Patent Publication Number: US-11395524-B2

Title: Strobel for an article of footwear and method of manufacturing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/773,336, filed Nov. 30, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to an article of footwear having a strobel with a through hole and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Footwear typically includes a sole structure configured to be located under a wearer&#39;s foot to space the foot away from the ground. Sole structures may typically be configured to provide one or more of cushioning, motion control, and resiliency. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary rather than to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a strobel. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an article of footwear including the strobel of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the strobel of  FIG. 1  with a foot shown in phantom resting on the strobel. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a foot pressure map corresponding with the foot of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 2  taken at lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the strobel of  FIG. 1  aligned for stitching to an upper. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the strobel and upper of  FIG. 6 , with the strobel stitched to the upper. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the strobel and upper of  FIG. 6  being moved toward placement on a last. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the lasted upper and strobel of  FIG. 8  with adhesive placed on a distal surface of the strobel. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the lasted upper and strobel of  FIG. 9  with a midsole being moved toward placement against the adhesive on the distal surface of the strobel. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a strobel in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the strobel of  FIG. 11  aligned for stitching to an upper. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the strobel and upper of  FIG. 12 , with the strobel stitched to the upper. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the strobel and upper of  FIG. 13  being moved toward placement on a last. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the lasted upper and strobel of  FIG. 14  with adhesive placed on a distal surface of the strobel. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the lasted upper and strobel of  FIG. 15  with portions of the strobel being removed at perforations to define through holes. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of a strobel having perforations in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the strobel of  FIG. 17  with portions removed at the perforations to define through holes. 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the strobel of  FIG. 18  with a foot shown in phantom resting on the strobel. 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of an article of footwear with the strobel of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing an article of footwear with any of the strobels disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of a strobel in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of a strobel in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of a strobel in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of a strobel in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of a strobel in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear and a method of manufacturing an article of footwear that includes a strobel that both enables lasting of the upper and enhances the ability of the cushioning and other performance properties of an underlying midsole to be transmitted directly to key loaded areas of a wearer&#39;s foot without interference, distortion or obstruction of the strobel. In an example, an article of footwear may comprise a strobel having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The strobel may define a forefoot through hole in the forefoot region and a heel through hole in the heel region. The shape, the position, or both the shape and the position of the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole may be based on a foot pressure map. 
     In an example, the article of footwear may further comprise a midsole having a proximal surface secured to the strobel. The forefoot through hole and the heel through hole may span over the proximal surface of the midsole. The strobel, the proximal surface of the midsole at the forefoot through hole, and the proximal surface of the midsole at the heel through hole may together define a foot support surface. Stated differently, portions of the midsole underlying the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole form part of the foot support surface and the properties of the midsole are transmitted to the foot at these locations without the strobel intervening. 
     In one or more implementations, the article of footwear may further comprise an adhesive layer at which a distal surface of the strobel is adhered to the proximal surface of the midsole. Moreover, in one or more configurations, the adhesive layer does not extend across the proximal surface of the midsole at the forefoot through hole or at the heel through hole. Accordingly, an underlying midsole is not encumbered by the adhesive at the through holes, and the adhesive does not affect the transmission of properties of the midsole to a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     In one or more configurations, an edge of the strobel surrounding the through hole in the forefoot region and an edge of the strobel surrounding the through hole in the heel region may be defined by perforation. For example, the strobel may first be perforated, and then portions of the strobel may be removed at the perforations to define the through holes. In some configurations, the strobel may be a recyclable material. Any portions of the strobel removed at the through holes can then be recycled. 
     In a further aspect of the disclosure, the through holes may be positioned to align with certain portions of a wearer&#39;s foot that bear relatively high loads, such as the metatarsal heads and the heel. For example, the forefoot region may encompass a phalangeal region and a metatarsal head region, with the phalangeal region between a forward edge of the strobel and the metatarsal head region, and the metatarsal head region between the phalangeal region and the midfoot region. The forefoot through hole may be in the metatarsal head region. In an embodiment, this forefoot through hole is a first forefoot through hole, and the strobel also defines a second forefoot through hole that may be substantially in the phalangeal region. When the through holes are of a substantial width, the relatively stiff material of the strobel has less affect on the cushioning and flexibility of the article of footwear at the through hole, and a greater amount of an underlying midsole can define the foot support surface. For example, the first forefoot through hole may be surrounded by the strobel, and may have a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the metatarsal head region. In addition, the second forefoot through hole may have a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the phalangeal region. 
     In one or more implementations, a rear edge of the second forefoot through hole may be straight between a rounded medial corner and a rounded lateral corner of the second forefoot through hole. A front edge of the first forefoot through hole may also be straight between a rounded forward medial corner and a rounded forward lateral corner of the first forefoot through hole. A rear edge of the first forefoot through hole may be straight between a rounded rear medial corner and a rounded rear lateral corner of the first forefoot through hole. 
     In an example, a width of the strobel bounding lateral and medial sides of the first forefoot through hole and bounding lateral and medial sides of the second forefoot through hole is constant. As used herein, a width is “constant” if it varies by not more than 5 percent, not considering variations in width at locating features. 
     In one or more configurations, in additional to the first forefoot through hole, the strobel may define a plurality of additional forefoot through holes substantially in the phalangeal region. For example, the additional forefoot through holes may each be relatively small, but their number and proximity to one another may increase the flexibility of the strobel and minimize any interference that it may have on the transmission of properties of the underlying sole structure in the phalangeal region. In one or more implementations, the additional forefoot through holes may each have a width in a transverse direction of the strobel greater than a length in a longitudinal direction of the strobel. Accordingly, the through holes are elongated in the transverse direction. Similarly, the heel through hole described above may be a first heel through hole, and the strobel may define a plurality of additional heel through holes substantially in the heel region between the first heel through hole and the midfoot region. The plurality of additional heel through holes may be surrounded by the strobel. As with the additional forefoot through holes, the additional heel through holes may each be relatively small, but their number and proximity to one another may increase the flexibility of the strobel and minimize any interference that it may have on the transmission of properties of the underlying sole structure in the heel region. In one or more implementations, the additional heel through holes each have a width in a transverse direction of the strobel greater than a length in a longitudinal direction of the strobel. 
