Patent Publication Number: US-9839261-B2

Title: Easy access articles of footwear

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION DATA 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to (a): U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/000,438, filed Jan. 19, 2016 and entitled “Easy Access Articles of Footwear,” which application is a continuation of (b) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/744,052 filed Jan. 17, 2013 and entitled “Easy Access Articles of Footwear” (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,265,305). Each of these parent applications is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More specifically, aspects of the present invention pertain to articles of footwear that include foot insertion openings capable of widely opening the side and/or rear area(s) of the shoe to allow for easy insertion and removal of a foot. Footwear uppers with large openings of this type can be particularly useful for hightop athletic footwear, boots, or other footwear structures that extend up to or at least partially over a wearer&#39;s ankles. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation. The general features and configurations of uppers and sole structures are discussed in greater detail below. 
     The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the wearer to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel. 
     Some articles of footwear, particularly footwear with uppers extending up to ankle height or over the ankle (also called “hightop” footwear herein, e.g., “hightop” basketball sneakers or other athletic footwear, workshoes, boots, and the like), can be difficult to put on and remove. If the shoes have laces or the like across the instep area, the wearer may be required to substantially loosen the laces (or other securing mechanisms) to enable the shoe to be easily put on and/or removed. These features can substantially increase the time and frustration level involved in putting on and taking off this “hightop” style of shoes. 
     Accordingly, there is room in the art for improvements in systems for enabling easy entry, removal, and/or securing of “hightop” footwear to the foot of wearers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This Summary is provided to introduce some general concepts relating to this invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the invention. 
     Footwear structures in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention may include foot insertion openings that widely open the side and/or rear area(s) of the shoe (e.g., the upper) to allow for easy insertion and removal of a foot. 
     Some more specific aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that may include: (a) an upper having or defining an opening through which a leg of a wearer extends, wherein the upper further includes a foot insertion opening extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the leg opening at least to a heel area of the upper; (b) a closure system for releasably closing the foot insertion opening; and (c) a sole structure engaged with the upper. The closure system further may include one or more of: (a) a strap extending at least partially around the leg (e.g., across the front) and releasably securing to the upper, (b) a lace (optionally engaged with the strap via an elastic component) extending across the instep area one or more times, and/or (c) one or more elastic elements extending across the instep area of the upper. The closure system may include structures for tightening the fit of the shoe around and securing the shoe to the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Additional or alternative aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that include: (a) an upper having a top opening, a first side, a second side, a first side edge extending downward from the top opening at the first side, and a second side edge extending downward from the top opening at the second side, wherein the upper further includes a foot insertion opening extending from the top opening or the first side edge and terminating at a closed end located at a side heel area of the upper on the second side of the upper; (b) a closure system engaged with the upper for releasably closing the foot insertion opening, wherein the closure system extends between the closed end and the top opening or first side edge of the upper; and (c) a sole structure engaged with the upper. 
     Still additional or alternative aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that include: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the upper, at least in part, defines a foot-receiving volume configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot in use, the upper including: (i) an ankle containing portion having a first side, a rear heel area, and a second side (e.g., as a continuous structure), (ii) a base portion including a first side and a second side, and (iii) a connecting member connecting the second side of the ankle containing portion and the second side of the base portion. In such footwear structures, with the sole structure supported on a horizontal support surface, the upper may be changeable by movement of the ankle containing portion with respect to the base portion at the connecting member between: (a) a foot engaging configuration (e.g., in which the first side of the ankle containing portion of the upper is positioned over at least a rear portion of the first side of the base portion to thereby close the upper) and (b) a foot insertion configuration (e.g., in which the first side of the ankle containing portion of the upper is positioned laterally/sideways outside of the second side of the base portion with respect to the foot-receiving volume of the upper to thereby open a rear heel area of the upper). A closure system also may be provided with the footwear structure, e.g., for releasably holding the upper in the foot engaging configuration. 
     While the invention is described above in terms of an entire article of footwear, additional aspects of this invention relate to uppers for use in such articles of footwear, methods of making such uppers and/or articles of footwear, and/or methods of securing such articles of footwear and/or uppers to a wearer&#39;s foot. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing Summary of the Invention, as well as the following Detailed Description of the Invention, will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears. 
         FIGS. 1A through 1E  illustrate various views of an article of footwear according to some examples and aspects of this invention; 
         FIGS. 2A through 2C  include views illustrating steps involved in disengaging the article of footwear of  FIGS. 1A through 1E  from a wearer&#39;s foot in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention; 
         FIG. 3A  includes a view illustrating engaging the article of footwear of  FIGS. 1A through 1E  with a wearer&#39;s foot in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention; 
         FIGS. 3B and 3C  illustrate additional features and structures that may be included in articles of footwear in accordance with some examples of this invention; 
         FIGS. 4A through 4D  illustrate example structures of guide members that may be included with article of footwear structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention; 
         FIG. 5  provides a top view of another example article of footwear in accordance with some aspects of this invention; 
         FIGS. 6A through 6I  provide various views of another example article of footwear according to at least some examples and aspects of this invention; and 
         FIGS. 7A through 7D  provide various views illustrating potential relative orientations of footwear parts/features in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made to the specifically described structures and methods without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THIS INVENTION 
     Aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear (e.g., athletic footwear) that include foot insertion openings that can widely open the side and/or rear area(s) of the shoe to allow for easy insertion and removal of a foot. Such footwear constructions can be particularly useful for “hightop” athletic footwear, boots, or other footwear having uppers that extend up to and/or at least partially over a wearer&#39;s ankles. More specific features and aspects of this invention will be described in more detail below. 
     Some aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that may include: (a) an upper having an opening through which a leg of a wearer extends (e.g., including a top opening, a first side edge extending forward from the top opening and along an instep area, and a second side edge opposite the first side edge and extending forward from the top opening and along the instep area), wherein the upper further includes a foot insertion opening extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the leg opening (e.g., from the first side edge) at least to a heel area of the upper; (b) a closure system for releasably closing the foot insertion opening (e.g., optionally including a zipper element or other releasable closure system); and (c) a sole structure engaged with the upper. The closure system further may include one or more of: (a) a strap extending at least partially around the leg (e.g., across the front of the leg, over the first side edge and over and beyond the second side edge, etc.) and releasably securing to the upper and/or sole structure, (b) a lace element (or an unstretchable tightening element) extending across the instep area one or more times and connecting the first and second side edges of the upper, and/or (c) one or more elastic or stretchable elements extending across the instep area and connecting the first and second side edges of the upper. This closure system may include structures for tightening the fit of the shoe around and securing the shoe to the wearer&#39;s foot. 
     Optionally, if desired, the strap (which optionally may be engaged with a slider element of the zipper system when the closure system includes a zipper system) may be engaged with the lace element such that pulling the strap pulls on and tightens the lace element at the instep area. In such structures, pulling on the strap to secure the shoe to a wearer&#39;s foot may function to close the closure system (e.g., zip the zipper system) and then tighten the lace element across the instep area. Optionally, in such structures, the lace element will be substantially inelastic and unstretchable, and this lace element may be engaged with the strap via one or more elastic elements (e.g., elastic band(s) that enable the strap to be pulled to a desired level of tightness). The strap, elastic element(s), and lace element may form a continuous path around the wearer&#39;s foot (e.g., from the top instep area and around the lower leg or ankle). 
     In other structures, however, the strap and the lace element and/or elastic elements across the instep area may be separated from one another such that while pulling on the strap to secure the shoe to a wearer&#39;s foot may function to close the closure system (e.g., zip the zipper system and/or tighten the strap around the foot), this action does not tighten or otherwise directly affect the lace element or other closure elements across the instep area. If desired, at least some portion(s) of the strap may be elastic or stretchable to enable some tightening around the leg. 
     Also, if desired, in some structures in accordance with this invention, at least some portions of the closure system (e.g., at least some portions of the lace element, at least some portions of elastic component(s) of the closure system, at least some portion of the strap, etc.) may extend between different layers of the upper. Some portions of the closure system (and its tightening system structures) may be located inside the upper and/or outside the upper as well. If desired, a guide system may be provided with the upper to form and maintain a path through which at least some portions of the closure system may pass. The guide system, which may constitute one or more individual parts or components, may form a tunnel or other passageway for containing portions of the closure system. The guide system features also can help reduce or eliminate undesired interactions between the closure/securing system elements and other items. 
     As another potential feature, articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include a grip element engaged with the upper at a location proximate to the leg opening of the shoe (e.g., at or near the top opening through which the wearer&#39;s leg extends when the shoe is secured to the foot, at or near an edge of the leg opening, at or near the foot insertion opening and/or at or near the closure system for the foot insertion opening). This grip element may be held by the wearer as the wearer pulls the top portion of the upper (above the foot insertion opening and the closure system) to open the closure system for removal of the foot. The grip element may include tactile or grip enhancing features and/or it may provide added durability or wear resistance for this area (in view of its repeated handling for removing the shoe). 
