Patent Publication Number: US-11659887-B2

Title: Plate with foam for footwear

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/548,170, filed Aug. 22, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/248,059, filed Aug. 26, 2016, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/236,649, filed Oct. 2, 2015, and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/308,626, filed Mar. 15, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear including sole structures with footwear plates and foam for improving efficiency in the performance of the footwear during running motions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
     Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure. 
     Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhancing traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper. 
     The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot is known to absorb energy as it flexes through dorsiflexion during running movements. As the foot does not move through plantarflexion until the foot is pushing off of a ground surface, the MTP joint returns little of the energy it absorbs to the running movement and, thus, is known to be the source of an energy drain during running movements. Embedding flat and rigid plates having longitudinal stiffness within a sole structure is known to increase the overall stiffness thereof. While the use of flat plates stiffens the sole structure for reducing energy loss at the MTP joint by preventing the MTP joint from absorbing energy through dorsiflexion, the use of flat plates also adversely increases a mechanical demand on ankle plantarflexors of the foot, thereby reducing the efficiency of the foot during running movements, especially over longer distances. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  1    is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  1    showing a footwear plate disposed upon a cushioning member within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1    showing a footwear plate disposed upon a cushioning member within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole; 
         FIG.  4    is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  4    showing a footwear plate disposed between a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  4    showing a footwear plate disposed between a first cushioning member and a second cushioning member within a cavity between an inner surface of an out sole and a bottom surface of a midsole; 
         FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  7    showing a cushioning member received within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole, and a footwear plate disposed upon the inner surface in a forefoot region of the footwear and embedded within the cushioning member in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  7    showing a cushioning member received within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole, and a footwear plate disposed upon the inner surface in a forefoot region of the footwear and embedded within the cushioning member in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  10    is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  10    showing a cushioning member received within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole, and a footwear plate embedded within the cushioning member in a forefoot region of the footwear and disposed between the cushioning member and the bottom surface of midsole in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG.  10    showing a cushioning member received within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole, and a footwear plate embedded within the cushioning member in a forefoot region of the footwear and disposed between the cushioning member and the bottom surface of midsole in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  13    is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  13    showing a cushioning member received within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole, and a footwear plate embedded within the cushioning member in a forefoot region of the footwear and disposed between the cushioning member and the inner surface of the outsole in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG.  13    showing a cushioning member received within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole, and a footwear plate embedded within the cushioning member in a forefoot region of the footwear and disposed between the cushioning member and the inner surface of the outsole in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  16    is a top perspective view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    is a side view of the footwear plate of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a top view of the footwear plate of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a top perspective view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    is a side view of the footwear plate of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a top view of the footwear plate of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  23    is a side view of the footwear plate of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a top view of the footwear plate of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  25    is a top view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  26    is a top view of a footwear plate for use in an forefoot region of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  27    is a top view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  28    is a top view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  29    is a top view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  30    is a top view of a footwear plate for use in an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  31    provides a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  32    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG.  31    showing a footwear plate disposed between an outsole and a midsole in a forefoot region of the footwear and disposed between a cushioning member and the midsole in a heel region of the footwear; 
         FIG.  33    provides a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  34    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG.  33    showing a footwear plate disposed between an outsole and a cushioning member; 
         FIG.  35    provides a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  36    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG.  35    showing a plurality of apertures formed through an outsole and a cushioning member to expose a footwear plate disposed between the cushioning member and a midsole; 
         FIG.  37    is a top perspective view of an article of footwear in accordance with principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  38    is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG.  37    showing a fluid-filled bladder disposed upon a cushioning member within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole; 
         FIG.  39    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  39 - 39  of  FIG.  37    showing a fluid-filled bladder disposed upon a cushioning member within a cavity between an inner surface of an outsole and a bottom surface of a midsole; 
         FIGS.  40 A- 40 E  show various prepreg fiber sheets used in forming a footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  41    is an exploded view of a stack of prepreg fiber sheets used to form a footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  42 A- 42 E  show various layers of fiber strands used in forming a footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  43    is an exploded view of layers of fiber strands used to form a footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  44    is a perspective view of a mold for use in forming a footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the mold shown in conjunction with a stack of fibers prior to being formed into a footwear plate; and 
         FIG.  45    is a perspective view of a mold for use in forming a footwear plate in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, the mold shown in conjunction with a formed footwear plate. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations. 
     One aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper portion. The sole structure includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer disposed between the concave portion and the upper. The plate includes an anterior-most portion disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point. The plate also includes a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar. The plate may also include a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure. The posterior-most point may be located within the substantially flat portion. 
     In some examples, the sole structure includes a blend portion disposed between and connecting the concave portion and the substantially flat portion. The blend portion may include a substantially constant curvature. The anterior-most point and the posterior-most point may be co-planar at a junction of the blend portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     The sole structure may include a second cushioning layer disposed between the substantially flat portion and the upper. A third cushioning layer may be disposed between the outsole and the plate. In some examples, the third cushioning layer is disposed within the heel region. The third cushioning layer may extend from the heel region to the forefoot region. 
     The sole structure may also include at least one fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the upper and/or between the outsole and the plate. The at least one fluid-filled chamber may be disposed within at least one of the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer. 
     In some examples, the MTP point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. A center of the radius of curvature may be located at the MTP point. The constant radius of curvature may extend from the anterior-most point past the MTP point. The constant radius of curvature may extend from the anterior-most point past the MTP point at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     In some examples, the outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contact surface. The inner surface may be directly attached to the plate. The inner surface may be attached to the plate proximate to the concave portion. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper. The sole structure includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a first cushioning layer disposed between the curved portion and the upper. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, and a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point. The plate also includes a curved portion extending between and connecting the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. 
     This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar. The plate may include a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     In some examples, the sole structure includes a blend portion disposed between and connecting the curved portion and the substantially flat portion. The blend portion may include a substantially constant curvature. The anterior-most point and the posterior-most point may be co-planar at a junction of the blend portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     The sole structure may include a second cushioning layer disposed between the substantially flat portion and the upper. A third cushioning layer may be disposed between the outsole and the plate. The third cushioning layer may be disposed within the heel region. The third cushioning layer may extend from the heel region to the forefoot region. 
     In some examples, the sole structure includes at least one fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the upper and/or between the outsole and the plate. At least one fluid-filled chamber may be disposed within at least one of the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer. 
     In some examples, the MTP point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. A center of the radius of curvature may be located at the MTP point. The constant radius of curvature may extend from the anterior-most point past the MTP point. The constant radius of curvature may extend from the anterior-most point past the MTP point at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     The outsole may include a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contact surface. The inner surface may be directly attached to the plate. The inner surface may be attached to the plate proximate to the curved portion. 
     Yet another aspect of the disclosure provides a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper. The sole structure includes an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole, and the upper and a first cushioning layer disposed between the curved portion and the upper. The plate includes an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure and a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point. The plate also includes a curved portion extending between and connecting the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a circular curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure. The MTP point opposes the MTP joint of a foot during use. 
     This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar. The plate may include a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure. The posterior-most point may be located within the substantially flat portion. The plate may also include a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure. The posterior-most point may be located within the substantially flat portion. 
     In some examples, the sole structure includes a blend portion disposed between and connecting the curved portion and the substantially flat portion. The blend portion includes a substantially constant curvature. The anterior-most point and the posterior-most point may be co-planar at a junction of the blend portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     The sole structure may include a second cushioning layer disposed between the substantially flat portion and the upper. A third cushioning layer may be disposed between the outsole and the plate. The third cushioning layer may be disposed within the heel region. In some examples, the third cushioning layer extends from the heel region to the forefoot region. 
     The sole structure may include at least one fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the upper and/or between the outsole and the plate. The at least one fluid-filled chamber may be disposed within at least one of the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer. 
     In some examples, the MTP point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. A center of the circular curvature may be located at the MTP point. The circular curvature may extend from the anterior-most point past the MTP point. The circular curvature may extend from the anterior-most point past the MTP point at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     In some implementations, the outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contact surface. The inner surface may be directly attached to the plate. Additionally or alternatively, the inner surface may be attached to the plate proximate to the curved portion. In some examples, the sole structure further includes a second cushioning layer disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first cushioning layer to form at least a portion of the outsole. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     During running movements, an application point of footwear providing the push-off force from the ground surface is located in a forefoot portion of the footwear. The application point of the footwear opposes a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot. A distance between an ankle joint of the athlete and a line of action of the application point providing the push-off force defines a lever arm length about the ankle. A mechanical demand for the ankle plantarflexors (e.g., calf muscles tendon unit) can be based on a push-off moment at the ankle determined by multiplying the length of the lever arm by a magnitude of the push-off force controlled by the athlete. Stiff and flat footwear plates generally increase the mechanical demand at the ankle due to stiff, flat plate causing the application point with the ground surface to shift anteriorly. As a result, the lever arm distance and the push-off moment increases at the ankle joint. Implementations herein are directed toward shorting the length of the lever arm from the ankle joint to reduce the push-off moment at the ankle by providing a stiff footwear plate that includes a curved portion opposing the MTP joint. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , an article of footwear  10  is provided and includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200  attached to the upper  100 . The article of footwear  10  may be divided into one or more portions. The portions may include a forefoot portion  12 , a mid-foot portion  14 , and a heel portion  16 . The forefoot portion  12  may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot during use of the footwear  10 . The forefoot portion  12  may correspond with the MTP joint of the foot. The mid-foot portion  14  may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel portion  16  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone, during use of the article of footwear  10 . The footwear  10  may include lateral and medial sides  18 ,  20 , respectively, corresponding with opposite sides of the footwear  10  and extending through the portions  12 ,  14 ,  16 . 
     The upper  100  includes interior surfaces that define an interior void  102  that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure  200 , during use of the article of footwear  10 . An ankle opening  104  in the heel portion  16  may provide access to the interior void  102 . For example, the ankle opening  104  may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void  102  and facilitate entry and removal of the foot to and from the interior void  102 . In some examples, one or more fasteners  106  extend along the upper  100  to adjust a fit of the interior void  102  around the foot while concurrently accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper  100  may include apertures such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners  106 . The fasteners  106  may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. 
     The upper  100  may include a tongue portion  110  that extends between the interior void  102  and the fasteners  106 . The upper  100  may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void  102 . Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort. 
     In some implementations, the sole structure  200  includes an outsole  210 , a cushioning member  250 , and a midsole  220  arranged in a layered configuration. The sole structure  200  (e.g., the outsole  210 , the cushioning member  250 , and the midsole  220 ) defines a longitudinal axis L. For example, the outsole  210  engages with a ground surface during use of the article of footwear  10 , the midsole  220  attaches to the upper  100 , and the cushioning member  250  is disposed therebetween to separate the midsole  220  from the outsole  210 . For example, the cushioning member  250  defines a bottom surface  252  opposing the outsole  210  and a top surface  254  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250  than the bottom surface  252  and opposing the midsole  220 . The top surface  254  may be contoured to conform to the profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot within the interior void  102 . In some examples, the sole structure  200  may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole  260  ( FIGS.  2  and  3   ) or sockliner, which may reside within the interior void  102  of the upper  100  to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the footwear  10 . In some examples, a sidewall  230  surrounds at least a portion of a perimeter of the cushioning member  250  and separates the cushioning member  250  and the midsole  220  to define a cavity  240  therebetween. For instance, the sidewall  230  and the top surface  254  of the cushioning member  250  may cooperate to retain and support the foot upon the cushioning member  250  when the interior void  102  receives the foot therein. For instance, the sidewall  230  may define a rim around at least a portion of the perimeter of the contoured top surface  254  of the cushioning member  250  to cradle the foot during use of the footwear  10  when performing walking or running movements. The rim may extend around the perimeter of the midsole  220  when the cushioning member  250  attaches to the midsole  220 . 
     In some configurations, a footwear plate  300  is disposed upon the top surface  254  of the cushioning member  250  and underneath the midsole  220  to reduce energy loss at the MTP joint while enhancing rolling of the foot as the footwear  10  rolls for engagement with a ground surface during a running motion. The footwear plate  300  may define a length extending through at least a portion of the length of the sole structure  200 . In some examples, the length of the plate  300  extends through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure  200 . In other examples, the length of the plate  300  extends through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14 , and is absent from the heel portion  16 . 
     In some examples, the footwear plate  300  includes a uniform local stiffness (e.g., tensile strength or flexural strength) throughout the entire surface area of the plate  300 . The stiffness of the plate may be anisotropic where the stiffness in one direction across the plate is different from the stiffness in another direction. For instance, the plate  300  may be formed from at least two layers of fibers anisotropic to one another to impart gradient stiffness and gradient load paths across the plate  300 . In one configuration, the plate  300  provides a greater longitudinal stiffness (e.g., in a direction along the longitudinal axis L) than a transverse stiffness (e.g., in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis L). In one example, the transverse stiffness is at least ten percent (10%) lower than the longitudinal stiffness. In another example, the transverse stiffness is from about ten percent (10%) to about twenty percent (20%) of the longitudinal stiffness. In some configurations, the plate  300  is formed from one or more layers of tows of fibers and/or layers of fibers including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. In a particular configuration, the fibers include carbon fibers, or glass fibers, or a combination of both carbon fibers and glass fibers. The tows of fibers may be affixed to a substrate. The tows of fibers may be affixed by stitching or using an adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the tows of fibers and/or layers of fibers may be consolidated with a thermoset polymer and/or a thermoplastic polymer. Accordingly, the plate  300  may have a tensile strength or flexural strength in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The stiffness of the plate  300  may be selected for a particular wearer based on the wearer&#39;s tendon flexibility, calf muscle strength, and/or MTP joint flexibility. Moreover, the stiffness of the plate  300  may also be tailored based upon a running motion of the athlete. In other configurations, the plate  300  is formed from one or more layers/plies of unidirectional tape. In some examples, each layer in the stack includes a different orientation than the layer disposed underneath. The plate may be formed from unidirectional tape including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. In some examples, the one or more materials forming the plate  300  include a Young&#39;s modulus of at least 70 gigapascals (GPa). 
     In some implementations, the plate  300  includes a substantially uniform thickness. In some examples, the thickness of the plate  300  ranges from about 0.6 millimeter (mm) to about 3.0 mm. In one example, the thickness of the plate is substantially equal to one 1.0 mm. In other implementations, the thickness of the plate  300  is non-uniform such that the plate  300  may define a greater thickness in the mid-foot portion  14  of the sole structure  200  than the thicknesses in the forefoot portion  12  and the heel portion  16 . 
     The outsole  210  may include a ground-engaging surface  212  and an opposite inner surface  214 . The outsole  210  may attach to the upper  100 . In some examples, the bottom surface  252  of the cushioning member  250  affixes to the inner surface  214  of the outsole and the sidewall  230  extends from the perimeter of the cushioning member  250  and attaches to the midsole  220  or the upper  100 . The example of  FIG.  1    shows the outsole  210  attaching to the upper  100  proximate to a tip of the forefoot portion  12 . The outsole  210  generally provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface during use of the article of footwear  10 . The outsole  210  may be formed from one or more materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. For example, rubber may form at least a portion of the outsole  210 . 