     In one or more configurations, the heel through hole may have a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the heel region. A front edge of the heel through hole may be straight between a rounded forward medial corner and a rounded forward lateral corner of the heel through hole. 
     In one or more implementations of the disclosure, the article of footwear may further comprise an upper secured to an outer periphery of the strobel and defining a foot-receiving cavity over the strobel. Because the strobel may surround the through holes, the outer periphery is outward of the through holes, and the upper helps to locate the foot in the foot-receiving cavity over the strobel so that the portions of the foot align with and are supported on the foot support surface as intended, with the metatarsal heads disposed at the forefoot through hole and the heel disposed at the heel through hole. 
     In an aspect of the disclosure, an article of footwear comprises a strobel having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The strobel may define a forefoot through hole in the forefoot region. The forefoot through hole may have a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the forefoot region. A front edge of the forefoot through hole may be straight between a rounded front medial corner and a rounded front lateral corner of the forefoot through hole. A rear edge of the forefoot through hole may be straight between a rounded rear medial corner and a rounded rear lateral corner of the first forefoot through hole. The shape, the position, or both the shape and the position of the forefoot through hole may be based on a foot pressure map. Additionally, a width of the strobel bounding lateral and medial sides of the forefoot through hole may be constant. In an aspect of the disclosure, the strobel may include at least one of an additional forefoot through hole having a width greater than 50 percent of a width of the strobel in the forefoot region, and a heel through hole having a width greater than 50 percent of a width of the strobel in the heel region. 
     In an aspect of the disclosure, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear may comprise securing a midsole to a strobel. The strobel may have a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The strobel may define a forefoot through hole in the forefoot region and a heel through hole in the heel region. The shape and/or position of the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole may be based on a foot pressure map. 
     In one or more configurations, the method may further comprise securing the strobel to an upper to define a foot-receiving cavity prior to securing the midsole to the strobel. Still further, the method may comprise placing the strobel and the upper on a last by inserting the last in the foot-receiving cavity. 
     In an aspect, the method may comprise disposing an adhesive on a distal surface of the strobel, or on a proximal surface of the midsole, or on both the distal surface of the strobel and the proximal surface of the midsole. Securing the midsole to the strobel may be by positioning the proximal surface of the midsole adjacent to the distal surface of the strobel to adhere the midsole to the strobel with the adhesive. 
     In one or more configurations, adhesive may be disposed on the distal surface of the strobel without extending across the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole. Furthermore, the method may include perforating the strobel to define perforations in the forefoot region and perforations in the heel region prior to disposing the adhesive on the distal surface of the strobel. The method may further include removing a portion of the strobel at the perforations in the forefoot region to define the forefoot through hole, and removing a portion of the strobel at the perforations in the heel region to define the heel through hole. Disposing the adhesive on the distal surface of the strobel may be prior to removing the portion of the strobel at the perforations in the forefoot region, and before removing the portion of the strobel at the perforations in the heel region. In addition, the method may further comprise recycling the portion of the strobel removed at the perforations in the forefoot region and the portion of the strobel removed at the perforations in the heel region. 
     The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a strobel  10  for an article of footwear is shown. The foot support surface  12  of the strobel  10  is shown. The strobel  10  includes a forefoot region  14 , a midfoot region  16 , and a heel region  18 . As such the strobel  10  is configured to extend below the length of a foot supported thereon, and may be referred to as a full-length strobel. The forefoot region  14  generally includes portions of the strobel  10  corresponding with the toes and the metatarsophalangeal joints (which may be referred to as MPT or MPJ joints) connecting the metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal phalanges of the toes. The forefoot region  14  can thus be divided into a phalangeal region  15  and a metatarsal head region  17 . The phalangeal region  15  generally corresponds with the phalanges, including distal, middle, and proximal phalanxes, and the metatarsal head region  17  generally corresponds with the metatarsal bones and the MPJ joints. The phalangeal region  15  is between the forward edge  19  of the strobel  10  and the metatarsal head region  17 , and the metatarsal head region  17  is between the phalangeal region  15  and the midfoot region  16 . 
     The midfoot region  16  generally includes portions of the strobel  10  corresponding with the arch area and instep of the foot, and the heel region  18  corresponds with rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. The forefoot region  14 , the midfoot region  16 , and the heel region  18  are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the strobel  10 , but are instead intended to represent general areas of the strobel  10  to aid in the following discussion. 
     The strobel  10  has an outer edge  20  extending completely around the strobel  10  and defining the outer perimeter of the strobel  10 . The outer edge  20  includes a portion referred to as a medial side edge  22  and a portion referred to as a lateral side edge  24 . The medial side edge  22  and the lateral side edge  24  extend through each of the forefoot region  14 , the midfoot region  16 , and the heel region  18 , and correspond with opposite sides of the strobel  10 , each falling on an opposite side of a longitudinal midline  26  of the strobel  10 . The medial side edge  22  is thus considered opposite to the lateral side edge  24 . The outer edge  20  also includes a portion referred to as a forward edge  19  and a portion referred to as a rear edge  21 . Locating features  27  such as notches are disposed about the outer edge  20  and are used in precisely positioning the strobel  10  relative to an upper when securing the strobel  10  to the upper and/or in precisely positioning the strobel  10  on a last. 
     The strobel  10  may be comprised of one or more of a variety of materials that are relatively inelastic in order to serve its function of closing the bottom of an upper when the upper is lasted and precisely locating the upper on the last. For example, if the strobel  10  is elastic, it is more apt to vary in location once placed on the last. However, relatively inelastic material used for a strobel could have the drawback of diminishing the ability of cushioning and compression characteristics of an underlying sole structure, including a midsole, to be relayed to and felt by the foot. 
