Patent Publication Number: US-2022211142-A1

Title: Footwear with a composite plate sole assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of patent application Ser. No. 16/927,269 filed Jul. 13, 2020, entitled FOOTWEAR WITH A COMPOSITE PLATE SOLE ASSEMBLY, which claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 62/884,301, filed Aug. 8, 2019 entitled FOOTWEAR WITH A COMPOSITE PLATE SOLE ASSEMBLY. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to footwear including a sole assembly having a composite plate that cooperates with an outsole to provide enhanced stability, traction and improved energy return to a wearer. 
     There is a variety of different types of sole assemblies used in conjunction with footwear. Many sole assemblies include a midsole constructed from foam and an underlying outsole, usually constructed from rubber for durability. The foam provides underfoot cushion, and the outsole can include lugs for traction and wear resistance. Some sole assemblies also can include a footbed above the midsole to enhance comfort while the footwear is worn by a wearer. 
     Many manufacturers, particularly of running and performance footwear, modify sole assemblies to include a shank or a plate to increase or provide a custom level of stiffness to the sole assembly. A common type of plate is a composite plate that is molded into the midsole. To form such a midsole, a plate is positioned in a mold, and flowable foam is injected around the plate, which thereby becomes embedded in the midsole, with foam above and below the plate. With the plate typically fully embedded in the midsole foam, the plate is less prone to rupture or buckle under forces encountered during normal use. The encapsulating foam also can protect and cushion the plate from abrupt impact forces. 
     Some manufacturers modify the above type of composite plate to include a slit running rearward from the toe under the metatarsal head to the arch region. This type of slit can enhance the side to side flexibility of the plate, however, it typically is not executed well. Frequently, the slit is too narrow, and the plate to the left and right of the slit extends too far forwardly under all the toes of a wearer. As a result, the tips of the plate can become worn out and crack, and/or the slit can cause the side parts of the plate to become too flexible, and not flexing in unison, which can throw the gait of the user. 
     Another issue with current composite plates is that they typically are uniformly rigid. Thus, they bend the same in the upward direction as in the downward direction. For outdoor performance shoes and hiking boots having a particularly rigid composite plate, this can be problematic because it can inhibit upward bendability of the footwear during toe off when climbing a hill or other terrain. Conversely, if the plate is too bendable, it will not offer adequate support when the footwear engages rocks or hard terrain. 
     Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the construction of sole assemblies including composite plates to increase flexibility, stability, and durability, yet provide focused support of the foot during certain activities. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A footwear construction includes a sole assembly including a first midsole, a second midsole, a spring plate between the first and second midsoles, and an outsole. 
     In one embodiment, the plate can include an upward curving, multi-radii transition portion extending from a lowermost portion to a forward most portion of the plate so as to roll a wearer&#39;s foot forward into a next stride in a gait cycle of the wearer. 
     In another embodiment, the plate can include a lateral arm and a medial arm in the forefoot region separated by a plate slot extending rearward from the forwardmost portion of the plate toward the lowermost portion. The medial arm can be longer than the lateral arm. 
     In a further embodiment, the plate can have a first bending stiffness during bending in a first direction, and a second bending stiffness greater than the first bending stiffness during bending in a second direction. 
     In another embodiment, the sole assembly can include a plate having an upward curving, multi-radii transition portion extending from a lowermost portion of the plate to the forward most portion of the plate. This transition portion can be configured to provide a bias so as to return energy to the wearer&#39;s foot, and thus the wearer, as the wearer&#39;s foot transitions to and through toe off during a normal gait cycle. 
     In still another embodiment, the multiple radii in the transition portion can include a first radius that is between 135 mm and 145 mm, and a second radius that is between 145 mm and 165 mm. Other radii can further be included. The radii can be staged so that the transition portion follows a contour of a smaller radius first, forward of the lowermost portion of the plate, then transitions to a contour of a larger radius next, more forward of the lowermost portion of the plate, as the plate transitions to a forwardmost portion of the plate. This can provide more spring and energy return to a wearer&#39;s foot upon transition to and through toe off. 
     In yet another embodiment, the lowermost portion of the plate can be configured to be disposed under a ball of a wearer&#39;s foot. The plate also can be exposed through openings defined by the outsole layer to visually confirm for a consumer or a wearer that the footwear includes the plate from a bottom viewing of the sole. 
     In even another embodiment, the first midsole platform can include a first wall that surrounds at least a portion of the plate. The first wall can include a lateral registration projection extending downward in at least one of the arch region and the forefoot region, and/or a medial registration projection extending downward in at least one of the arch region and the forefoot region. 
     In even a further embodiment, the plate can define an aperture extending through the plate in the forefoot region. A mounting cap can be joined with the plate and can extend through the aperture. The mounting cap can include a mounting flange that extends radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the mounting cap adjacent the aperture. The mounting cap can define a threaded bore configured to receive a spike. 
     In still a further embodiment, the mounting flange of the mounting cap can directly engage at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the plate. The mounting cap can include a barrel extending through the aperture and below the lower surface of the plate. The threaded bore can be defined in the barrel, below the lower surface of the plate. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the plate can define multiple apertures configured to receive multiple mounting caps for mounting multiple spikes to the plate. The apertures can be defined forward of the lowermost portion of the plate, and rearward of a forwardmost portion of the plate. Spikes joined with the footwear can all be joined to the plate. 