     The midsole  220  may include a bottom surface  222  and a footbed  224  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  220  than the bottom surface  222 . Stitching  226  or adhesives may secure the midsole  220  to the upper  100 . The footbed  224  may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. The bottom surface  222  may oppose the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  to define a space therebetween for receiving the cushioning member  250 . 
       FIG.  2    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10  showing the outsole  210 , the cushioning member  250  disposed upon the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210 , and the substantially rigid footwear plate  300  disposed between the top surface  254  of the cushioning member  250  and the bottom surface  222  of the midsole  220 . The cushioning member  250  may be sized and shaped to occupy at least a portion of empty space between the outsole  210  and the midsole  220 . Here, the cavity  240  between the cushioning member  250  and the bottom surface  222  of the midsole  220  defines a remaining portion of empty space that receives the footwear plate  300 . Accordingly, the cushioning member  250  and the plate  300  may substantially occupy the entire volume of space between the bottom surface  222  of the midsole  220  and the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210 . The cushioning member  250  may compress resiliently between the midsole  220  and the outsole  210 . In some configurations, the cushioning member  250  corresponds to a slab of polymer foam having a surface profile configured to receive the footwear plate  300  thereon. The cushioning member  250  may be formed from any suitable materials that compress resiliently under applied loads. Examples of suitable polymer materials for the foam materials include ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethers, and olefin block copolymers. The foam can also include a single polymeric material or a blend of two or more polymeric materials including a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, the EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and/or the olefin block copolymer. The cushioning member  250  may include a density within a range from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 . In some examples, the density of the cushioning member  250  is approximately 0.1 g/cm 3 . Moreover, the cushioning member  250  may include a hardness within the range from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A. The one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250  may be suitable for providing an energy return of at least 60-percent (60%). 
     In some examples, a fluid-filled bladder  400  is disposed between the footwear plate  300  and the cushioning member  250  in at least one portion  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure  200  to enhance cushioning characteristics of the footwear  10  responsive to ground-reaction forces. For instance, the fluid-filled bladder  400  may define an interior void that receives a pressurized fluid and provides a durable sealed barrier for retaining the pressurized fluid therein. The pressurized fluid may be air, nitrogen, helium, or dense gases such as sulfur hexafluoride. The fluid-filled bladder may additionally or alternatively contain liquids or gels. In other examples, the fluid-filled bladder  400  is disposed between the cushioning member  250  and the outsole  210 , or between the plate  300  and the midsole  220 .  FIGS.  2  and  3    show the fluid-filled bladder  400  residing in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200  to assist with attenuating the initial impact with the ground surface occurring in the heel portion  16 . In other configurations, one or more fluid-filled bladders  400  may additionally or alternatively extend through the mid-foot portion  14  and/or forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200 . The cushioning member  250  and the fluid-filled bladder  400  may cooperate with enhance functionality and cushioning characteristics when the sole structure  200  is under load. 
     The length of the footwear plate  300  may extend between a first end  301  and a second end  302 . The first end  301  may be disposed proximate to the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200  and the second end  302  may be disposed proximate to the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200 . The first end  301  may also be referred to as a “posterior-most point” of the plate  300  while the second end  302  may also be referred to as an “anterior-most point” of the plate. In some examples, the length of the footwear plate  300  is less than a length of the cushioning member  250 . The footwear plate  300  may also include a thickness extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200  and a width extending between the lateral side  18  and the medial side  20 . Accordingly, the length, the width, and the thickness of the plate  300  may substantially occupy the cavity  240  defined by the top surface  254  of the cushioning member  250  and the bottom surface  222  of the midsole and may extend through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions  12 ,  14 ,  16 , respectively, of the sole structure  200 . In some examples (e.g.,  FIG.  37   ), peripheral edges of the footwear plate  300  are visible along the lateral and/or medial sides  18 ,  20  of the footwear  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1    shows the footwear plate  300  disposed between the cushioning member  250  and the midsole  220  and the cushioning member  250  disposed between the outsole  210  and the footwear plate  300 . The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot.  FIG.  3    shows the cushioning member  250  defining a reduced thickness to accommodate the fluid-filled bladder  400  within the heel region  16 . In some examples, the cushioning member  250  encapsulates the bladder  400 , while in other examples, the cushioning member  250  merely defines a cut-out for receiving the bladder  400 . In some configurations, a portion of the plate  300  is in direct contact with the fluid-filled bladder  400 . The cushioning member  250  may define a greater thickness in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200  than in the forefoot portion  12 . In other words, the gap or distance separating the outsole  210  and the midsole  220  decreases in a direction along the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200  from the heel portion  16  toward the forefoot portion  12 . In some implementations, the top surface  254  of the cushioning member  250  is smooth and includes a surface profile contoured to match the surface profile of the footwear plate  300  such that the footwear plate  300  and the cushioning member  250  mate flush with one another. The cushioning member  250  may define a thickness in the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure within a range from about seven (7) millimeters (mm) to about twenty (20) mm. In one example, the thickness of the cushioning member  250  in the forefoot portion  12  is about twelve (12) mm. 
     In some configurations, e.g., the footwear plate  10   f  of  FIGS.  35  and  36   , footwear having spikes for track events, i.e., “track shoes”, incorporates a cushioning member  250   f  ( FIG.  36   ) within the forefoot portion  12  between the plate  300  and outsole  210  that has a reduced thickness of about eight (8) mm. In these configurations, the cushioning member  250  may be absent between the plate  300  and outsole  210  within the forefoot portion  12 . Moreover, cushioning material associated with the same cushioning member  250  or a different cushioning member may be disposed between the plate  300  and the midsole  220  and extend through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions  12 ,  14 ,  16 , respectively. 
     The footwear plate  300  includes a curved region  310  extending through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14  of the sole structure  200 . The terms “curved portion”, “concave portion”, and “circular portion” may also be used to describe the curved region  310 . The footwear plate  300  may optionally include a substantially flat region  312  extending through the heel portion  16  from the curved region  310  to the posterior-most point  301  of the plate  300 . The curved region  310  is associated with a radius of curvature about an MTP point  320  to define an anterior curved portion  322  extending from one side of the MTP point  320  and a posterior curved portion  324  extending from the other side of the MTP point  320 . For instance, the anterior curved portion  322  extends between the MTP point  320  and the anterior-most point (AMP)  302  (e.g., second end  302 ) of the plate  300 , while the posterior curved portion  324  extends between the MTP point  320  and an aft point  326  disposed at a junction of the curved region  310  and the flat region  312 . In some examples, the anterior curved portion  322  and the posterior curved portion  324  are associated with the same radius of curvature that is mirrored about the MTP point  320 . In other examples, the anterior curved portion  322  and the posterior curved portion  324  are each associated with a different radius of curvature. In some configurations, a portion of the posterior curved portion  324  is associated with the same radius of curvature as the anterior curved portion  322 . Accordingly, the curved portions  322 ,  324  may each include a corresponding radius of curvature that may be the same or may be different from one another. In some examples, the radius of curvatures differ from one another by at least two percent (2%). The radius of curvatures for the curved regions  322 ,  324  may range from 200 millimeters (mm) to about 400 mm. In some configurations, the anterior curved portion  322  includes a radius of curvature that continues the curvature of the posterior curved portion  324  such that the curved portions  322 ,  324  define the same radius of curvature and share a same vertex. Additionally or alternatively, the plate may define a radius of curvature that connects the posterior curved portion  324  to the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300 . As used herein, the term “substantially flat” refers to the flat region  312  within five (5) degrees horizontal, i.e., within five (5) degrees parallel to the ground surface. 
     The MTP point  320  is the closest point of the footwear plate  300  to the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  while the aft point  326  and the AMP  302  of the plate  300  are disposed further from the outsole  210  than the MTP point  320 . In some configurations, the posterior-most point  301  and the AMP  302  are co-planar. In some examples, the MTP point  320  of the plate  300  is disposed directly below the MTP joint of the foot when the foot is received within the interior void  102  of the upper  100 . In other examples, the MTP point  320  is disposed at a location that is further from a toe end of the sole structure  200  than the MTP joint. The anterior curved and posterior curved portions  322 ,  324 , respectively, of the curved region  310  provide the plate  300  with a longitudinal stiffness that reduces energy loss proximate to the MTP joint of the foot, as well as enhances rolling of the foot during running motions to thereby reduce a lever arm distance and alleviate strain on the ankle joint. 
     In some implementations, the AMP  302  and the aft point  326  are located above the MTP point  320  by a distance substantially equal to position height H. Here, the position height H extends from the MTP  320  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200 . The height H ranges from about three (3) millimeters (mm) to about twenty-eight (28) mm. In other examples, the height H ranges from about three (3) mm to about seventeen (17) mm. In one example, the height H is equal to about seventeen (17) mm. Thus, the toes of the foot residing above the anterior curved portion  322  may be biased upward due to the anterior curved portion  322  extending away from the outsole  210  from the MTP point  320  toward the AMP  302 . Additionally or alternatively, a length L A  of the anterior curved portion  322  may be substantially equal to a length L P  of the posterior curved portion  324 . As used herein, the L A  and L P  are each measured along a line extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the MTP point  320  and respective ones of the AMP  302  and the aft point  326 . In other words, the lengths L A  and L P  are each associated with a distance between the MTP point  320  and a corresponding one of the AMP  302  and the aft point  326 . In some configurations, the L A  and the L P  are each equal to about thirty percent (30%) of a total length of the plate  300  while a length of the flat region  312  accounts for the remaining forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate  300 . In other configurations, the L A  is equal from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate  300 , L P  is equal from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate  300 , and the length of the flat region  312  is equal to the balance. In other configurations, L A , L P , and the length of the flat region  312  are substantially equal. Varying the radius of curvature of the curved region  310  causes the lengths L A  and L P  and/or the height (H) of the anterior-most point  302  and the aft point  306  to change relative to the MTP point  320 . For instance, decreasing the radius of curvature causes an angle between the MTP point  320  and the AMP  302  to increase as well as the height H of the AMP  302  above the MTP point  320  to also increase. In configurations when the curved portions  322 ,  324  each include a different radius of curvature, the corresponding lengths La and Lp and/or the height from the MTP point  320  may be different. Accordingly, the radius of curvature of the curved region  310  may vary for different shoe sizes, may vary depending upon an intended use of the footwear  10 , and/or may vary based upon the anatomical features of the foot on a wearer-by-wear basis. 
     In some implementations, the MTP point  320  is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the AMP  302 . A center of the radius of curvature of the curved region  310  may be located at the MTP point  320 . In some examples, the curved region  310  (e.g., concave portion) is associated with a constant radius of curvature that extends from the AMP  302  past the MTP point  320 . In these examples, the constant radius of curvature may extend from the AMP  302  past the MTP point  320  at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate  300  from the AMP  302 . 
       FIGS.  4 - 6    provide an article of footwear  10   a  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   a  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   a , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The sole structure  200   a  may include the outsole  210 , a first cushioning member  250   a , the footwear plate  300 , a second cushioning member  270 , and a midsole  220   a  arranged in the layered configuration.  FIG.  5    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10   a  showing the sole structure  200   a  (e.g., the outsole  210 , the cushioning members  250   a ,  270 , the plate  300 , and the midsole  220   a ) defining a longitudinal axis L. The outsole  210  includes the inner surface  214  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210  than the ground-engaging surface  212 . The midsole  220   a  includes a bottom surface  222   a  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  220   a  than the footbed  224  and opposing the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210 . 
     The first cushioning member  250   a , the footwear plate  300 , and the second cushioning member  270  are disposed between the inner surface  214  and the bottom surface  222   a  to separate the midsole  220   a  from the outsole  210 . For example, the first cushioning member  250   a  includes the bottom surface  252  received by the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  and a top surface  254   a  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   a  than the bottom surface  252  and opposing the midsole  220   a  to support the footwear plate  300  thereon. The second cushioning member  270  is disposed on an opposite side of the footwear plate  300  than the first cushioning member. For instance, the second cushioning member  270  includes a bottom surface  272  opposing the footwear plate  300  and a top surface  274  disposed on an opposite side of the second cushioning member  270  than the bottom surface  272  and opposing the bottom surface  222   a  of the midsole  220   a . The top surface  274  may be contoured to conform to the profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot within the interior void  102 . As with the cushioning member  250  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the second cushioning member  270  may define a sidewall  230   a  surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the second cushioning member  270 . The sidewall  230   a  may define a rim that extends around the perimeter of the midsole  220   a  when the second cushioning member  270  attaches to the midsole  220   a.    
     In some configurations, a total thickness of the first and second cushioning members  250   a ,  270 , respectively, is equal to the thickness of the cushioning member  250  of the article of footwear  10  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . The thickness of the first cushioning member  250  may be the same or different than the thickness of the second cushioning member  270 . The first and second cushioning members  250   a ,  270  are operative to embed or sandwich the footwear plate  300  therebetween such that the footwear plate  300  is spaced apart from both the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210  and the bottom surface  222   a  of the midsole  220   a . Accordingly, the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  and the plate  300  may substantially occupy the entire volume of space between the bottom surface  222   a  of the midsole  220   a  and the inner surface  214  of the outsole  210 . 
     The cushioning members  250   a ,  270  may compress resiliently between the midsole  220  and the outsole  210 . The cushioning members  250   a ,  270  may each be formed from a slab of polymer foam which may be formed from the same one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . For instance, the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  may be formed from one or more of EVA copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethers, olefin block copolymers, PEBA copolymers, and/or TPUs. In some implementations, the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  provide different cushioning characteristics. For instance, the first cushioning member  250   a  may compress resiliently under applied loads to prevent the plate  300  from translating into contact with ground surface while the second cushioning member  270  may provide a level of soft-type cushioning for the foot to attenuate ground-reaction forces and enhance comfort for the wearer&#39;s foot. The sole structure  200   a  may also incorporate the fluid-filled bladder  400  between the footwear plate  300  and the first cushioning member  250   a  in at least one portion  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure to enhance cushioning characteristics of the footwear  10  in responsive to ground-reaction forces. For instance, the bladder  400  may be filled with a pressurized fluid such as air, nitrogen, helium, sulfur hexafluoride, or liquids/gels. Accordingly, the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  separated by the plate  300  and the fluid-filled bladder  400  may cooperate to provide gradient cushioning to the article of footwear  10   a  that changes as the applied load changes (i.e., the greater the load, the more the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  compress and, thus, the more responsive the footwear performs). The cushioning members  250   a ,  270  may include densities within a range from about 0.05 g/cm 3  to about 0.20 g/cm 3 . In some examples, the density of the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  is approximately 0.1 g/cm 3 . Moreover, the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  may include hardnesses within the range from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A. The one or more materials forming the cushioning members  250   a ,  270  may be suitable for providing an energy return of at least 60-percent (60%). 
     The footwear plate  300  defines the length extending between the first end  301  and the second end  302  (e.g., AMP  302 ) that may be the same as or less than the lengths of the cushioning members  250   a ,  270 . The length, width, and thickness of the plate  300  may substantially occupy the volume of space between the top surface  254  of the first cushioning member  250  and the bottom surface  272  of the second cushioning member  270  and may extend through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions  12 ,  14 ,  16 , respectively, of the sole structure  200   a . In some examples, the plate  300  extends through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14  of the sole structure  200   a  but is absent from the heel portion  16 . In some examples, peripheral edges of the footwear plate  300  are visible along the lateral and/or medial sides  18 ,  20  of the footwear  10   a . In some implementations, the top surface  254  of the first cushioning member  250   a  and the bottom surface  272  of the second cushioning member  270  are smooth and include surface profiles contoured to match the surface profiles of the opposing sides of the footwear plate  300  such that the footwear plate  300  mates flush with each of the cushioning members  250   a ,  270 . 
