Patent Publication Number: US-2021177103-A1

Title: Components with Embedded Particles and Methods of Making Same

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Articles of footwear such as shoes may include components that are molded or otherwise formed from one or more types of materials. Such components may include, for example, foxing strips, outsoles and/or other sole structure components, toe caps, and numerous other components. The formed components may have functional and/or aesthetic purposes. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements. 
         FIG. 1A  is lateral side view of an example article of footwear comprising an example foxing strip. 
         FIG. 1B  is a medial side view of the article of footwear from  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is an area cross-sectional view of the foxing strip shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the foxing strip, shown in  FIG. 1A , in a flattened form prior to attachment to other portions of the article of footwear of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view showing arrangement of elastomeric material sections used to form the foxing strip of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is an area cross-sectional view of the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows mold elements of a mold used to form the foxing strip of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7A  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 4  in the mold of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7B  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of the foxing strip of  FIG. 3  being formed by pressing the two elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 4  in the mold of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged area cross-sectional view of the foxing strip of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9A  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of elastomeric material sections in a mold similar to that of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         FIG. 9B  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of a foxing strip being formed by pressing the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 9A  in the mold of  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  is an area cross-sectional view of the foxing strip formed from the sections shown being pressed in  FIG. 9B . 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view showing arrangement of elastomeric material sections used to form the foxing strip according to another example. 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are area cross-sectional views of the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of another example of elastomeric material sections in a mold similar to that of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         FIG. 13B  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of a foxing strip being formed by pressing the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 13A  in the mold of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 14  is an area cross-sectional view of the foxing strip formed from the sections shown being pressed in  FIG. 13B . 
         FIG. 15A  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of a further example of elastomeric material sections in a mold similar to that of  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
         FIG. 15B  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of a foxing strip being formed by pressing the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 15A  in the mold of  FIG. 15A . 
         FIG. 16  is an area cross-sectional view of the foxing strip formed from the sections shown being pressed in  FIG. 15B . 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart showing steps of an example method for fabricating a foxing strip and/or other component(s) and affixing the component(s) to a shoe. 
         FIG. 18  is lateral side view of another example article of footwear comprising components with embedded particles. 
         FIG. 19  is a plan view showing arrangement of elastomeric material sections used to form an ankle patch of the article of footwear from  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20A  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of the elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 19  in a mold for forming the ankle patch of the article of footwear from  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20B  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of the ankle patch, of the article of footwear from  FIG. 18 , formed by pressing the two elastomeric material sections of  FIG. 19  in the mold of  FIG. 20A . 
         FIG. 21  is a partially schematic side view showing formation of a section using rollers. 
         FIGS. 22A and 22B  are area cross-sectional views from the locations indicated in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C  are partially schematic area cross sectional views of additional examples of foxing strips. 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart showing steps of another example method for fabricating a foxing strip and/or other component(s) and affixing the component(s) to a shoe. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Articles of footwear such as shoes may comprise components that are molded or otherwise formed from one or more types of materials. One example of such a component is a foxing, also known as a foxing strip. A foxing may be a strip of material that surrounds a joint between a shoe sole structure and a shoe upper. A foxing strip may be functional. For example, a foxing strip may help to secure a joint between an upper and a sole structure, may cover cavities that could collect dirt, and/or may otherwise add to the functionality of a shoe. 
     Because it is often one of the most visible portions of shoe, a foxing strip may also have a substantial impact on the shoe&#39;s physical appearance. A shoe designer may use a foxing strip as a pallet for achieving a particular appearance of a shoe, for example, to appeal to a particular market segment. Indeed, by changing the appearance of a foxing strip, a designer may modify an existing shoe design to create a shoe with a dramatically different appearance and/or that may appeal to a market that is different from the market for the existing shoe design. 
     Because of its functional and/or aesthetic significance, it may be desirable to create a foxing strip that comprises a matrix formed from one or more materials and that includes particles, embedded in that matrix, formed from one or more additional materials. As but one example of a foxing strip with embedded particles (alternatively referred to herein as ‘particulate matter’) to provide aesthetic features, a foxing strip matrix may comprise one or more materials that are either transparent or translucent. Particles embedded in that matrix to provide color contrast and/or other visual effects may comprise glitter, sand, colored beads or other particles, etc. As but one example of a foxing strip with embedded particles to provide functional features, a foxing strip may comprise a matrix material in which the embedded particles enhance the strength and/or durability of the foxing strip, and/or that allow use of recycled material. Such particles may comprise, for example, reinforcing strands, ground or shredded manufacturing waste (e.g., scrap from production of other components), etc. 
     For these and other reasons, a foxing strip with embedded particles offers numerous potential advantages. However, embedded particles have potential disadvantages. If those embedded particles protrude through an exposed outer surface of the foxing strip, and for certain types of particles and/or product use scenarios, problems may arise. Protruding particles may give the foxing strip a ragged or otherwise bad appearance. Protruding particles may also reduce the durability and/or strength of a foxing strip. For example, a protruding particle may create a tear or fissure in the outer surface of a foxing strip. That tear may then propagate and speed wear and/or cause disintegration of the foxing strip. 
     Forming a foxing strip with embedded particles, but without such particles near or protruding through an outer surface of that foxing strip, presents challenges. Foxing strips may be molded from elastomeric materials. If particles are simply mixed with a matrix material and placed into a mold, those particles will migrate throughout that material when the mold is closed and heated. At least a portion of those particles will migrate to or near the surface of the mold chamber. When the molded material cools and is removed from the mold, the particles that migrated toward the mold chamber surface may partially protrude, or may soon protrude as the foxing strip wears. 
     One or more methods described herein facilitate production of a foxing strip (or other component) having embedded particles, but with such particles displaced from an outer surface. One or more of such methods may comprise molding a foxing strip from multiple sections. One or more of those sections may comprise embedded particles. One or more others of those sections may lack embedded particles. When placing the sections into a mold, one or more of the sections without embedded particles may be positioned (e.g., adjacent a mold surface) so as to form an outermost region of the foxing strip. 
       FIG. 1A  is a lateral side view of an example shoe  10  with an example foxing strip  12  comprising embedded particles  13 . As described in more detail herein, the particles  13  may be separated from an outer surface of the foxing strip  12  by a layer of material that lacks the particles  13 . This structure may, for example, help prevent the particles  13  from protruding as the strip wears. In the example of the shoe  10  and the foxing strip  12 , the matrix is transparent and the particles  13  are glitter particles added for aesthetic effect. In other examples, however, a foxing strip may comprise one or more other types matrix and/or one or more other types of particles, which particles may be included for functional and/or aesthetic purposes. Methods described herein in connection with the shoe  10  and the foxing strip  12  may also or alternatively be used to produce foxing strips according to such other examples. 