     In part to overcome these potential disadvantages of a strobel, the strobel  10  represents a departure from traditional strobel designs by including multiple through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34 , each of which is extends entirely through the strobel  10  from the foot support surface  12  to an opposite distal surface. The strobel  10  defines a first forefoot through hole  30  and a second forefoot through hole  32  in the forefoot region  14 , and a heel through hole  34  in the heel region  18 . The through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  are entirely surrounded by the strobel  10 . Stated differently, the first forefoot through hole  30  has a closed shape with an outer boundary defined by an edge  31  of the strobel  10 . The second forefoot through hole  32  has a closed shape with an outer boundary defined by an edge  33  of the strobel  10 . The heel through hole  34  has a closed shape with an outer boundary defined by an edge  35  of the strobel  10 . By configuring the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  as closed shapes, the continuous outer edge  20  of the strobel  10  is not broken by any intersection with the through holes, and may have the advantage of easy securement to an upper, such as by sewing around the continuous edge. The through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  may be defined by laser cutting the strobel  10 , molding the strobel  10  with the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34 , or by removing portions of the strobel  10  at perforations as described herein. Any portions removed may be recycled as described herein. 
     The first forefoot through hole  30  is substantially in the metatarsal head region  17 , and the second forefoot through hole  32  is substantially in the phalangeal region  15 . A strip  36  of the strobel  10  extends between and separates the first and second through holes  30 ,  32 . The strobel extends continuously from the medial side edge  22  to the lateral side edge  24  at the strip  36 . Because of the strip  36 , the width of the relatively inelastic strobel  10  is maintained at and restrained by the strip  36  during the lasting process. 
     The through holes are relatively wide in order to expose a substantial portion of an underlying midsole to a foot. For example, the first forefoot through hole  30  may have a maximum width W 1  greater than 50 percent of a maximum width WA of the strobel  10  in the forefoot region  14 . For purposes of this comparison, the widths are measured perpendicular to the longitudinal midline  26 . The second forefoot through hole  32  may also have a width W 2  greater than 50 percent of the maximum width WA of the strobel  10  in the forefoot region  14 . The heel through hole  34  is of a maximum width W 3  greater than 50 percent of a maximum width WB of the strobel  10  in the heel region  18 . When the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  are of such a substantial width, the relatively stiff material of the strobel  10  has less affect on the cushioning and flexibility of the article of footwear at the through hole, and a greater amount of an underlying midsole can define the foot support surface. 
     The second forefoot through-hole  32  has a rear edge  37  that is straight between a rounded medial corner  39  and a rounded lateral corner  41  of the second forefoot through hole  32 . A front edge  43  of the first forefoot through hole  30  is straight between a rounded forward medial corner  45  and a rounded forward lateral corner  49  of the first forefoot through hole  30 . Additionally, a width of the strobel WC bounding lateral and medial sides of the first forefoot through hole  30  and bounding lateral and medial sides of the second forefoot through hole  32  is constant. The width of the strip  36  may also be the same width WC as the portion of the strobel  10  bounding the first and second forefoot through-holes  30 ,  32  on the medial and lateral sides. The width WC is measured perpendicular to the edges  22  and  31  or  33 , and perpendicular to the edges  24  and  31  or  33 , and does not include variations due to locating features  27 . The width WC of the strip  36  is measured perpendicular to the edges  31 ,  33 . As used herein, the width WC is “constant” as it varies by not more than 5 percent, not considering variations in width at locating features. 
       FIG. 2  shows an article of footwear  40  in exploded view. The article of footwear  40  includes the strobel  10  of  FIG. 1 . The article of footwear  40  may include an upper  42  configured to be secured at a lower extent  46  to a periphery of the strobel  10  around the continuous outer edge  20  so that the strobel  10  closes an opened lower end of the upper  42 , the upper  42  and the strobel  10  together defining a void that serves as a foot-receiving cavity  44  configured to receive a foot. The upper  42  may have locating features  47  such as markings or openings that are spaced apart from one another correspondingly with the spacing of the locating features  27  of the strobel  10  so that they can be aligned with the locating features  27  to help align the upper  42  with the strobel  10  prior to securement. The upper  42  may be a variety of materials, such as leather, textiles, polymers, cotton, foam, composites, etc. For example, the upper  42  may be a polymeric material capable of providing elasticity, and may be of a braided construction, a knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) construction, or a woven construction. An insole (not shown) may rest in the foot-receiving cavity  44  on the foot support surface  12 . The upper  42  may be tightenable around the foot to help locate the foot over the strobel and align the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  with the intended portions of the foot as discussed herein. 
     The article of footwear  40  may also include a sole structure  50  that includes a midsole  52  having a proximal surface  54  secured to a distal surface  55  of the strobel  10  at least in part by adhesive (not shown in  FIG. 2 ). The forefoot through holes  30 ,  32  and the heel through hole  34  may span over the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52 . Due to the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34 , portions of the midsole  52  underlying the forefoot through holes  30 ,  32  and the heel through hole  34  form part of the foot support surface along with the foot support surface  12  of the strobel  10 , and the properties of the midsole  52  are transmitted to the foot at these locations without the strobel  10  intervening. 