     In another embodiment, the apertures can be defined along the plate on different contours of the plate, for example along different radii of curvature of the plate forward of the lowermost portion of the plate. For example, a first aperture and a first associated mounting cap can be disposed along a first radius of curvature of the plate, and a second aperture and a second associated mounting cap can be disposed along a second radius of curvature of the plate. 
     In still another embodiment, the mounting cap can include a mounting flange that extends radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the cap. The mounting flange can be adhered to an upper surface of the plate. The mounting cap can include a barrel that extends downward, through an aperture defined by the plate. The barrel can also extend through the outsole layer, which can be immediately adjacent the carbon plate. 
     In another embodiment, the footwear can include a plate with multiple radii of curvature in a transition portion extending between a lowermost portion and a forward most portion of the plate in the forefoot region. The plate can include a lateral arm and a medial arm in the forefoot region separated by a plate slot extending rearward from the forwardmost portion of the plate toward the lowermost portion. 
     In still another embodiment, the plate can include a first bending stiffness during bending in a first direction and a second bending stiffness greater than the first bending stiffness during bending in a second direction. For example, the plate can include a first bending stiffness during bending in an upward direction, where the plate appears to become more concave when viewed from a side view, and a second bending stiffness greater than the first bending stiffness during bending in a downward direction, where the plate appears to become more convex when viewed from a side view. Of course, these bending stiffness characteristics can be reversed. 
     In yet another embodiment, the plate can be constructed with a lower layer and an upper layer. The plate can be elastically bendable about an axis in a first direction, for example, bowed slightly upward, that puts the lower layer in tension and the upper layer in compression. The plate can be elastically bendable about the axis in a second direction opposite the first direction, for example, bowed slightly downward, that puts the lower layer in compression and the upper layer in tension. 
     In even another embodiment, wherein the plate can include an overall length. The plate also can include a curvature defined by a tread radius, emanating from a center of a circle above the plate, and extending to a lowermost portion of the plate in the forefoot region corresponding to a metatarsophalangeal joint of a wearer&#39;s foot. That tread radius can be between 37% and 42% of the overall length. 
     The present footwear construction provides benefits in energy return and improved gait efficiency that previously have not been achievable. The current sole assembly, with its plate configuration, can decrease the amount of energy lost at the metatarsophalangeal joint of a wearer&#39;s foot. In turn, this can increase the amount of energy transferred to the wearer&#39;s foot before and during toe off, thereby assisting the wearer in rolling into the next stride of their gait. The sole assembly can increase the efficiency of the wearer&#39;s gait as the wearer is engaged in a running activity, which it turn can enhance the wearer&#39;s overall performance in that activity. Such performance improvements might be noticed in shorter running activities, such as sprints, as well as in longer running activities, such as marathons and other long distance runs. Where the sole assembly includes a plate defining apertures, and mounting caps that extend through the apertures, those mounting caps can quickly and rigidly be used to mount traction spikes to the sole assembly. In constructions where the plate includes different bending stiffness, the plate can be well suited to allow a user to traverse up hills, with the plate flexing upward with the user&#39;s foot. The plate also can prevent a downward bend when the footwear encounters jagged or projecting underfoot terrain, such as rocks or other elements. This in turn can provide stability and support to the user&#39;s foot upon such encounters. Where the plate is bifurcated in the forefoot, the plate can provide lateral or side to side flexibility, yet still provide longitudinal stiffness and stability. 
     These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings. 
     Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of footwear of a current embodiment illustrating the sole assembly with its first and second midsole platforms; 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the sole assembly, with a portion of a composite plate exposed through the outsole and the second midsole platform; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the sole assembly, showing the first midsole platform, the second midsole platform and the composite plate therebetween; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross section of the sole assembly of the footwear along line Iv-Iv of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the sole assembly without an outsole layer, with the composite plate exposed under the first midsole platform, forward of the second midsole platform in the forefoot region; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross section of the sole assembly of the footwear before and/or during toe off to illustrate the roll into the next stride provided by a plate of the assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of the directional weaves of strands in different layers of carbon strands of the plate; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of the plate illustrating the angular offset of the weaves in the different layers of carbon strands of the plate; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom view of a second alternative embodiment of the sole assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is a section view of the sole assembly thereof taken along line X-X in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a section view of the sole assembly thereof taken along line XI-XI in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a section view of the sole assembly thereof taken along line XII-XII in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of the sole assembly thereof taken along line XIII-XIII in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a close up section view of a mounting cap of the sole assembly taken along line XIV-XIV of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a close up section view of an alternative construction of a mounting cap of the sole assembly; 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the third alternative embodiment of the sole assembly; 
         FIG. 17  is an exploded view thereof; 
         FIG. 18  is a section view thereof, taken along line XVIII-XVIII of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a section view thereof, taken along line XIX-XIX of  FIG. 16 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a side view of the plate being bent upwardly; and 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the plate being bent downwardly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS 
     A current embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4  and generally designated  10 . In this embodiment, the footwear includes a sole assembly  20  including a first midsole platform  30 , a second midsole platform  40 , a plate  60  therebetween and an outsole layer  50  having multiple treads in the forefoot region of the footwear, where the plate is directly above and engaging the outsole layer. Although the current embodiment is illustrated in the context of a running shoe, the sole assembly thereof can be incorporated into any type or style of footwear, including performance shoes, trail shoes and boots, work boots, all-terrain shoes, hiking shoes, athletic shoes, running shoes, sneakers, conventional tennis shoes, walking shoes, multisport footwear, casual shoes, dress shoes or any other type of footwear or footwear components. It also should be noted that directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. Further, the terms “medial,” “lateral” and “longitudinal” are used in the manner commonly used in connection with footwear. For example, when used in referring to a side of the shoe, the term “medial” refers to the inward side (that is, the side facing the other shoe) and “lateral” refers to the outward side. When used in referring to a direction, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction generally extending along the length of the shoe between toe and heel, and the term “lateral direction” refers to a direction generally extending across the width of the shoe between the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. 