       FIG. 1B  is a medial side view of the shoe  10 . In the example of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the foxing strip  12  may completely surround an outer edge of the shoe  10  and cover a connection between an upper  14  and a sole structure  15 . In  FIG. 1B , a portion of the foxing strip  12  is omitted to show the sole structure  15  and a bottom portion of the upper  14  that is bonded to the top of the sole structure  15 . The sole structure  15  may comprise an outsole, a midsole, and/or other sole structure components, may have any of various shapes or other configurations, and may be formed from any of various materials. The upper  14  may similarly have various configurations (e.g., low ankle collar, mid- or high-top ankle collar), be formed from any of various materials, and/or comprise other features or components. The upper  14  may define an interior cavity that may receive, via an opening formed by an ankle collar  16 , a foot of a wearer of the shoe  10 . A tag  17  may be attached to the foxing strip  12  in the rear (e.g., for decorative and/or marking purposes and/or to cover a joint between ends of the foxing strip  12 ). The foxing strip  12  may include a thickened toe guard portion  19 . Alternatively, a toe guard may be separately formed and attached to the foxing strip, or may be omitted. 
     The shoe  10  and the foxing strip  12  are provided as an example. Foxing strips with embedded particles may have different shapes, may not completely surround a shoe, may cover different regions, and/or may otherwise differ from the foxing strip  12 . Similarly, foxing strips and/or other components with embedded particles may form parts of shoes and/or other articles of footwear having other configurations and/or that be intended for different uses (e.g., athletic shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, work shoes, hiking boots, ski boots, etc.). Also or alternatively, foxing strips and/or other elements with embedded particles may be attached to or otherwise form parts of other types of apparel (e.g., pants, coats, gloves) and/or other types of wearable articles (e.g., shin guards, elbow pads, sports helmets, etc.). 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged area cross-sectional view, from the location indicated in  FIG. 1A , of the foxing strip  12 . The surfaces of the foxing strip  12  include an interior surface  24 , a bottom surface  25 , an exterior surface  26 , and a top surface  27 . The proportions of the surfaces  24 - 27  and/or or of the particles  13  may not be to scale. The relative sizes of these and/or other features shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or distorted so as to more clearly show features of interest. The interior surface  24  may be bonded to regions of the sole structure  15  and the upper  14 . The bottom surface  25  may face in the same direction as an outsole or other ground-contacting surface of the shoe  10 . The exterior surface  26  may face away from the shoe  10  around the lower periphery of the sole structure  15  and the upper  14 . 
     The foxing strip  12  may comprise a matrix  30  in which the particles  13  are embedded. As seen in  FIG. 2 , and as also described in more detail below, the particles  13  do not extend throughout the entirety of the matrix  30 . Regions of the matrix  30  adjacent the bottom surface  25 , the exterior surface  26 , and the top surface  27  may be free of the particles  13 . The particle-free regions of the matrix  30  may extend the entire length of the foxing strip  12  (e.g., around the entire periphery of the foxing strip  12  as attached to the shoe  10 ). 
     The matrix  30  may, with the exception of cavities occupied by the particles  13 , be generally solid. The matrix  30  may, apart from the particles  13 , be homogeneous or heterogeneous. The matrix  30  may be formed from one or more of various types of flexible polymeric materials. Those materials may include, for example, one or more elastopolymers such as artificial rubber. Some or all of the matrix  30  may be either translucent or transparent, as indicated generally in the drawing figures. This need not be the case, however, and example foxing strips and/or other articles formed using one or more of the methods described herein may comprise an opaque matrix with embedded particles, as also described in more detail below. 
     The particles  13  may either comprise or consist of any of various materials. Those materials, which may be different from the materials used to form the matrix  30  (or parts thereof), may be included for decorative purposes. Examples of particles that may be included for decorative purposes may include glitter. Glitter may comprise particles of plastic (e.g., polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, and/or other plastics) or other materials, that are coated and/or otherwise treated to have shiny (e.g., reflective) and/or metallic and/or colored outer surfaces. Other examples of particles that may be included for decorative and/or non-decorative purposes include, without limitation, particles of glass, particles of metals, sand, particles of mica or other minerals, particles of plastics that lack a shiny outer surface, fiber fragments, fiber bundle fragments (e.g., fragments of threads, yarns, etc.), flecks of paint, textile pieces, particles of paper, particles of recycled shoes and/or of scraps of waste material from shoe manufacturing, and/or any other particles of a size allowing embedding with a matrix of a foxing strip or other element. Embedded particles may range in size from particles barely visible to the naked eye (e.g., having a diameter or other dimensions of approximately 0.05 millimeter) to particles that extend across almost an entire thickness and/or height of a foxing strip or other element (e.g., 5 millimeters or larger). Embedded particles may be of a common (e.g., uniform) size or of different (e.g., non-uniform) sizes, may comprise more than one type of particle, and may be evenly or unevenly distributed. In one or more embodiments, particulate matter can be even smaller than 0.05 millimeters, but be present in large enough quantities as to be visible to human eyes in the aggregate, or can be superimposed over a visually contrasting background so that human eyes can visually perceive indications of their presence. In other embodiments, particulate matter can include photoluminescent materials, or crystalline or other faceted materials with one or more reflective surfaces. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the foxing strip  12  in a flattened form and prior to attachment to other portions of the article of footwear of  FIGS. 1A and 1B . The foxing strip  12  has been molded and trimmed, but has not yet been attached to the upper  14  and the sole structure  15 . The foxing strip  12  may extend from a first end  32  to a second end  33  and may have arcuate (or quasi-arcuate) edges  35  and  36 . The bottom edge  35  corresponds to the bottom surface  25 . The top edge  36  corresponds to the top surface  27 . When attached to the sole structure  15  and the lower portion of the upper  14 , the foxing strip  14  may extend continuously from a medial side heel portion of the sole structure  15  and the corresponding lower portion of the upper  14 , around a toe portion of the sole structure, and to a lateral side heel portion of the sole structure. A foxing strip formed using one or more of the methods described herein need not extend around an entire perimeter of a shoe, and/or a shoe may comprise multiple foxing strips formed using one or more of the methods described. 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view showing an arrangement of two sections  41  and  42  from which the foxing strip  12  may be formed. Although the sections  41  and  42  are strips, a section may be of any size and/or shape, may be generally planar (e.g., sheets, strips, panels, etc.), may be generally non-planar, may be regular, and/or may be irregular.  FIG. 5  is an area cross-sectional view of the sections  41  and  42  from the location indicated in  FIG. 4 . The section  41 , which may have major edges  46   a  and  46   b  and minor edges  47   a  and  47   b , may comprise a matrix material  43  (e.g., an elastomeric material such as uncured synthetic rubber). The section  42 , which may have major edges  48   a  and  48   b  and minor edges  49   a  and  49   b , may comprise a matrix material  44  (e.g., an elastomeric material such as uncured synthetic rubber). The matrix materials  43  and  44  will form the matrix  30  of the foxing strip  12 . As explained below, the section  41  may include particles  13  embedded in the matrix material  43 . The section  42  may lack embedded particles  13 , and may completely or substantially consist of the matrix material  44 . 