     As described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the footwear plate  300  may include the uniform local stiffness that may or may not be anisotropic. For instance, the plate  300  may be formed from one or more layers and/or tows of fibers including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. Thus, the plate  300  may provide a greater thickness along the longitudinal direction of the sole structure than the stiffness in direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis L. For instance, the stiffness of the plate  300  in the transverse direction may be at least 10-percent less than the stiffness of the plate  300  in the longitudinal direction, or may be approximately 10-percent to 20-percent of the thickness of the plate  300  along the longitudinal direction (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis L). Moreover, the plate  300  may include a substantially uniform thickness within the range of about 0.6 mm to about 3.0 mm across the plate  300  or a non-uniform thickness that varies across the plate, e.g., the thickness of the plate  300  in the mid-foot portion  14  is greater than the thicknesses in the forefoot portion  12  and the heel portion  16 . 
       FIG.  6    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG.  4    showing the footwear plate  300  disposed between the first and second cushioning members  250   a ,  270 , respectively, the first cushioning member  250   a  disposed between the outsole  210  and the footwear plate  300 , and the second cushioning member  270  disposed between the midsole  220   a  and the footwear plate  300 . The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot. The first cushioning member  250   a  may encapsulate the bladder  400  or define a cut-out for receiving the bladder  400 , while a portion of the plate  300  may be in direct contact with the bladder  400 . In some configurations, the first cushioning member  250   a  defines a greater thickness in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200   a  than in the forefoot portion  12  and the top surface  254  includes a surface profile contoured to match the surface profile of the footwear plate  300  supported thereon. The second cushioning member  270  may cooperate with the first cushioning member  250   a  to define a space for enclosing the footwear plate  300  therebetween. For instance, portions of the bottom surface  272  of the second cushioning member  270  and the top surface  254  of the first cushioning member  250   a  may be recessed to define a cavity for retaining the footwear plate  300 . In some implementations, the thickness of the second cushioning member  270  is greater in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, than the thickness of the first cushioning member  250   a . Advantageously, the increased thickness provided by the second cushioning member  270  in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, increases the separation distance between the MTP joint of the foot and the footwear plate  300  and, thus, enhances cushioning characteristics of the footwear  10   a  in response to ground-reaction forces when the footwear  10   a  performs running movements/motions. In some configurations, the thickness of the second cushioning member  270  is greater than the thickness of the first cushioning member  250   a  at locations opposing the MTP point  320  of the plate  300 . In these configurations, the second cushioning member  270  may define a maximum thickness at a location opposing the MTP point  320  that is equal to a value within a range from about 3.0 mm to about 13.0 mm. In one example, the maximum thickness is equal to approximately 10.0 mm. The thickness of the second cushioning member  270  may taper along the direction from the MTP point  320  to the AMP  302  such that the thickness of the second cushioning member  270  proximate to the AMP  302  is approximately sixty-percent (60%) less than the maximum thickness proximate to the MTP point  320 . On the other hand, the first cushioning member  250   a  may define a minimum thickness at the location opposing the MTP point  320  that is equal to a value within a range from about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm. In one example, the minimum thickness is equal to approximately 3.0 mm. 
     The footwear plate  300  includes the curved region  310  extending through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14  and may optionally include the substantially flat region  312  extending through the heel portion  16  from the aft point  326  at the curved region  310  to the posterior-most point  301  of the plate  300 . The radius of curvature of the curved region  310  defines the anterior curved portion  322  extending between MTP point  320  and the AMP  302  at the toe end of the sole structure  200   a , and the posterior curved portion  322  extending between the MTP point  320  and the aft point  326 . In some configurations, the anterior curved portion  322  and the posterior curved portion  324  each include the same radius of curvature mirrored about the MTP point  320 . In other configurations, the curved portions  322 ,  324  are each associated with a different radius of curvature. Accordingly, the curved portions  322 ,  324  may each include a corresponding radius of curvature that may be the same or may be different from one another. In some examples, the radius of curvatures differ from one another by at least two percent (2%). The radius of curvatures for the curved regions  322 ,  324  may range from about 200 millimeters (mm) to about 400 mm. In some configurations, the anterior curved portion  322  includes a radius of curvature that continues the curvature of the posterior curved portion  324  such that the curved portions  322 ,  324  define the same radius of curvature and share a same vertex. Additionally or alternatively, the plate may define a radius of curvature that connects the posterior curved portion  324  to the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300 . As used herein, the term “substantially flat” refers to the flat region  312  within five (5) degrees horizontal, i.e., within five (5) degrees parallel to the ground surface. 
     The curved portions  322 ,  324  may each account for about 30-percent (%) of the total length of the plate  300  while the length of the flat region  312  may account for the remaining 40-percent (%) of the length of the plate  300 . The anterior curved and posterior curved portions  322 ,  324 , respectively, of the curved region  310  provide the plate  300  with a longitudinal stiffness that reduces energy loss proximate to the MTP joint of the foot, as well as enhances rolling of the foot during running motions to thereby reduce a lever arm distance and alleviate strain on the ankle joint. The AMP  302  and the aft point  326  are located above the MTP point  320  and may be located above the MTP point  320  by a distance substantially equal position height H. Moreover, the length L A  of the anterior curved portion  322  and the length L P  of the posterior curved portion  324  (e.g., measured along the line extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the MTP point  320  and respective ones of the AMP  302  and the aft point  326 ) may be substantially equal to one another or may be different. As described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , varying the radius of curvature of the curved region  310  causes the lengths L A  and L P  and/or the height (H) of the anterior most point  302  and the aft point  306  to change relative to the MTP point  320 . In doing so, the stiffness of the plate  300  may vary to provide a custom footwear plate  300  tailored for the wearer&#39;s shoe size, the intended use of the footwear  10 , and/or the wearer&#39;s anatomical features of the foot. 
       FIGS.  7 - 9    provide an article of footwear  10   b  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   b  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   b , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  8    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10   b  showing the sole structure  200   b  include an outsole  210   b , a cushioning member  250   b , and a midsole  220   b  arranged in a layered configuration and defining a longitudinal axis L. The outsole  210   b  includes an inner surface  214   b  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210   b  than the ground-engaging surface  212 . The midsole  220   b  includes a bottom surface  222   b  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  220   b  than the footbed  224 . The cushioning member  250   b  is disposed between the inner surface  214   b  and the bottom surface  222   b  to separate the midsole  220   b  from the outsole  210   b . For example, the cushioning member  250   a  includes a bottom surface  252   b  opposing the inner surface  214   b  of the outsole  210  and a top surface  254   b  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   b  than the bottom surface  252   b  and opposing the midsole  220   b . The top surface  254   b  may be contoured to conform to the profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar of the foot) within the interior void  102 . As with the cushioning member  250  of the article of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cushioning member  250   b  may define a sidewall  230   b  surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the second cushioning member  250   b . The sidewall  230   b  may define a rim that extends around the perimeter of the midsole  220   a  when the cushioning member  250   b  attaches to the midsole  220   b.    
     The cushioning member  250   b  may compress resiliently between the midsole  220   b  and the outsole  210   b  and may be formed from the same one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . For instance, the cushioning member  250   b  may be formed form one or more of EVA copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethers, olefin block copolymers, PEBA copolymers, and/or TPUs. The sole structure  200   a  may also incorporate the fluid-filled bladder  400  between the footwear plate  300  and the first cushioning member  250   a  in at least one portion  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure to enhance cushioning characteristics of the footwear  10  in responsive to ground-reaction forces. For instance, the bladder  400  may be filled with a pressurized fluid such as air, nitrogen, helium, sulfur hexafluoride, or liquids/gels. 
     In some configurations, the cushioning member  250   b  defines a cavity  240   b  (e.g., sleeve) within an interior portion between the top surface  254   b  and the bottom surface  252   b  in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200   b .  FIG.  9    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along  9 - 9  of  FIG.  7    showing the substantially flat region  312  of the footwear plate  300  received within the cavity  240   b  of the cushioning member  250   b  and the curved region  310  exposed from the cavity  240   b  between the bottom surface  252   b  of the cushioning member  250   b  and the inner surface  214   b  of the outsole  210   b .  FIG.  9    shows the bottom surface  252   b  of the cushioning member  250   b  defining an access opening  242  to the cavity  240   b  for receiving the substantially flat portion  312  of the plate  300 . The cavity  240   b  may be contiguous with a cut-out formed within the cushioning member  250   b  for embedding the fluid-filled bladder  400 . Thus, the sole structure  200   b  incorporated by the article of footwear  10   b  of  FIGS.  7 - 9    includes the bottom surface  252   b  of the cushioning member  250   b  affixing to the inner surface  214   b  of the outsole  210   b  in the heel portion  16 , while the curved region  310  of the plate  300  extending out of the cavity  240   b  of the cushioning member  250   b  at the access opening  242  is in direct contact with the inner surface  214  in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively. Accordingly, the cavity  240   b  defined by the cushioning member  250   b  is operative to embed/encapsulate at least a portion (e.g., flat region  312 ) of the plate  300  therein. As with the cushioning member  250  and plate  300  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cushioning member  250   b  and the plate  300  may substantially occupy the entire volume of space between the bottom surface  222   b  of the midsole  220   b  and the inner surface  214   b  of the outsole  210   b.    
     The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot. The cushioning member  250   b  may encapsulate the bladder  450  or define a cut-out for receiving the bladder  400 , while a portion of the plate  300  may be in direct contact with the bladder  400 . The cut-out receiving the bladder  400  may be contiguous with the cavity  240   b  formed through the cushioning member  250   b . In some configurations, the cushioning member  250   b  defines a greater thickness in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200   b  than in the forefoot portion  12 . In some examples, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   b  separating the bottom surface  222   b  of the midsole  220   b  and the plate  300  is greater at locations proximate to the curved region  310  of the plate  300  than at the locations proximate to the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300 . In these examples, the cushioning member  250   b  is operative to increase the separation distance between the plate  300  and the midsole  220   b  such that the MTP joint of the foot is prevented from contacting the plate  300  during use of the footwear  10   b  while performing running movements/motions. The cushioning member  250   b  may define a thickness in the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200   b  within a range from about seven (7) millimeters (mm) to about twenty (20) mm. In one example, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   b  in the forefoot portion  12  is about twelve (12) mm. The cushioning member  250   b  may include a density within a range from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 . In some examples, the density of the cushioning member  250   b  is approximately 0.1 g/cm 3 . Moreover, the cushioning member  250   b  may include a hardness within the range from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A. The one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250   b  may be suitable for providing an energy return of at least 60-percent (60%). 
     As described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the footwear plate  300  may include the uniform local stiffness that may or may not be anisotropic. For instance, the plate  300  may be formed from one or more tows of fibers including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. Thus, the plate  300  may provide a greater thickness along the longitudinal direction of the sole structure than the stiffness in direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis L. For instance, the stiffness of the plate  300  in the transverse direction may be approximately 10-percent to 20-percent of the thickness of the plate  300  along the longitudinal direction (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis L). Moreover, the plate  300  may include a substantially uniform thickness within the range of about 0.6 mm to about 3.0 mm across the plate  300  or a non-uniform thickness that varies across the plate, e.g., the thickness of the plate  300  in the mid-foot portion  14  is greater than the thicknesses in the forefoot portion  12  and the heel portion  16 . In some examples, the plate  300  includes a thickness equal to about 1.0 mm. 
     The radius of curvature of the curved region  310  defines the anterior curved portion  322  extending between MTP point  320  and the AMP  302  at the toe end of the sole structure  200   b , and the posterior curved portion  322  extending between the MTP point  320  and the aft point  326 . In some configurations, the anterior curved portion  322  and the posterior curved portion  324  each include the same radius of curvature mirrored about the MTP point  320 . In other configurations, the curved portions  322 ,  324  are each associated with a different radius of curvature. The curved portions  322 ,  324  may each account for about 30-percent (%) of the total length of the plate  300  while the length of the flat region  312  may account for the remaining 40-percent (%) of the length of the plate  300 . The anterior curved and posterior curved portions  322 ,  324 , respectively, of the curved region  310  provide the plate  300  with a longitudinal stiffness that reduces energy loss proximate to the MTP joint of the foot, as well as enhances rolling of the foot during running motions to thereby reduce a lever arm distance and alleviate strain on the ankle joint. The AMP  302  and the aft point  326  are located above the MTP point  320  and may be located above the MTP point  320  by a distance substantially equal position height H. Moreover, the length L A  of the anterior curved portion  322  and the length L P  of the posterior curved portion  324  (e.g., measured along the line extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the MTP point  320  and respective ones of the AMP  302  and the aft point  326 ) may be substantially equal to one another or may be different. As described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , varying the radius of curvature of the curved region  310  causes the lengths L A  and L P  and/or the height (H) of the anterior most point  302  and the aft point  306  to change relative to the MTP point  320 . In doing so, the stiffness of the plate  300  may vary to provide a custom footwear plate  300  tailored for the wearer&#39;s shoe size, the intended use of the footwear  10 , and/or the wearer&#39;s anatomical features of the foot. 
       FIGS.  10 - 12    provide an article of footwear  10   c  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   c  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   c , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  11    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10   c  showing the sole structure  200   c  including an outsole  210   c , a cushioning member  250   c , and a midsole  220   c  arranged in a layered configuration and defining a longitudinal axis L. The outsole  210   c  includes an inner surface  214   c  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210   c  than the ground-engaging surface  212 . The midsole  220   c  includes a bottom surface  222   c  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  220   c  than the footbed  224 . The cushioning member  250   c  is disposed between the inner surface  214   c  and the bottom surface  222   c  to separate the midsole  220   c  from the outsole  210   c . For example, the cushioning member  250   c  includes a bottom surface  252   c  opposing the inner surface  214   c  of the outsole  210   c  and a top surface  254   c  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   c  than the bottom surface  252   c  and opposing the midsole  220   c . The top surface  254   c  may be contoured to conform to the profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot within the interior void  102 . As with the cushioning member  250  of the article of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cushioning member  250   c  may define a sidewall  230   c  surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the second cushioning member  250   c . The sidewall  230   c  may define a rim that extends around the perimeter of the midsole  220   c  when the cushioning member  250   c  attaches to the midsole  220   c.    
     The cushioning member  250   c  may compress resiliently between the midsole  220   c  and the outsole  210   c  and may be formed from the same one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . For instance, the cushioning member  250   c  may be formed form one or more of EVA copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethers, olefin block copolymers, PEBA copolymers, and/or TPUs. The sole structure  200   c  may also incorporate the fluid-filled bladder  400  between the footwear plate  300  and the cushioning member  250   c  in at least one portion  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure  200   c  to enhance cushioning characteristics of the footwear  10   c  in responsive to ground-reaction forces. For instance, the bladder  400  may be filled with a pressurized fluid such as air, nitrogen, helium, sulfur hexafluoride, or liquids/gels. The cushioning member  250   c  may include a density within a range from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 . In some examples, the density of the cushioning member  250   c  is approximately 0.1 g/cm 3 . Moreover, the cushioning member  250  may include a hardness within the range from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A. The one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250   c  may be suitable for providing an energy return of at least 60-percent (60%). 