     The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation. Further, as used herein, the term “arch region” (or arch or midfoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear or sole assembly corresponding to the arch or midfoot of the wearer&#39;s foot; the term “forefoot region” (or forefoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear forward of the arch region corresponding to the forefoot (for example, including the ball and the toes) of a wearer&#39;s foot; and the term “heel region” (or heel) refers generally to that portion of the footwear rearward of the arch region corresponding to the heel of the wearer&#39;s foot. The forefoot region  12 , arch region or mid-foot region  14 , and heel region  16  generally are identified in  FIG. 1 ; however, delineation of these regions may vary depending upon the configuration of the sole assembly and/or footwear. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , the footwear  10  can include a sole assembly  20 . The sole assembly  20  can include a first midsole platform  30 , a second midsole platform  40 , an outsole layer  50  and a spring plate  60 . More or fewer elements of the sole assembly  20  can be included in some embodiments. The components of the sole assembly can individually and/or collectively provide the article of footwear  10  with a number of attributes, such as energy return, roll over, support, rigidity, flexibility, stability, cushioning, comfort, reduced weight, and/or other attributes. Generally, regardless of which components are present, the sole assembly  20  can form the bottommost portion of the footwear  10 . The sole assembly  20  can include a side-to-side width W, a heel-to-toe longitudinal length L and a longitudinal axis LA, which can be shared with the footwear, sole assembly, first and second midsole platforms, plate and/or the outsole. 
     The footwear  10  can include a textile upper  17  joined with the sole assembly  20 . The upper  17  can be formed from a variety of material elements joined together to cover at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s foot. The material elements can be selected based on the intended uses of the article of footwear  10 , and can include synthetic textiles, mesh textiles, polymers or leather, for example. The upper  17  can be constructed to improve the rigidity of the sole assembly  20 . For example, the upper can be constructed from leather, plastic, canvas or other materials. The upper  17  can include one or more closure elements, including for example shoelaces (not shown). The upper  17  additionally includes an upper opening  19  for receiving the wearer&#39;s foot and a lower periphery  13  for attachment to the sole assembly  20 . 
     A footbed (not shown) can be positioned within the void defined by the upper and can be non-stretchable and lightweight and joined to the upper to provide a void for receipt of the wearer&#39;s foot. The footbed can be constructed from a sheet of material, such as foam, EVA, PU, latex, gel or other materials, and by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability. The lower peripheral allowance or edge of the upper can be stitched, cemented, or otherwise fastened to the footbed around the perimeter of the footbed. The sole assembly  20  can be combined with any other type or style of upper construction capable of being suitably joined with it, for example, a Strobel construction. The joining of the sole assembly/outsole and the upper can be accomplished using adhesives, cement, injection molding, pour molding or any other technique used to join an upper and sole assembly. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , the sole assembly  20  components will now be described in further detail. As mentioned above, the sole assembly  20  can include an outsole layer  50 , as well as one or more midsole platforms, for example, a first midsole platform  30  and a second midsole platform  40  disposed between the upper  17  and the outsole layer  50 . A spring plate  60  as described below can be disposed between the first and second midsole platforms. 
     The first midsole platform  30  can include a first upper surface  31  that can be in the shape of the upper and is configured to outline a wearer&#39;s foot. The first upper surface  31  can be bounded at least partially by first upstanding midsole wall  32 . This first upstanding midsole wall  32  can extend from the toe to the heel, becoming generally greater in height H 1  as it extends toward the heel region. In the heel region, the wall  32  can form a heel cup to add stability to the upper  17  and a wearer&#39;s heel when positioned in the upper. The first upstanding midsole wall  32  can extend upwardly adjacent a lower peripheral allowance  17 A of the upper  17 , at least partially concealing that lower peripheral allowance  17 A or lower portion of the upper  17 . The upstanding midsole wall  32  can approximate a shape of a wearer&#39;s foot. 
     The first midsole platform  30  can include a first midsole platform lower surface  33  disposed opposite the first midsole platform upper surface  31  of the first midsole platform  30 . This first midsole platform lower surface  33  can be substantially flat and/or planar across a majority of the width W of the sole assembly, with the exception of a plate recess  33 R defined in that first midsole platform lower surface  33 . The plate recess  33 R can extend through the heel region  16 , the arch region  14  as well as the forefoot region  12 . Thus, this recess  33 R can be a full length recess, extending from the heel to the toe of the footwear  10 . The plate recess  33 R can be bounded by a first wall  33 W. This first wall  33 W can transition to the plate recess  33 R, dropping down into the bottom  33 B of the plate recess  33 R at the plate perimeter wall  33 W. This plate perimeter wall  33 N, as well as the first wall  33 W can surround and/or circumferentiate the plate recess  33 R and thus the plate  60  when placed in the plate recess  33 R. The first wall  33 W can include a first wall lower surface that is generally coextensive with and forms a portion of the first midsole platform lower surface  33 . 