     While the foot insertion opening in the shoe may extend any desired distance around the upper, in at least some examples of this invention, the foot insertion opening extends at least to a rear heel area of the upper, and in some instances to or beyond a vertical line extending upward from a rearmost point of the upper. 
     Still other example features and aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that include: (a) an upper having a top opening, a first side, a second side, a first side edge extending downward from the top opening at the first side, and a second side edge extending downward from the top opening at the second side. This example upper further includes a foot insertion opening extending from the top opening or the first side edge and terminating at a closed end located at a side heel area of the upper on the second side of the upper; (b) a closure system engaged with the upper for releasably closing the foot insertion opening, wherein the closure system extends between the closed end and the top opening or the first side edge of the upper. A sole structure is engaged with the upper. 
     The second side edge of at least some example uppers according to this aspect of the invention may include a downward extending segment (extending downward from the top opening) and a rearward extending segment, and this rearward extending segment of the second side edge may terminate at a closed end (located at the second side of the upper). In at least some examples of this invention, the closed end of this second side edge may be located a shortest direct line distance L from the closed end of the foot insertion opening and/or the closed end of the closure system (described above), wherein L is within a range from 5 mm to 80 mm, and in some examples from 10 mm to 70 mm, from 12 mm to 55 mm, or even from 15 mm to 45 mm. Both the closed end of the rearward extending segment of the second side edge and the closed end of the foot insertion opening and/or closure system may be located on a same side of the upper/article of footwear (e.g., a lateral side or outside of the upper/footwear). 
     Optionally, a connecting member may be provided, e.g., extending between the closed end of the foot insertion opening and the closed end of the rearward extending segment of the second side edge. In such structures, an ankle containing portion of the upper may be movable with respect to a base portion of the upper about this connecting member to change the upper from a foot insertion configuration to a foot engaging configuration. The connecting member may include, for example, a continuous strip or section of upper material that extends, e.g., from the closed end of the foot insertion opening to the closed end of the rearward extending segment of the second side edge; a strip or section of another material (e.g., a fabric, a textile, leather, polymeric material, etc.) attached to the upper (e.g., to the ankle containing portion and the base portion described above) that extends, e.g., from the closed end of the foot insertion opening to the closed end of the rearward extending segment of the second side edge; a mechanical hinge member; a plastic or polymeric member having a pre-formed “bend line;” etc. 
     In at least some examples of these aspects of the invention, the closure system may include a track (e.g., a zipper track) having at least a portion or segment extending along the second side of the upper. A closure element (e.g., a zipper slider) movable along the track may be used, for example, to change the foot insertion opening between an open condition and a closed condition and to change the upper between a foot engaging configuration and a foot insertion configuration. If desired, in at least some examples of this invention, an end portion of the track portion or segment along the second side of the upper may substantially align with an extension direction of the rearward extending segment of the second side edge of the upper. 
     As further or alternative potential features, if desired, an ankle strap may be secured to the closure element (e.g., a zipper slider) and the second side of the upper may have a securing member (e.g., a portion of a buckle assembly, a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a button/buttonhole, a portion of a snap fastener, etc.). In such structures, if desired, in the “closed condition,” the closure element may be stopped along the track at the top opening or the first side edge of the upper, but the ankle strap may extend around a front instep or front ankle portion of the upper (e.g., across a front of a tongue portion of the upper) and may be secured to the securing member at the second side of the upper. As further potential features, if desired, when the sole structure is supported on a horizontal support surface, this ankle strap may extend to (and be secured at) a location on the second side of the upper that is more rearward than a location of the closed end of the foot insertion opening and/or more rearward than the connecting member (e.g., the ankle strap may extend to a location that vertically overlaps the foot insertion opening on the second side of the upper). In this manner, a tight and secure fit can be provided 360° around the wearer&#39;s ankle. 
     Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a forefoot/midfoot securing strap may be provided in at least some examples of this invention, e.g., a strap that crosses a top forefoot and/or midfoot portion of the upper/article of footwear one or more times. As some more specific examples, uppers/articles of footwear according to at least some examples of this aspect of the invention may include: (a) a first strap engaging component (e.g., a first tensioning ring or other tensioning device) provided at a midfoot portion on the second side of the upper; (b) a second strap engaging component (e.g., another tensioning ring or other tensioning device, a portion of a buckle, a button or buttonhole, a portion of a snap fastener, a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, etc.) provided at a midfoot portion on the first side of the upper; and (c) a securing strap extending across a top forefoot and/or top midfoot portion of the upper (e.g., at least two times). As some more specific examples, the securing strap may include (a) a first portion fixed at a forefoot portion on the first side of the upper (e.g., by a sewn seam, by engagement between the upper and the sole structure, by adhesives or cements, by mechanical connectors, etc.) and (b) a flexible strap portion extending from the first portion, to the first strap engaging component (e.g., to tensioning device, through the tensioning ring, etc.), and to the second strap engaging component (e.g., to engage a securing mechanism such as a button, snap, hook-and-loop fastener, etc.; to extend through a tensioning device, such as a tensioning ring; etc.). As another potential option or feature, the securing strap may be secured to the upper and/or to itself in a tensioned condition (e.g., by a hook-and-loop fastener arrangement, etc.). 
     The closure system “track” in some examples and aspects of this invention may include a first side portion, a rear heel portion, and a second side portion, wherein (with the sole structure supported on a horizontal support surface) a vertically lowest section of the track may be located in the rear heel portion of the track. In this arrangement, the track may extend to the first side portion (on one side of the upper) and to the second side portion (on the other side of the upper) in upward directions forward from this vertically lowest section. In this manner, when viewed from a top and/or rear point of view, the closure system track may have somewhat of an upwardly inclined U-shape around the rear heel area. 
     Articles of footwear in accordance with some examples and/or aspects of this invention may include: (a) a sole structure; (b) an upper engaged with the sole structure, wherein the upper, at least in part, defines a foot-receiving volume configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot in use, the upper including: (i) an ankle containing portion having a first side, a rear heel area, and a second side (e.g., as a continuous structure), (ii) a base portion including a first side and a second side, and (iii) a connecting member connecting the second side of the ankle containing portion and the second side of the base portion. In at least some such structures, with the sole structure supported on a horizontal support surface, the upper may be changeable (by movement of the ankle containing portion with respect to the base portion at the connecting member) between: (a) a foot engaging configuration (e.g., in which the first side of the ankle containing portion of the upper is positioned over at least a rear heel portion of the first side of the base portion to close the upper) and (b) a foot insertion configuration (e.g., in which the first side of the ankle containing portion of the upper is positioned laterally/sideways outside of the second side of the base portion with respect to the foot-receiving volume of the upper to open a rear heel area of the upper). Such articles of footwear additionally may include a closure system, e.g., for releasably holding the upper in the foot engaging configuration. This closure system may engage at least a section of a lower edge of the ankle containing portion with at least a section of an upper edge of the base portion. As some more specific examples, this closure system may include: (a) a first track portion (e.g., a zipper track portion) extending along the section of the lower edge of the ankle containing portion, (b) a second track portion (e.g., a zipper track portion) extending along the section of the upper edge of the base portion, and (c) a closure element (e.g., a zipper slider) movable along the section of the first track portion and the section of the second track portion, wherein movement of the closure element along the track changes the upper between the foot engaging configuration and the foot insertion configuration. The track may extend along: (a) at least a majority of a length of the foot insertion opening, (b) at least a majority of a length of the lower edge of the ankle containing portion, and/or (c) at least a majority of a length of the upper edge of the base portion (and in some examples, the track may extend along at least 70%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and/or even 100% of these foot insertion opening, upper edge, and/or lower edge lengths). 
     If desired, the ankle containing portion of these example uppers may include: (a) a top edge; (b) a first edge extending from the top edge, along the first side of the ankle containing portion, around the rear heel area of the ankle containing portion, to the second side of the ankle containing portion, and to a first side of the connecting member; and (c) a second edge extending from the top edge, along the second side of the ankle containing portion, and to a second side of the connecting member. At least a portion of this first edge may include the closure system track portion described above (and form at least a portion of the “lower edge” of the ankle containing portion). The second edge of the ankle containing portion may include a downward extending segment and a rearward extending segment that extends to the second side of the connecting member. If desired, a length dimension from the first side of the connecting member to the second side of the connecting member may be within a range from 5 mm to 80 mm, and in some examples from 10 mm to 70 mm, from 12 mm to 55 mm, or even from 15 mm to 45 mm. 
     Articles of footwear including ankle containing portions and upper base portions in accordance with these aspects of the invention further may have: (a) any one or more of the ankle strap features/structures described above, (b) any one or more of the forefoot securing strap features/structures described above, and/or (c) any one or more of the closure system and/or track features/structures described above. 
     Given the general description of features, aspects, structures, processes, and arrangements according to certain embodiments of the invention provided above, a more detailed description of specific example articles of footwear and methods in accordance with this invention follows. 