     The matrix material  43  may be the same as the matrix material  44 , or the matrix materials  43  and  44  may be different. For example, the matrix material  43  may comprise an additive that results in a first tint, and the matrix materials  44  may comprise a different additive that results in a second tint different from the first tint. As another example, one of the matrix materials  43  and  44  may be clear (e.g., transparent and untinted), and the other of the matrix materials  43  and  44  may be tinted and/or translucent or opaque. As a further example, the matrix material  43  and the matrix material  44  may have similar appearances with regard to color and/or transparence (or translucence), but may have different chemical structures that result in other physical differences. After curing, for example, the matrix material  44  may be harder and/or otherwise more durable than the matrix material  43 . 
     The section  41  may comprise particles  13  embedded in the matrix material  43 . The particles  13  may be embedded in the matrix material  43  using various methods. The method used to embed particles in a matrix material may depend on the material chosen for the matrix material. For elastomeric or other polymeric materials formed from liquid precursors, the particles  13  may be stirred into one or more of those liquid precursors during mixing. Also or alternatively, the particles  13  may be added to a solid, uncured form of the matrix material  43 . If the matrix material  43  is a synthetic rubber, for example, the particles  13  may be applied to the surface of one or more blocks (e.g., lumps, sheets, and/or any other pieces of any shape) of uncured matrix material  43 . The block(s) with applied particles  13  may then be calendered (e.g., pressed between rollers, which may or may not be heated) one or more times until the particles  13  are dispersed throughout the uncured matrix material  43  to a desired extent and/or concentration. After the particles  13  have been added to the uncured matrix material  43 , the mixture can be formed into sheets (e.g., via a final calendering step), and the section  41  cut from that sheet. In a similar manner, the section  42  can be cut from a larger sheet of the uncured matrix material  44 . 
       FIG. 6  shows elements  50  and  51  of a mold that may be used to form the sections  41  and  42  into the foxing strip  12 . The mold element  50  and the mold element  51  may be formed from steel or other material. The first mold element  50  comprises a cavity  52  formed in a first surface  54 . The cavity  52  corresponds to the exterior surface  26  of the foxing strip  12 , as well as to portions of the bottom surface  25  and the top surface  27  that adjoin the exterior surface  25 . In particular, the surface of the cavity  52  has a contour that is opposite to a contour of the corresponding surfaces (and surface portions) of the foxing strip  12 . The second mold element  51  comprises a cavity  53  formed in a second surface  55 . The cavity  53  corresponds to the interior surface  24  of the foxing strip  12 , as well as to portions of the bottom surface  25  and the top surface  27  that adjoin the interior surface  24 . In particular, the surface of the cavity  53  has a contour that is opposite to a contour of the corresponding surfaces (and surface portions) of the foxing strip  12 . Edges  56  and  57  of the mold cavities  52  and  54 , respectively, correspond to the edge  35  of the foxing strip  12 . Edges  58  and  59  of the mold cavities  52  and  54 , respectively, correspond to the edge  36  of the foxing strip  12 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are partially schematic area cross-sectional views showing formation of the foxing strip  12 , using the mold elements  50  and  51 , from the sections  41  and  42 . In  FIGS. 7A and 7B , and as a result of positioning the mold elements for molding the foxing strip  12 , the orientation of the mold element  51  is rotated 180 degrees about an axis orthogonal to the X-Y plane indicated in  FIG. 6 . The orientation of the mold element  50  is rotated 180 degrees about that axis orthogonal to the X-Y plane, and 180 degrees about the Y axis of that X-Y plane. In  FIG. 7A , the sections  41  and  42  have relative positions that are the same as or similar to those indicated in  FIG. 4 , but have been placed into the cavity  53  of the mold element  51 . The mold elements  50  and  51  have been oriented so that the cavities  52  and  53  face each other. The section  42  overlaps, and extends past the major edges  46   a  and  46   b  of, the section  41 . 
     As also indicated in  FIG. 7A , the mold elements  50  and  51  are brought together to enclose the sections  41  and  42  in a mold cavity defined by the cavities  52  and  53 . The sections  41  and  42  are positioned in the cavities  52  and  53  so that the section  42  will contact the surface of the mold cavity  52 , and so that the section  41  will contact the surface of the mold cavity  53 . Although  FIGS. 7A and 7B  show the sections  41  and  42  initially placed in the mold element  51 , this is not required. For example, the sections  41  and  42  could initially be placed into the mold element  50  (e.g., by laying the section  42  in the mold cavity  52  and laying the section  41  on the section  42 ). Also or alternatively, the sections  41  and  42  could also be attached to one another (e.g., by tacking with small amounts of adhesive) prior to placing the attached sections  41  and  42  into one of the mold cavities. 