     In some configurations, the cushioning member  250   c  defines a cavity  240   c  (e.g., sleeve) within an interior portion between the top surface  254   c  and the bottom surface  252   c  in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, of the sole structure  200   c .  FIG.  12    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along  12 - 12  of  FIG.  10    showing the curved region  310  of the footwear plate  300  received within the cavity  240   c  of the cushioning member  250  and the substantially flat region  312  exposed from the cavity  240   c  between the top surface  254   c  of the cushioning member  250   c  and the bottom surface  222   c  of the midsole  220   c .  FIG.  12    shows the top surface  254   c  of the cushioning member  250   c  defining an access opening  242   c  to the cavity  240   c  for receiving the curved region  310  of the plate  300 . Thus, the sole structure  200   c  incorporated by the article of footwear  10   c  of  FIGS.  10 - 12    includes the top surface  254   c  of the cushioning member  250   c  affixing to the bottom surface  222   c  of the midsole  220   c  in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, while the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300  extending out of the cavity  240   c  of the cushioning member  250   c  at the access opening  242   c  is in direct contact with the bottom surface  222   c  in the heel portion  16 . The entire bottom surface  252   c  of the cushioning member  250   c  affixes to the inner surface  214   c  of the outsole  210   c . Accordingly, the cavity  240   c  defined by the cushioning member  250   c  is operative to embed/encapsulate at least a portion (e.g., curved region  310 ) of the plate  300  therein. In other words, the curved region  310  of the plate supporting the MTP joint of the foot is separated from the outsole  210   c  and the midsole  220   c  by respective portions of the cushioning member  250   c  on opposite sides of the cavity  240   c . As with the cushioning member  250  and plate  300  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cushioning member  250   c  and the plate  300  may substantially occupy the entire volume of space between the bottom surface  222   c  of the midsole  220   c  and the inner surface  214   c  of the outsole  210   c . The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot. The cushioning member  250   c  may encapsulate the bladder  400  or define a cut-out for receiving the bladder  400 , while a portion of the plate  300  may be in direct contact with the bladder  400 . In some configurations, the cushioning member  250   c  defines a greater thickness in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200   c  than in the forefoot portion  12 . The cushioning member  250   c  may define a thickness in the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200   c  within a range from about seven (7) millimeters (mm) to about twenty (20) mm. In one example, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   c  in the forefoot portion  12  is about twelve (12) mm. In some implementations, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   c  between the plate  300  and the bottom surface  222   c  of the midsole  220   c  in the forefoot portion  12  is within a range from about three (3) mm to about twenty-eight (28) mm. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   c  between the plate  300  and the inner surface  214   c  of the outsole  210   c  in the forefoot portion  12  is within a range from about two (2) mm to about thirteen (13) mm. 
     As described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the footwear plate  300  may include the uniform local stiffness that may or may not be anisotropic. For instance, the plate  300  may be formed from one or more tows of fibers including at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. Thus, the plate  300  may provide a greater thickness along the longitudinal direction of the sole structure than the stiffness in direction transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis L. For instance, the stiffness of the plate  300  in the transverse direction may be approximately 10-percent to 20-percent of the thickness of the plate  300  along the longitudinal direction (e.g., parallel to longitudinal axis L). Moreover, the plate  300  may include a substantially uniform thickness within the range of about 0.6 mm to about 3.0 mm across the plate  300  or a non-uniform thickness that varies across the plate, e.g., the thickness of the plate  300  in the mid-foot portion  14  is greater than the thicknesses in the forefoot portion  12  and the heel portion  16 . 
     The radius of curvature of the curved region  310  defines the anterior curved portion  322  extending between MTP point  320  and the AMP  302  at the toe end of the sole structure  200   a , and the posterior curved portion  322  extending between the MTP point  320  and the aft point  326 . In some configurations, the anterior curved portion  322  and the posterior curved portion  324  each include the same radius of curvature mirrored about the MTP point  320 . In other configurations, the curved portions  322 ,  324  are each associated with a different radius of curvature. The curved portions  322 ,  324  may each account for about 30-percent (%) of the total length of the plate  300  while the length of the flat region  312  may account for the remaining 40-percent (%) of the length of the plate  300 . The anterior curved and posterior curved portions  322 ,  324 , respectively, of the curved region  310  provide the plate  300  with a longitudinal stiffness that reduces energy loss proximate to the MTP joint of the foot, as well as enhances rolling of the foot during running motions to thereby reduce a lever arm distance and alleviate strain on the ankle joint. In other configurations, the curved portions  322 ,  324  may each account for from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate  300 . The AMP  302  and the aft point  326  are located above the MTP point  320  and may be located above the MTP point  320  by a distance substantially equal position height H. Moreover, the length L A  of the anterior curved portion  322  and the length L P  of the posterior curved portion  324  (e.g., measured along the line extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L between the MTP point  320  and respective ones of the AMP  302  and the aft point  326 ) may be substantially equal to one another or may be different. As described above with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 3   , varying the radius of curvature of the curved region  310  causes the lengths L A  and L P  and/or the height (H) of the anterior most point  302  and the aft point  306  to change relative to the MTP point  320 . In doing so, the stiffness of the plate  300  may vary to provide a custom footwear plate  300  tailored for the wearer&#39;s shoe size, the intended use of the footwear  10 , and/or the wearer&#39;s anatomical features of the foot. 
       FIGS.  13 - 15    provide an article of footwear  10   d  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   d  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   d , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  14    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10   d  showing the sole structure  200   d  including an outsole  210   d , a cushioning member  250   d , and a midsole  220   d  arranged in a layered configuration and defining a longitudinal axis L. The outsole  210   d  includes an inner surface  214   d  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210   d  than the ground-engaging surface  212 . The midsole  220   d  includes a bottom surface  222   d  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  220   d  than the footbed  224 . The cushioning member  250   d  is disposed between the inner surface  214   d  and the bottom surface  222   d  to separate the midsole  220   d  from the outsole  210   d . For example, the cushioning member  250   d  includes a bottom surface  252   d  opposing the inner surface  214   d  of the outsole  210   d  and a top surface  254   d  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   d  than the bottom surface  252   d  and opposing the midsole  220   d . The top surface  254   d  may be contoured to conform to the profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot within the interior void  102 . As with the cushioning member  250  of the article of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cushioning member  250   d  may define a sidewall  230   d  surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the second cushioning member  250   d . The sidewall  230   d  may define a rim that extends around the perimeter of the midsole  220   d  when the cushioning member  250   d  attaches to the midsole  220   d . The cushioning member  250   d  may compress resiliently between the midsole  220   d  and the outsole  210   d  and may be formed from the same one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . For instance, the cushioning member  250   d  may be formed form one or more of EVA copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethers, olefin block copolymers, PEBA copolymers, and/or TPUs. The cushioning member  250   d  may include a density within a range from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 . In some examples, the density of the cushioning member  250   d  is approximately 0.1 g/cm 3 . Moreover, the cushioning member  250   d  may include a hardness within the range from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A. The one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250   d  may be suitable for providing an energy return of at least 60-percent (60%). 
     In some configurations, the cushioning member  250   d  defines a cavity  240   d  (e.g., sleeve) within an interior portion between the top surface  254   d  and the bottom surface  252   d  in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, of the sole structure  200   d . In these configurations, the bottom surface  252   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  tapers toward the top surface  254   d  to define a reduced thickness for the cushioning member  250   d  in the heel portion  16  compared to the thickness in the forefoot and mid-foot portion  12 ,  14 , respectively. 
       FIG.  15    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along  15 - 15  of  FIG.  13    showing the curved region  310  of the footwear plate  300  received within the cavity  240   d  of the cushioning member  250  and the substantially flat region  312  exposed from the cavity  240   d  between the bottom surface  254   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  and the inner surface  214   d  of the midsole  220   d . Whereas the top surface  254   c  of the cushioning member  250   c  of  FIGS.  10 - 12    defines the access opening  242   c  to the cavity  240   c , the bottom surface  252   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  defines an access opening  242   d  to the cavity  240   d  for receiving the curved region  310  of the plate  300 . Thus, bottom surface  252   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  affixes to the inner surface  214   d  of the outsole  210   d  in the forefoot and mid-foot portions  12 ,  14 , respectively, while the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300  extending out of the cavity  240   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  at the access opening  242   d  formed through the bottom surface  252   d  is in direct contact with the inner surface  214   d  in the heel portion  16 . In some examples, the aft point  326  of the plate  300  is disposed within a blend portion disposed between and connecting the curved region  310  to the substantially flat region  312  and the bottom surface  252   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  tapers upward toward the top surface  254   d  at a location proximate to the blend portion of the plate  300 .  FIG.  15    also shows the outsole  210   d  tapering into contact with the plate  300  as the bottom surface  252   d  of the cushioning member  250   d  tapers toward the top surface  252   d . For instance, the outsole  210   d  tapers into contact with the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300  at a location proximate to where the plate  300  extends through the access opening  242   d . Accordingly, the cavity  240   d  defined by the cushioning member  250   d  is operative to embed/encapsulate at least a portion (e.g., curved region  310 ) of the plate  300  therein. In other words, the curved region  310  of the plate supporting the MTP joint of the foot is separated from the outsole  210   d  and the midsole  220   d  by respective portions of the cushioning member  250   d  on opposite sides of the cavity  240   d . As with the cushioning member  250  and plate  300  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the cushioning member  250   d  and the plate  300  may substantially occupy the entire volume of space between the bottom surface  222   d  of the midsole  220   d  and the inner surface  214   d  of the outsole  210   d . The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot. The cushioning member  250   d  may define a thickness in the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200   d  within a range from about seven (7) millimeters (mm) to about twenty (20) mm. In one example, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   d  in the forefoot portion  12  is about twelve (12) mm. In some implementations, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   d  between the plate  300  and the bottom surface  222   d  of the midsole  220   d  in the forefoot portion  12  is within a range from about three (3) mm to about twenty-eight (28) mm. Additionally or alternatively, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   d  between the plate  300  and the inner surface  214   d  of the outsole  210   d  in the forefoot portion  12  is within a range from about two (2) mm to about thirteen (13) mm. 
       FIGS.  16 - 18    provide a footwear plate  300   a  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   a , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  16    provides a top perspective view of the footwear plate  300   a  defining a length that extends between the first end  301  corresponding to a posterior-most point and the second end  302  corresponding to the anterior most point (AMP) of the plate  300   a . The terms “first end” and “posterior-most point” will be used interchangeably herein. The terms “second end” and “AMP” of the plate  300  will be used interchangeably herein. The footwear plate  300   a  may be segmented across the length to define a toe segment  362 , a MTP segment  364 , a bridge segment  366 , and a heel segment  368 . The toe segment  362  corresponds to the toes of the foot while the MTP segment corresponds to the MTP joint connecting the metatarsal bones with the phalanx bones of the foot. The toe segment  362  and the MTP segment  364  of the plate  300   a  may correspond to the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200 - 200   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15   . The bridge segment  366  corresponds with the arch area of the foot and connects the MTP segment  364  to the heel segment  368 . The bridge segment  366  may correspond to the mid-foot portion  14  and the heel segment  358  may correspond to the heel portion  16  when the plate  300   a  is incorporated into the sole structure  200 - 200   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15   .  FIG.  16    shows the footwear plate  300   a  including the curved region  310  (including segments  362 ,  364 ,  366 ) and the substantially flat region  312  (including segment  368 ). 
       FIG.  17    provides a side view of the footwear plate  300   a  of  FIG.  16    showing the MTP point  320  as a closest point of the footwear plate  300   a  to a horizontal reference plane RP extending substantially parallel to a ground surface (not shown). For instance, the MTP point  320  is tangent to the horizontal reference plane RP and may be disposed directly beneath the MTP joint of the foot when the foot is received by the interior void  102  of the footwear  10 - 10   d . In other configurations, the MTP point  320  is disposed beneath and slightly behind the MTP joint of the foot such that anterior curved portion  322  is underneath the MPT joint of the foot. The anterior curved portion  322  of the curved region  310  may define a corresponding radius of curvature and a length L A  between the MTP point  320  and the AMP  302 , while the posterior curved portion  324  of the curved region  310  may define a corresponding radius of curvature and a length L P  between the MTP point  320  and the aft point  326 . As used herein, the L A  and L P  are each measured along the horizontal reference plane RP between the MTP point  320  and respective ones of the AMP  302  and the aft point  326 . In some examples, the L A  of the anterior curved portion  322  (including the toe segment  362  and the MTP segment  364 ) accounts for approximately thirty percent (30%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , the L P  of the posterior curved portion  324  (including the bridge segment  366 ) accounts for approximately thirty percent (30%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , and the substantially flat portion  312  (including the heel segment  368 ) accounts for approximately forty percent (40%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d . In other examples, the L A  of the anterior curved portion  322  is within the range from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , the L P  of the posterior curved portion  324  is within the range from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , and the substantially flat region  312  includes the remainder of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d.    
     The radius of curvature associated with the anterior curved portion  322  results in the AMP  302  extending from the MTP point  320  at an angle α 1  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP. Accordingly, the anterior curved portion  322  allows the toe segment  362  of the plate  300   a  to bias the toes of the foot in a direction away from the ground surface. The angle α 1  may include a value within a range from about 12-degrees to about 35-degrees. In one example, angle α 1  includes a value approximately equal to 24-degrees. Similarly, the radius of curvature associated with the posterior curved portion  324  results in the aft point  326  extending from the MTP point  320  at an angle β 1  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP. The angle β 1  may include a value within a range from about 12-degrees to about 35-degrees. In one example, angle β 1  includes a value approximately equal to 24-degrees. In some configurations, angles α 1  and β 1  are substantially equal to one another such that the radii of curvature are equal to one another and share the same vertex. 
     In some implementations, the aft point  326  is disposed along a blend portion  328  along the curved region  310  of the plate  300  that includes a radius of curvature configured to join the curved region  310  at the posterior curved portion  324  to the substantially flat region  312 . Thus, the blend portion  328  is disposed between and connecting the constant radius of curvature of the curved region  310  and the substantially flat region  312 . In some examples, the blend portion includes a substantially constant radius of curvature. The blend portion  328  may allow the substantially flat region  312  of the plate to extend between the first end  301  (posterior-most point) and the aft point  326  in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane RP (as well as the ground surface). As a result of the radius of curvature of the posterior curved portion  324  and the radius of curvature of the blend portion  328 , the aft point  326  may include a position height H 1  above the MTP point  320 . As used herein, the position height H 1  of the aft point  326  corresponds to a separation distance extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane RP between the aft point  326  and the reference plane RP. The position height H 1  may include a value within the range from about 3 mm to about 28 mm in some examples, while in other examples the position height H 1  may include a value within the range from about 3 mm to about 17 mm. In one example, the position height H 1  is equal to about 17 mm. In some implementations, the posterior-most point  301  and the AMP  302  are co-planer at a junction of the blend portion  328  and the substantially flat region  312 . 