     The first wall  33 W of the first midsole platform  30  can include one or more registration projections, such as a first registration projection  36 A and a second registration projection  36 B which are disposed on opposing sides of the plate recess  33 R. For example, the first registration projection can be on the medial side and referred to as the medial registration projection. The second registration projection  36 B can be on the lateral side of the footwear and referred to as the lateral projection registration. Again, both of these registrations can be associated with the first wall. Of course, where the first wall  33 W is not present, these registration projections can be in the form of other projections that simply extend from the lower surface  33  of the first midsole platform  30 . In other cases, these registration projections can be in the form of pins or posts that project from the lower surface. These registration projections can be configured to register and align the second midsole platform  40  with the first midsole platform  30  so that these elements can be joined with one another as described below, and can sandwich the spring plate  60  therebetween. 
     Optionally, the registration projections can be positioned in the forefoot  12  and/or arch  14  regions of the footwear  10  so as to maintain the forwardmost positioning of the second midsole platform  40  relative to the plate  60  and/or the first midsole platform  30 . These registration projections do not extend into the heel region  16 , and may be contained substantially entirely within the forefoot region and/or the arch region in some applications. Furthermore, these first and second registration projections optionally can be positioned adjacent the lowermost portion of the plate  60 L, and can be generally closer to the heel region than that lowermost portion of the plate. In some cases, the registration projections can be in the form of a short shoulder or ramp that transitions from a first level or surface  33 W 1  of the first wall  33 W to a second level or surface  33 W 2  of the first wall. The second surface  33 W 2  can be lower than the first surface  33 W 1 . 
     The first midsole platform  30  and second midsole platform  40  optionally can be constructed from ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), latex, foam, a gel or other materials. As shown, the midsole platforms can be constructed from EVA to provide cushion and impact absorption. 
     Turning now to the second midsole platform  40 , that component can include a second midsole platform upper surface  41  and a second midsole platform lower surface  43  opposite the second midsole platform upper surface. The second midsole platform can extend through the heel region than the arch region, and can terminate in at least one of the arch region  14  and the forefoot region  12 . The second midsole platform  40  can include heel portion  40 H and a forward portion  40 F. The heel portion  40 H can be configured to cover the plate recess  33 R when the first and second midsole platforms are joined with one another as described below. The forward portion  40 F can be forked, as illustrated and can include a lateral arm  46 B and a medial arm  46 A. 
     The lateral arm  46 B and the medial arm  46 A can be separated by a void  46 V. This void  46 V can be disposed in the arch region and/or the forefoot region, without extending to the heel portion  40 H of the second midsole platform  40 . The lateral arm  46 B can terminate at a forward lateral edge  46 BE and the medial arm  46 A can terminate at a forward medial edge  46 AE. When the second midsole platform  40  is joined with the first midsole, the forward lateral edge  46 BE can be placed adjacent and can directly engage the lateral registration projection  36 B. Likewise, the forward medial edge  46 AE can be adjacent and can directly engage the medial registration projection  36 A. The interaction of and engagement between the arms or other portions of the second midsole platform with the respective registration projections of the first midsole platform can precisely space and/or align the second midsole platform  40  with the first midsole platform  30 , as well as with the spring plate  60 . The surface  33 W 1  of the first wall  33 W also can be precisely aligned with a perimeter  41 W of the second midsole platform  40  so that the second midsole platform  40  can be joined directly to and engage that first wall  33 W and its surfaces. 
     The arms  46 A and  46 B of the second midsole platform  40  can be configured so that they overlap the first wall  33 W on both lateral and medial sides of the sole assembly  20  in the forefoot and/or arch region. In addition, these arms can be configured to extend over a portion of the lower surface  63  of the plate  60  in these regions, adjacent the first wall  33 W. Thus, while the front edges of the arms can engage the registration projections, portions of those arms closer to the longitudinal axis LA of the sole assembly  20  can also extend over and can be joined with the lower surface  63  of the plate  60 . In other words, those arms can be joined both with the first midsole platform along the first wall, as well as the bottom of the plate inward from the first wall. 
     The second midsole platform  40  as mentioned above can include a lower surface  43 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , this lower surface can form a ground contacting surface  40 GC. This ground contacting surface can include treads or lugs. The second midsole platform lower surface can define outsole engagement recesses  47 A and  47 B on the respective arms  46 A and  46 B of the second midsole platform  40 . The second midsole platform lower surface  43  can also define a rearward recess  43 R that can be configured to receive a secondary outsole layer  52  of the outsole layer  50 , in addition to the primary outsole layer  51 . This secondary outsole layer  52  can be in the form of a heel strike layer, constructed from the same material as the outsole layer  51  in the forefoot region. This heel strike layer can be disposed generally in the heel strike region of the footwear and in at least a portion of the rearward recess  43 R defined by the second midsole platform  40 . This heel strike layer or secondary outsole layer  52  can be configured such that it can engage the ground surface along with the ground contacting surface  40 GC of the second midsole platform  40  as well as the ground contacting surface  51 GC of the outsole layer  51  in the forefoot. As mentioned below, the heel strike layer of the outsole layer can be constructed from the same material. 