     The midsole  52  may be formed from a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., a polyurethane or ethylvinylacetate foam) that attenuates ground reaction forces (e.g., provides cushioning) when compressed between a foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In further configurations, the midsole  52  may incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motions of the foot. The midsole  52  may be a single, one-piece midsole, or could be multiple components integrated as a unit. The sole structure  50  may include an outsole  56  that could be one-piece, or may be several outsole components, and may be formed from a variety of materials, such as but not limited to wear-resistant rubber material that may be textured to impart traction, and/or may include traction elements such as cleats secured to the midsole  52 . In some embodiments, the midsole  52  may be integrated with the outsole  56  as a unisole. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a foot  60  is shown in phantom resting on the strobel  10  in the position it will be in when inserted into the article of footwear  40 . The foot  60  may be representative of an average foot of the standard shoe size (e.g., United States shoe size scale) for which the strobel  10  and article of footwear  40  is intended. For example, the configuration of the representative foot  60  may be based on averages of measurement data of a portion of the population. Alternatively, the foot  60  may be based on measurements of a particular wearer for which the strobel  10  and the article of footwear  40  is custom fit. In either case, the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  may be positioned to align with certain portions of the wearer&#39;s foot  60  that bear relatively high loads, such as the metatarsal heads  62 , the phalanges  66 , and the heel at the calcaneus bone  64 . The metatarsal heads  62  are disposed directly over the first forefoot through hole  30 , and the calcaneus bone  64  is disposed directly over the heel through hole  34 . Phalanges  66  are disposed substantially over the second forefoot through hole  32 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a pressure map  70  of the foot  60 . The outer boundary of the foot  60  is indicated in phantom, and the relative pressures exerted on the foot  60  are indicated by a density of shading as a pressure map  70 . The pressure map  70  is based on a measurement of pressures distributed over the foot  60  during stationary or ambulatory activities, and may be representative of a population average, or of an individual customer for which the strobel  10  and article of footwear  40  are customized. A pressure monitoring system may be used to collect the data. For illustrative purposes, the relative magnitudes of the pressures of loads on the foot are indicated by the density of shading. More dense shading corresponds to relatively higher pressures. The pressures are divided into ranges, and are indicated as pressure zones Z 1 , Z 2 , Z 3  and Z 4 . One or more first zones indicated as Z 1  cover the areas of the foot  60  that experienced a first, highest range of pressures during the measurement. One or more second zones indicated as Z 2  cover areas of the foot  60  that experienced pressures in a second range of pressures higher than the first range during the measurement. One or more third zones indicated as Z 3  cover areas that experienced pressure in a third range of pressures higher than the second range during the measurement. Zone Z 4  covers areas that experienced pressure in a fourth range of pressures higher than the third range. When  FIG. 4  is viewed in conjunction with  FIG. 3 , it is evident that the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  generally correspond with the higher pressure zones Z 2 -Z 4 , and the higher pressure zones Z 2 -Z 4  generally correspond with loading by the metatarsal heads  62 , the calcaneus bone  64  of the heel, and the phalanges  66 . Moreover, the through holes  30  and  34  are substantially centered over the zone with the highest range of pressures, zone Z 4 . 
       FIG. 5  shows the foot  60  supported on the strobel  10 , with the metatarsal heads  62  extending over the first forefoot through hole  30  and supported on the midsole  52  without the strobel  10  between the metatarsal heads  62  and the midsole  52 . The phalanges  66  extend over the second forefoot through hole  32  and are supported on the midsole  52  without the strobel  10  between the phalanges  66  and the midsole  52 . The calcaneus bone  64  of the heel extends over the heel through hole  34  and is supported on the midsole  52  without the strobel between the calcaneus bone  64  and the midsole  52 . Therefore, in addition to portions of the foot resting on the foot support surface  12  of the strobel  10 , portions of the foot  60  with the highest pressure loading rest directly on the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52 . These portions of the foot  60  are subjected more directly to the resilient cushioning of the midsole  52 , without the inelastic strobel  10  intervening and potentially altering the affect of the midsole cushioning. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the strobel  10  and upper  42  may be placed adjacent one another, as indicated by the arrow A, with the strobel  10  at the open lower end of the upper  42 , and locating features  27  (e.g., notches) of the strobel  10  may be aligned with locating features  47  (e.g., apertures or markings) of the upper  42 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the strobel  10  may be secured to the lower extent  46  of the upper  42  to define the foot-receiving cavity  44 . Securing the strobel  10  to the upper  42  may be by stitching the lower extent  46  to a periphery of the strobel  10  around the continuous outer edge  20  as shown by a series of stitches  71 . Other modes of securing the strobel  10  to the upper  42  may include adhesives or thermal bonding. 
     In  FIG. 8 , the strobel  10  and the upper  42  secured thereto are placed on a last  72  by inserting the last  72  into the foot-receiving cavity  44 . This may be accomplished by moving the strobel  10  and upper  42  toward the last  72  as shown by arrow B. The toe end of the last  72  may need to be inserted into first through an ankle opening into the foot-receiving cavity  44 . The upper  42  may need to be tightened around the last  72  if it includes laces or another tightening system. The last  72  may have locating features  74  such as markings that are spaced apart from one another with the same spacing as the locating features  27  and  47  to aid in properly positioning the strobel  10  and upper  42  on the last  72 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , in preparation for securing the midsole  52  to the strobel  10 , an adhesive  76 , also referred to as an adhesive layer, is disposed on the distal surface  55  of the strobel  10 . The adhesive  76  is represented by dot shading in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the adhesive  76  may be disposed on the distal surface  55  of the strobel  10  without extending across the forefoot through holes  30 ,  32  and the heel through hole  34  so that it is not disposed on the last  72 . In another aspect, the adhesive  76  could instead by disposed on the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52 , or on both the distal surface  55  of the strobel  10  and the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the midsole  52  being moved toward the strobel  10  as indicated by arrow C to position the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52  adjacent to the distal surface  55  of the strobel  10 . Once in contact with one another, the midsole  52  is secured to the strobel  10  by adhering the midsole to the strobel with the adhesive  76 . The midsole  52  may be kept in this position for a predetermined amount of time deemed necessary for the adhesive  76  to cure. In some embodiments, the midsole  52  may be in a heated state that causes it to thermally bond to the strobel  10  and upper  42 , in which case the use of adhesive may be reduced or avoided. The outsole  56  is not shown in  FIG. 10 , but may be secured to the midsole  52  before the midsole  52  is secured to the strobel  10 . For example, the outsole  56  may be co-molded with the midsole  52  or may be adhered to the midsole  52 . In some embodiments, the outsole  56  may be secured to the midsole  52  after the midsole  52  is secured to the strobel  10 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the strobel  10  in which the strobel  10  is perforated at perforations  80 ,  82 , and  84  (only some of which are labelled). The perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84  are arranged in the shape of the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34 , respectively so that when portions  81 ,  83 ,  85  of the strobel  10  are removed at the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84 , the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  are established, and the edges  31 ,  33 ,  35  of the strobel  10  are defined by the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84  (see  FIG. 16 ). 