     II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR ACCORDING TO THIS INVENTION 
     Referring to the figures and following discussion, various articles of footwear and features thereof in accordance with the present invention are described. The footwear depicted and discussed are athletic shoes, and the concepts disclosed with respect to various aspects of this footwear may be applied to a wide range of athletic footwear styles, including, but not limited to: basketball shoes, football shoes, hiking shoes, casual wear shoes, and the like. In addition, at least some concepts and aspects of the present invention may be applied to a wide range of non-athletic footwear, including work boots, dress boots, and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the precise embodiments disclosed herein, but applies to footwear generally. 
       FIGS. 1A through 1E  provide various views of one example article of footwear  100  in accordance with aspects of this invention.  FIG. 1A  is a lateral side view,  FIG. 1B  is a medial side view,  FIG. 1C  is a top view,  FIG. 1D  is a rear view, and  FIG. 1E  is a close up view of a portion of the closure or securing system for this example article of footwear  100 . As generally shown in these figures, the article of footwear  100  includes an upper  102  and a sole structure  104  engaged with the upper  102 . The upper  102  of this illustrated example is a hightop athletic shoe upper (e.g., for basketball), although other shoe styles and upper styles are possible. The upper  102  of this example may include a strobel member or other structure extending along the bottom, plantar support surface (to at least partially enclose the bottom of the foot-receiving chamber). The top of the upper  102  defines a leg opening  106  for the shoe (through which the wearer&#39;s leg extends when the shoe  100  is secured to the foot). 
     While it may take on any desired configuration and/or structure without departing from the invention, the sole structure  104  of this illustrated example shoe  100  includes a polymer foam midsole  104   a  (e.g., made from polyurethane foam, an ethylvinylacetate (EVA) foam, a lightweight foam from the LUNAR family of products (available from NIKE, Inc., of Beaverton, Oreg., etc.)). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the midsole  104   a  may include one or more impact force attenuating columns (e.g., made of foam), one or more mechanical impact force attenuating components (e.g., “shock absorber” type structures), and/or one or more fluid-filled bladder structures. This midsole  104   a  is engaged with one or more outsole components  104   b  that at least partially cover the midsole  104   a  (e.g., by being glued or otherwise fixed to it) and provide at least a portion of a ground contact surface (e.g., with wear resistance properties, one or more traction elements, etc.). The midsole  104   a  and/or outsole  104   b  may constitute one or more independent parts, and they may extend the entire length and/or width of the article of footwear  100  or only portions thereof. Also, while shown exterior to the upper  102  in this illustrated example, some or all of the midsole  104   a  could be contained (or at least partially contained) within the interior chamber defined by the upper  102 . If desired, the strobel mentioned above could be omitted (or at least partially omitted) and the midsole  104   a  could provide the plantar support surface (or at least a portion thereof) for the article of footwear  100 . 
     As further shown in these figures, the upper  102  of this illustrated example includes the top leg opening  106 . The overall opening of this example article of footwear  100  includes a first side edge  108   a  (e.g., a medial side edge) extending forward from the top opening  106 , downward to and along the instep area of the shoe  100 . A second side edge  108   b  (e.g., a lateral side edge, opposite the first side edge  108   a ) also extends forward from the top opening  106 , downward to and along the instep area of the shoe  100 . The upper  102  further may include a tongue element  110  or other moderator component (e.g., a bootie type member) that lies along the front of the lower leg and ankle area and over the instep area of the shoe  100  (beneath side edges  108   a ,  108   b  and between the side edges  108   a ,  108   b  and a wearer&#39;s foot). 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1D through 2C , this example upper  102  further includes a relatively large foot insertion opening  120  that extends rearwardly and downwardly from the first side edge  108   a  at least to a heel area of the upper  102 . A closure/securing system  130  (including a zipper system  132 ) is provided for releasably closing the foot insertion opening  120  and securing the shoe  100  to a wearer&#39;s foot. These features of this example footwear structure  100  will be described in more detail below. 
     The foot insertion opening  120  allows the top opening  106  and upper  102  of the shoe  100  to be opened wider to allow for easy insertion of a foot. As shown in  FIGS. 1B and 2A , the forward end  120   a  of the foot insertion opening  120  begins at the first side edge  108   a  in an ankle/lower leg covering area of the upper  102 . This forward end  120   a  may start at other locations along the overall shoe opening, including from the top opening portion  106  (optionally along a side of a wearer&#39;s leg) or at other locations along the first edge  108   a  (e.g., nearer to the top opening  106 , further down toward and even to the instep area, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the foot insertion opening  120  could begin at (and be located at) the second side edge  108   b , if desired. 
     As noted above, the foot insertion opening  120  in this illustrated example extends downwardly and rearwardly from the first side edge  108   a . The opening  120  may extend at least to a rear heel area of the upper  102  (e.g., so the closed end  120   b  of the opening  120  is located in the rear heel area). As some more specific examples, the foot insertion opening  120  may extend at least to a vertical line VL extending through a rearmost point of the upper  102 , or even beyond this vertical line VL (see the location of closed end  120   b  in  FIG. 1D ). The closed end  120   d  of the opening  120  may extend to the opposite side of the upper  102  even further than the distance shown in  FIG. 1D  to further open the upper  102  for receiving a foot, even to the lateral rear heel area (e.g., point P LRH  in  FIG. 1D ) or the lateral side heel area (point P LH  in  FIG. 1A ), if desired. 
     While the actual size of the foot insertion opening  120  may vary (e.g., depending on the shoe size, etc.), in at least some examples of this invention, the foot receiving opening  120  will extend for a length (from Points L OE  to L CE  along the zipper system  132 ) around at least 35% of a perimeter dimension of the top opening  106  around the heel (i.e., the dimension of the top leg opening  106  around the heel from the first side edge  108   a  (P 1 ) to the second side edge  108   b  (P 2 )). Points P 1  and P 2  are located where the top leg opening  106  meets the side edges  108   a  and  108   b , respectively. If a clear corner point transitioning between the top opening  106  and the side edges  108   a  and/or  108   b  is not provided in a specific footwear model at those locations, the points P 1  and P 2  may be determined as the location of a horizontal tangent point where the top opening  106  and the side edges  108   a ,  108   b  meet (when the shoe  100  sits on a horizontal surface). In some more specific examples, the foot insertion opening  120  (e.g., the longitudinal length of the zipper track) will extend around at least 40%, at least 50%, or even at least 55% of this perimeter dimension. From a more absolute dimensional point of view, in at least some examples of this invention, the length of the foot insertion opening  120  (from Points L OE  to L CE  along the zipper track) may be at least 5 inches, and in some examples, at least 6 inches, or even at least 7 inches. 
     From a vertical point of view, the closed end  120   b  of the foot insertion opening  120  may be located at less than 35% of an overall height dimension of the upper  102  at the location of the closed end  120   b . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the vertical dimension (with the shoe  100  sitting on a horizontal support surface S) from the closed end  120   b  to the location where the upper  102  and sole  104  meet (at the upper surface of midsole  104   a , in this example), H CE , is 35% or less than an overall vertical height H of the upper  102  at that location. In some more specific examples, the closed end  102   b  of the foot insertion opening  120  may be located at a height 30% or less, 25% or less, or even 20% or less of this overall height dimension H. 
     From a more absolute dimensional point of view, in at least some examples of this invention, the closed end  120   b  (point L CE ) may be located less than 1.25 inches vertically from the upper/sole junction point at that location, and in some examples, less than 1 inch, or even less than 0.75 inches from that junction point. With respect to actual height from a horizontal contact surface S, the closed end  120   b  (point L CE ) may be located less than 2.5 inches vertically from the contact surface S, and in some examples, less than 2.25 inches, less than 2 inches, or even less than 1.75 inches from that contact surface S. Additionally, with respect to actual height from a horizontal contact surface S, the open end  120   a  (point L OE ) may be located at least 3.5 inches vertically from the contact surface S, and in some examples, at least 3.75 inches, at least 4 inches, or at least 4.25 inches from the contact surface S. The vertical spacing distance between the closed end  120   b  (point L CE ) and the open end  120   a  (point L OE ) (H DIFF  in  FIG. 1E ) may vary without departing from this invention. In some more specific examples, the vertical height differential between points L CE  and L OE  (H DIFF ) may be at least 1.5 inches, and in some examples, at least 1.75 inches, at least 2 inches, and even at least 2.25 inches. 
     Various aspects and example features of footwear closure/securing systems (e.g., system  130 ) for articles of footwear according to at least some examples of this invention now will be described in more detail. As shown in  FIGS. 1A through 3A , this example article of footwear  100  includes a zipper system  132  engaged with the upper  102  on opposite side edges of the foot insertion opening  120  for at least partially closing the foot insertion opening  120 . In this example construction, the zipper system  132  fully closes the foot insertion opening  120  (i.e., extends from Points L OE  to L CE ). Thus, zipper system  132  may have a length of at least 35% of the perimeter dimension of the top opening  106  around the heel discussed above (and in some examples, this length will be at least 40%, at least 50%, or even at least 55% of this perimeter dimension). From a more absolute dimensional point of view, in at least some examples of this invention, the length of the zipper system  132  (from Points L OE  to L CE  along the zipper track) may be at least 5 inches, and in some examples, at least 6 inches, or even at least 7 inches. Releasable closure systems other than zippers could be used, if desired, in some constructions according to some aspects of this invention. 