     Optionally, the second midsole platform lower surface  43  can be constructed so that the ground contacting surface  40 GC is open to the environment, while the outsole layer recesses  47 A and  47 B are primarily concealed by rearward edges  51 RA and  51 RB respectively of the outsole layer  50 . These rearward edges can directly engage shoulders  47 S of each of the respective recesses  47 A and  47 B so as to register and align the outsole layer  50  with the second midsole platform  40  as well as the plate  60  and the first midsole platform  30  in the forefoot and/or arch region. The outsole layer can conceal the transition between the second midsole platform lower surface  43  and its recesses  47 A and  47 B, to the lower surface  63  of the plate  60  as described below. 
     Optionally, the second midsole platform  40  also can define a void  46 V between the arms  46 A and  46 B. This void  46 V can extend from the forefoot region into the arch region. This void can expose a portion of the plate  60 , and in particular, the lower surface  63  of the plate. Of course, this void can be absent, and the arms can be joined with one another as a single forward portion of the second midsole platform. 
     As mentioned above, the sole assembly  20  can include an outsole layer  50 . This outsole layer  50  can include the primary outsole layer  51  in the forefoot and/or arch region, and an optional secondary outsole layer  52  in the heel region. The outsole layer  50  can directly engage and can be directly attached to the spring plate  60  in the forefoot region. The outsole layer can directly engage and be directly attached to the first midsole platform  30  in the forefoot region, and optionally the forward portion  40 F of the second midsole platform  40  in the forefoot region and/or arch region. The outsole  50  can be the lowermost part of the sole assembly  20  in the forefoot region. 
     The outsole  50  can include multiple lugs and/or treads that extend downward, or alternatively can be relatively featureless, forming a smooth surface. Where present, the lugs and treads can be arranged as desired, and alternatively in a repeating pattern. The lugs and treads can include one or more geometric shapes. The outsole tread can be constructed from one or more materials, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU), nylon, polymer blends, wear resistant polymers, elastomers and/or other materials. Other materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers can be used, which can include epoxy, polyethylene or thermosetting plastic reinforced with carbon, glass and/or aramid fibers for enhanced protection. 
     The outsole  50  can include an upper surface  54  and an opposing outsole lower surface  53 . The lower surface  53  can include the optional treads or lugs, and otherwise can form a ground contacting surface of the outsole  50 . Optionally, the outsole layer  50  can define multiple openings  55  that extend from an outsole upper surface  54  to the outsole lower surface  53 . These openings  55  can be polygonal shaped recesses or openings as illustrated. Alternatively, the openings can be of other shapes, for example, circular, triangular, rectangular, ellipsoid or other geometric shapes. These openings can expose the plate  60 , and in particular the plate lower surface  63 , therethrough so that the plate lower surface and the plate in general is visible through the openings  55  when the consumer views the footwear from the bottom view. This can confirm for a consumer or wearer that the plate is actually present in the footwear  10 . 
     The outsole base can be of a substantially uniform thickness of optionally 0.5 mm to 4.0 mm, inclusive; further optionally 0.5 to 2.5 mm, inclusive; yet further optionally about 1.0 mm, under the plate  60 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , with this thin outsole base, the outsole can be configured to directly transmit underfoot forces F through the outsole to the spring plate and likewise transmit forces from the wearer&#39;s foot to the underfoot surface to promote efficient energy return of the sole assembly. 
     The outsole upper surface  54  can engage directly joined with and indirectly engaging the plate  60  and in particular the plate lower surface  63 . The upper surface of the outsole layer  50  also can directly engage and can be directly attached to the lower surface of the first wall  33 W, in particular the surface  33 W 2  in the forefoot region  12 . The outsole layer  50  can extend over and can be joined directly with and engage the lower surface  63  of the plate. The outsole layer  50  can terminate in the arch region and/or the forefoot region of the footwear, rearward of the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate  60  such that the second midsole lower surface  43  is exposed in the arch region and/or the heel region of the footwear, between the outsole layer  50  and the heel portion  40 H of the second midsole platform  40 . The outsole layer  50  can be the only layer disposed under, joined with and engaging the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate in the forefoot region, particularly on the lower surface  63  of the plate  60 . 
     The outsole layer  50 , as mentioned above, can be in direct contact with and directly attached to the first midsole platform  30 , the plate  60  and the second midsole platform  40 . Optionally, the outsole layer  50  can be directly attached to the first wall  33 W of the first midsole platform  30 , the lower surface  63  of the plate and in particular the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate, as well as the lower surface  43  of the second midsole platform  40 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the spring plate  60  optionally can be a full length plate that extends through the forefoot region, the arch region and the heel region. This plate can extend a majority of the width W of the footwear throughout the length L of the width W. This plate can include a longitudinal axis LA dividing it into lateral and medial sides. The plate  60  can be disposed between the first midsole platform and the second midsole platform, extending through the heel region, arch region, and forefoot region of the footwear. The outsole layer can be disposed below and directly attached to or joined directly with the plate, the first midsole platform and the second midsole platform in the forefoot region. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6  with the outsole layer  50  disposed directly below the plate  60  in the forefoot region, an underfoot force F, that engages the outsole layer, for example, during a portion of a stride of the wearer, is transmitted directly to a lowermost portion  60 L of the plate. The transition portion extending from the lowermost portion  60 L to the forwardmost portion  60 F of the plate is configured to roll a wearer&#39;s foot forward into the next stride in a gait cycle of the wearer. This can be due to the plate storing and returning energy due to interaction of the wearer&#39;s forefoot with the ground G as explained further below. 