     In  FIG. 7B , the mold elements  50  and  51  may be pressed between heated press platens  58  and  59 . During the pressing, the matrix materials  43  and  44  soften, at least partially flow together, and fuse to form the matrix  30 , with the matrix  30  filling the mold cavity and taking the shape of that cavity. During the pressing, and while the matrix materials  43  and  44  are heated, the particles  13  may migrate beyond the original volume of the section  41  shown in broken line. Because of the presence of the section  42 , however, the particles  13  are prevented from migration to the surface of the cavity  52 , and thus from reaching positions likely to result in protrusion through a surface of the foxing strip  12 . After the heated pressing, the foxing strip  12  may be allowed to cool and may be removed from the mold elements  50  and  51 . The matrix materials  43  and  44 , in addition being fused to one another, may also be cured as a resulted of the heated pressing. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged area cross-sectional view, from a location similar to that indicated in  FIG. 1A , of the foxing strip  12 . Broken lines in  FIG. 8  indicate locations of various zones within the foxing strip  12 . Each of the zones indicated in  FIG. 8  may extend the entire length of the foxing strip  12 , although the shape of the zones may vary somewhat throughout the length of the foxing strip  12 . Because the matrix  30  was formed using the section  42  without the particles  13 , the particles  13  from section  41  are contained in an inner zone  71 . A bottom zone  72 , which may extend across the entire bottom edge  35  and bottom surface  25 , which may cover the bottom of the inner zone  71 , and which may comprise a bottom surface of the foxing strip  12  that is generally aligned with an outsole of the shoe  10 , is free or substantially free of the particles  13 . A top zone  74 , which may extend across the entire top edge  36  and top surface  27 , which may cover the top of the inner zone  71 , and which may comprise a top surface of the foxing strip  12 , is also free or substantially free of the particles  13 . An outer zone  73 , which extends from the bottom zone  72  to the top zone  74 , which covers a side of the inner zone  71 , and which may comprise an exterior side surface of the foxing strip  12 , is also free or substantially free of the particles  13 . 
     In the example of the foxing strip  12 , the inner zone  71  extends completely to the interior surface of the foxing strip  12 . When the foxing strip  12  is attached to the upper  14  and the sole structure  15  of the shoe  10 , that interior surface may be adhesively bonded to the upper  14  and the sole structure  15 . Accordingly, protrusion of the particles  13  through that interior surface may not be a concern. However, a foxing strip similar to the foxing strip  12  can be formed so that the interior surface is also comprised by a zone that is free or substantially free of the particles  13 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are partially schematic area cross-sectional views showing formation of such a foxing strip, using mold elements  80  and  81  that may respectively be the same as or similar to the mold elements  50  and  51 , from sections  93 ,  92 , and  91 . The section  91  may be similar to the section  41 , and if viewed in a plan view similar to that of  FIG. 4 , may have a shape the same as or similar to the shape of the section  41 . Similar to the section  41 , the section  91  may comprise the matrix material  43  with particles  13  embedded therein. The section  92  may be similar to the section  42 , and if viewed in a plan view similar to that of  FIG. 4 , may have a shape the same as or similar to the shape of the section  42 . Similar to the section  42 , the section  92  may comprise the matrix material  44  without particles  13  embedded therein. The section  93  may have a shape similar to that of the section  91  (if viewed in a plan view similar to that of  FIG. 4 ), but may be formed from a matrix material  45 , and may lack embedded particles  13 . The matrix material  45  may be the same as the matrix material  43  and/or the matrix material  44 , or may be different from the matrix material  43  and the matrix material  44 . 
     In  FIG. 9A , the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  have been placed into the cavity  83  of the mold element  81  and the mold elements  80  and  81  have been oriented so that the cavities  82  (of the mold element  80 ) and  83  face each other. Similar to the example of  FIG. 7A , the section  92  overlaps major edges of the sections  91  and  93 . As also indicated in  FIG. 9A , the mold elements  80  and  81  are brought together to enclose the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  in the mold cavity defined by the cavities  82  and  83 . The sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  are positioned in the cavities  82  and  83  so that the section  92  will contact the surface of the mold cavity  82 , so that the section  93  will contact the surface of the mold cavity  83 , and so that the section  91  is separated from the surfaces of the mold cavities  82  and  83 . Although  FIGS. 9A and 9B  show the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  initially placed in the mold element  81 , this is not required. For example, the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  could initially be placed into the mold element  80 . Also or alternatively, the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  could also be attached to one another (e.g., by tacking with small amounts of adhesive) prior to placing the attached sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  into one of the mold cavities. 
     In  FIG. 9B , the mold elements  80  and  81  may be pressed between the press platens  58  and  59  and heat applied. During the pressing, the matrix materials  43 ,  44 , and  45  soften, at least partially flow together, and fuse to form a matrix of the foxing strip being formed, with that matrix filling the mold cavity and taking the shape of that cavity. During the pressing, and while the matrix materials  43 ,  44 , and  45  are heated, the particles  13  may migrate beyond the original volume of the section  91  shown in broken line. Because of the presence of the sections  92  and  93 , however, the particles  13  are prevented from migration to the surface of the cavity  82  or to the surface of the cavity  83 , and thus from reaching positions likely to result in protrusion through an exterior or interior surface of the foxing strip being formed. After the heated pressing, the foxing strip may be allowed to cool and may be removed from the mold elements  80  and  81 . The matrix materials  43 ,  44 , and  45 , in addition being fused to one another, may also be cured as a resulted of the heated pressing. 
       FIG. 10  is an area cross-sectional view, from a location similar to that indicated in  FIG. 1A , of a foxing strip  102  formed from the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93 , and after removal from the mold elements  80  and  81 . The foxing strip  102  may include a first inner zone  104 , a second inner zone  105 , a bottom zone  106 , an outer zone  107 , and a top zone  108 . The bottom zone  106 , the outer zone  107 , and the top zone  108  of the foxing strip  102  may be similar to the bottom zone  72 , the outer zone  73 , and the top zone  74  of the foxing strip  12 , and may be free or substantially free of the particles  13 . The first inner zone  104  may extend from the top zone  108  to the bottom zone  106 , may comprise an interior side surface of the foxing strip  102 , and may be free or substantially free of the particles  13 . The second inner zone  105 , which may extend from the first inner zone  104  to the outer zone  107  and from the bottom zone  106  to the top zone  108 , may comprise the particles  13 . 
     A foxing strip may also be formed, using methods similar to those described above, from multiple particle-containing sections. Each of those sections may, for example, comprise different types of particles.  FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view showing arrangement of three elastomeric material sections  111   a ,  111   b , and  112  used to form a foxing strip from multiple particle-containing sections.  FIG. 12A  is an area cross-sectional view, taken from a first location indicated in  FIG. 11 , of the sections  111   a  and  112 .  FIG. 12B  is an area cross-sectional view, taken from a second location indicated in  FIG. 11 , of the sections  111   b  and  112 . 