     In  FIG. 12 , the perforated strobel  10  is shown being positioned at the open end of the upper  42  as described in  FIG. 6 . In  FIG. 13 , the strobel  10  is shown being secured to the upper  42  by stitching as described in  FIG. 7 . In  FIG. 14 , the strobel  10  with the upper  42  secured thereto is shown being placed on the last  72  as described in  FIG. 8 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , after the strobel  10  with the upper  42  secured thereto are on the last  72 , the adhesive  76  is disposed on the distal surface  55  of the strobel  10 , including across the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84 , and the portions  81 ,  83 ,  85  surrounded by the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84 . The through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  are not yet in existence (because the portions  81 ,  83 ,  85  are not yet removed), and disposing the adhesive  76  across the portions  81 ,  83 ,  85  that will later be removed to define the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  may be easier than disposing the adhesive  76  carefully around (i.e., without extending across) the through holes  30 ,  32 ,  34  as in  FIG. 9 . For example, the adhesive  76  may be disposed with a roller by rolling across the entire distal surface  55  of the strobel  10 , including those portions  81 ,  83 ,  85  surrounded by the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84 . This may reduce manufacturing time. 
     In  FIG. 16 , after the adhesive  76  is disposed on the strobel  10 , the portion  81  of the strobel  10  in the forefoot region  14  is removed by tearing the strobel  10  at the perforations  80 . This defines the edge  31  and the first forefoot through hole  30 . Another portion  83  of the strobel  10  in the forefoot region  14  is removed by tearing the strobel  10  at the perforations  82 . This defines the edge  33  and the second forefoot through hole  32 . Additionally, a portion  85  strobel  10  in the heel region  18  is removed by tearing the strobel  10  at the perforations  84 . This defines the edge  35  and the heel through hole  34 . In addition, the portion  81 ,  83 ,  85  of the strobel  10  removed at the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84  may be recycled. 
       FIG. 17  shows an embodiment of a strobel  110  that can be used in the article of footwear  40  in place of strobel  10 . The strobel  110  is provided with perforations that define the edges of through holes. For example, in the metatarsal head region  17 , perforations  180  are provided that define the shape of the edge of a first forefoot through hole. A plurality of perforations  182  that define edges of additional, relatively small, forefoot through holes are substantially in the phalangeal region  15 . In the heel region  18 , perforations  184  are provided in the shape of the edge of a first heel through hole. A plurality of perforations  186  define edges of additional, relatively small, heel through holes substantially in the heel region  18  between the perforations  184  and the midfoot region  16 . The midfoot region  16  is free of perforations and through holes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , when portions of the strobel  110  at the perforations  180 ,  182 ,  184 ,  186  of  FIG. 17  are removed in a manner similar to that described with respect to the perforations  80 ,  82 ,  84  of  FIG. 15 , through holes  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  138  are established in the strobel  110  extending through the strobel  110  from a foot support surface  112  to an opposite distal surface. The edge  131  of the strobel  110  defines the first forefoot through hole  130  in the metatarsal head region  17 . Edges  133  (only some of which are labeled) define additional forefoot through holes  132  in the phalangeal region  15 . The additional forefoot through holes  132  are each relatively small. For example, each has a width far smaller than the width of the strobel  10  in the forefoot region  14 . However, their number and proximity to one another may increase the flexibility of the strobel  110  and minimize its impact on an underlying sole structure in the phalangeal region  15  in that the cushioning effects of an underlying midsole may be transmitted directly to a foot resting on the strobel  110  at the locations of the through holes  132 . 
     When portions of the strobel  110  at perforations  184  are removed, the strobel  110  has an edge  135  that defines a relatively large first heel through hole  134 . When portions of the strobel  110  at perforations  186  are removed, the strobel  110  has edges  137  (only some of which are labeled) that define a plurality of additional heel through holes  138  substantially in the heel region  18  between the first heel through hole  134  and the midfoot region  16 . The plurality of additional heel through holes  138  are surrounded by the strobel  110 . As with the additional forefoot through holes  132 , the additional heel through holes  138  may each be relatively small, but their number and proximity to one another may increase the flexibility of the strobel  110  and minimize its impact on underlying sole structure in the heel region  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 19 , the foot  60  previously described herein is shown in phantom resting on the strobel  110  in the position it will be in when inserted into the article of footwear  40  (with the strobel  110  used in place of strobel  10 ). The metatarsal heads  62  are disposed substantially directly over the first forefoot through hole  130 . Phalanges  66  are disposed substantially directly over the additional forefoot through holes  132 . The calcaneus bone  64  is disposed substantially directly over the first heel through hole  134 . Additional heel through holes  138  are just forward of the calcaneus bone  64  in the heel region  18 . 