     The slider element  134  of the zipper system  132  in this illustrated example is engaged with (or integrally formed to include) a strap  136 . The strap  136  in this illustrated example extends from the medial side of the upper  102 , over the first side edge  108   a , beyond the second side edge  108   b , and releasably secures to the lateral side of the upper  102  (e.g., via a hook-and-loop type fastener system  146 , via a buckle type assembly, via other mechanical connectors, etc.). The strap  136  and its securing features help keep the zipper system  132  closed (e.g., keeping slider element  134  at or near point L OE ) and help secure the shoe  100  to the wearer&#39;s foot in a snug and comfortable manner. 
     The closure/securing system  130  of this example footwear structure  100  further includes a lace element  138  extending across the instep area of the shoe  100  and connecting the first side edge  108   a  and the second side edge  108   b  of the upper  102 . If desired, this lace element  138  may engage the upper  102  through eyelets or eyelet type openings formed in the upper  102  (e.g., near side edges  108   a ,  108   b ) in a conventional manner as is commonly known and used in the footwear art. Additionally or alternatively, the lace element  138  also may be tied at the front/top of the upper  102  (e.g., at the instep and/or front leg area) in manners that are known and used in the footwear art. The lace element  138 , at least in part, may constitute a non-stretchable cord, textile, plastic, fiber, metal, or other component. The terms “non-stretchable” or “unstretchable” as used herein in this context mean a material that stretches less than 10% of its length (i.e., less than 0.2 inches for a 2 inch length of the material), when a tensile force of 10 lbs is applied to a 2 inch length of the material. 
     In this illustrated structure  100 , the lace element  138  engages with strap members  138   a  that may extend at least partially around the wearer&#39;s foot and/or at least partially beneath a plantar support surface of the shoe. If desired, at least some of strap members  138   a  may extend completely around the plantar support surface of the shoe  100 , from edge  108   a  to edge  108   b . Lace engagement structures and strap members  138   a  of this type are described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publ. Nos. 2012/0011744 and 2012/0198720, which applications are entirely incorporated herein by reference. Any of the wrap-around foot engaging systems and/or lace engaging structures described in these patent publications may be used in connection with the footwear structure  100  according to this invention. These types of wrap-around foot engaging systems and/or lace engaging structures can help provide a very comfortable, adaptive, and secure fit of an article of footwear to a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     The closure/securing system  130  of this example footwear structure  100  includes additional features. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B and 1E , the strap  136  is engaged with two stretchable or elastic members  140   a  and  140   b  (although one or more elastic members may be used without departing from this invention). The elastic members  140   a  and  140   b  help assure that the strap  136  is pulled tightly to engage the strap  136  around the wearer&#39;s foot, e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1E . While not a requirement, as shown in the illustrated example, portions of elastic members  140   a  and  140   b  extend between layers of the upper (e.g., as shown  FIG. 1B ). The elastic members  140   a  and/or  140   b  may extend through guide system  160  (also called a “guide element” or “guide member” herein), as will be explained in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A through 4D  (and potential guide system  160  locations and tracks are shown in dash-double dot lines in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D ). The term “stretchable” as used herein in this context means a material that stretches at least 25% of its length (i.e., at least 0.5 inches for a 2 inch length of the material) when a tensile force of 10 lbs is applied to a 2 inch length of the material. An “elastic” material is a “stretchable” material the returns at least substantially (i.e., at least 95%) to its original length when the 10 lb force is released. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least a portion of the strap  136  may be stretchable (in place of or in addition to any stretch provided by the elastic members  140   a ,  140   b ). 
     If desired, the elastic member(s) (e.g.,  140   a ,  140   b ) or other strap  136  tightening or securing structures may be fixedly engaged with the shoe  100  (e.g., with the upper  102 , with the sole structure  104 , between the upper  102  and sole structure  104 , etc.) to provide a support for pulling the strap  136  and stretching the elastic member(s)  140   a ,  140   b  and/or strap  136 . Such a system may be used, for example, if the lace element  138  is of a conventional design (e.g., separately tied by the wearer) or if the lace element  138  is replaced with another type of instep closure system, such as one or more elastic bands (as described in more detail below in conjunction with  FIG. 5 ) or other elements. The example footwear structure  100  of  FIGS. 1A through 1E , however, has a different construction. As shown in  FIG. 1C , in this example structure  100 , the two opposing ends of lace element  138  extend between layers of the upper  102  at a location along the second side edge  108   b  of the upper  102 . Thus, in this example structure, the lace  138  engages more eyelet or other lace engaging elements  138   a  on the first side  108   a  than on the second side  108   b , and the free ends of the lace element  138  come close together and extend along the upper  102  on the second side  108   b . If desired, the lace element  138  may extend through a guide system  160 , as will be explained in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 4A through 4D . These ends of lace element  138  may engage (directly or indirectly) with free ends of elastic members  140   a  and  140   b  (e.g., at a location inside or between layers of the upper  102 ) such that pulling the strap  136  to stretch the elastic members  140   a  and  140   b  applies a tensile force to pull and tighten the lace element  138  at and across the instep area. 
     Therefore, the closure/securing system  130  in accordance with this illustrated example footwear structure  100  includes: (a) a first portion (e.g., the lace element  138 ) that extends between the first side edge  108   a  and the second side edge  108   b  at the instep area (this lace element  138  may tighten a strap system that wraps around the sides and at least to a plantar support area of the shoe), (b) a second portion (e.g., at least a portion of lace element  138  and/or at least a portion of elastic members  140   a ,  140   b ) that extends past the second side edge  108   b  (and optionally inside or between layers of the upper  102 ) and around the heel area of the upper  102 , and (c) a third portion (e.g., strap  136 ) that extends past the first side edge  108   a  and over the second side edge  108   b  to releasably engage the upper  102  (e.g., via a hook-and-loop type fastener arrangement). The first, second, and third portions of the closure/securing system  130  may form a continuous path (e.g., from the front, instep area of the shoe  100  to the free end of strap  136 ). At least some of the first and/or second portions of the closure/securing system  130  may be unstretchable, while at least some of at least one of the second and/or third portions of the closure/securing system  130  may be elastic or stretchable. If desired, at least some of the first and/or second portions of the closure/securing system  130  (e.g., at least some of lace element  138  and/or elastic members  140   a ,  140   b ) may extend inside the upper  102  and/or between layers of the upper  102 . Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least some of the third portion of the closure/securing system  130  (e.g., the strap  136 ) may extend inside the upper  102  and/or between layers of the upper  102 . 
     Operation of the closure/securing system  130  will be described in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A through 3A .  FIGS. 1A through 1E  illustrate the article of footwear  100  with the closure/securing system  130  engaged and pulled tight, e.g., as it would be when secured to a wearer&#39;s foot (not shown). In this arrangement, the elastic members  140   a ,  140   b  (or other elastic portions) may be pulled tight and held in place by a releasable engagement between the strap  136  and the upper  102  (or sole structure  104 ), e.g., via a hook-and-loop fastener system  146 , via a buckle assembly, via another type of releasable connection, etc.). This configuration also may pull the slider  134  of the zipper system  132  to the open end  120   a  of the foot insertion opening  120 , thereby closing the foot insertion opening  120 . 
     To remove the shoe  100  from the foot, first the strap  136  is released from its releasable connection to upper  102  and/or sole structure  104  (e.g., by disconnecting the components of the hook-and-loop fastener  146 ). This action causes the elastic members  140   a ,  140   b  to return back toward their unstretched condition. The elastic portions of the closure/securing system  130  (e.g., elements  140   a ,  140   b , and/or elastic in the strap  136 ) may be sized so that when the tensile force is released in this manner, retraction of the elastic components will cause the slider element  134  of the zipper system  132  to begin moving down the track of the zipper  132  (at least if the slider element  134  had been extended to the end  120   a  of the zipper track). As an example, this release of tensile force may move the slider element  134  at least a few teeth down the zipper track (e.g., 1 to 10 teeth), as shown in  FIG. 2A . This tensile force release also may, at least in part, loosen the lace element  138  across the instep area of the shoe  100  (e.g., if the strap  136  and elastic members  140   a ,  140   b  are operatively coupled with the lace element  138 ). 
     If desired, one could continue to open the zipper system  132  by pulling the strap  136  to move the slider  134  further down the zipper track (optionally to closed end  120   b ). Alternatively, the wearer can grasp the upper  102  at a location above and/or rearward of the foot insertion opening  120  and pull the top portion of the upper  102  rearward to move the slider element  134  down the zipper track (and to essentially unwrap the upper  102  from around the wearer&#39;s leg). See  FIG. 2B . As shown in  FIG. 2C , this action moves the slider element  134  rearward and downward toward and/or to the closed end  120   b  of the foot insertion opening  120  and opens up a large, wide area for removal and insertion of a foot. Optionally, if desired, the upper  102  may include a grip enhancing and/or wear/abrasion resistant element  144  at a location where the user will tend to grip the upper  102  during this closure/securing system  130  loosening phase. In addition or as an alternative to a layer of grip enhancing and/or wear/abrasion resistant material, element  144  also may include a projecting tab (e.g., of fabric or plastic) or a handle element extending outward from the upper (capable of being grasped). 
