elasticity of the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240 —relative to the modulus of rigidity or elasticity of the central member  236 —may provide a relatively local, rigid area at the lateral and medial peripheral members  238 ,  240  that aid in banking during lateral movements. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-10 , another insert  208   a  for use with the article of footwear  10  is provided. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the insert  208   a  with respect to the insert  208 , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     As illustrated, the insert  208   a  may be formed as a unitary structure arranged to provide cushioning in the forefoot region  12  of the sole structure  200 . For example, the insert  208   a  may include a central member  236   a  having a monolithic construct. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8-10 , the central member  236   a  may further include a top surface  243   a,  a bottom surface  244   a  formed on an opposite side of the central member  236   a  than the top surface  243   a,  and a peripheral side surface  246   a  extending between the top surface  243   a  and the bottom surface  244   a.  The peripheral side surface  246   a  generally defines an outer periphery of the central member  236   a.  In the assembled configuration, the top surface  243   a  of the central member  236   a  may oppose (e.g., engage) the intermediate surface  234  of the primary member  206 , while the peripheral side surface  246   a  may oppose (e.g., engage) the anterior and posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  that define the recess  226 . In some implementations, the peripheral side surface  246   a  is contoured to match a profile or shape of the intermediate surface  234  or the anterior or posterior peripheral sidewalls  232 ,  233  of the primary member  206 . In this regard, one or more of the top, bottom, and peripheral side surfaces  243   a,    244   a,    246   a  may define the shape of the central member  236   a  to include a lobed-shape having a plurality of lobes. For example, the central member  236   a  may include an anterior lobe  248   a,  a lateral posterior lobe  250   a,  and a medial posterior lobe  252   a,  each defined at least in part by one of the surfaces  243   a,    244   a,    246   a.  In particular, the anterior lobe  248   a,  the lateral posterior lobe  250   a,  and the medial posterior lobe  252   a  may each be defined by convex “U”-shaped portions of the peripheral surface  246   a,  such that the central member  236   a  defines a substantially clover-shaped construct. 
     The insert  208   a  may further include the material  284  disposed on at least a portion of the top surface  243   a,  the bottom surface  244   a,  and the peripheral side surface  246   a.  For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 , the material  284  may be disposed on portions of the peripheral side surface  246   a  proximate the lateral posterior lobe  250   a  and the medial posterior lobe  252   a.  In some implementations, the material  284  is applied as a layer on one or more of the peripheral side surface  246   a,  the top surface  243   a,  and the bottom surface  244   a.  For example, the material  284  may be applied to the peripheral side surface  246   a,  the top surface  243   a,  and/or the bottom surface  244   a  using an overmolding, painting, or other suitable process. In some implementations, the material  284  may include a lateral peripheral portion  238   a  extending between first and second ends  280   a ,  282   a  on the lateral posterior lobe  250   a  and a medial peripheral portion  240   a  extending between first and second ends  280   a,    282   a  on the medial posterior lobe  252   a,  such that the second ends  282   a  of the lateral and medial peripheral portions  238   a,    240   a  are separated by a first portion  268   a  of the central member  236   a,  while the first ends  280   a  of the lateral and medial peripheral portions  238   a ,  240   a,  respectively, are separated by a second portion  270   a  of the central member  236   a.  In some implementations, the material  284  is disposed on the bottom surface  244 , including on the protrusion  253  and the corresponding portion  244 - 1  of the bottom surface  244 . In other implementations, the material  284  covers the entire outer surface (e.g., the top surface  243   a,  the bottom surface  244 , and the peripheral side surface  246   a ) of the central member  236   a.    
     As previously described, the material  284  may include or otherwise define a high gloss finish. For example, the material  284  may have a glossiness corresponding to a first gloss unit value that is greater than the glossiness of the central member  236   a  (e.g., of the peripheral side surface  246   a ). In some implementations, the material  284  is transparent or translucent such that portions (e.g., the lateral and medial peripheral portions  238   a,    240   a ) of the central member  236   a  covered by the material  284  are visible through the material  284 . Alternatively, the material  284  itself may define an opaque, high-gloss finish. In other implementations, the material  284  and the lateral and/or medial peripheral portions  238   a,    240   a  may have the same gloss unit value. 