       FIG.  18    provides a top view of the footwear plate  300   a  of  FIG.  16    showing the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , the bridge segment  366 , and the heel segment  368  defined across the length of the plate  300   a . The MTP point  320  may reside within the MTP segment  364  joining the toe segment  362  to the bridge segment  366 . The aft point  326  may be disposed within the bridge segment  366  at a location proximate to where the bridge segment  366  joins with the heel segment  368 . For instance, the radius of curvature of the blend portion  328  ( FIG.  17   ) may seamlessly join the bridge segment  366  associated with the posterior curved portion  324  to the heel segment  368  associated with the flat region  312  of the plate  300 . 
       FIGS.  19 - 21    provide a footwear plate  300   b  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   b , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  19    provides a top perspective view of the footwear plate  300   b  defining a length that extends between the first end  301  and an AMP  302   b  of the plate  300   b . The plate  300   b  may be segmented across the length to define the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , the bridge segment  366 , and the heel segment  368 .  FIG.  19    shows the footwear plate  300   b  including a curved region  310   b  (including segments  362 ,  364 ,  366 ) and the substantially flat region  312  (including segment  368 ). 
       FIG.  20    provides a side view of the footwear plate  300   b  of  FIG.  19    showing an MTP point  320   b  of the curved region  310   b  of the footwear plate  300   b  tangent to the horizontal reference plane RP and disposed underneath the MTP joint of the foot when the foot is received by the interior void  102  of the footwear  10 - 10   d . An anterior curved portion  322   b  extending between the MTP point  320   b  and the AMP  302   b  includes a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the anterior curved portion  322  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . Thus, the radius of curvature associated with the anterior curved portion  322   b  results in the AMP  302   b  extending from the MTP point  320   b  at an angle α 2  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP that is greater than the angle α 1  associated with the anterior curved portion  322  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . Accordingly, the anterior curved portion  322   b  is associated with a steeper slope than that of the anterior curved portion  322  of  FIGS.  16 - 18    such that the toe segment  362  of the plate  300   b  biases the toes of the foot further away from the ground surface compared to the plate  300   a  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . In other examples, the L A  of the anterior curved portion  322   b  is within the range from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , the L P  of the posterior curved portion  324   b  is within the range from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , and the substantially flat region  312  includes the remainder of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d.    
     Similarly, a posterior curved portion  324   b  extending between the MTP point  320   b  and an aft point  326   b  includes a radius of curvature that is smaller than the radius of curvature of the posterior curved portion  324  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . Thus, the radius of curvature associated with the posterior curved portion  324   b  results in the aft point  326   b  extending from the MTP point  320   b  at an angle β 2  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP that is greater than the angle β 1  associated with the posterior curved portion  324  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . Accordingly, the posterior curved portion  324   b  is associated with a steeper slope than that of the posterior curved portion  324  of  FIGS.  16 - 18    such that the bridge segment  366  of the plate  300   b  biases the MTP joint of the foot toward the ground surface further away from the heel of the foot compared to the plate  300   a  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . The angle α 2  may include a value within a range from about 12-degrees to about 35-degrees. In one example, angle α 2  includes a value approximately equal to 24-degrees. Similarly, the radius of curvature associated with the posterior curved portion  324   b  results in the aft point  326   b  extending from the MTP point  320   b  at an angle β 2  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP. The angle β 2  may include a value within a range from about 12-degrees to about 35-degrees. In one example, angle β 1  includes a value approximately equal to 24-degrees. In some configurations, angles α 2  and β 2  are substantially equal to one another such that the radii of curvature are equal to one another and share the same vertex. 
     The curved portions  322   b ,  324   b  may each include a corresponding radius of curvature that may be the same or may be different from one another. In some examples, the radius of curvatures differ from one another by at least two percent (2%). The radius of curvatures for the curved regions  322   b ,  324   b  may range from about 200 millimeters (mm) to about 400 mm. In some configurations, the anterior curved portion  322   b  includes a radius of curvature that continues the curvature of the posterior curved portion  324   b  such that the curved portions  322   b ,  324   b  define the same radius of curvature and share a same vertex. Additionally or alternatively, the plate may define a radius of curvature that connects the posterior curved portion  324   b  to the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300   b . As used herein, the term “substantially flat” refers to the flat region  312  within five (5) degrees horizontal, i.e., within five (5) degrees parallel to the ground surface. 
     In some implementations, the aft point  326  is disposed along a blend portion  328   b  along the curved region  310   b  of the plate  300   b  that includes a radius of curvature configured to join the curved region  310   b  at the posterior curved portion  324   b  to the substantially flat region  312   b . Thus, the blend portion  328   b  is disposed between and connecting the constant radius of curvature of the curved region  310  and the substantially flat region  312 . In some examples, the blend portion includes a substantially constant radius of curvature. As with the blend portion  328  of the curved region  310  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   , the blend portion  328   b  may allow the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300   b  to extend between the first end  301  (posterior-most point) and the aft point  326   b  in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane RP (as well as the ground surface). As a result of the radius of curvature of the posterior curved portion  324   b  and the radius of curvature of the blend portion  328   b , the aft point  326   b  may include a position height H 2  above the MTP point  320  that is greater than the position height H 1  of the aft point  326  above the MTP point  320  of  FIGS.  16 - 18   . The position height H 2  may include a value within the range from about 3 mm to about 28 mm in some examples, while in other examples the position height H 2  may include a value within the range from about 3 mm to about 17 mm. In one example, the position height H 2  is equal to about 17 mm. In some implementations, the posterior-most point  301  and the AMP  302   b  are co-planer at a junction of the blend portion  328   b  and the substantially flat region  312 . 
       FIG.  21    provides a top view of the footwear plate  300   b  of  FIG.  19    showing the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , the bridge segment  366 , and the heel segment  368  segmented across the length of the plate  300   b . The MTP point  320   b  may reside within the MTP segment  364  joining the toe segment  362  to the bridge segment  366 . The aft point  326   b  may be disposed within the bridge segment  366  at a location proximate to where the bridge segment  366  joins with the heel segment  368 . For instance, the radius of curvature of the blend portion  328   b  ( FIG.  20   ) may seamlessly join the bridge segment  366  associated with the posterior curved portion  324   b  to the heel segment  368  associated with the flat region  312  of the plate  300   b.    
       FIGS.  22 - 24    provide a footwear plate  300   d  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   c , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  22    provides a top perspective view of the footwear plate  300   c  defining a length that extends between the first end  301  and an AMP  302   c  of the plate  300   c . The plate  300   c  may be segmented across the length to define the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , the bridge segment  366 , and the heel segment  368 .  FIG.  22    shows the footwear plate  300   c  including a curved region  310   c  (including segments  362 ,  364 ,  366 ) and the substantially flat region  312  (including segment  368 ). 
       FIG.  23    provides a side view of the footwear plate  300   c  of  FIG.  22    showing the curved region  310   c  being semi-circular such that an anterior curved portion  322   c  and a posterior curved portion  324   c  are associated with a same radius of curvature R and share a common vertex V such that the curved portions  322   c ,  324   c  are mirrored about an MTP point  320   c . In some configurations, the radius R includes a value within a range from about 86 mm to about 202 mm. In other configurations, the radius R includes a value within a range from about 140 mm to about 160 mm. Example values for the radius R may include about 87 mm, 117 mm, 151 mm, or 201 mm. The MTP point  320   c  is tangent to the horizontal reference plane RP and disposed underneath the MTP joint of the foot when the foot is received by the interior void  102  of the footwear  10 - 10   d . Accordingly, the MTP point  320   c  corresponds to a center of the curved region  310   c  including the curved portions  322   c ,  324   c . The anterior curved portion  322   c  extends between the MTP point  320   c  and an AMP  302   b  while the posterior curved portion  324   c  extends between the MTP point  320   c  and an aft point  326   c.    
     The anterior curved portion  322   c  may define a length L A  between the MTP point  320   c  and the AMP  302   c  that is substantially equal to a length L P  of the posterior curved portion  324   c  between the MTP point  320   c  and the aft point  326   c . As used herein, the L A  and L P  are each measured along the horizontal reference plane RP between the MTP point  320   c  and respective ones of the AMP  302   c  and the aft point  326   c . In some configurations, the L A  and L P  are each equal to about 81 mm when the footwear plate  300   c  is incorporated by an article of footwear  10 - 10   d  associated with a men&#39;s size 10. In some examples, the L A  of the anterior curved portion  322   c  (including the toe segment  362  and the MTP segment  364 ) accounts for approximately thirty percent (30%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , the L P  of the posterior curved portion  324  (including the bridge segment  366 ) accounts for approximately thirty percent (30%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , and the substantially flat portion  312  (including the heel segment  368 ) accounts for approximately forty percent (40%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d . In other examples, the L A  of the anterior curved portion  322   c  is within the range from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , the L P  of the posterior curved portion  324   c  is within the range from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d , and the substantially flat region  312  includes the remainder of the length of the sole structure  200 - 200   d.    
     The AMP  302   c  extends from the MTP point  320   c  at an angle α 3  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP while the aft point  326   c  extends from the MTP point  320   c  at an angle β 3  relative to the horizontal reference plane RP. As the curved portions  322   c ,  324   c  are associated with the same radius of curvature R and share the common vertex V, the angles α 3  and β 3  are substantially equal to one another. The value of the angles α 3  and β 3  ranges from about 11 degrees to about 35 degrees in some examples and from about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees in other examples. Example values for the angles α 3  and β 3  include about 12 degrees, 16 degrees, 22 degrees, or 57 degrees. The angle α 3  corresponds to the angle by which the toe segment  362  of the plate  300   c  biases the toes of the foot upward and away from the ground surface when the foot is received by the interior void  102  of the footwear  10 - 10   d.    
     Moreover, the aft point  326   c  and the AMP  302   c  may each include a same position height H 3  above the MTP point  320   c . As with the plates  300   a  and  300   b  of  FIGS.  16 - 18  and  19 - 21   , respectively, the position height H 3  of the aft point  326   c  and the MTP point  320   c  corresponds to a separation distance extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane RP between the MTP point  320   c  and respective ones of the aft point  326   c  and the AMP  302   c . In some configurations, the position height H 3  includes a value within a range from about 17 mm to about 57 mm. Example values for the position height H 3  may include about 17 mm, 24 mm, 33 mm, or 57 mm. 
     In some implementations, the aft point  326   c  is disposed along a blend portion  328   c  along the curved region  310   c  of the plate  300  that includes a radius of curvature configured to join the curved region  310   c  at the posterior curved portion  324   c  to the substantially flat region  312 . Thus, the blend portion  328   c  is disposed between and connecting the constant radius of curvature of the curved region  310   c  and the substantially flat region  312 . In some examples, the blend portion includes a substantially constant radius of curvature. The blend portion  328   c  may allow the substantially flat region  312  of the plate  300   c  to extend between the first end  301  (posterior-most point) and the aft point  326   c  in a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal reference plane RP (as well as the ground surface). Accordingly, the AMP  302   c  and the aft point  326   c  may be substantially co-planar with the junction between the blend portion  328   c  and the substantially flat region  312 . As such, the heel segment  368  and a portion of the bridge segment  366  extending between the first end  301  and the aft point  326   c  of the plate  300   c  can be substantially flat. The blend portion  328   c  may include a radius of curvature of about 133.5 mm when the footwear plate  300   c  is incorporated by an article of footwear  10 - 10   d  associated with a men&#39;s size 10. In some implementations, the posterior-most point  301  and the AMP  302   c  are co-planer at a junction of the blend portion  328   c  and the substantially flat region  312 . 
       FIG.  24    provides a top view of the footwear plate  300   c  of  FIG.  22    showing the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , the bridge segment  366 , and the heel segment  368  segmented across the length of the plate  300   c . The MTP point  320   c  may reside within the MTP segment  364  joining the toe segment  362  to the bridge segment  366 . The aft point  326   b  may be disposed within the bridge segment  366  at a location proximate to where the bridge segment  366  joins with the heel segment  368 . For instance, the radius of curvature of the blend portion  328   c  ( FIG.  23   ) may seamlessly join the bridge segment  366  associated with the posterior curved portion  324   c  to the heel segment  368  associated with the flat region  312  of the plate  300   c . In view of the foregoing, the footwear plate  300   c  of  FIGS.  22 - 24   , the following parameters may be designated for a size 10 men&#39;s shoe: 
     1. R=201 mm, α 3 =12 degrees, H 3 =17 mm, L A =81 mm, and radius of curvature of blend portion  328   c  equal to 134 mm; 
     2. R=151 mm, α 3 =16 degrees, H 3 =24 mm, L A =81 mm, and radius of curvature of blend portion  328   c  equal to 134 mm; 
     3. R=117 mm, α 3 =22 degrees, H 3 =33 mm, L A =81 mm, and radius of curvature of blend portion  328   c  equal to 134 mm; and 
     4. R=87 mm, α 3 =35 degrees, H 3 =57 mm, L A =81 mm, and radius of curvature of blend portion  328   c  equal to 134 mm. 
     With reference to the footwear plates  300 - 300   c  of  FIGS.  1 - 24   , the curved region  322 - 322   c  allows the overall longitudinal stiffness of the plate  300 - 300   c  to reduce energy loss at the MTP joint of the wearer&#39;s foot while facilitating rolling of the foot during walking/running motions to thereby reduce a lever arm distance and alleviate strain at the ankle joint of the wearer. The radius of curvature associated with the anterior curved portion  322 - 322   c  particularly influences the longitudinal stiffness of the plate  300 - 300   c  as well as how the foot will roll during walking/running motions. In some examples, the plate  300 - 300   c  omits the substantially flat region  312  to define a length extending between the aft point  326 - 326   c  and the AMP  302 - 302   c . The MTP point  320 - 320   c  corresponds to the closest (e.g., lowest) point of the plate  300 - 300   c  to the ground surface and may located at, or just behind, the MTP joint of the foot when received by the interior void  102  of the footwear  10 - 10   d  on top of the sole structure  200 - 200   d . One or more cushioning members  250 - 250   c ,  270  may be incorporated by the sole structure  200 - 200   d . The cushioning member(s)  250 - 250   c ,  270  may define a greatest thickness over top the MTP point  320 - 320   c  of the footwear plate  300 - 300   c  for maximizing the distance between the MTP joint of the foot and the MTP point  320 - 320   c . The cushioning member(s)  250 - 250   c ,  270  may include high performance (soft and low energy loss) foam materials having a resiliency of at least 60-percent when compressed under an applied load to assist in returning energy during use of the footwear  10 - 10   d  while performing walking/running movements. The different geometries of the footwear plates  300 - 300   c  impart different mechanical advantages to athletes, such as runners having different running styles, e.g., forefoot strikers vs. heel strikers. The radii of curvature of the curved portions  322 - 322   c ,  324 - 324   c  produce different angles α 1 -α 3 , such that position heights H-H 3  differ for different shoe sizes. 
       FIG.  25    provides a top view of a footwear plate  300   d  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   d , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The footwear plate  300   d  defines a length that extends between the first end  301  and the second end  302  and is segmented across the length to define the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , a bridge segment  366   d , and the heel segment  368 . The bridge segment  366   d  of the plate  300   d  defines a reduced width at a location proximate to the heel segment  368  compared to the widths of the bridge segment  366  of the plates  300   a ,  300   b ,  300   c . The narrow bridge segment  366   d  reduces the weight of the footwear plate  300   d  while increasing flexibility thereof. The MTP segment  364  is associated with a widest part of the plate  300   d  while the toe segment  362  is slightly narrow to support the toes of the foot. 