     The lowermost portion  60 L of the plate  60  can directly engage and be in direct contact with the outsole layer. The forwardmost forward portion  40 F of the second midsole platform  30  can terminate short of that lowermost portion  60 L of the plate  60  in the forefoot region  12 . The two lateral and medial arms, where included, can thus terminate short of the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate in the forefoot region. In turn, the second midsole platform and its components are not disposed below the lowermost portion of the plate in the forefoot region. It is surmised that due to the plate engaging a less compressible structure, such as the outsole layer, rather than a cushioning or softer layer, such as the second midsole platform, that the plate can absorb and transfer impact forces better and also can translate the forces stored in the plate during its flexing, downward to the ground G assisting the foot to roll into the next stride. 
     The lowermost portion  60 L of the plate  60  can be configured to set directly under the metatarsophalangeal joint of a wearer&#39;s foot. Between the lowermost portion  60  and the forward most portion  60 F of the plate, the plate can include a transition portion  60 T. This transition portion  60 T can include multiple radii of curvature from the lowermost portion to the forwardmost portion. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the radii of curvature in the transition portion can include at least three different radii, for example R 1 , R 2  and R 3 . These radii can correspond to contours of the plate that themselves lay along corresponding circles C 1 , C 2  and C 3 . Again, the transition portion can be contoured to include parts of those circles and thus have the particular, respective radii of curvature R 1 , R 2 , R 3  or other radii. The first radius R 1 , which can be a midfoot radius, can correspond to the contour of the plate at the lowermost portion  60 L thereof. This radius R 1  can be optionally between 37 mm and 187 mm, inclusive or between 120 mm and 145 mm, inclusive. The second radius R 2 , which can be a forefoot radius, can correspond to the contour of the plate at the portion of the transition portion  60 T that is forward of the lowermost portion  60 L. This second radius R 2  can be optionally between 145 mm and 165 mm, inclusive, or between 43 mm and 234 mm inclusive. The third radius R 3 , which can be a ball radius, can correspond to the contour of the plate at the portion of the transition portion  60 T that is forward of that portion with the second radius R 2  and yet rearward the forwardmost portion  60 F of the plate. This third radius R 3  can be optionally between 45 mm and 244 mm, inclusive or between 155 mm and 175 mm, inclusive. The above radii can vary depending on shoe size. For all the above radii, the first, smaller mm size is for Men&#39;s size 3.5, and the second larger mm size is for Men&#39;s size 15. Of course, different radii can be selected for the different portions of the contour between the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate and the forwardmost portion  60 F of the plate, depending on shoe size. 
     The plate  60  can also be curved from the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate  60  to the arch portion  60 P in the plate which is generally located in the arch region  14  of the footwear, rearward of the forefoot region  12 . From the arch portion  60 P to the rearwardmost portion  60 R the plate can be substantially planar and flat. This planar and flat portion can extend from the arch region through the heel region, and can terminate under the heel of a wearer. The plate also can be configured so that the lowermost portion  60 L can be disposed directly under the ball of a wearer&#39;s foot, under the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer&#39;s foot. The plate can curve upward in the transition portion forward of the lowermost portion to a forwardmost portion of the plate. Optionally, the lowermost portion of the plate  60 L can be disposed a distance D 2  below the second midsole platform lower surface  43 . This distance D 2  optionally can be 0.01 mm to 2.5 mm, inclusive, 0.01 mm to 1 mm, inclusive, or 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, inclusive. In other embodiments, the second midsole platform lower surface  43  can be disposed above the lowermost portion of the plate  60 L. 
     The plate  60  can be sized and configured to fit directly in the plate recess  33 R of the first midsole platform  30  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The plate  60  can extend forward and rearward of the registration projections. As mentioned above, the lowermost portion  60 L of the plate can be disposed forward of those projections. The plate also can be joined directly with the upper surface  54  of the outsole layer  50 , as well as the upper surface  41  of the second midsole platform  43 . 
     Optionally, the various components of the sole assembly  20  can be cemented, adhered, welded and/or molded integrally with one another. As shown, the components are adhered to one another. For example, the upper surface  61  of the plate can be adhered to the bottom  33 B of the recess  33 R with an adhesive. The lower surface  63  of the plate  60  can be adhered to the upper surface  41  of the second midsole platform in the arch and heel regions of the footwear with an adhesive. The lower surface  63  also can be adhered directly to the upper surface  54  of the outsole layer  51  in the forefoot region with the adhesive. 
     As mentioned above, and as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the plate  60  can be constructed from multiple layers. Optionally, the plate can be constructed from a composite material, such as layers of carbon fabric that are each weaved from carbon strands. There can be at least three different layers, for example layers  61 A- 61 F. These layers can be oriented one above the other. These layers can alternate between being oriented with their strands and weaves at a first angle offset relative to the longitudinal axis LA of the plate, to a second, different angle offset from the longitudinal axis LA of the plate. For example, the weave of carbon strands in a first layer  61 A can be offset at an angle A 1  from the weave of carbon strands and a second layer  61 B. The angle A 1  can optionally be about 60°. The weave of carbon strands in the first layer  61 A can be offset by a second angle A 2  from the longitudinal axis LA of the plate  60 . This angle A 2  can be optionally about 25° to about 35°, or about 30°. In some cases, the carbon strands in the second layer  61 B can be offset about 30° from the longitudinal axis LA. The carbon strands in the second layer also can be offset by an angle A 2  of optionally about 55° to about 65°, or about 60° from the carbon strands in the first  61 A and third  61 C layers. This pattern can be repeated throughout the thickness of the carbon plate, with the carbon strands alternating between a first angle and a second angle offset from the longitudinal axis, from one to the next. Of course, other angles of the strands can be utilized and a different number of layers utilized as well. It also will be appreciated that the plate can be constructed from other polymer materials, such as polymers, metals, composited and combinations thereof. 