     The section  111   a  may comprise a matrix material  113   a  (e.g., an elastomeric material such as uncured synthetic rubber) in which a first type of particles  13   a  are embedded. The section  111   b  may comprise a matrix material  113   b  (e.g., an elastomeric material such as uncured synthetic rubber) in which a second type of particles  13   b  are embedded. The particles  13   a  may have functional and/or aesthetic properties that are different from the particles  13   b . For example, the particles  13   a  may be glitter particles having a first color and the particles  13   b  may be glitter particles having a second color different from the first color. The section  112  may comprise a matrix material  114  (e.g., an elastomeric material such as uncured synthetic rubber), and may lack particles  13   a  or  13   b . The matrix materials  113   a ,  113   b , and  114  will form the matrix of a foxing strip. The matrix materials  113   a ,  113   b , and  114  may all be the same, or some or all may be different from one another. 
     The sections  111   a ,  111   b , and  112  may be placed into mold elements  50  and  51  in a manner similar to that shown for the sections  41  and  42  in  FIG. 7A . The sections  111   a ,  111   b , and  112  may then be pressed in the mold elements  50  and  51 , in a manner similar to that described in connection with  FIG. 7B , to form a foxing strip. The resulting foxing strip may be similar to the foxing strip  12 , but with one part of the foxing strip comprising the particles  13   a  and another part of the foxing strip comprising the particles  13   b . Optionally, the section  112  may also be replaced with two sections (e.g., one positioned adjacent to the section  111   a  and another positioned adjacent to the section  111   b ). This may be done, for example, if it is desired to have a matrix with first tint on one half of a foxing strip and a matrix with a second tint, different from the first tint, on the other half. 
       FIGS. 13A through 14  show an example of forming another foxing strip  132  ( FIG. 14 ) from multiple particle-containing sections.  FIGS. 13A and 13B  are partially schematic area cross-sectional views showing formation of the foxing strip  132 , using mold elements  150  and  151  that may respectively be the same as or similar to the mold elements  50  and  51 , from sections  141 ,  142 , and  143 . The sections  141 ,  142 , and  143  may be placed into the mold elements  150  and  151  similar to the way in which the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93  were placed into the mold elements  80  and  81  in the example of  FIG. 7A . The section  141  may, if viewed in a plan view similar to that of  FIG. 4 , have a shape the same as or similar to the shape of the section  41 . The section  141  may comprise a matrix material  147  with particles  13   c  embedded therein. The section  143  may have a shape similar to that of the section  141  (if viewed in a plan view similar to that of  FIG. 4 ), but may be formed from a matrix material  145  with particles  13   d  embedded therein. The particles  13   c  may have functional and/or aesthetic properties that are different from the particles  13   d . For example, the particles  13   c  may be glitter particles having a first color and the particles  13   d  may be glitter particles having a second color different from the first color. The section  142  may be similar to the section  42 , and if viewed in a plan view similar to that of  FIG. 4 , may have a shape the same as or similar to the shape of the section  42 . The section  142  may comprise a matrix material  144  without any of the particles  13   c  or  13   d . The matrix materials  143 ,  145 , and  147  may comprise materials similar to those described in connection with other examples (e.g., one or more elastopolymers such as artificial rubber). The matrix materials  143 ,  145 , and  147  may all be the same, or some or all may be different from one another. An additional section of material without particles (e.g., similar to the section  93  of  FIG. 9A ) may, if desired, be interposed between the section  143  and the mold element  151 . 
     In  FIG. 13B , the mold elements  150  and  151  may be pressed between the press platens  58  and  59  and heat applied. During the pressing, the matrix materials  144 ,  145 , and  147  soften, at least partially flow together, and fuse to form a matrix of the foxing strip  132 , with that matrix filling the mold cavity and taking the shape of that cavity. During the pressing, and while the matrix materials  144 ,  145 , and  147  are heated, the particles  13   c  and  13   d  may migrate beyond the original volumes of the sections  141  and  143  shown in broken lines. After the heated pressing, the foxing strip  132  may be allowed to cool and may be removed from the mold elements  150  and  151 .  FIG. 14  is an area cross-sectional view, from a location similar to that indicated in  FIG. 1A , of the foxing strip  132 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the particles  13   d  may form a background for the particles  13   c.    
     A material section forming an outer, bottom, and/or top portion of a foxing strip (e.g., the materials  44 ,  114 ,  144 ) need not be homogeneous. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 15A , the section  42  from the example of  FIG. 7A  has been replaced with a section  42   a . The section  42   a , which may have a shape similar to that of section  42 , is formed from a matrix material  44   a  having embedded particles of a different material  44   b . The material  44   a  may, for example, be a transparent material (e.g., an elastopolymer such as artificial rubber) that is clear or that has a first tint. The material  44   b  may be a different material (e.g., another elastopolymer, such as another artificial rubber) that has a different color or tint than the material  44   a . However, other properties of the material  44   b  may be similar to properties of the material  44   a , and migration of the material  44   b  to the outer surface of a foxing strip may be acceptable (and/or desired). 
       FIG. 15B  shows the sections  41  and  42   a  being pressed and heated in a manner similar to that described in connection with  FIG. 7B . During the heated pressing, the particles of the material  44   b  may deform and migrate so as to create a visual effect different from that of a material with a single tint. After the heated pressing, the foxing strip may be allowed to cool and may be removed from the mold elements  50  and  51 .  FIG. 16  is an area cross-sectional view, from a location similar to that indicated in  FIG. 1A , of a foxing strip  162  formed using the pressing shown in  FIG. 15B . 
     Multiple particle-containing sections could be used in additional and/or alternative combinations. For example, and so as to obtain a different concentration of particles within different regions of a foxing strip, a first section comprising a first concentration of embedded particles could be positioned form one part of a foxing strip, and a second section comprising a second concentration of embedded particles positioned to form another part of that foxing strip. The first and second concentrations may be different. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart showing steps of an example method for fabricating a component (e.g., a foxing strip and/or other component (e.g., an ankle patch and/or label such as are described below)) and affixing that component to a shoe. The order of some steps may be rearranged. Some steps may be omitted and/or other steps may be added. In step  301 , one or more sections of a particle-containing material (e.g., one or more of the sections  41 ,  91 ,  111   a ,  111   b ,  141 ,  143 , or  432  ( FIG. 19 )) may be formed. Step  301  may comprise one or more mixing steps to combine one or more types of particles with one or more types of matrix materials. Those mixing steps may, for example, comprise applying particles to blocks of uncured matrix material and performing one or more calendering steps. Step  301  may further comprise one or more steps of cutting sections from a larger sheet or other shape of calendered matrix material mixed with particles. In step  303 , one or more sections (e.g., one or more of the sections  42 ,  92 ,  93 ,  142 ,  42   a , or  431  ( FIG. 19 )) may be formed. The section(s) formed in step  303  may lack particles of the type mixed with a matrix material in step  301 , and/or may otherwise be configured to form a part of a foxing strip or other component that will comprise an exposed surface of that component. Step  303  may comprise one or more calendering and/or other mixing operations and/or cutting of sections from a larger sheet or other shape. Steps  301  and/or  303  may also comprise one or more intermediate processing steps. For example, if the matrix material of the sections formed in step  301  or  303  comprises uncured synthetic rubber, a matrix material may be refrigerated after a first set of one more calendering steps, and after refrigeration, additional calendering steps performed. This refrigeration and subsequent calendering may be performed, for example, to eliminate or reduce air bubbles. 