     Referring to  FIG.  26   , a top view of a footwear plate  300   e  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   e , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  26    shows the footwear plate  300   e  without the heel segment  368  associated with the substantially flat region  312 . The plate  300   e  defines a reduced length extending between a first end  301   e  and the second end  302  and is segmented across the length to define the toe segment  362 , the MTP segment  364 , and a truncated bridge segment  366   e . Here, the first end  301   e  of the plate  300   e  is associated with the aft point  326 - 326   d  of the plates  300 - 300   d.    
     In some examples, the truncated bridge segment  366   e  is associated with a reduced length sufficient for supporting a Tarsometatarsal joint of the foot. As such, the plate  300   e  may define only the curved region  310  including the truncated bridge segment  366   e , the MTP segment  364 , and the toe segment  362 . Moreover, the plate  300   e  may be formed from one contiguous sheet of material. 
       FIG.  27    provides a top view of a footwear plate  300   f  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   f , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The footwear plate  300   f  defines a length extending between the first end  301  and the second end  302  and through a split forefoot portion  12   f , the mid-foot portion  14 , and the heel portion  16  thereof. The plate  300   f  includes the curved region  310  extending through the split forefoot portion  12   f  and the mid-foot portion  14 . The plate  300   f  may also include the substantially flat region  312  extending through the heel portion  16  from the curved region  310  to the first end  301  of the plate  300   f.    
     The split forefoot portion  12   f  of the plate  300   f  includes a lateral segment  371  and a medial segment  372 . In some examples, the lateral and medial segments  371 ,  372 , respectively, extend from the MTP point  320  of the plate  300   f . Splitting the forefoot portion  12   f  into the lateral segment  371  and the medial segment  372  may provide greater flexibility of the plate  300   f  In some examples, the medial segment  372  is wider than the lateral segment  371 . In one example, the medial segment  372  is associated with a width suitable for supporting a first MTP bone (e.g., big toe) and a hallux of the foot. The plate  300   f  may be formed from one contiguous sheet of material. 
       FIG.  28    provides a top view of a footwear plate  300   g  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   g , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The footwear plate  300   g  defines a length extending between the first end  301  and the second end  302  and through a finger-shaped forefoot portion  12   g , the mid-foot portion  14 , and the heel portion  16  thereof. The plate  300   g  includes the curved region  310  extending through the finger-shaped forefoot portion  12   g  and the mid-foot portion  14 . The plate  300   g  may also include the substantially flat region  312  extending through the heel portion  16  from the curved region  310  to the first end  301  of the plate  300   g.    
     The finger-shaped forefoot portion  12   g  of the plate  300   g  includes a medial segment  372   g  having a lateral curvature  374 . In some examples, the medial segment  372   g  extends from the MTP point  320  of the plate  300   g  and is associated with a width suitable for supporting the first MTP bone (e.g., big toe) of the foot. The lateral curvature  374  removes a portion of the plate  300   f  that would otherwise support the second through fifth MTP bones. The plate  300   g  may be formed from one contiguous sheet of material. 
       FIG.  29    provides a top view of a footwear plate  300   h  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   h , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The footwear plate  300   h  defines a length extending between the first end  301  and the second end  302  and through a halo-shaped forefoot portion  12   h , the mid-foot portion  14 , and the heel portion  16  thereof. The plate  300   h  includes the curved region  310  extending through the halo-shaped forefoot portion  12   h  and the mid-foot portion  14 . The plate  300   h  may also include the substantially flat region  312  extending through the heel portion  16  from the curved region  310  to the first end  301  of the plate  300   h.    
     The halo-shaped forefoot portion  12   h  of the plate  300   h  includes an interior cut-out region  380  formed through the forefoot portion  12   h  of the plate  300   h . The cut-out region  380  is surrounded by a rim  382  bounded by an outer periphery of the plate  300   h . In some examples, the rim  382  extends from the MTP point  320  of the plate  300   h  and is configured to support the foot underneath while the interior cut-out region  380  is associated with an open area to reduce weight of the plate  300   h . The plate  300   h  may be formed from one contiguous sheet of material. 
       FIG.  30    provides a top view of a footwear plate  300   i  that may be incorporated into any one of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c , and  10   d  of  FIGS.  1 - 15    in place of the footwear plate  300 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the footwear plate  300  with respect to the footwear plate  300   i , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The footwear plate  300   i  defines a length extending between the first end  301  and the second end  302  and through a claw-shaped forefoot portion  12   i , the mid-foot portion  14 , and the heel portion  16  thereof. The plate  300   i  includes the curved region  310  extending through the claw-shaped forefoot portion  12   i  and the mid-foot portion  14 . The plate  300   i  may also include the substantially flat region  312  extending through the heel portion  16  from the curved region  310  to the first end  301  of the plate  300   i.    
     The claw-shaped forefoot portion  12   i  of the plate  300   i  includes a lateral segment  371   i  and a medial segment  372   i . In some examples, the lateral and medial segments  371   i ,  372   i , respectively, extend from the MTP point  320  of the plate  300   f  The segments  371   i ,  372   i  may cooperate to define an interior cut-out region  380   i  similar to the cut-out region of the plate  300   h  of  FIG.  29    except an opening  384  separates the segments  371   i ,  372   i  to allow the segments  371   i ,  372   i  to flex independently from one another. Thus, the claw-shaped forefoot portion  12   i  provides lateral and medial segments  371   i ,  372   i , respectively, capable of flexing independently of one another similar to the segments  371 ,  372  of the split-forefoot portion  12   f  of  FIG.  27    except interior cut-out region  380   i  provides the plate  300   i  with a reduced weight compared to the weight of the plate  300   f  incorporating the split forefoot portion  12   f . The plate  300   i  may be formed from one contiguous sheet of material. 
       FIGS.  31  and  32    provide an article of footwear  10   e  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   e  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   e , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The sole structure  200   e  may include an outsole  210   e , a cushioning member  200   e , the footwear plate  300 , and a midsole  200   e  arranged in a layered configuration.  FIG.  32    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG.  31    showing the footwear plate  300  disposed between the cushioning member  250   e  and the midsole  220   e  in the mid-foot and heel portions  14 ,  16 , respectively, and between the outsole  210   e  and the midsole  220   e  in the forefoot portion  12 . The cushioning member  250   e  includes a bottom surface  252   e  opposing a ground surface  2  and a top surface  254   e  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   e  than the bottom surface  252   e  and affixed to the plate  300 . The outsole  210   e  may correspond to one or more ground-contacting segments that may affix to the bottom surface  252   e  of the cushioning member  250   e  and the plate  300 . In some configurations, the outsole  210   e  is omitted so that the bottom surface  252   e  of the cushioning member  250   e  contacts the ground surface  2  in the mid-foot and heel portions  14 ,  16 , respectively, of the sole structure  200   e , while the plate  300  contacts the ground surface  2  in the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure  200   e , i.e., the curved region  310  of the plate  300 . 
     In some implementations, one or more protrusions  800  (e.g., track spikes) extend away from the plate  300  and the outsole  210   e  in a direction toward the ground surface  2  to provide traction therewith. The protrusions  800  may attach directly to the plate  300  or the outsole  210   e .  FIG.  32    shows no cushioning material is disposed above the MTP point  320  (e.g., between the plate  300  and the midsole  220   e ) or below the MTP point  320  (e.g., between the plate  300  and the outsole  210   e ). Accordingly, the cushioning material  250   e  is provided in the mid-foot and heel portions  14 ,  16 , respectively, to attenuate an initial impact of ground-reaction forces during running motions while no cushioning material  250   e  is provided in the forefoot portion  12  where cushioning is less essential to reduce the weight of the sole structure  200   e . The exemplary footwear  10   e  incorporating the sole structure  200   e  may be associated with a track shoe for shorter distance track events. Moreover, the insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  of the midsole  220   e  within the interior void  102  underneath the foot. 
       FIGS.  33  and  34    provide an article of footwear  10   e  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   f  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   f , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The sole structure  200   f  may include an outsole  210   f , a cushioning member  200   f , the footwear plate  300 , and a midsole  200   f  arranged in a layered configuration.  FIG.  34    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  34 - 34  of  FIG.  33    showing the footwear plate  300  disposed between the cushioning member  250   f  and the midsole  220   f , and the cushioning member  250   f  disposed between the plate  300  and the outsole  210   f  and/or the ground-surface  2 . The cushioning member  250   f  includes a bottom surface  252   f  opposing a ground surface  2  and a top surface  254   f  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   f  than the bottom surface  252   f  and affixed to the plate  300 . The outsole  210   f  may correspond to one or more ground-contacting segments that may affix to the bottom surface  252   f  of the cushioning member  250   f . In some configurations, the outsole  210   f  is omitted so that the bottom surface  252   f  of the cushioning member  250   f  contacts the ground surface  2 . Moreover, the insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  of the midsole  220   f  within the interior void  102  underneath the foot. 
     The cushioning member  250   f  may define a greater thickness in the heel portion  16  of the sole structure  200   f  than in the forefoot portion  12 . In other words, a gap or distance separating outsole  210   f  and the midsole  220   f  decreases in a direction along the longitudinal axis L of the sole structure  200  from the heel portion  16  toward the forefoot portion  12 . In some implementations, the top surface  254   f  of the cushioning member  250   f  is smooth and includes a surface profile contoured to match the surface profile of the footwear plate  300  such that the footwear plate  300  and the cushioning member  250   f  mate flush with one another. The cushioning member  250   f  may define a thickness in the forefoot portion  12  of the sole structure within a range from and including eight (8) mm to about and including nine (9) mm. Accordingly, the thickness of the cushioning member  250   f  opposing the curved region  310  of the plate  300  may be only thick enough to prevent the plate  300  from directly contacting the ground surface  2  during running motions. 
     In some implementations, the one or more protrusions  800  (e.g., track spikes) extend away from the plate  300  and the outsole  210   f  in a direction toward the ground surface  2  to provide traction therewith. The protrusions  800  may attach directly to the plate  300 , the cushioning member  250   f , or the outsole  210   f.    
       FIGS.  35  and  36    provide an article of footwear  10   g  that includes an upper and a sole structure  200   g  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   g , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
       FIG.  35    provides a top perspective view of the article of footwear  10   g  showing the sole structure  200   g  including an outsole  210   g , a cushioning member  250   g , the footwear plate  300 , and the midsole  220  arranged in a layered configuration and defining a longitudinal axis L. In some configurations, a peripheral edge of the footwear plate  300  is visible from the exterior of the footwear  10   g  along the lateral and medial sides  18 ,  20 , respectively. In these configurations, the footwear  10   g  may be designed with an intended use for walking. 
       FIG.  36    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG.  35    showing the footwear plate  300  disposed between the cushioning member  250   g  and the midsole  220 , and the cushioning member  250   g  disposed between the plate  300  and the outsole  210   g . The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot. While not included in the configuration of  FIG.  36   , the fluid-filled bladder  400  of  FIGS.  1 - 3    could be incorporated by the sole structure  200   g  to provide additional cushioning. The outsole  210   g  includes a ground-engaging surface  212   g  and an inner surface  214   g  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210   g  than the ground-engaging surface  212   g  and opposing a bottom surface  252   g  of the cushioning member  250   g . The cushioning member  250   g  includes the bottom surface  252   g  and a top surface  254   g  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   g  than the bottom surface  252   g.    
     The configuration of the sole structure  200   g  is substantially identical to the sole structure  200  of  FIGS.  1 - 3    except that the sole structure  200   g  includes a plurality of apertures  255  formed through the outsole  210   g  and the cushioning member  250   g  to expose portions of the plate  300  when viewed from the bottom of the footwear  10   g .  FIG.  36    shows the plurality of apertures  255  located in the heel portion  16  and the forefoot portion  12 . Other configurations may include more/less apertures  255  in the heel portion  16  and/or forefoot portion  12  as well as apertures in the mid-foot portion  14 . In some implementations, only one of the portions  12 ,  14 ,  16  includes apertures  255 . Each aperture  255  may be formed through the outsole  210   g  and the cushioning member  250   g  and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Advantageously, the apertures  255  are operative to reduce the overall weight of the sole structure  200   g  to provide a lighter article of footwear  10   g . Apertures  255  may similarly be formed through any of the sole structures  200 - 200   f  of  FIGS.  1 - 15  and  33 - 36   . 
       FIGS.  37 - 39    provide an article of footwear  10   h  that includes an upper  100  and a sole structure  200   h  attached to the upper  100 . In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the article of footwear  10  with respect to the article of footwear  10   h , like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified. 
     The sole structure  200   h  may include the outsole  210 , a first cushioning member  250   h , a plate formed from a fluid-filled bladder  400   h , and a midsole  220   a  arranged in the layered configuration.  FIG.  38    provides an exploded view of the article of footwear  10   h  showing the sole structure  200   h  (e.g., the outsole  210   h , the cushioning member  250   h , and the midsole  220   h ) defining a longitudinal axis L. The outsole  210   h  includes an inner surface  214   h  disposed on an opposite side of the outsole  210  than the ground-engaging surface  212 . The midsole  220   h  includes a bottom surface  222   h  disposed on an opposite side of the midsole  220   h  than the footbed  224  and opposing the inner surface  214   h  of the outsole  210   h.    
     The cushioning member  250   h  and the fluid-filled bladder  400   h  are disposed between the inner surface  214   h  and the bottom surface  222   h  to separate the midsole  220   h  from the outsole  210   h . For example, the cushioning member  250   h  includes the bottom surface  252  received by the inner surface  214   h  of the outsole  210   h  and a top surface  254   h  disposed on an opposite side of the cushioning member  250   h  than the bottom surface  252  and opposing the midsole  220   h  to support the bladder  400   h  thereon. In some examples, a sidewall  230   h  surrounds at least a portion of a perimeter of the cushioning member  250   h  and separates the cushioning member  250   h  and the midsole  220   h  to define a cavity  240   h  therebetween. For instance, the sidewall  230   h  may define a rim around at least a portion of the perimeter of the contoured top surface  254   h  of the cushioning member  250  to cradle the foot during use of the footwear  10  when performing walking or running movements. The rim may extend around the perimeter of the midsole  220  when the cushioning member  250  attaches to the midsole  220 . 
     In some configurations, the fluid-filled bladder  400   h  is disposed upon the top surface  254   h  of the cushioning member  250   h  and underneath the midsole  220   h  to reduce energy loss at the MTP joint while enhancing rolling of the foot as the footwear  10   h  rolls for engagement with a ground surface during a running motion. As with the footwear plate  300  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   , the fluid-filled bladder  400   h  includes a greater stiffness than the stiffness of the cushioning member  250   h  and the outsole  210   h . The fluid-filled bladder  400   h  may define a length extending through at least a portion of the length of the sole structure  200   h . In some examples, the length of the bladder  400   h  extends through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions  12 ,  14 ,  16  of the sole structure  200   h . In other examples, the length of the bladder  400   h  extends through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14 , and is absent from the heel portion  16 . 