     To put the shoe  100  on, the shoe  100  can start with the closure/securing system  130  in the arrangement shown in  FIG. 2C , and the user can insert his/her foot into the shoe  100  through the opened closure/securing system  130 . If desired, the tongue element  110  may be secured to the upper  102 , e.g., along one or both of the side edges  108   a ,  108   b , to help prevent the tongue element  110  from falling into the interior of the shoe  100  (and thus being in the way when the user inserts his/her foot). This can be accomplished, for example, using sewing or stitching (to tack the tongue element  110  to one or both edges  108   a ,  108   b ), using one or more elastic type straps  110   a  (so that the tongue element  110  is fixed to the edge(s) but can still be stretched forward with respect to the opening area), or in other manners. As other potential options, the tongue element  110  can be integrally joined along the side edges  108   a ,  108   b  and/or optionally made at least in part from a stretchable or extensible material, such as from a SPANDEX type stretchable/elastomeric fabric (e.g., like an internal bootie element), with a gusseted construction along at least one of the side edges  108   a ,  108   b , etc. 
     Once the shoe  100  is positioned on the foot, the strap  136  can be pulled forward and upward as shown in  FIG. 3A , which action moves the slider  134  of the zipper system  132  up the zipper track toward the open end  120   a  of the foot insertion opening  120 , to thereby close the foot insertion opening  120 . The strap  136  then can be pulled tight and wrapped around the front of the ankle/leg, over the first and second side edges  108   a ,  108   b , and secured at the opposite side of the upper  102  from the main part of the zipper element  132  (e.g., using hook-and-loop fastener  146 ). This strap  136  tightening action also may, at least in part, tighten the lace element  138  across the instep area of the shoe  100  (if the strap  136  and elastic members  140   a ,  140   b  are operatively coupled with the lace element  138 ). 
     While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A through 3A  show the shoe  100  with the zipper element  132  primarily on the medial side of the upper  102  (and the strap  136  wrapping from the medial side to the lateral side), the opposite configuration also is possible (with the zipper element  132  primarily on the lateral side of the upper  102  and the strap  136  wrapping from the lateral side to the medial side). As another potential option, if desired, one shoe  100  of a pair of shoes may have the zipper element  132  primarily on the medial side of the upper  102  (and the strap  136  wrapping from the medial side to the lateral side) and the other shoe of the pair may have the opposite configuration (with the zipper element  132  primarily on the lateral side of the upper  102  and the strap  136  wrapping from the lateral side to the medial side). 
     Optionally, if desired, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the rear heel area of the sole  104  and/or the upper  102  may include a handle or tab  150  that the user can grasp to help pull the shoe  100  all the way onto the foot (and get the toes down to the end of the shoe  100 ). Other structures may be provided for this purpose, if desired. For example, the handle or tab  150  may be shaped and positioned (e.g., of sufficient length to contact the floor) so that the user can step down on it (or otherwise apply force to it) to hold the shoe  100  in place while toes of the foot being inserted are pushed into the upper  102 . As another example, as shown in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the upper  102  or sole structure  104  may include a bearing element  152  along a side that extends sideways to allow a rearward force to be applied to the shoe  100  (e.g., by the opposite foot or leg; by a wall, table, or chair; etc.). Optionally, this type of bearing member  152  may be mounted to fold forward along the side of the upper  102  and/or sole structure  104 , e.g., on a hinge  154 , or to retract into the sole structure  104  (or between the upper  102  and the sole structure  104 ), e.g., by a spring loaded mount. 
     As mentioned above, if desired, at least some portions of the lace element  138  and/or the elastic members  140   a ,  140   b  may extend inside or between layers of the upper  102 . As another option, if desired, these members may at least partially extend around the heel area of the shoe  100  around the exterior surface of the upper  102 . In such structures, at least some portions of the lace element  138 , the elastic members  140   a ,  140   b , and even the strap  136  may extend through a guide system  160 . The guide system  160  can help maintain the lace element  138 , the elastic members  140   a ,  140   b , and/or the strap  136  in desired position(s) with respect to the upper  102  and/or help maintain a clear path so that these components can be pulled tight when securing the shoe  100  to a wearer foot. The guide system  160  also can help conceal these components to avoid unnecessary or undesired contact and/or interaction with other objects. 
       FIGS. 4A through 4D  show cross sectional views of various potential examples of guide element  160  structures. The guide element(s)  160  may be provided along at least portions of the desired tracks of lace element  138 , elastic members  140   a ,  140   b , and/or strap  136 , as shown in dash-double dot lines in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D . 
       FIG. 4A  shows a guide member  160  provided as a tubular member between two layers  102   a  and  102   b  of upper material (e.g., between a spacer mesh inner layer and an abrasion resistant TPU or synthetic leather outer layer). The guide member  160  may be made from a rigid or flexible material, e.g., plastic, fabric, or textile materials. The guide member  160  further may include structures  162  that enable the guide member  160  to be engaged with one or both of the upper layers  102   a ,  102   b , e.g., such as by sewing or stitching, by adhesives or cements, by fusing techniques, etc. An internal area  164  defined by the guide member  160  houses at least portions of the lace element  138  and/or elastic members  140   a ,  140   b  (and/or optionally, at least a portion of the strap  136 ), depending on the location of the guide member  160  around the shoe  100 . 
       FIG. 4B  shows a similar two layer upper construction in which the guide member  160 ′ has an open side and a surface of one of the upper layers (e.g., layer  102   b , in this example) defines one side of the guide member internal area  164 ′ (in which the elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b  are contained). Again, the guide member  160 ′ may be engaged with one or both of the upper layers  102   a ,  102   b , e.g., at structures  162 ′, such as by sewing or stitching, by adhesives or cements, by fusing techniques, etc. 
       FIG. 4C  shows a guide member  160 ″ engaged with a single layer  102   a  of an upper. Again, the guide member  160 ″ has an open side and a surface of upper layer  102   a  defines one side of the guide member internal area  164 ″ (in which the elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b  are contained). Again, the guide member  160 ″ may be engaged with upper layer  102   a , e.g., at structures  162 ″, such as by sewing or stitching, by adhesives or cements, by fusing techniques, etc. In this example construction, the guide member  160 ″ extends outward from the upper layer  102   a , and the guide member  160 ″ may be oriented on an interior or an exterior surface of this upper layer  102   a.    
       FIG. 4D  also shows a guide member  160 ′″ engaged with a single layer  102   a  of an upper. In this example structure, a thin cover element  166  is provided along at least some portion of a longitudinal length of the guide member  160 ′″ (to close off and partially define internal area  164 ′″ in which the elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b  are contained). This cover element  166  may be formed from any desired type of material, including, for example, a rigid or flexible polymeric material, a fabric or textile material, etc. Again, the guide member  160 ′″ may be engaged with upper layer  102   a , e.g., at structures  162 ′″, such as by sewing or stitching, by adhesives or cements, by fusing techniques, etc. In this example construction, the guide member  160 ′″ extends or recesses into the upper layer  102   a , and the guide member  160 ′″ may be oriented on an interior or an exterior surface of this upper layer  102   a . In some structures, if desired, the cover element  166  may be omitted, at least over some portions of the guide member structure  160 ′″. 
     While always shown including two elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b  in  FIGS. 4A through 4D , guide elements of any of these types may include a single portion of the closure/securing system  130  or more than two components. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D , the guide member may divide or separate at the rear heel portion (or other portion) of the shoe structure  100 , and a single element  138 ,  140   a , and/ 140   b  may be provided in at least some of the guide members (e.g., on opposite sides of zipper system  132 ). The guide system need not extend continuously along the entire path shown in  FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D , but it may be discontinuous (e.g., in multiple separate parts, e.g., akin to belt loop type structures) or otherwise shorter than the entire path. 
     If necessary or desired, in any of the constructions of  FIGS. 4A through 4D , the interior wall of internal area  164 , the elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b , the cover element  166 , and/or the surface of the upper  102  defining the internal area  164  may be treated so as to reduce sliding friction between the various parts contained in the internal area (e.g., so that the elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b  move more freely and easily when pulled or released). As some more specific examples, if desired, the treatment may include a polytetrafluoroethylene coating or infusion, graphite coating or infusion, treatment with other lubricants, etc. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, at least portions of the internal wall of the internal area  164  of the guide element  160 , the cover member  166 , and/or the surface of the upper  102  may be made from a material having a low coefficient of friction with respect to elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b . The elements (e.g.,  138 ,  140   a ,  140   b ) contained within the internal area  164  may be made from materials or treated to have a low coefficient of friction with respect to one another (or with respect to other surfaces and/or structures within internal area  164 ). These features can help prevent elements  138 ,  140   a , and/or  140   b  from binding and/or sticking when the closure/securing system  130  is tightened or released. 