     A first alternative embodiment of the footwear in the sole assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-14  and generally designated  210 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above in structure function and operation, with several exceptions. For example, this embodiment can include a sole assembly  220  which can be joined with an upper such as that described above. The sole assembly  220  can include a first midsole platform  230  and a second midsole platform  240  similar to those described above in connection with the current embodiment. The sole assembly  220  also can include a spring plate  260  which optionally is disposed between the first midsole platform  230  and the second midsole platform  240  in the heel region  16 , generally between these elements in the arch region  14  and between the first midsole platform  230  and the outsole layer  250  in the forefoot region  12 . Each of the respective first midsole platform, a second midsole platform and plate can be substantially similar to that of corresponding elements in the embodiment above and therefore will not be described again in detail here. 
     This embodiment, however, can be configured to receive one or more traction spikes  280  as shown in  FIG. 10 . Such traction spikes can include a threaded portion  282  and a traction portion  284 . As shown, the traction portion  284  can be in the form of a conical point, or sharp or barbed projection extending from a spike flange  285  associated with the spike. The threaded portion  282  can be threaded to be received in one or more mounting caps  270  and in particular  271 ,  272 , and  273  as described further below. Optionally, these mounting caps can be disposed in the forefoot region  13  as shown. In other embodiments, the mounting caps and associated spikes or other traction elements can be disposed in the arch region  14  and/or heel region  16 . Where the plate includes contours of varying radii, for example R 1 , R 2  and R 3  in the forefoot region, between the lowermost portion  260 L and the forwardmost portion  260 F of the plate, different mounting caps and their associated spikes can be located in those different contoured regions. For example, a rearward mounting cap  271  can be located in the contour of the plate  260  including the first radius R 1 , which is described in connection with the current embodiment above. A middle mounting cap  272  can be located in the contour of the plate  260  including the second radius R 2  which is described in connection with the current embodiment above. A forward mounting cap  273  can be located in the contour of the plate  260  including the radius R 3 , which also is described in connection with the current embodiment above. 
     In the first alternative embodiment, there can be a forwardmost mounting cap  273 , a middle mounting cap  272  and a rearward mounting cap  271  configured to join with associated spikes. These different mounting caps can be distributed along the longitudinal axis LA of the sole assembly  220 , and optionally can be distributed at the upward curving portion of the plate that is forward from the lowermost portion  260 L to the forwardmost portion  260 F. Of course, where there are more or fewer mounting caps and associated spikes, these mounting caps can be distributed differently in the forefoot region, or even the arch region and/or heel region. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the mounting caps  270  can be joined directly with and/or directly engage the plate  260 , for example in the forefoot region  13 . In such a construction, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the plate  260  can define one or more apertures  260 A. The aperture  260 A can extend completely through the plate, from an upper surface  261  to a lower surface  263 . The aperture  260 A as shown can open to a wider dimension from the upper surface  261  to the lower surface  263 . Of course in other cases, the aperture  260 A can be generally cylindrical. This aperture also can be of a circular configuration as shown, however other shapes can be utilized, for example polygonal shapes, rounded shapes, elliptical shapes or other shapes. The aperture  260 A also can be spaced inward from an outer edge  260 E of the plate  260 . Optionally, the aperture  260 A can be completely bounded around an outer periphery by the material of the plate  260 . The one or more apertures  260 A optionally can be formed by die cutting, water jetting, punching, molding and/or drilling through the plate  260 . 
     Generally, the upper surface  261  and the lower surface  263  adjacent the aperture  260 A can be substantially planar and featureless, or can conform to the contoured variable radius of the plate in the forefoot region as described above. As illustrated for example in  FIG. 11 , the plate from the medial edge to the lateral edge can be substantially linear and/or planar across the upper surface and the lower surface of the plate. Of course, in other applications, the plate might undulate up and down and form portions of three-dimensional cleats in the bottom of the plate to which the mounting caps are joined, depending on the application. 
     Where the sole assembly  220  includes an outsole layer  250  disposed adjacent and/or adhered to the lower surface  263  of the plate  60 , that outsole layer also can define a hole  250 H that is aligned with the aperture  260 A in the plate. This hole can be aligned with and of the same size as the aperture  260 A. The hole  250 H also can be centered on the aperture axis AA of the aperture  260 A defined by the plate. 
       FIGS. 11 and 14  illustrate the mounting cap  270 , and in particular a middle mounting cap  272 . Of course, the other mounting caps utilized in the sole assembly  220  of the current embodiment can be similar or identical to that cap, and all of them can be configured to receive the respective spikes  280 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the mounting cap  272  can be mounted generally between the first midsole platform  230  and the plate  260 . As shown, the mounting cap  272  can include a mounting flange  274 . This mounting flange can extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the mounting cap which can coincide with the aperture axis AA when the mounting cap is installed in the aperture. For purposes here, the longitudinal axis of the mounting cap and the aperture axis AA can be considered the same. 