     The cushioning member  250   h  may compress resiliently between the midsole  220   h  and the outsole  210   h . The cushioning member  250   h  may be formed from a slab of polymer foam which may be formed from the same one or more materials forming the cushioning member  250  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . For instance, the cushioning member  250   h  may be formed from one or more of EVA copolymers, polyurethanes, polyethers, olefin block copolymers, PEBA copolymers, and/or TPUs. The fluid-filled bladder  400   h  may also enhance cushioning characteristics of the footwear  10   h  in response to ground-reaction forces. For example, the bladder  400   h  may be filled with a pressurized fluid such as air, nitrogen, helium, sulfur, hexafluoride, or liquids/gels. 
     The length of the fluid-filled bladder  400   h  may be the same as or less than the length of the cushioning member  250   h . The length, width, and thickness of the bladder  400   h  may substantially occupy the volume of space (e.g., cavity  240   h ) between the top surface  254   h  of the cushioning member  250   h  and the bottom surface  222   h  of the midsole  220   h  and may extend through the forefoot, mid-foot, and heel portions  12 ,  14 ,  16 , respectively, of the sole structure  200   h . In some examples, the bladder  400   h  extends through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14  of the sole structure  200   h  but is absent from the heel portion  16 . In some examples, a sidewall  403  of the bladder  400   h  is visible along the lateral and/or medial sides  18 ,  20  of the footwear  10   h . In some implementations, the top surface  254   h  of the cushioning member  250   h  and the bottom surface  222   h  of the midsole  220   h  are smooth and include surface profiles contoured to match the surface profiles of the opposing sides of the bladder  400   h  such that the bladder  400   h  mates flush with cushioning member  250   h  and the midsole  220   h.    
     The fluid-filled bladder  400   h  defines an interior cavity that receives the pressurized fluid while providing a durable sealed barrier for retaining the pressurized fluid therein. The bladder  400   h  may include an upper barrier portion  401  that opposes the bottom surface  222   h  of the midsole  220   h  and a lower barrier portion  402  disposed on an opposite side of the bladder  400   h  than the upper barrier portion  401  and opposing the top surface  254   h  of the cushioning member  250   h . The sidewall  403  extends around the periphery of the bladder  400   h  and connects the upper barrier portion  401  to the lower barrier portion  402 . 
     In some configurations, the interior cavity of the fluid-filled bladder  400   h  also receives a tether element  500  having an upper plate that attaches to upper barrier portion  401 , a lower plate that attaches to the lower barrier portion  402 , and a plurality of tethers  530  that extend between the upper and lower plates of the tether element  500 . Adhesive bonding or thermobonding may be used to secure the tether element  500  to the bladder  400   h . The tether element  500  is operative to prevent the bladder  400   h  from expanding outward or otherwise distending due to the pressure of the fluid within the internal cavity of the bladder  400   h . Namely, the tether element  500  may limit expansion of the bladder  400   h  when under pressure to retain an intended shape of surfaces of the barrier portions  401  and  402 . 
       FIG.  39    provides a partial cross-sectional view taken along line  39 - 39  of  FIG.  37    showing the fluid-filled bladder  400   h  disposed between the cushioning member  250   h  and the midsole  220   h , and the cushioning member  250   h  disposed between the outsole  210   h  and the bladder  400   h . The insole  260  may be disposed upon the footbed  224  within the interior void  102  under the foot. In some configurations, the cushioning member  250   h  defines a greater thickness in the heel portion of the sole structure  200   h  than in the forefoot portion  12  and the top surface  254   h  includes a surface profile contoured to match the surface profile of lower barrier portion  402  of the bladder  400   h  thereon. The cushioning member  250   h  may cooperate with the midsole  220   h  for to define a space for enclosing the bladder  400   h  therebetween. 
     As with the footwear plates  300 - 300   i , the bladder  400   h  includes a curved region  410  extending through the forefoot portion  12  and the mid-foot portion  14  and may optionally include a substantially flat region  412  extending through the heel portion  16  from an aft point at the curved region  410  to an AMP of the bladder  400   h  disposed proximate to the toe end of the sole structure  200   h . The curved region may have a radius of curvature defining an anterior curved portion  422  and a posterior curved portion  424  similar to respective ones of the anterior and posterior curved portions  322 ,  324 , respectively, of the footwear plate  300  of  FIGS.  1 - 3   . In some configurations, the curved portions  422 ,  424  each include the same radius of curvature that is mirrored about an MTP point  420  associated with the point of the bladder  400   h  disposed closest to the outsole  210   h . In other configurations, the curved portions  422 ,  424  are each associated with a different radius of curvature. The curved portions  422 ,  424  may each account for about 30-percent (%) of the total length of the bladder  400   h  while the length of the flat region  412  may account for the remaining 40-percent (%) of the length of the bladder  400   h . The anterior curved and posterior curved portions  422 ,  424 , respectively, of the curved region  410  provide the bladder  400  with a longitudinal stiffness that reduces energy loss proximate to the MTP joint of the foot, as well as enhances rolling of the foot during running motions to thereby reduce a lever arm distance and alleviate strain on the ankle joint. While the example footwear  10   h  of  FIGS.  37 - 39    incorporates the curved fluid-filled bladder  400   h  in place of the footwear plate  300  between the cushioning member  250   h  and the midsole  220   h , the curved fluid-filled bladder  400   h  may replace the plate  300  in any of the articles of footwear  10 - 10   g  described above. 
     The footwear plates  300 - 300   i  described above may be manufactured using fiber sheets or textiles, including pre-impregnated (i.e., “prepreg”) fiber sheets or textiles. Alternatively or additionally, the footwear plates  300 - 300   i  may be manufactured by strands formed from multiple filaments of one or more types of fiber (e.g., fiber tows) by affixing the fiber tows to a substrate or to each other to produce a plate having the strands of fibers arranged predominately at predetermined angles or in predetermined positions. When using strands of fibers, the types of fibers included in the strand can include synthetic polymer fibers which can be melted and re-solidified to consolidate the other fibers present in the strand and, optionally, other components such as stitching thread or a substrate or both. Alternatively or additionally, the fibers of the strand and, optionally the other components such as stitching thread or a substrate or both, can be consolidated by applying a resin after affixing the strands of fibers to the substrate and/or to each other. The above processes are described below. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  40 A- 40 E and  41   , the footwear plates  300 - 300   i  are shown as being formed by using a series of stacked, prepreg fiber sheets  600   a - 600   e . The prepreg fiber sheets  600   a - 600   e  may be formed from the same or different materials. For example, each of the sheets  600   a - 600   e  may be a unidirectional tape or a multi-axial fabric having a series of fibers  602  that are impregnated with resin. The fibers  602  may include at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and other polymer fibers that form the unidirectional sheet or multi-axial fabric. Fibers such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and boron fibers may provide a high Young&#39;s modulus while glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass) and other polymer fibers (e.g., synthetic fibers such as polyamides other than aramid, polyesters, and polyolefins) provide a medium modulus. Alternatively, some of the sheets  600   a - 600   e  may be a unidirectional tape while others of the sheets  600   a - 600   e  are a multi-axial fabric. Further, each of the sheets  600   a - 600   e  may be include fibers  602  formed from the same material or, alternatively, one or more of the sheets  600   a - 600   e  includes fibers  602  formed from a different material than the fibers  602  of the other sheets  600   a - 600   e.    
     During manufacturing of the plates  300 - 300   i , unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric is provided and is cut into fiber plies. The plies are cut out and angled with respect to one another and the shapes of the various sheets  600   a - 600   e  are cut from the stacked plies into the shapes shown in  FIGS.  40 A- 40 E . In so doing, the sheets  600   a - 600   e  include fibers  602  formed at different angles relative to one another such that a longitudinal axis of the fibers  602  of the unidirectional tape or multi-axial fabric is positioned at an angle (Φ) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of each sheet  600   a - 600   e  once cut. Accordingly, when the sheets  600   a - 600   e  are stacked on one another, the longitudinal axes of the fibers  602  are positioned at different angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the plate  300 - 300   i.    
     In one configuration, the angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  40 A  is zero degrees (0°), the angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  40 B  is −15 degrees (−15°), the angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  40 C  is −30 degrees (−30°), the angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  40 D  is 15 degrees (15°), and the angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  40 E  is 30 degrees (30°). When manufacturing the plates  300 - 300   i , the plies are stacked such that when the sheets  600   a - 600   e  are cut from the stacked plies, the sheets  600   a - 600   e  have the shapes shown in  FIGS.  40 A- 40 E  and are stacked in the order shown in  FIG.  41   . Namely, the bottom sheet  600   c  includes fibers  602  positioned at −30° relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the next sheet  600   d  includes fibers positioned at 15° relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the next two sheets  600   a  include fibers positioned at 0° relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the next sheet  600   b  includes fibers positioned at −15° relative to the longitudinal axis (L), and top and final sheet  600   e  includes fibers  602  positioned at 30° relative to the longitudinal axis (L). While the bottom sheet  600   c  is described as being positioned at an angle (Φ) of −30° relative to the longitudinal axis (L) and the top sheet  600   e  is described as being positioned at an angle (Φ) of 30° relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the bottom sheet  600   c  could alternative be positioned at an angle (Φ) of −15° relative to the longitudinal axis (L) and the top sheet  600   e  could alternatively be positioned at an angle (Φ) of 15° relative to the longitudinal axis (L). Further, while two (2) sheets  600   a  are described as being provided at an angle (Φ) of 0° relative to the longitudinal axis (L), more than two sheets  600   a  at an angle (Φ) of 0° could be provided. For example, eight (8) sheets  600   a  could be provided. 
     Once the plies are stacked and cut into the sheets  600   a - 600   e , the stack is subjected to heat and pressure to impart the specific shape of the plates  300 - 300   i  to the staked sheets  600   a - 600   e , as will be described in detail below. Additionally, when fibers which are pre-impregnated with resin are used, subjecting the stack to heat and pressure can melt or soften the pre-impregnated resin and affix the plies together and hold them in the specific shape. Alternatively or additionally, a liquid resin can be applied to the plies to affix the plates together and in some cases to consolidate the fibers, thereby increasing the tensile strength of the plate once the resin has solidified. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  42 A- 42 E and  43   , the footwear plates  300 - 300   i  are shown as being formed by using a process of affixing strands of fibers to a substrate. Namely, the footwear plates  300 - 300   i  are formed from one or more strands  702  of fibers arranged in selected patterns to impart anisotropic stiffness and gradient load paths throughout the plates  300 - 300   i . The strands  702  of fibers may be affixed to the same or separate substrates  704  and embroidered in a layered configuration. If the strands  702  of fibers are applied to separate substrates  704 , the individual substrates  704  are stacked on top of one another once each substrate  704  is supplied with a strand  702  of fibers. If, on the other hand, only one substrate  704  is utilized in forming the plate  300 - 300   i , a first strand  702  of fibers is applied to the substrate  704  with additional strands  702  of fibers (i.e., layers) being applied on top of the first strand  702 . Finally, a single, continuous strand  702  of fibers may be used to form the plate  300 - 300   i , whereby the strand  702  is initially applied and affixed to the substrate  704  and is subsequently layered on top of itself to form the layered construction shown in  FIG.  43   . While each of the foregoing processes may be used to form the plates  300 - 300   i , the following process will be described as employing a single substrate  704  with individual strands  702  of fiber applied to form the construction shown in  FIG.  43   , whereby individual strands  702   a - 702   e  respectively form layers  700   a - 700   e  of a pre-formed plate. 
     Each strand  702  may refer to a tow of a plurality of fibers, a monofilament, yarn, or polymer pre-impregnated tows. For example, the strand  702  may include a plurality of carbon fibers and a plurality of resin fibers that, when activated, solidify and hold the carbon fibers in a desired shape and position relative to one another. As used herein, the term “tow” refers to a bundle (i.e., plurality of filaments (e.g., fibers) that may be twisted or untwisted and each tow may be designated a size associated with a number of fibers the corresponding tow contains. For instance, a single strand  702  may range in size from about 1,000 fibers per bundle to about 48,000 fibers per bundle. As used herein, the substrate  704  refers to any one of a veil, carrier, or backer to which at least one strand  702  of fibers is attached. The substrate  704  may be formed from a thermoset polymeric material or a thermoplastic polymeric material and can be a textile (e.g., knit, woven, or non-woven), an injection molded article, or a thermoformed article. In some configurations, the fibers associated with each strand  702  include at least one of carbon fibers, aramid fibers, boron fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. Fibers such as carbon fibers, aramid fibers, and boron fibers may provide a high Young&#39;s modulus while glass fibers (e.g., fiberglass) and polymer fibers (e.g., synthetic fibers) provide a medium modulus. 
     When forming the plates  300 - 300   i , a first strand  702   c  may be applied to the substrate  704 . Namely, the first strand  702   c  may be applied directly to the substrate  704  and may be stitched to the substrate  704  to hold the first strand  702   c  in a desired location. In one configuration, the first strand  702   c  is applied to the substrate  704  such that the strand  702   c  is positioned at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 C  as being −30 degrees (−30°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 . Another or second strand  702   d  may be applied to the first strand  702   c  via stitching, for example, and may be formed at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 B  as being 15 degrees (−15°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 . A third strand  702   a  may be applied to the second strand at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 A  as being zero degrees (0°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 . A fourth strand  702   b  may be applied to the third strand at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 D  as being −15 degrees (15°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 . A fifth and final strand  702   e  may be applied to the second strand at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 E  as being 30 degrees (30°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 . While the first strand  702   c  is shown and described as being applied at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 C  as being −30 degrees (−30°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704  and the fifth strand  702   e  is shown and described as being applied at an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 E  as being 30 degrees (30°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 , these angles (Φ) could alternatively be −15 degrees (−15°) and 15 degrees (15°), respectively. 
     The strands  702   a - 702   e  form the various layers  700   a - 700   e  of a pre-formed plate  300 - 300   i . Once the layers  700   a - 700   e  are formed, the layers  70   oa - 700   e  are subjected to heat and pressure to activate the impregnated resin of the various strands  702   a - 702   e  and, further, to impart the specific shape of the plates  300 - 300   i  to the layers  700   a - 700   e , as will be described in detail below. 
     As set forth above, the plates  300 - 300   i  formed using the layered process ( FIG.  43   ) include one fewer layer than the plates  300 - 300   i  formed via a prepreg fiber sheet ( FIG.  41   ). Namely, the layered process may only utilize a single layer  700   a  having an angle (Φ) shown in  FIG.  42 A  as being zero degrees (0°) relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the substrate  704 . While the layered process uses one less layer in forming the plates  300 - 300   i , the resulting plates  300 - 300   i  have substantially the same properties (i.e., stiffness, thickness, etc.) as the plates  300 - 300   i  formed using a prepreg fiber sheet. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS.  44  and  45   , formation of a plate  300 - 300   i  is described in conjunction with a mold  800 . The mold  800  includes a first mold half  802  and a second mold half  804 . The mold halves  802 ,  804  include a mold cavity  806  having the shape of one of the various plates  300 - 300   i  to allow the mold  800  to impart the desired shape of the particular plate  300 - 300   i  to either the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or to the layers  700   a - 700   e.    