     In footwear structures  100  in which instep securing element(s) (e.g., non-elastic or unstretchable lace elements  138 ) directly engage with the pull strap  136  (e.g., via elastic stretch components  140   a ,  140   b ), the location of the transition between the unstretchable lace elements  138  and the elastic pull strap components  140   a ,  140   b  may occur at any desired location around the upper structure  102 . As some more specific examples, this transition may occur in the lateral side heel area (e.g., see  FIG. 1A , point P 4 ), in the rear heel area (e.g.,  FIG. 1D , points P 5 ), or even in the medial side heel area (e.g.,  FIG. 1B , points P 6 ). This transition also may occur within the guide elements  160  (if any), between layers of the upper  102  (if multiple layers are present), inside the upper  102 , and/or outside of the upper  102 . When two or more securing component ( 138 ,  140   a ,  140   b ) paths are provided around the upper  102 , the transition(s) between unstretchable and elastic materials (if any) may occur at the same or different locations around the upper  102 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another example article of footwear structure  500  in accordance with some examples of this invention. While the footwear structure  500  of  FIG. 5  is similar to that of  FIGS. 1A through 1D , in this illustrated example structure  500 , the lace elements  138  from  FIG. 1C  are replaced by one or more stretchable or elastic bands  502  that extend across the instep opening from side edge  108   a  to side edge  108   b . The elastic band(s)  502  allow the size of the instep area of the shoe  500  to expand as the foot moves inward and then return to or toward their original size to help maintain the shoe in a tightened condition on the wearer&#39;s foot. If desired, elastic bands  502  may engage straps  138   a  for wrap-around and adaptive fit type components of the types described above in conjunction with  FIG. 1C  (and as described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publ. Nos. 2012/0011744 and 2012/0198720). 
     In this example structure  500 , the strap  136  still is engaged with a slider element  134  of zipper system  132  and is mounted on one or more elastic elements  140   a ,  140   b  that extend at least partially around the wearer&#39;s foot to help secure the shoe to the wearer&#39;s foot. The elastic element(s)  140   a ,  140   b  in this illustrated example shoe structure  500 , however, do not extend around to and/or engage the closure/securing element(s)  502  provided at the instep area of the shoe. Rather, in this shoe structure  500 , the elastic element(s)  140   a ,  140   b  are fixed to one of the upper  102  and/or the sole structure  104  and/or held between the upper  102  and sole structure  104 . The fixing point for the end(s) of elastic element(s)  140   a ,  140   b  may be at any desired location around the shoe structure  500 , such as in the lateral heel area, in the rear heel area, and/or in the medial heel area, etc. (e.g., in the general areas designated as points P 4 , P 5 , and P 6  in the discussion above with respect to  FIGS. 1A through 1E , between the upper and the sole structure, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the strap  136  could be made at least partially from a stretchable material and used to tighten the shoe  500  to the wearer&#39;s leg. 
     The shoe  500  of  FIG. 5  may include strap  136 , zipper system  132 , and/or elastic elements  140   a ,  140   b  of the types described above in  FIGS. 1A through 1D , and these components may operate in a manner the same as or similar to those described above for the structure  100  of  FIGS. 1A through 1D  (e.g., as described in conjunction with  FIGS. 2A-3A ) except loosening of the strap  136  and relaxation of the tensile force in elements  140   a ,  140   b  will not affect tightness across the instep area. Nonetheless, the zipper system  132  and the closure system  130  may be opened and closed in the same general manner. 
     Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures, options, and/or alternatives for the footwear structures described herein, including the features of the various different embodiments of the invention, may be used in any desired combinations, subcombinations, and the like, without departing from the invention. For example, if desired, the elastic band(s)  502  of  FIG. 5  may be used in conjunction with the lace element  138  of  FIGS. 1A through 3A . As another example, the footwear structure  500  of  FIG. 5  may include the handle and/or bearing members of  FIGS. 3B and 3C  without departing from this invention. The example footwear structure  500  of  FIG. 5  also may include one or more of the guide element structures  160  and arrangements as shown in  FIGS. 4A through 4D , if desired. Other combinations of specific features, components, and combinations also may be used without departing from this invention. 
     Further variations from the illustrated structures may be made in the closure/securing system  130 . As some additional examples, if desired, more or fewer (or no) elastic bands  140   a ,  140   b  may be provided without departing from this invention. Additionally or alternatively, the elastic bands  140   a ,  140   b , when present, may have different sizes, cross sectional shapes, attachment location(s) to the strap  136 , and the like from the specifically illustrated structures, and the bands  140   a ,  140   b  on a single shoe  100  (when multiple bands are present) may have the same or different constructions. The band(s)  140   a ,  140   b  also may extend around the shoe  100  in different directions from those illustrated, including at different relative directions and/or angles from one another. The band(s)  140   a ,  140   b  need not extend inside and/or between layers of the upper  102  as shown in  FIG. 1B , but if they do, the location(s) at which the band(s)  140   a ,  140   b  move from an exterior location to an interior location with respect to the upper  102  may vary (e.g., the location(s) may be nearer to the strap  136 , at higher and/or lower locations with respect to the zipper system  132 , further around the rear heel area, more toward the opposite side of the shoe, at wider spaced apart locations around the perimeter, etc.). Also, the entry location for the band(s)  140   a ,  140   b  (i.e., the opening through which the band(s)  140   a ,  140   b  extend inside the upper  102 ) may have shapes other than round, such as square, rectangular, triangular, other polygonal shapes, oval or elliptical shaped, star shaped, cross shaped, logo shaped, irregularly shaped, etc. More than one band  140   a ,  140   b  may extend through a single opening to the interior of the upper  102 , if desired (e.g., at a location beyond the end of the zipper system  132 ). When multiple openings for this purpose are present in a shoe construction, the individual openings may have the same or different shapes from one another. The strap  136  also may be sized, shaped, and oriented differently from the illustrated structures and arrangements, if desired. The various options noted above also may be used in any desired combinations or subcombinations without departing from this invention. Accordingly, a wide variety of options and design choices are available for the various structures of the closure/securing system  130 . 
     The lace component  138  and its orientation on a shoe also may differ without departing from this invention. For example, as noted above, the lace component  138  may engage more conventional eyelets or holes through the upper  102  at the instep area. The lace component  138  also may have different sizes, cross sectional shapes, and/or cross the instep area of the shoe  100  a different number of times from that shown without departing from this invention. Also, while the shoe  100  of  FIG. 1C  shows both ends of lace component  138  extending inside the upper  102  at the lateral side of the shoe  100 , other arrangements are possible without departing from this invention. For example, both ends of lace component  138  could extend inside the upper  102  at the medial side of the shoe  100 . As another example, the opposite ends of lace component  138  could extend inside the upper  102  at opposite sides of the shoe  100  (and potentially engage different straps  136  or one of the ends of the lace component  138  could wrap around a direction change element provided on or with the shoe  100  to change direction and engage the same strap  136  as the other end). As yet another example, if desired, the ends of lace component  138  could extend along the outside of the upper  102  (on one or both sides, optionally at least partially within a guide member  160 ). Accordingly, many variations on the lace structure  138  and arrangement are possible without departing from this invention. 
     The tension applying systems (e.g., to tighten lace element  138  and/or strap  136 ) also may have other structures without departing from this invention. For example, a pulley doubler type system may be provided, e.g., to reduce the pulling force needed to apply tensile force to the lace element  138 . As additional options, other tension applying devices could be provided, e.g., at the front, instep, and/or side ankle areas of the shoe  100 , such as a rotary “take up” mechanism that winds to roll up excess lace element  138  (and thereby apply tensile force to the lace element  138 ). Such tension applying devices may replace the strap  136  and elastic bands  140   a ,  140   b , in at least some footwear structures and/or they may be engaged with the zipper slider  134 , if desired, to pull the zipper slider  134  downwardly and rearwardly when the tension is released (e.g., to perform the tension release functions with respect to the zipper slider  134  described above in conjunction with  FIG. 2A ). 
       FIGS. 6A-6I  illustrate another example article of footwear  600  in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention. This article of footwear  600  includes an upper  602  and a sole structure  604  engaged with the upper  602  (e.g., in conventional manners and/or from conventional materials and constructions as are known and used in the footwear arts).  FIGS. 6A-6D  show various views of the article of footwear  600  and upper  602  in a “closed” condition and/or a foot engaging configuration;  FIG. 6E  shows two securing systems on the article of footwear open (they are closed in  FIGS. 6A-6D ); and  FIGS. 6F-6I  show various views of the article of footwear  600  and upper  602  in an “open” condition and/or a foot insertion configuration. While called a “foot insertion configuration” in this specification, those skilled in the art, given benefit of this disclosure, would recognize that the foot insertion configuration also may be used when a wearer&#39;s foot is removed from the upper  602  (also called a “foot removal configuration” herein). The upper  602  and sole member  604  may have any of the features/characteristics described above for the structures of  FIGS. 1A-5 . 