     In step  305 , multiple sections formed in steps  301  and  303  (e.g., the sections  41  and  42 ; the sections  91 ,  92 , and  93 ; the sections  111   a ,  111   b , and  112 ; the sections  141 ,  142 , and  143 ; the sections  41  and  42   a ; or the sections  431  and  432 ) may be positioned into the desired locations relative to one another. For example, one or more of the sections may overlap major edges of one or more others of the sections. The positioned sections may also be placed in a mold element. If multiple components are being formed, multiple combinations of positioned sections may be placed into elements of multiple molds. 
     In step  307 , the mold(s) may be closed around the sections, and heat and pressure may be applied (e.g., via heated press platens). The temperature and heating time may depend on the types of matrix material(s) used. In step  309 , the component(s) may be allowed to cool and removed from the mold(s). In step  311 , the component(s) may be trimmed. In step  313 , the trimmed component(s) may be attached (e.g., using adhesive) to a shoe (e.g., to a sole structure and/or an upper of that shoe). Step  313  may comprise attaching multiple components (e.g., a foxing strip, an ankle patch, a label, and/or other components) comprising embedded particles to the shoe. 
       FIG. 18  is a lateral side view of an example shoe  400  that may, except as described below, be similar to the shoe  10 . The shoe  400  may include a sole structure, similar to the sole structure  15 , attached to a high-top upper  414 . A foxing strip  412 , similar to the foxing strip  12  or to other foxing strips described above, may completely surround an outer edge of the shoe  400  and cover a connection between the upper  414  and the sole structure. The shoe  400  may additionally include an ankle patch  419  located under an ankle collar  416  and over a lateral malleolus region of the upper  414  that generally corresponds to a location associated with a lateral malleolus of a wearer. A similar ankle patch  419  may also or alternatively be located on a medial side of the upper  414  in a medial malleolus region. A label  420  may be attached to a tongue  411 . The patch  419  and/or the label  420  may, similar to the foxing strip  412  and foxing strips described above, comprise a matrix in which particles  413  have been embedded, and may have layers of matrix that lack particles  413 . The particles  413  may be any type of particle previously described herein. The particles embedded in the patch  419 , in the foxing strip  412 , and in the label  420  may all be the same. Alternatively, one or more of the patch  419 , the foxing strip  412 , and/or the label  420  may comprise a type of particle (or a combination of types of particles) that is different a type of particle (or a combination of types of particles) embedded in one or both of the others of the patch  419 , the foxing strip  412 , and/or the label  420 . 
       FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view showing an arrangement of two sections  431  and  432  from which the patch  419  may be formed. The section  431  and the section  432  may, for example, comprise matrix material(s) similar to those described above (e.g., in connection with the sections  41  and  42 ). The section  431  may lack particles  413 . The section  432  may comprise particles  413 , which may be embedded in the matrix material of the section  432  in ways similar to those described above (e.g., for the section  41 ). As can be seen in  FIG. 19 , the section  431  extends over an outer edge of the section  432 . 
       FIG. 20A  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view that shows the elastomeric material sections  431  and  432  from the location indicated in  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 20A  further shows elements  435  and  436  of a mold used to form the patch  419 . The mold elements  435  and  436  may be similar to other mold elements described herein, but may comprise cavities  437  and  438  that, when the mold elements  435  and  436  are pressed together, form a mold volume corresponding to the shape of the patch  419 . 
       FIG. 20B  is a partially schematic area cross-sectional view of the patch  419  being formed by pressing the sections  431  and  432  in the cavity of the pressed-together and heated mold elements  435  and  436 . During the pressing, the matrix materials of the sections  431  and  432  soften, at least partially flow together, and fuse to form a matrix of the patch  419 , with that matrix filling the mold cavity and taking the shape of that cavity. The particles  413  may migrate beyond the original volume of the section  432  shown in broken line. Because of the presence of the section  432 , however, the particles  413  are prevented from migration to the surface of the cavity  437 , and thus from reaching positions likely to result in protrusion through a surface of the patch  419 . The section  431  may also form portion  434 , around the outer edge of the patch  419 , that may be free of the particles  413 . 
     After the heated pressing, the patch  419  may be allowed to cool and may be removed from the mold elements  435  and  436 . The matrix materials of the sections  431  and  432 , in addition being fused to one another, may also be cured as a resulted of the heated pressing. 
     The label  420  may be formed in a process similar to that described above for the patch  419 , but using sections (e.g., a section with embedded particles and a section without embedded particles) cut to appropriate shapes (e.g., rectangular shapes of approximately the same shape as the label  420 ) and mold sections that mate to form a cavity shaped to mold the label  420 . The sections used to form the label  420  may be formed from any of the materials described herein (e.g., such as those described for the sections  41  and  42 ). 
     The patch  419  and/or the label  420  may comprise any of the material features described herein, e.g., connection with sections of material used to form foxing strips. Any combination of matrix materials and/or particles described above in connection with foxing strips may be used for the sections  431  and  432  and/or for sections used to form the label  420  and/or to form other types of components. One or more additional layers of material may be added (e.g., an additional layer of matrix material without embedded particles, similar to the section  93 ). 
       FIG. 21  is a partially schematic side view of assembly rollers  531  and  532  and showing formation of an assembled section  511  from sections  521 ,  522 , and  523 . The section  511  may be, for example, a single foxing strip or a strip that may be cut into multiple foxing strips. Each of the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  may comprise strips of materials similar to those described above. The section  521 , for example, may comprise an elastomeric material matrix (e.g., such as any of the elastomeric matrix materials described above) in which particles (e.g., such as any of the particles described above) have been embedded. The section  522  may comprise an elastomeric material (e.g., such as any of the elastomeric matrix materials described above) without embedded particles. The section  523  may also comprise an elastomeric material (e.g., such as any of the elastomeric matrix materials described above) without embedded particles. The sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  may be formed by extrusion. The elastomeric material(s) forming each of the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  may be mixed and/or calendered prior to extrusion. Particles may be embedded in the section  521  by mixing the particles with one or more elastomeric materials (e.g., during one or more calendering steps) prior to extrusion of the section  521 . The elastomeric matrix materials of the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  may be uncured. 