     After forming the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e , the sheets  600   a - 600   e  or layers  700   a - 700   e  are inserted between the mold halves  802 ,  804  within the mold cavity  806 . At this point, the mold  800  is closed by moving the mold halves  802 ,  804  toward one another or by moving one of the mold halves  802 ,  804  toward the other mold half  802 ,  804 . Once closed, the mold  800  applies heat and pressure to the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e  disposed within the mold cavity  806  to activate the resin associated with the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e . The heat and pressure applied to the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e  causes the particular shape of the mold cavity  806  to be applied to the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e  and, once cured, the resin associated with the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e  causes the stacked sheets  600   a - 600   e  or the layers  700   a - 700   e  to harden and retain the desired shape. 
     It should be noted that while the sheets  600   a - 600   e  and the layers  700   a - 700   e  are described as including a resin material, the sheets  600   a - 600   e  and the layers  700   a - 700   e  could additionally be supplied with resin that is infused within the mold  800 . The infused resin could be in addition to the impregnated resin of the sheets  600   a - 600   e  and layers  700   a - 700   e  or, alternatively, could be used in place of the impregnated resin. 
     The forgoing processes may be used to form footwear plates and cushioning elements that may be used to manufacture custom-made footwear. For instance, various measurements of the foot may be recorded to determine suitable dimensions of the footwear plate and the cushioning member(s) incorporated into the article of footwear. Additionally, data associated with the gate of the foot may be obtained to determine if the foot is indicative of toe striking or heel striking. The foot measurements and obtained data may be used to determine optimal angles and radii of curvature of the footwear plate, as well as the thickness of the one or more cushioning members positioned above, below, or encapsulating the footwear plate. Moreover, the length and width of the footwear plate may be determined based on the collected data and foot measurements. In some examples, the foot measurements and collected data are used to select the footwear plate and/or cushioning member(s) from a plurality of pre-fabricated footwear plates and/or cushioning member(s) of various sizes and dimensions that closely match the foot of the wearer. 
     Custom footwear plates may further allow for tailoring of the stiffness of the plate for a particular wearer of the footwear. For instance, the tendon stiffness and calf muscle strength of an athlete may be measured to determine a suitable stiffness of the plate for use by the athlete. Here, the stiffness of the footwear plate can vary with the strength of the athlete or for the size/condition of the athlete&#39;s tendons. Additionally or alternatively, the stiffness of the plate may be tailored based on biomechanics and running mechanics of a particular athlete, such as how the angles of the athlete&#39;s joints change during running movements. In some examples, force and motion measurements of the athlete are obtained before manufacturing a custom plate for the athlete. In other examples, plates are manufactured in particular ranges or increments of stiffness to provide semi-custom footwear such that individual athletes may select a suitable stiffness. 
     In some examples, a method of manufacturing the footwear plate  300  includes the steps of providing a plurality of stacked plies (or tows), fusing the plurality of stacked plies to form a monolithic layer, and thermally forming the monolithic layer to form the plate  300 . The method may also include providing an upper  100  defining an interior void  102  and inserting the plate into the interior void  102 . The method may also include providing a midsole  220  extending from a forefoot portion  12  to a heel portion  16 , positioning the plate  300  on a superior portion of the midsole  220 , securing the upper  100  to the midsole  220 , and securing an outsole  210  to the midsole  220  to form an article of footwear. 
     The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a plate for an article of footwear described above. 
     Clause 1: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole and a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper. The plate comprising an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a concave portion extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure, the MTP point opposing the MTP joint of a foot during use. A first cushioning layer may be disposed between the concave portion and the upper. 
     Clause 2: The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar. 
     Clause 3: The sole structure according to Clause 2, wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 4: The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 5: The sole structure according to Clause 4, further comprising a blend portion disposed between and connecting the concave portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 6: The sole structure according to Clause 5, wherein the blend portion includes a substantially constant curvature. 
     Clause 7: The sole structure according to Clause 5, wherein the blend portion includes a radius of curvature equal to about 134 millimeters (mm) for a men&#39;s size ten (10) article of footwear. 
     Clause 8: The sole structure according to Clause 5, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar at a junction of the blend portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 9: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 3-8, further comprising a second cushioning layer disposed between the substantially flat portion and the upper. 
     Clause 10: The sole structure according to Clause 9, further comprising a third cushioning layer disposed between the outsole and the plate. 
     Clause 11: The sole structure according to Clause 10, wherein the third cushioning layer is disposed within the heel region. 
     Clause 12: The sole structure according to Clause 10, wherein the third cushioning layer extends from the heel region to the forefoot region. 
     Clause 13: The sole structure according to Clause 12, wherein the second cushioning member includes a thickness from about 3.0 millimeters (mm) to about 13.0 mm at a location opposing the MTP point and the third cushioning member includes a thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm at the location opposing the MTP point. 
     Clause 14: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 9-12, wherein at least one of the first cushioning member, the second cushioning member, and the third cushioning member includes a density from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 , a hardness from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A, and an energy return of at least sixty percent (60%). 
     Clause 15: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 9-12, further comprising at least one fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the upper and/or between the outsole and the plate. 
     Clause 16: The sole structure according to Clause 15, wherein the at least one fluid-filled chamber is disposed within at least one of the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer. 
     Clause 17: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the MTP point. 
     Clause 18: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located approximately 81 millimeters (mm) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located approximately 81 millimeters (mm) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     Clause 19: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate from the MTP point. 
     Clause 20: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a center of the radius of curvature is located at the MTP point. 
     Clause 21: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the constant radius of curvature extends from the anterior-most point past the MTP point. 
     Clause 22: The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the constant radius of curvature extends from the anterior-most point past the MTP point at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     Clause 23: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contact surface, the inner surface being directly attached to the plate. 
     Clause 24: The sole structure according to Clause 23, wherein the inner surface is attached to the plate proximate to the concave portion. 
     Clause 25: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plate includes a thickness from about 0.6 millimeters (mm) to about 3.0 mm. 
     Clause 26: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plate includes a Young&#39;s modulus equal to at least seventy (70) gigapascals (GPa). 
     Clause 27: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point of the plate each include a position height from the MTP equal from about three (3) millimeters (mm) to about twenty-eight (28) mm. 
     Clause 28: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point of the plate each include a position height from the MTP equal from about seventeen (17) millimeters (mm) to about fifty-seven (57) mm. 
     Clause 29: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point extends from the MTP point at an angle from about twelve (12) degrees to about thirty-five (35) degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane. 
     Clause 30: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the posterior-most point extends from the MTP point at an angle from about twelve (12) degrees to about thirty-five (35) degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane. 
     Clause 31: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole and a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper. The plate comprising an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a curved portion extending between and connecting the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure, the MTP point opposing the MTP joint of a foot during use. A first cushioning layer may be disposed between the curved portion and the upper. 
     Clause 32: The sole structure according to Clause 31, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar. 
     Clause 33: The sole structure according to Clause 32, wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 34: The sole structure according to Clause 31, wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 35: The sole structure according to Clause 34, further comprising a blend portion disposed between and connecting the curved portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 36: The sole structure according to Clause 35, wherein the blend portion includes a substantially constant curvature. 
     Clause 37: The sole structure according to Clause 24, wherein the blend portion includes a radius of curvature equal to about 134 millimeters (mm) for a men&#39;s size ten (10) article of footwear. 
     Clause 38: The sole structure according to Clause 35, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar at a junction of the blend portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 39: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 33-38, further comprising a second cushioning layer disposed between the substantially flat portion and the upper. 
     Clause 40: The sole structure according to Clause 39, further comprising a third cushioning layer disposed between the outsole and the plate. 
     Clause 41: The sole structure according to Clause 40, wherein the third cushioning layer is disposed within the heel region. 
     Clause 42: The sole structure according to Clause 40, wherein the third cushioning layer extends from the heel region to the forefoot region. 
     Clause 43: The sole structure according to Clause 42, wherein the second cushioning member includes a thickness from about 3.0 millimeters (mm) to about 13.0 mm at a location opposing the MTP point and the third cushioning member includes a thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm at the location opposing the MTP point. 
     Clause 44: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 39-43, wherein at least one of the first cushioning member, the second cushioning member, and the third cushioning member includes a density from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 , a hardness from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A, and an energy return of at least sixty percent (60%). 
     Clause 45: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 39-42, further comprising at least one fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the upper and/or between the outsole and the plate. 
     Clause 46: The sole structure according to Clause 45, wherein the at least one fluid-filled chamber is disposed within at least one of the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer. 
     Clause 47: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the MTP point. 
     Clause 48: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located approximately 81 millimeters (mm) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located approximately 81 millimeters (mm) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     Clause 49: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate from the MTP point. 
     Clause 50: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a center of the radius of curvature is located at the MTP point. 
     Clause 51: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the constant radius of curvature extends from the anterior-most point past the MTP point. 
     Clause 52: The sole structure according to Clause 31, wherein the constant radius of curvature extends from the anterior-most point past the MTP point at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     Clause 53: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contact surface, the inner surface being directly attached to the plate. 
     Clause 54: The sole structure according to Clause 53, wherein the inner surface is attached to the plate proximate to the curved portion. 
     Clause 55: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plate includes a thickness from about 0.6 millimeters (mm) to about 3.0 mm. 
     Clause 56: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plate includes a Young&#39;s modulus equal to at least seventy (70) gigapascals (GPa). 
     Clause 57: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point of the plate each include a position height from the MTP equal from about three (3) millimeters (mm) to about twenty-eight (28) mm. 
     Clause 58: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point of the plate each include a position height from the MTP equal from about seventeen (17) millimeters (mm) to about fifty-seven (57) mm. 
     Clause 59: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point extends from the MTP point at an angle from about twelve (12) degrees to about thirty-five (35) degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane. 
     Clause 60: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the posterior-most point extends from the MTP point at an angle from about twelve (12) degrees to about thirty-five (35) degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane. 
     Clause 61: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole, a plate disposed between the outsole and the upper. The plate comprising an anterior-most point disposed in a forefoot region of the sole structure, a posterior-most point disposed closer to a heel region of the sole structure than the anterior-most point, and a curved portion extending between and connecting the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point and including a circular curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure, the MTP point opposing the MTP joint of a foot during use. A first cushioning layer may be disposed between the curved portion and the upper. 
     Clause 62: The sole structure according to Clause 61, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar. 
     Clause 63: The sole structure according to Clause 62, wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 64: The sole structure according to Clause 61, wherein the plate includes a substantially flat portion disposed within the heel region of the sole structure, the posterior-most point being located within the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 65: The sole structure according to Clause 64, further comprising a blend portion disposed between and connecting the curved portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 66: The sole structure according to Clause 65, wherein the blend portion includes a substantially constant curvature. 
     Clause 67: The sole structure according to Clause 65, wherein the blend portion includes a radius of curvature equal to about 134 millimeters (mm) for a men&#39;s size ten (10) article of footwear. 
     Clause 68: The sole structure according to Clause 65, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point are co-planar at a junction of the blend portion and the substantially flat portion. 
     Clause 69: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 63-68, further comprising a second cushioning layer disposed between the substantially flat portion and the upper. 
     Clause 70: The sole structure according to Clause 69, further comprising a third cushioning layer disposed between the outsole and the plate. 
     Clause 71: The sole structure according to Clause 70, wherein the third cushioning layer is disposed within the heel region. 
     Clause 72: The sole structure according to Clause 70, wherein the third cushioning layer extends from the heel region to the forefoot region. 
     Clause 73: The sole structure according to Clause 72, wherein the second cushioning member includes a thickness from about 3.0 millimeters (mm) to about 13.0 mm at a location opposing the MTP point and the third cushioning member includes a thickness from about 0.5 mm to about 6.0 mm at the location opposing the MTP point. 
     Clause 74: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 69-73, wherein at least one of the first cushioning member, the second cushioning member, and the third cushioning member includes a density from about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 ) to about 0.20 g/cm 3 , a hardness from about eleven (11) Shore A to about fifty (50) Shore A, and an energy return of at least sixty percent (60%). 
     Clause 75: The sole structure according to any of Clauses 69-72, further comprising at least one fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the upper and/or between the outsole and the plate. 
     Clause 76: The sole structure according to Clause 75, wherein the at least one fluid-filled chamber is disposed within at least one of the second cushioning layer and the third cushioning layer. 
     Clause 77: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located approximately thirty percent (30%) of the total length of the plate from the MTP point. 
     Clause 78: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located approximately 81 millimeters (mm) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located approximately 81 millimeters (mm) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     Clause 79: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the MTP point is located from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point is located from about twenty-five percent (25%) to about thirty-five percent (35%) of the total length of the plate from the MTP point. 
     Clause 80: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a center of the circular curvature is located at the MTP point. 
     Clause 81: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the circular curvature extends from the anterior-most point past the MTP point. 
     Clause 82: The sole structure according to Clause 61, wherein the circular curvature extends from the anterior-most point past the MTP point at least forty percent (40%) of the total length of the plate from the anterior-most point. 
     Clause 83: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the outsole includes a ground-contacting surface and an inner surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-contact surface, the inner surface being directly attached to the plate. 
     Clause 84: The sole structure according to Clause 83, wherein the inner surface is attached to the plate proximate to the curved portion. 
     Clause 85: The sole structure according to Clause 83, further comprising a second cushioning layer disposed on an opposite side of the plate than the first cushioning layer, the second cushioning layer forming at least a portion of the outsole. 
     Clause 86: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plate includes a thickness from about 0.6 millimeters (mm) to about 3.0 mm. 
     Clause 87: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the plate includes a Young&#39;s modulus equal to at least seventy (70) gigapascals (GPa). 
     Clause 88: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point of the plate each include a position height from the MTP equal from about three (3) millimeters (mm) to about twenty-eight (28) mm. 
     Clause 89: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point of the plate each include a position height from the MTP equal from about seventeen (17) millimeters (mm) to about fifty-seven (57) mm. 
     Clause 90: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the anterior-most point extends from the MTP point at an angle from about twelve (12) degrees to about thirty-five (35) degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane. 
     Clause 91: The sole structure according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the posterior-most point extends from the MTP point at an angle from about twelve (12) degrees to about thirty-five (35) degrees relative to a horizontal reference plane. 
     Clause 92: A method of manufacturing an article of footwear comprising receiving a sole structure in accordance with any of Clauses 1-91, receiving an upper for the article of footwear, and affixing the sole structure and the upper to each other. 
     Clause 93: A method of manufacturing any of the sole structures of Clauses 1-91 comprising stacking fiber sheets to form the plate of any of the sole structures of Clauses 1-91. 
     Clause 94: The method of Clause 93, further comprising applying heat and pressure to the stacked fiber sheets to activate a resin associated with the fiber sheets. 
     Clause 95: The method of Clause 94, wherein applying heat and pressure includes applying heat and pressure within a mold. 
     Clause 96: A method of manufacturing any of the sole structures of Clauses 1-91 comprising applying a first tow of fibers to a first substrate to form the plate of any of the sole structures of Clauses 1-91. 
     Clause 97: The method of Clause 96, further comprising applying a second tow of fibers to the first tow of fibers to form the plate. 
     Clause 98: The method of Clause 96, further comprising applying a second tow of fibers to a second substrate and stacking the first substrate and the second substrate along with the first tow of fibers and the second tow of fibers to form the plate. 
     Clause 99: The method of Clause 96, further comprising applying heat and pressure to the fibers to activate a resin associated with the fiber sheets. 
     Clause 100: The method of Claim 99, wherein applying heat and pressure includes applying heat and pressure within a mold. 
     The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.