     In some implementations, the central member  236   a  is made at least in part of a polymer foam material. For example, the central member  236   a  may be constructed from a first polymer foam material having a first set of properties (e.g., density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rigidity, stiffness, etc.) similar to the central member  236 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 5 and 8 , when the sole structure  200  is assembled, the insert  208   a  may be disposed within the recess  226  such that the top surface  243   a  of the central member  236   a  engages the intermediate surface  234  of the primary member  206  and the lateral and medial peripheral portions  238   a,    240   a  (e.g., the material  284 ) are exposed or visible within the openings  235  of the primary member  206 . In particular, as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the receptacles  242  may receive the components of the insert  208   a.  For example, in the illustrated example, the anterior lobe  248   a  may be disposed within a first one of the receptacles  242 , the lateral posterior lobe  250   a,  including the lateral peripheral portion  238   a,  may be disposed within a second one of the receptacles  242 , and the medial posterior lobe  252   a,  including the medial peripheral portion  240   a,  may be disposed within a third one of the receptacles  242 . The inner surface  299  of the outsole  204  may be attached to the bottom surface  218  of the primary member  206  and the bottom surface  244   a  of the insert  208   a.  An outer surface  300  of the outsole  204  may be formed on an opposite side from the inner surface  299  and form the ground-engaging surface  30  of the sole structure  200 . Accordingly, the outsole  204  may at least partially encompass each of the primary member  206  and the insert  208   a.  As previously described, and as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the protrusion  253  of the insert  208   a  may be disposed within the aperture  302  of the outsole  204  such that the portion  244   a - 1  of the bottom surface  244   a  is exposed (e.g., visible) through the aperture  302 . 
     As previously described, the peripheral portions  238   a,    240   a  and the central member  236   a  may be arranged to provide localized cushioning characteristics to the sole structure  200 . For example, a longitudinal position of the peripheral portions  238   a,    240   a  may correspond to the location of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints of the foot at the ball portion  12 B of the forefoot region  12 . 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a sole structure for an article of footwear described above. 
     Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the bottom surface including a recess defining a first opening in the peripheral surface and an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value, the second material at least partially disposed within the first opening. 
     Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the first material is visible through the second material. 
     Clause 3: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the first opening is disposed in a medial side of the midsole. 
     Clause 4: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the recess defines a second opening in the peripheral surface, and wherein the second material is at least partially disposed within the second opening. 
     Clause 5: The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein the first opening is disposed in a medial side of the midsole, and wherein the second opening is disposed in a lateral side of the midsole opposite the medial side. 
     Clause 6: The sole structure of Clause 1, further comprising an outsole coupled to at least one of the midsole or the insert and defining an aperture, wherein the second material is at least partially disposed within the aperture. 
     Clause 7: The sole structure of Clause 6, wherein the insert includes a protrusion disposed within the aperture. 
     Clause 8: The sole structure of Clause 7, wherein the second material is disposed on the protrusion. 
     Clause 9: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the insert includes a central member and a peripheral member, the peripheral member at least partially disposed within the first opening. 
     Clause 10: The sole structure of Clause 9, wherein the second material is disposed on the peripheral member. 
     Clause 11: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the second gloss unit value is greater than the first gloss unit value. 
     Clause 12: A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising a midsole having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the midsole including a recess (i) disposed between the top surface and the bottom surface and (ii) defining a first opening in the peripheral surface and an insert disposed within the recess and including a first material having a first gloss unit value and a second material disposed on an outer surface of the first material and having a second gloss unit value, the second material at least partially disposed within the first opening. 
     Clause 13: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the first material is visible through the second material. 
     Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the first opening is disposed in a medial side of the midsole. 
     Clause 15: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the recess defines a second opening in the peripheral surface, and wherein the second material is at least partially disposed within the second opening. 
     Clause 16: The sole structure of Clause 15, wherein the first opening is disposed in a medial side of the midsole, and wherein the second opening is disposed in a lateral side of the midsole opposite the medial side. 
     Clause 17: The sole structure of Clause 12, further comprising an outsole coupled to at least one of the midsole or the insert and defining an aperture, wherein the second material is at least partially disposed within the aperture. 
     Clause 18: The sole structure of Clause 17, wherein the insert includes a protrusion disposed within the aperture. 
     Clause 19: The sole structure of Clause 18, wherein the second material is disposed on the protrusion. 
     Clause 20: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the insert includes a central member and a peripheral member, the peripheral member at least partially disposed within the first opening. 
     Clause 21: The sole structure of Clause 20, wherein the second material is disposed on the peripheral member. 
     Clause 22: The sole structure of Clause 12, wherein the second gloss unit value is greater than the first gloss unit value. 
     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.