       FIG. 20  shows the distal surface  155  of the strobel  110  is secured to the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52 . The foot  60  is supported on the strobel  110 , with the metatarsal heads  62  extending over the first forefoot through hole  130  and supported on the midsole  52  without the strobel  110  between the metatarsal heads  62  and the midsole  52 . The phalanges  66  extend over the additional forefoot through holes  132  and are supported on the midsole  52  without the strobel  110  between the phalanges  66  and the midsole  52  at the through holes  132 . The calcaneus bone  64  of the heel extends over the first heel through hole  134  and is supported on the midsole  52  without the strobel  110  between the calcaneus bone  64  and the midsole  52 . The additional heel through holes  138  are just forward of the calcaneus bone  64  in the heel region  18 . Therefore, in addition to portions of the foot resting on the foot support surface  112  of the strobel  110 , portions of the foot  60  with the highest pressure loading (as determined by measurements resulting in the foot pressure map  70  of  FIG. 4 ) rest directly on the proximal surface  54  of the midsole  52 . The support surface  112  and the proximal surface  54  together define the foot support surface on which the foot  60  directly rests. These highly loaded portions of the foot  60  are therefore subjected more directly to the resilient cushioning of the midsole  52 , without the inelastic strobel  110  intervening and potentially altering the effect of the midsole cushioning. 
       FIG. 21  shows a flowchart illustrating the steps of a method  200  of manufacturing any of the strobels  10 ,  110  of the present disclosure as shown and described herein. The method  200  begins with step  202 , providing a strobel with a forefoot through hole and a heel through hole each having a shape and/or position corresponding with a foot pressure map. For strobels in which the through holes are provided by removing portions of the strobel at perforations, step  202  may include sub step  204 , perforating the strobel. Step  204 , step  212  and step  214  are shown in dashed lines as these steps apply to only a subset of the strobels manufactured according to the method  200 . 
     Next, in step  206 , the strobel is secured to an upper, such as by stitching. The strobel with the upper secured thereto are then placed on a last in step  208 . Adhesive is then disposed on the distal surface of the strobel in step  210 , avoiding the through holes in embodiments in which the through holes are already provided at the time the strobel and upper are placed on the last (e.g., embodiments not having perforations at which portions are removed after the adhesive is disposed on the strobel). 
     In embodiments in which the strobel is perforated, the method  200  includes step  212 , removing portions of the strobel at the perforations in the forefoot region and in the heel region to thereby provide the forefoot and heel through holes. In such embodiments, the removed portions can then be recycled in step  214 . Next, the midsole is secured to the strobel at the adhesive in step  216 , with the through holes extending over the proximal surface of the midsole. 
       FIG. 22  shows an embodiment of a strobel  310  that may be used in place of strobel  10  in the article of footwear  40  and alike in all aspects to strobel  10  (including materials and lasting processes) except as discussed herein. The strobel  310  has a first forefoot through hole  330 . Like strobel  10 , the through hole  330  may correspond to a metatarsal head region  17  of a foot and relatively high pressure zones of a pressure map  70  thereof. The through hole  330  may extend partially into the midfoot region  16  as well. Additionally, the through hole  330  may be perforated or laser cut. The through hole  330  may have a maximum width W 1  greater than 50 percent of a maximum width WA of the strobel  310  in the forefoot region  14 . Locating features  327  are shown as protrusions in the outer edge  20  of the strobel  310  and are disposed in the same locations as and serve the same function as the locating features  27  that are notches. 
     The front edge  43  of the first forefoot through hole  330  is straight between a rounded forward medial corner  45  and a rounded forward lateral corner  49  of the first forefoot through hole  330 . A rear edge  51  of the first forefoot through hole  330  is straight between a rounded rear medial corner  53  and a rounded rear lateral corner  57  of the first forefoot through hole  330 . Additionally, the width WC of the strobel  310  bounding the edge  31  of the through hole  330  at lateral and medial sides of the first forefoot through hole  330  is constant, as defined herein. 
       FIG. 23  shows a strobel  310 A for use in place of strobel  10  in the article of footwear  40  and alike strobel  310  in all aspects except that strobel  310 A includes a second forefoot through hole  332  forward of the first forefoot through hole  330  and in the phalangeal region  15  of the strobel  310 A. The second forefoot through hole  332  has a rear edge  37  that is straight between the rounded medial corner  39  and a rounded lateral corner  41  of the second forefoot through hole  332 . The second forefoot through hole  332  may also have a width W 2  greater than 50 percent of the maximum width WA of the strobel  310 A in the forefoot region  14 . Like strobel  10 , a strip  36  of the strobel  310 A extends between and separates the first and second through holes  330 ,  332 . The strobel  310 A extends continuously from the medial side edge  22  to the lateral side edge  24  at the strip  36 . Additionally, the width WC of the strobel  310 A bounding the edge  31  of the through hole  330  at lateral and medial sides of the first forefoot through hole  330  and bounding the edge  33  of the through hole  332  at lateral and medial sides of the second forefoot through hole  332  is constant, as defined herein. 
       FIG. 24  shows a strobel  310 B for use in place of strobel  10  in the article of footwear  40  and alike in all aspects to strobel  310 A except that strobel  310 B also has a heel through hole  334  in the heel region  18  of the strobel  310 B. The heel through hole  334  has a maximum width W 3  greater than 50 percent of a maximum width WB of the strobel  310 B in the heel region  18 . A front edge  61  of the heel through hole  334  is straight between a rounded forward medial corner  63  and a rounded forward lateral corner  65  of the heel through hole  334 . 
       FIG. 25  shows a strobel  410  for use in place of strobel  10  in the article of footwear  40  and alike in all aspects to strobel  10  except as discussed herein. The strobel  410  has a first forefoot through hole  430  in the metatarsal head region  17 , and a plurality of additional forefoot through holes  430 A,  430 B,  430 C, and  430 D of various sizes, both forward of and rearward of the first forefoot through hole  430  in the forefoot region  14 , including in the phalangeal region  15 . Only some of the forefoot through holes  430 ,  430 A,  430 B,  430 C,  430 D of each size are labeled. The forefoot through holes  430 A have the same width in the transverse direction (e.g., a direction from the medial side edge  22  to the lateral side edge  24 ) and the same length in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the direction from the forward edge  19  to the rear edge  21 ) as the first forefoot through hole  430 . The forefoot through holes  430 B,  430 C, and  430 D are of progressively smaller widths and lengths than the through holes  430 A. Each of the forefoot through holes  430 ,  430 A,  430 B,  430 C, and  430 D has a width in the transverse direction of the strobel  410  that is greater than its length in the longitudinal direction of the strobel  410 . Additionally, each has a rounded periphery, making each appear as an elongated slot extending in the transverse direction further than in the longitudinal direction. 