     The sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  feed into the rollers  531  and  532 , which align the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523 . The rollers  531  and  532  rotate in the directions indicated in  FIG. 21 . The sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  are pressed together between the rollers  531  and  532 . As a result of the pressing, as well as the tacky nature of the uncured matrix materials of the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523 , the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  form layers of the assembled section  511  that are sufficiently bonded for further handling during manufacturing. After the assembled section  511  is cured (e.g., after being affixed to a shoe), the bonding becomes permanent. Although not shown in  FIG. 21 , guide bars, rollers, and/or other structures may be included to support and/or guide the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  as they are fed to the rollers  531  and  532 . Also or alternatively, the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  could be manually and/or otherwise prepositioned in contact with one another, in desired relative positions, prior to being fed into the rollers  531  and  532 . Inherent tackiness of uncured matrix materials may then keep such prepositioned sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  in the desired relative positions prior to entering the rollers  531  and  532 . Guide bars, rollers, and/or other structures may be included to support and/or guide the assembled section  511  as it emerges from the rollers  531  and  532 . 
       FIG. 22A  is an area cross-sectional view, from a first location indicated in  FIG. 21 , that shows the sections  521 ,  522 , and  523  prior to entering the rollers  531  and  532 . As indicated above, the section  521  may comprise embedded particles  513 . The sections  522  and  523  may lack embedded particles.  FIG. 22B  is an area cross-sectional view, from a second location indicated in  FIG. 21 , showing the assembled section  511 . Similar to sections formed by molding, the assembled section  511  includes layers  562  and  563  in which particles are absent, as well as a layer  561  that comprises embedded particles  513 . 
     Some or all sections used to create an assembled section (e.g., any of the sections  521 ,  522 , and/or  523 ) may comprise embedded particles, and/or an assembled section may be formed from more or fewer sections and/or from sections having different shapes.  FIGS. 23A through 23C  are area cross-sectional views, from locations similar to that indicated in  FIG. 21  for  FIG. 22B , showing additional examples of assembled sections that may be formed using the process shown in  FIG. 21 . Assembled section  551   a  shown in  FIG. 23A  may be formed by omitting the section  523 , and by increasing the thickness of the section  521 . The section  551   a  includes a layer  562   a  (similar to the layer  562 ) that lacks particles  513 , and a layer  561   a  (similar to the layer  5561 ) that comprises particles  513 . Assembled section  551   b  shown in  FIG. 23B  may be formed by eliminating the section  522 , and by increasing the thickness and width of the section  521 . The section  551   b  includes a layer  561   b  (similar to the layer  561 ) that comprises particles  513 , and a layer  563   b  (similar to the layer  563 ) that lacks particles. As shown in  FIG. 23C , a first section with embedded particles  513 , a second section without embedded particles, and a third section with embedded particles  513  may be combined between rollers create an assembled section  551   c  that comprises layers  561   c  (comprising particles  513 ),  562   c  (lacking particles  513 ), and  563   c  (comprising particles  513 ). 
     The examples of  FIGS. 22A through 23C  are not limiting. Other configurations of sections may be formed by modifying the number, shapes, and/or materials of sections fed to assembly rollers, and/or by modifying the shape of one or more extrusion dies and/or of one or more rollers. Other types of components may be formed using an extrusion process similar to that described above. For example, ankle patches and/or labels may be stamped from an extruded section similar to the section  511 . 
       FIG. 24  is a flowchart showing steps of an example method for fabricating a component (e.g., a foxing strip and/or other component (e.g., an ankle patch and/or label such as are described below)) and affixing that component to a shoe. The order of some steps may be rearranged. Some steps may be omitted and/or other steps may be added. In step  601 , one or more sections of a particle-containing material (e.g., the section  521 ) may be formed. Step  601  may comprise operations similar to those described above. In step  603 , one or more additional sections (e.g., one or more of the sections  522  and  523 ) may be formed. The section(s) formed in step  603  may lack particles of the type mixed with a matrix material in step  601 , and/or may otherwise be configured to form a part of a component that will comprise an exposed surface of that component. Step  603  may comprise operations similar to those described above. Steps  601  and/or  603  may also comprise one or more intermediate processing steps. 
     In step  605 , multiple sections formed in steps  601  and  603  may be positioned into desired locations relative to one another. For example, one or more of the sections may overlap major edges of one or more others of the sections. In step  607 , the positioned sections may be fed into formed between two rollers (e.g., between the rollers  531  and  532 ), to form an assembled section (e.g., the assembled section  511 ). In step  609 , a footwear component (e.g., a foxing strip, ankle patch, or label) may be obtained from the extruded section. 
     In step  611 , the obtained component may be attached to other components (e.g., a sole structure and/or an upper) of a shoe. Step  611  may comprise affixing other obtained components (e.g., components obtained from different extruded sections) to the other shoe components. In step  611 , tackiness of uncured materials in obtained component(s) may be used to hold the obtained component(s) in place relative to the other shoe components. Also or alternatively, additional adhesive may be used. In step  613 , the obtained component(s) may be cured. Step  613  may comprise placing a shoe comprising attached obtained component(s) into a chamber filled with a curing gas maintained at a curing temperature and/or pressure for a cure duration. After curing in step  613 , materials of the obtained component(s) may be permanently bonded to one another, and the obtained component(s) may be permanently bonded to other components of the shoe. 
     The methods described herein may also be used to form shoe components other than foxing strips, ankle patches, and/or labels, as well as to form parts of other types of apparel (e.g., pants, coats, gloves) and/or other types of wearable articles (e.g., shin guards, elbow pads, sports helmets, etc.). As used herein, the term “substantially” means mostly, or almost the same as, within the constraints of sensible commercial engineering objectives, costs, manufacturing tolerances, and capabilities in the field of manufacturing the article being formed. The term “approximately” means close to, or about, a particular value, within the constraints of sensible commercial engineering objectives, costs, manufacturing tolerances, and capabilities in the field of manufacturing the article being formed. 