     The example upper  602  shown in these figures includes a top opening  602 O, a first side  602 M (e.g., a medial side), and a second side  602 L (e.g., a lateral side) opposite the first side  602 M. At the first side  602 M, a first side edge  606  extends downward from the top opening  602 O, and at the second side  602 L, a second side edge  608  extends downward from the top opening  602 O. This example upper  602  defines a foot insertion opening that extends from the first side edge  606  (note openable end  610 O of the foot insertion opening) and terminates at a closed end  610 C located at a side heel area of the upper  602  on the second side  602 L of the upper  602  (e.g., optionally corresponding to point P LH  from  FIG. 1A ). A closure system  620  is engaged with the upper  602  for releasably closing the foot insertion opening, and the closure system  620  of this example extends between the closed end  610 C of the foot insertion opening and the first side edge  606  of the upper  602  (e.g., at least along a majority of the length of the opening from the open end  610 O to the closed end  610 C, and in some examples, along at least 70%, at least 90%, or even at least 95% of this length). The closure system  620  may include a zipper system or other desired hardware system for selectively opening and closing the foot insertion opening, some examples of which will be described in more detail below. 
     As further evident from  FIGS. 6A-6I , this illustrated upper  602  (optionally in combination with the sole structure  604 ) at least in part defines a foot-receiving volume  612  configured to receive a wearer&#39;s foot in use. The upper  602  of this example is structured to include: (a) an ankle containing portion  614  having a first side  614 M, a rear heel area  614 H, and a second side  614 L and (b) a base portion  616  having a first side  616 M and a second side  616 L (and optionally a rear heel portion  616 H). The base portion  616  may remain fixed (or substantially fixed) in location with respect to the sole structure  604 , while the ankle containing portion  614  may be movable with respect to the base portion  616  and the sole structure  604 , as will be described in more detail below. In this illustrated example, a connecting member  618  connects the second side  614 L of the ankle containing portion  614  and the second side  616 M of the base portion  616 . 
     In use, and considered when the sole structure  604  is supported on a horizontal support surface, the upper  602  is changeable, e.g., by movement of the ankle containing portion  614  with respect to the base portion  616  (and the sole structure  604 ) at the connecting member  618  between: (a) a foot engaging configuration ( FIGS. 6A-6D ) in which the first side  614 M of the ankle containing portion  614  of the upper  602  is positioned over the first side  616 M of the base portion  616  (and over the sole structure  604 ) to close the upper  602  and (b) a foot insertion configuration ( FIGS. 6F-6I ) in which the first side  614 M of the ankle containing portion  614  of the upper  602  is moved, e.g., to be positioned laterally/sideways outside of the second side  616 L of the base portion  616  and/or laterally/sideways outside of the connecting member  618  with respect to the foot-receiving volume  612  of the upper  602 , to thereby open a rear heel area of the upper  602 . In the foot insertion configuration, the first side  614 M of the ankle containing portion may be located to a side of the sole structure  604 . The closure system  620  may be used to releasably hold the upper  602  in the foot engaging configuration and to open the upper  602 . In the foot engaging configuration, the foot insertion opening is in a “closed condition” and in the foot insertion configuration, the foot insertion opening is in an “open condition.” 
     As evident from the  FIGS. 6A-6I , in the foot insertion configuration/open condition, the ankle containing portion  614  of uppers  602  in accordance with at least some examples of this invention will move to one side (e.g., the lateral side) to open the rear heel area of the upper very wide and low. These features can enable easy insertion of a wearer&#39;s foot, generally from the rear of the footwear structure  600 . Additional example features of this example upper  602 /article of footwear  600  will be described below. 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6F , in this illustrated example, the second side edge  608  (part of the ankle containing portion  614 ) includes a downward extending segment  608 D and a rearward extending segment  608 R. This example rearward extending segment  608 R of the second side edge  608  terminates at a closed end  608 C, e.g., located at one side  618 B of the connecting member  618 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the closed end  608 C of the second side edge  608  may be located a shortest direct line distance L from the closed end  610 C of the closure system  610  and/or foot insertion opening. While other dimensions are possible, in at least some examples of this invention, the distance L may be within a range from 5 mm to 80 mm, and in some examples from 10 mm to 70 mm, from 12 mm to 55 mm, or even from 15 mm to 45 mm. 
     Example ankle containing portions  614  of uppers  602  according to still other aspects of this invention may include: (a) a top edge (e.g.,  602 O); (b) a first edge (e.g.,  606 ) extending from the top edge  602 O, along the first side  614 M of the ankle containing portion  614 , around the rear heel area  614 H of the ankle containing portion  614 , to the second side  614 L of the ankle containing portion  614 , and to a first side  618 A of the connecting member  618 ; and (c) a second edge (e.g.,  608 ) extending from the top edge  602 O, along the second side  614 L of the ankle containing portion  614 , and to a second side  618 B of the connecting member  618 . The second edge  608  of the ankle containing portion  614  may include the downward extending segment  608 D and the rearward extending segment  608 R that extends to the second side  618 B of the connecting member  618 , as described above. A length dimension of the connecting member  618  measured as a shortest direct distance from the first side  618 A to the opposite second side  618 B of the connecting member  618  may be within a range from 5 mm to 80 mm, and in some examples from 10 mm to 70 mm, from 12 mm to 55 mm, or even from 15 mm to 45 mm. 
     The connecting member  618  may have any desired construction without departing from this invention, e.g., provided it can support the desired changes between: (a) the foot engaging configuration and/or “closed condition” and (b) the foot insertion configuration and/or “open condition” described above. As one more specific example, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the connecting member  618  may be a strip or section of material (e.g., a fabric, a textile, leather, polymeric material, etc.) attached to the upper  602  (e.g., attached to the ankle containing portion  614  and the base portion  616  described above). This strip or section of material may extend from: (a) the closed end  610 C of the foot insertion opening and/or closure system  610  to (b) the closed end  608 C of the rearward extending segment  608 R of the second side edge  608 . This strip or section of material for the connecting member  618  also may define one or both of: (a) the closed end  610 C of the foot insertion opening and/or the closure system  610  and/or (b) the closed end  608 C of the rearward extending segment  608 R of the second side edge  608 . As additional examples, the connecting member  618  may constitute a continuous strip or section of upper  602  material that forms at least one of the ankle containing portion  614  and/or the base portion  616  and extends between (and potentially helps define) the closed end  610 C of the foot insertion opening and/or closure system  610  and/or the closed end  608 C of the rearward extending segment  608 R of the second side edge  608 . Still additional potential examples of a suitable connecting member  618  include a mechanical hinge member, a plastic or polymeric member having one or more pre-formed “bend lines;” and/or other relative rotation supporting structures. 
     Additional potential features of example closure systems  620  now will be described in more detail. As shown in the figures, this example closure system  620  includes a track extending at least along the second side  602 L of the upper  602  (e.g., when the upper/foot insertion opening is in the foot engaging configuration/closed condition). As a more specific example, one track portion  620 A may extend along at least a portion or section of a lower edge  614 A of the ankle containing portion  614  of the upper  602  and another (e.g., mating) track portion  620 B may extend along at least a portion or section of an upper edge  616 A of the base portion  616  of the upper  602 . These track portions  620 A,  620 B may extend, for example, a majority, and in some examples, at least 70%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even 100% of a length of the foot insertion opening, the lower edge  614 A, and/or the upper edge  616 A. As best shown in  FIG. 6A , in this illustrated example, an end portion of the track  620  located along the second side  602 L of the upper  602  may “substantially align” with an end portion and/or an extension direction of the rearward extending segment  608 R of the second side edge  608  of the upper  602 . 
     The term “substantially align” as used herein in this context means that the two features in question, e.g., (a) an end track portion or segment  620 B along the second side  602 L of the upper  602  and (b) an end of the rearward extending segment  608 R of the second side edge  608  of the upper  602  in this example: (i) align (see  FIG. 7A ), (ii) are parallel and lie on lines  624 A/ 624 B located within 10 mm of one another (see  FIG. 7B ), (iii) lie on lines  626 A/ 626 B that intersect one another at an angle α of less than 5° at an intersection location between their ends  610 C/ 608 C (see  FIG. 7C ), or (iv) lie on lines  628 A/ 628 B that intersect at an angle β of less than 5° and come within 10 mm of one another at a location between their ends  610 C/ 608 C (see  FIG. 7D ). 
     A closure element  622  (e.g., a zipper slider) is movable along the track, e.g., to selectively join or separate track portions  620 A and  620 B and to thereby respectively change the foot insertion opening between the open condition and the closed condition and/or to thereby respectively change the upper  602  between the foot engaging configuration and the foot insertion configuration. 