     The strobel  410  also has a first heel through hole  434  and a plurality of additional heel through holes  434 A,  434 B,  434 C,  434 D in the heel region  18 , only some of which are labelled. Heel through holes  430  and  430 A have the same length and width as one another, and heel through holes  434 B,  434 C, and  434 D are of progressively smaller widths and lengths. The midfoot region  16  has very few through holes (and may have no through holes in some embodiments) in comparison to the forefoot and heel regions  14 ,  18 . Each of the heel through holes  434 ,  434 A,  434 B,  434 C, and  434 D has a width in the transverse direction of the strobel  410  that is greater than its length in the longitudinal direction of the strobel  410 . Additionally, each has a rounded periphery, making each appear as an elongated slot extending in the transverse direction further than in the longitudinal direction. The through holes  430 ,  430 A,  430 B,  430 C,  430 D,  434 ,  434 A,  434 B,  434 C and  434 D may be disposed and sized in accordance with a foot pressure map as discussed with respect to foot pressure map  70  of  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, a greater number of through holes and larger ones of the through holes are disposed in areas of greater loading. The forefoot and heel through holes of the strobel  410  may be perforated or laser cut. 
       FIG. 26  shows a strobel  510  that is alike in all aspects to strobel  410 , except that the strobel  510  is for a larger foot size and has through holes that may be disposed according to a slightly different foot pressure map representative of loading of a wearer or a population average of the wearers of the larger foot size. Accordingly, a first forefoot through hole  530  is larger in length and width than through hole  430 , and some of the additional forefoot through holes  530 A may be of the same larger size. Forefoot through holes  530 B,  530 C,  530 D and  530 E are of progressively smaller widths and lengths, but all having greater widths in the transverse direction of the strobel  310  than lengths in the longitudinal direction of the strobel  310 . 
     The strobel  510  also has a first heel through hole  534  and a plurality of additional heel through holes  534 A,  534 B,  534 C in the heel region  18 . Heel through holes  534 A,  534 B, and  534 C are of progressively smaller widths and lengths. The midfoot region  16  has very few through holes (and may have no through holes in some embodiments) in comparison to the forefoot and heel regions  14 ,  18 . Each of the heel through holes  534 ,  534 A,  534 B, and  534 C has a width in the transverse direction of the strobel  510  that is greater than its length in the longitudinal direction of the strobel  510 . Additionally, each has a rounded periphery, making each appear as an elongated slot extending in the transverse direction further than in the longitudinal direction. The through holes  530 ,  530 A,  530 B,  530 C,  530 D,  530 E,  534 ,  534 A,  534 B, and  534 C may be disposed and sized in accordance with a foot pressure map as discussed with respect to foot pressure map  70  of  FIG. 4 . Accordingly, a greater number of through holes and larger ones of the through holes are disposed in areas of greater loading. The forefoot and heel through holes of the strobel  510  may be perforated or laser cut. 
     Accordingly, by providing through holes in a strobel with the shape and/or position of a forefoot through hole and a heel through hole based on a foot pressure map, the benefits of a strobel with respect to precision lasting of an upper are achieved without impeding the cushioning and other performance aspects of an underlying midsole. 
     The following Clauses provide example configurations of a strobel, an article of footwear, and a method of manufacturing disclosed herein. 
     Clause 1: An article of footwear comprising: a strobel having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region; wherein the strobel defines a forefoot through hole in the forefoot region and a heel through hole in the heel region; and wherein the shape, the position, or both the shape and the position of the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole are based on a foot pressure map. 
     Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, further comprising: a midsole having a proximal surface secured to the strobel; wherein the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole span over the proximal surface of the midsole; and wherein the strobel, the proximal surface of the midsole at the forefoot through hole, and the proximal surface of the midsole at the heel through hole together define a foot support surface. 
     Clause 3: The article of footwear of Clause 2, further comprising an adhesive layer at which a distal surface of the strobel is adhered to the proximal surface of the midsole. 
     Clause 4: The article of footwear of Clause 3, wherein the adhesive layer does not extend across the proximal surface of the midsole at the forefoot through hole or at the heel through hole. 
     Clause 5: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein an edge of the strobel surrounding the through hole in the forefoot region and an edge of the strobel surrounding the through hole in the heel region is defined by perforation. 
     Clause 6: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein: the forefoot region encompasses a phalangeal region and a metatarsal head region, with the phalangeal region between a forward edge of the strobel and the metatarsal head region, and the metatarsal head region between the phalangeal region and the midfoot region; and the forefoot through hole is in the metatarsal head region. 
     Clause 7: The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein: the forefoot through hole has a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the forefoot region. 
     Clause 8: The article of footwear of Clause 7, wherein the forefoot through hole is a first forefoot through hole, and the strobel defines a second forefoot through hole substantially in the phalangeal region, the second forefoot through hole surrounded by the strobel, and having a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the phalangeal region. 
     Clause 9: The article of footwear of Clause 8, wherein: a rear edge of the second forefoot through hole is straight between a rounded medial corner and a rounded lateral corner of the second forefoot through hole; a front edge of the first forefoot through hole is straight between a rounded forward medial corner and a rounded forward lateral corner of the first forefoot through hole; and a rear edge of the first forefoot through hole is straight between a rounded rear medial corner and a rounded rear lateral corner of the first forefoot through hole. 
     Clause 10: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein a width of the strobel bounding lateral and medial sides of the first forefoot through hole and bounding lateral and medial sides of the second forefoot through hole is constant. 