     The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise examples given, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above. The examples provided herein were chosen and described in order to explain the principles and the nature of various features and their practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the present disclosure, including use with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Any and all combinations, subcombinations and permutations of features from herein-described examples are the within the scope of the disclosure. 
     For the avoidance of doubt, the present application includes the subject-matter described in the following numbered clauses:
         1. A method comprising positioning at least a first section of a first material and a second section of a second material in a mold.   2. The method of clause 1, wherein the first material is a first elastomeric material and/or the second material is a second elastomeric material.   3. The method of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the first section comprises embedded particles of a third material different from the second elastomeric material.   4. The method of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the second section covers the first section and extends past at least one edge of the first section.   5. The method of any of clause 1-4, further comprising compressing the first and second sections in the mold, while applying heat to the compressed first and second sections, to form a single molded section.   6. The method of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the embedded particles comprise glitter.   7. The method of any of clauses 1-6, wherein second section lacks particles of the third material.   8. The method of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the second elastomeric material is clear (e.g., transparent and untinted), transparent and tinted, translucent and untinted, translucent and tinted, opaque, or opaque and tinted.   9. The method of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first elastomeric material is clear (e.g., transparent and untinted), transparent and tinted, translucent and untinted, translucent and tinted, opaque, or opaque and tinted.   10. The method of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising attaching, as a foxing, at least a portion of the single molded section to an article of footwear.   11. The method of clause 10, wherein the attaching comprises attaching the at least a portion of the single molded section to one or more of a medial side heel portion of a sole structure of the article of footwear, a toe portion of the sole structure, or a lateral side heel portion of the sole structure.   12. The method of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the compressing comprises at least partially fusing the first and second sections.   13. The method of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the compressing comprises causing portions of the second section to flow over and bond to first and second edges of the first section.   14. The method of any of clauses 1-13, further comprising: applying the particles of the third material to a block of the first elastomeric material; calendering the block with the applied particles until the particles are distributed within the first elastomeric material of the block; and cutting the first section from the calendered block.   15. A method comprising positioning a first section of a first material adjacent to a second section of a second material.   16. The method of clause 15, wherein the first material is a first elastomeric material and/or the second material is a second elastomeric material.   17. The method of any of clauses 15-16, the first section has first major edges and first minor edges and comprises embedded particles of a third material different from the second elastomeric material   18. The method of any of clauses 15-17, wherein the second section, after the positioning, overlaps the first section along at least portions of the first major edges.   19. The method of any of clauses 15-18, further comprising compressing and heating the first section and the second section in a mold to form a single molded section.   20. The method of any of clauses 15-19, wherein the mold comprises a footwear foxing mold.   21. The method of any of clauses 15-20, further comprising attaching, as a foxing, at least a portion of the single molded section to an article of footwear.   22. The method of any of clauses 15-21, wherein second section lacks particles of the third material.   23. The method of any of clauses 15-22, wherein the first elastomeric material is clear (e.g., transparent and untinted), transparent and tinted, translucent and untinted, translucent and tinted, opaque, or opaque and tinted; wherein the second elastomeric material is clear (e.g., transparent and untinted), transparent and tinted, translucent and untinted, translucent and tinted, opaque, or opaque and tinted; and wherein the embedded particles optionally comprise glitter particles.   24. The method of any of clauses 15-23, wherein the compressing and heating comprise at least partially fusing the first and second sections.   25. The method of any of clauses 15-24, wherein the compressing and heating comprise causing portions of the second section to flow over and bond to the first section along the first major edges.   26. An article comprising: a sole structure; an upper attached to the sole structure; and a foxing strip, surrounding an outer edge of the sole structure, and comprising an inner zone, an outer zone, a bottom zone, and a top zone.   27. The article of clause 26, wherein the foxing strip is elastomeric.   28. The article of any of clauses 26-27, wherein the inner zone is disposed between the outer zone and the sole structure and comprises a bottom edge and a top edge.   29. The article of any of clauses 26-28, the bottom edge is proximate to an exposed outsole surface of the sole structure.   30. The article of any of clauses 26-29, wherein the top edge is displaced from the bottom edge and toward the upper.   31. The article of any of clauses 26-30, wherein the bottom zone covers the bottom edge and the top zone covers the top edge.   32. The article of any of clauses 26-31, wherein particles of a third material, different from one or more elastomeric materials forming the foxing strip, are distributed throughout the inner zone.   33. The article of any of clauses 26-32, wherein the outer, bottom, and top zones are substantially free of the third material.   34. The article of any of clauses 26-33, wherein the inner zone and the outer zone are at least partially fused together.   35. The article of any of clauses 26-34, wherein the particles comprise glitter.   36. The article of any of clauses 26-35, wherein the foxing strip extends along one or more of a medial side heel portion of the sole structure, a medial side midfoot portion of the sole structure, a medial side forefoot portion of the sole structure, a toe portion of the sole structure, a lateral side forefoot portion of the sole structure, a lateral side midfoot portion of the sole structure, or a lateral side heel portion of the sole structure.   37. The article of any of clauses 26-36, wherein the foxing strip extends continuously from a medial side heel portion of the sole structure, around a toe portion of the sole structure, and to a lateral side heel portion of the sole structure.   38. A method comprising feeding sections comprising at least a first section comprising a first material and a second section comprising a second material between rollers.   39. The method of clause 38, wherein one or more of the sections are formed by extrusion.   40. The method of any of clauses 38-39, wherein the first material is a first elastomeric material and the second material is a second elastomeric material.   41. The method of any of clauses 38-40, wherein the first section comprises embedded particles of a third material different from the second elastomeric material.   42. The method of any of clauses 38-42, wherein the second section covers the first section and extends past at least one edge of the first section.   43. The method of any of clauses 38-42, wherein the sections comprise a third section of a fourth material.   44. The method of any of clauses 38-43, wherein one or more of the first material, the second material, and the fourth material are the same.   45. The method of any of clauses 38-44, further comprising pressing the sections between the rollers to form an assembled section.   46. The method of any of clauses 38-45, further comprising obtaining a footwear component from the assembled section.   47. The method of clause 46, wherein obtaining the footwear component comprises cutting the footwear component from the assembled section.   48. The method of any of clauses 46-47, wherein the footwear component comprises a foxing strip, an ankle patch, or a label.   49. The method of any of clauses 46-48, further comprising attaching the footwear component to at least one of a shoe sole structure or a shoe upper.   50. The method of any of clauses 46-49, further comprising curing the footwear component.