     As further shown, for example, in  FIGS. 6C and 6H , in this illustrated example, the closure system  620  track (e.g., track portion  620 B on the upper base portion  616 ) includes a first side portion  620 M, a rear heel portion  620 H, and a second side portion  620 L, wherein (with the sole structure  604  supported on a horizontal support surface) a vertically lowest section of the track is located in the rear heel portion  620 H of the track. Also, this illustrated track: (a) extends forward to the first side portion  620 M in an upward direction from the vertically lowest section in the rear heel portion  620 H and (b) extends forward to the second side portion  620 L in an upward direction from this vertically lowest section in the rear heel portion  620 H. In this manner, when viewed from a top and/or rear point of view, the closure system  620  track (at least in the closed condition, in the foot engaging configuration, and/or as track portion  620 B on the upper base portion  616 ) may have somewhat of an upwardly inclined U-shape around the rear heel area of the upper  602 . This feature also is evident, for example, from the side views of  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
     Articles of footwear  600  in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include an ankle strap  630 , e.g., as at least a portion of a manner for securing the footwear  600  to a wearer&#39;s foot. As shown in  FIG. 6B , in this illustrated example, the ankle strap  630  is secured to the closure element  622  (e.g., zipper slider) of the closure system  620 , and therefore, the ankle strap  630  moves with the closure element  622 . Although other options are possible, in this illustrated example, the ankle strap  630  also may function as a “handle” that allows the user to pull the closure element  622  to open and/or close the closure system  620 . 
     In the specific example of  FIGS. 6A-6I , the ankle strap  630  includes a portion  632 A of a securing system (e.g., a portion of a hook-and-loop type fastener in this example) used to hold the ankle strap  630  around the wearer&#39;s ankle, e.g., in a tensioned condition. The ankle strap  630  may include one or more strips or sections of securing element portions  632 A that extend over any desired portion or proportion of the strap  630 &#39;s length. This securing system portion  632 A may be used to engage one or more other portions of the securing system. For example, as shown in this illustrated example, the second side  602 L of the upper  602  (on the second side  614 L of the ankle containing portion  614 ) has a securing portion  632 B or securing member. In operation, when placed in the “closed condition” or “foot engaging configuration,” the closure element  622  of the closure system  620  moves to and stops along the track at the first side  602 M (and at the first side edge  606  in this example) of the upper  602  and at the first side  616 M of the base portion  616  of the upper  602 . Then, to secure the closure system  620  in place, the ankle strap  630  is pulled around a front instep or front ankle portion  602 F of the upper  602  and is secured to the securing member  632 B at the second side  602 L of the upper  602 . Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a securing portion  632 C may be provided on the front instep or front ankle portion  602 F of the upper  602 , e.g., to allow the strap  630  to be secured at that location (in addition to or in place of the second side  602 L securing portion  632 B). 
     As one potential feature in accordance with these aspects of the invention, with the sole structure  604  supported on a horizontal support surface (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 6A ), the ankle strap  630  may extend to (and be at least partially secured to the upper  602 ) at a location on the second side  602 L of the upper  602  that is more rearward (i.e., toward the rearmost heel location) than a location of the closed end  610 C of the foot insertion opening and/or more rearward than the rearmost portion (e.g., side  618 A) of the connecting member  618 . This feature is illustrated in  FIG. 6A  by the vertical line VS (showing the rearmost extension and securement location of ankle strap  630 ) and vertical line VC (showing the rearmost extent and location of the connecting element  618  and/or the vertical location of the closed end  610 C of the foot insertion opening). In this orientation, the horizontal distance D between VS and VC may be within the range of 3 mm to 30 mm, and in some examples, from 5 mm to 25 mm, or even from 7 mm to 20 mm. In this manner, a tight and secure fit can be provided that wraps 360° around the wearer&#39;s ankle (by ankle containing portion  614  and strap  630 ). 
     Other securing system structures, e.g., around a wearer&#39;s ankle and/or for an ankle strap, may be provided, if desired, without departing from this invention. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the various parts, the locations of various parts, and/or the sizes, shapes, and/or styles of the various parts of the ankle securing system (e.g., parts  630 ,  632 A,  632 B,  632 C, etc.) may vary without departing from this invention. 
     An additional or alternative foot securing system for at least some examples of this invention is shown in  FIGS. 6A-6I  as a forefoot and/or midfoot securing system. More specifically, for this securing system a securing strap  640  is provided that extends across a top forefoot and/or top midfoot portion of the upper  602  one or more times. A single securing strap  640  may extend across the top forefoot and/or top midfoot portion of the upper  602  any desired number of times without departing from the invention. Alternatively, if desired, two or more securing straps may be provided that each extends one or more times across the top forefoot and/or top midfoot portion of the upper  602 . The more specific example of  FIGS. 6A-6I  will be described in more detail below. 
     In this example footwear structure  600 , the upper  602  (and/or the sole structure  604 ) includes a first strap engaging component  642 L (e.g., a first tensioning device, such as a tensioning ring) provided at a midfoot portion on the second side  602 L of the upper  600  (e.g., included on the upper base portion  616 ). A second strap engaging component  642 M (e.g., a second tensioning device (such as a tensioning ring), a portion of a strap securing system (e.g., a button, a buttonhole, a portion of a buckle, a portion of a snap, a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener, a portion of another mechanical fastener, etc.) is provided at a midfoot portion on the first side  602 M of the upper  602  (e.g., included on the upper base portion  616 ). 
     The securing strap  640  of this example includes a first strap portion  640 F fixed, e.g., at a forefoot portion on the first side  602 M of the upper  602 . While  FIGS. 6B, 6D, 6E, 6G, and 6I  show the first strap portion  640 F fixed by a sewn seam  644  engaging it to the base portion  616  of the upper  602 , other ways of fixing the first strap portion  640 F with respect to upper  602  and/or sole structure  604  may be used without departing from this invention, including adhesives or cements, mechanical fasteners (including releasable mechanical fasteners), fixing the first strap portion  640 F between the upper  602  and the sole structure  604  at their junction, etc. The first strap portion  640 F extends to an area where the strap  640  is not fixed to the upper  602  to provide a flexible strap portion  640 S contiguously extending from the first/fixed strap portion  640 F. The flexible strap portion  640 S extends across the top forefoot/midfoot portion of the upper  602  to the first strap engaging component  642 L (e.g., through a ring of a tensioning device) on the second side  602 L of the upper  602 , and from there to the second strap engaging component  642 M located on first side  602 M of the upper  602 . In this specific illustrated example, the second strap engaging component  642 M constitutes a second tensioning device, and the flexible strap portion  640 S extends through this second tensioning device, double backs over itself and is secured to itself. This is accomplished by providing a first portion  640 A of a securing system (e.g., a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener) on a mid-area of flexible strap portion  640 S and a second portion  640 B of the securing system (e.g., a mating portion of a hook-and-loop fastener) on the facing surface, e.g., at the free end  640 E of the flexible strap portion  640 S. As another option, rather than having the free end  640 E of flexible strap portion  640 S secure to itself, a securing member (akin to  640 A) could be provided on the upper  602  (e.g., on the upper base portion  616 ), and the strap securing member  640 B may engage that upper-mounted securing member. 
     In use, the strap engaging component(s)  642 L and/or  642 M may be used to apply tension to the strap  640  (e.g., by pulling the flexible strap portion  640 S tight through the tensioning devices or other strap engaging component(s)  642 L and/or  642 M), and the flexible strap portion  640 S may be secured in place with respect to the upper  602  and/or sole structure  604  in this tensioned condition by the securing system (e.g.,  640 A/ 640 B or other type of securing system). In this manner, a tight and secure fit to the wearer&#39;s foot can be provided in the forefoot and midfoot areas of the shoe. 
     In the illustrated example of  FIGS. 6A-6I , the upper  602  of the article of footwear  600  can open up very wide, e.g., by moving the ankle containing portion  614  of upper  602  laterally/sideways with respect to the upper base portion  616  and/or the sole structure  604  (e.g., to the lateral side). In effect, the ankle containing portion  614  may move/rotate sideways with respect to the base portion  616  and the sole structure  604  via connecting member  618  (e.g., moving akin to rotation on a hinge type structure) to open in somewhat of a “clamshell” fashion. The rear of the upper base portion  616  in this open condition may appear somewhat as an open backed slipper or “slide” type shoe. These actions and features open the rear heel area of the upper  602  very wide and low and can enable easy insertion of a wearer&#39;s foot into the interior chamber  612 , generally from the rear of the footwear structure  600 . Then, by pulling the ankle strap  630 , the upper  602  can be closed and secured. 
     Various parts/features described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 6A-6I  use the designators “M” and “L.” These designators refer to the “medial side” and “lateral side” of the specifically illustrated example footwear structure  600  (and the “first” side  602 M of the illustrated upper  602  corresponds to the medial side and the “second” side  602 L of the illustrated upper  602  corresponds to the lateral side). These designators, however, are used only for convenience and to correspond to the illustrated example. Given benefit of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various parts/features identified by the designators “M” and “L” may be provided on the opposite sides of footwear from their “M” and “L” designators (e.g., on the lateral side and medial side, respectively), if desired, without departing from this invention. 
     Additionally, any one or more features/structures/parts from the embodiments of the invention shown and/or described with respect to in  FIGS. 1A-5  may be used in the footwear structure  600  of  FIGS. 6A-6I , if desired. Additionally or alternatively, any one or more features/structures/parts from the embodiments of the invention shown and/or described with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6I  may be used in the footwear structures of  FIG. 1A-5 . Any combinations or subcombinations of the features/structures/parts from  FIGS. 1A through 7D  may be used in footwear structures without departing from this invention (and is envisioned as part of this invention). 
     III. CONCLUSION 
     The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide an example of the various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.