     Clause 11: The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein the forefoot through hole is a first forefoot through hole, and the strobel defines a plurality of additional forefoot through holes substantially in the phalangeal region. 
     Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the additional forefoot through holes each have a width in a transverse direction of the strobel greater than a length in a longitudinal direction of the strobel. 
     Clause 13: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-11, wherein the heel through hole is a first heel through hole, and the strobel defines a plurality of additional heel through holes substantially in the heel region between the first heel through hole and the midfoot region, the plurality of additional heel through holes surrounded by the strobel. 
     Clause 14: The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein the additional heel through holes each have a width in a transverse direction of the strobel greater than a length in a longitudinal direction of the strobel. 
     Clause 15: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-11, wherein: the heel through hole has a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the heel region; and a front edge of the heel through hole is straight between a rounded forward medial corner and a rounded forward lateral corner of the heel through hole. 
     Clause 16: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-15, further comprising: an upper secured to an outer periphery of the strobel and defining a foot-receiving cavity over the strobel. 
     Clause 17: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-15, wherein the strobel is a recyclable material. 
     Clause 18: An article of footwear comprising: a strobel having a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region; wherein the strobel defines a forefoot through hole in the forefoot region: the forefoot through hole has a maximum width greater than 50 percent of a maximum width of the strobel in the forefoot region; a front edge of the forefoot through hole is straight between a rounded front medial corner and a rounded front lateral corner of the forefoot through hole; and a rear edge of the forefoot through hole is straight between a rounded rear medial corner and a rounded rear lateral corner of the first forefoot through hole. 
     Clause 19: The article of footwear of Clause 18, wherein the shape, the position, or both the shape and the position of the forefoot through hole is based on a foot pressure map. 
     Clause 20: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 18-19, wherein a width of the strobel bounding lateral and medial sides of the forefoot through hole is constant. 
     Clause 21: The article of footwear of any of Clauses 18-20, further comprising: at least one of an additional forefoot through hole having a width greater than 50 percent of a width of the strobel in the forefoot region; and a heel through hole having a width greater than 50 percent of a width of the strobel in the heel region. 
     Clause 22: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, comprising: securing a midsole to a strobel; wherein: the strobel has a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region; the strobel defines a forefoot through hole in the forefoot region and a heel through hole in the heel region; and the shape and/or position of the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole are based on a foot pressure map. 
     Clause 23: The method of Clause 22, further comprising: securing the strobel to an upper to define a foot-receiving cavity prior to securing the midsole to the strobel. 
     Clause 24: The method of Clause 23, further comprising: placing the strobel and upper on a last by inserting the last in the foot-receiving cavity. 
     Clause 25: The method of Clause 24, further comprising: disposing an adhesive on a distal surface of the strobel, or on a proximal surface of the midsole, or on both the distal surface of the strobel and the proximal surface of the midsole; and wherein securing the midsole to the strobel is by positioning the proximal surface of the midsole adjacent to the distal surface of the strobel to adhere the midsole to the strobel with the adhesive. 
     Clause 26: The method of Clause 25, wherein the adhesive is disposed on the distal surface of the strobel without extending across the forefoot through hole and the heel through hole. 
     Clause 27: The method of Clause 25, further comprising: perforating the strobel to define perforations in the forefoot region and perforations in the heel region prior to disposing the adhesive on the distal surface of the strobel; removing a portion of the strobel at the perforations in the forefoot region to define the forefoot through hole; and removing a portion of the strobel at the perforations in the heel region to define the heel through hole. 
     Clause 28: The method of Clause 27, wherein disposing the adhesive on the distal surface of the strobel is prior to removing a portion of the strobel at the perforations in the forefoot region, and before removing a portion of the strobel at the perforations in the heel region. 
     Clause 29: The method of Clause 28, further comprising: recycling the portion of the strobel removed at the perforations in the forefoot region and the portion of the strobel removed at the perforations in the heel region. 
     To assist and clarify the description of various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). Additionally, all references referred to are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     An “article of footwear”, a “footwear article of manufacture”, and “footwear” may be considered to be both a machine and a manufacture. Assembled, ready to wear footwear articles (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.), as well as discrete components of footwear articles (such as a midsole, an outsole, an upper component, etc.) prior to final assembly into ready to wear footwear articles, are considered and alternatively referred to herein in either the singular or plural as “article(s) of footwear”. 
     “A”, “an”, “the”, “at least one”, and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items is present. A plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, unless otherwise indicated expressly or clearly in view of the context, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” whether or not “about” actually appears before the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. As used in the description and the accompanying claims, a value is considered to be “approximately” equal to a stated value if it is neither more than 5 percent greater than nor more than 5 percent less than the stated value. In addition, a disclosure of a range is to be understood as specifically disclosing all values and further divided ranges within the range. 
     The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. Orders of steps, processes, and operations may be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps may be employed. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced items, including “any one of” the referenced items. The term “any of” is understood to include any possible combination of referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any one of” the referenced claims. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., may be used descriptively relative to the figures, without representing limitations on the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. 
     The term “longitudinal” refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. The term “forward” or “anterior” is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term “rearward” or “posterior” is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis. 
     The term “transverse” refers to a direction extending a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis. 
     The term “vertical” refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole. The term “upward” or “upwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term “downward” or “downwards” refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear. 
     The “interior” of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearer&#39;s foot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The “outer side” or “exterior” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component and the space external to the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to the direction toward the interior of the component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms “outward” and “outwardly” refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term “proximal” refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term “distal” refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions. 
     While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims. 
     While several modes for carrying out the many aspects of the present teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which these teachings relate will recognize various alternative aspects for practicing the present teachings that are within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and exemplary of the entire range of alternative embodiments that an ordinarily skilled artisan would recognize as implied by, structurally and/or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise rendered obvious based upon the included content, and not as limited solely to those explicitly depicted and/or described embodiments.