     The mounting cap flange  274  can be of a generally circular configuration as shown in  FIG. 9 . The mounting cap flange can extend upward, away from the aperture  260 A of the plate and can be of different shapes, for example, polygonal shapes, elliptical shapes, rounded shapes and the like. The mounting flange can be larger in dimension than that of the aperture  260 A. The mounting flange  274  can be directly adhered to at least one of the upper surface  261  and/or the lower surface  263  of the plate. The mounting flange can include a lower surface  274 L and an upper surface  274 U. The mounting flange  274  can be disposed between the plate and the midsole platform  230 . As mentioned above, the midsole platform  230  can be adhered, molded or otherwise engaged with the upper surface  274 U of the mounting flange  274 . The lower surface  274 L of the mounting flange can be adhered directly to the upper surface  261  of the plate  260 . Optionally, the lower surface  274 L of the mounting flange can include barbs, spikes, knurls or other projections  277 N that bite into and engage the upper surface or other portion of the plate such that the mounting flange does not rotate relative to the plate, for example, when a stud of the spike  280  is screwed or threaded into the mounting cap  272 . Further optionally, in other embodiments, the mounting flange  274  can be a two-part mounting flange, with one part above the upper surface  261  and one part below the lower surface  263 . A portion of the barrel  276  that extends from the mounting flange  274  can be threaded on an exterior surface  276  or other portion (not shown) and another washer like mounting flange can be threaded onto that barrel to clamp the plate  260  between upper and lower mounting flanges, disposed above and below the plate (not shown). 
     The mounting flange  274  shown in  FIG. 14  can define a threaded bore  275 . This threaded bore can be configured to receive a portion of a spike  280 , for example a threaded portion  282  or stud of a spike as shown in  FIG. 11 . The threaded bore  275  can be threaded with threads corresponding to the threads on the threaded portion or stud  282  of the spike  280 . The threaded bore can extend partially or completely through the plate  260 . As shown, the threaded bore extends through the aperture  260 A and through the hole  250 H defined by the outsole layer  250 . The threaded bore can extend above the upper surface  261  and below the lower surface  263 . Of course, in other embodiments, the threaded bore can extend below the lower surface  263  or below the plate  260  in general. In yet other embodiments, the threaded bore can extend only through the outsole layer  250 . In other cases, as shown, the threaded bore can extend above the upper surface of the plate. The threaded bore also can extend to or toward the upper surface  274 U of the mounting flange  274 . In some cases, it can stop short of that upper surface as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 14 , the threaded bore  275  can be formed in a portion of an insert  277  which is included in the mounting cap  272 . The insert  277  can be rigid, optionally constructed from metal or a composite. It can include a barrel  277 B which can define the threads of the threaded bore  275 . The insert  277  also can include a flange  277 F that extends outwardly from the axis AA. This flange  277 F can form a portion of or otherwise extend into the mounting flange  274 . In some cases, the insert  277  can be molded over with a polymeric material forming the remainder of the mounting cap  272 , which can include the barrel  276  and the mounting flange  274  as noted above. Where the insert  277  is included, the threads  282  of the stud of the spike can engage the threads of the threaded bore  275 . Optionally, the barbs or knurls  277 N as described above can be formed as a portion of the flanged  277 F of the insert  277 . Thus, these barbs  277 N can engage and bite into the plate  260  and in particular the upper surface  261  of the plate. This can impair rotation of the mounting cap  272  relative to the plate  260  when a spike is installed relative thereto. 
     Optionally, the mounting flange can include other structures to impair or prevent rotation of the mounting cap relative to the plate when a spike is threaded into the mounting cap. As an example, shown in  FIG. 15 , the mounting cap  372  can include a mounting flange  374  having one or more downwardly projecting anti-rotation teeth  374 T. These anti-rotation teeth  374 T can be received in secondary apertures  360 T that are disposed radially outward from the primary aperture  360 A that is configured to receive the barrel  376  and threaded bore  375  of the mounting cap. These teeth  374 T can be formed as a portion of the mounting flange  374  and separate from an insert  377 . These teeth can be formed of polymeric material of the mounting cap, while the insert  377  can be constructed from a metal or composite material. Of course, in other constructions, the teeth  374  can be formed as a portion of the insert  377 . In this mounting cap  372 , the threaded bore  375  optionally can extend through the aperture within its barrel  376 . The threaded bore  375 , however, in this construction might extend only below the lower surface  363 , without extending through the plate  360  and/or above the upper surface  361  of the plate  360 . 
     Returning to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 14 , the mounting cap  272  can include the barrel  276 . The barrel can extend through the plate  260 , through the aperture in the plate, and generally from an upper surface  261  to a lower surface  263  of the plate and below the lower surface a preselected distance D 8 . This distance D 8  can optionally be less than or equal to the thickness of the outsole layer  250  around the barrel. In other cases, this distance D 8  can be greater than the thickness of the outsole layer  250  around the aperture  260 A in the plate. The barrel  276  thus can extend at least partially through the outsole layer, and in some cases completely through the outsole layer. Where the plate is constructed from multiple carbon fabric layers, for example as shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the aperture can extend though each of these weaved layers. Each of the layers can terminate at edges around the apertures, such that those edges bound the aperture. Thus, where a mounting cap barrel is placed through the aperture, the edges of multiple layers are adjacent the exterior of the barrel, and generally surround the barrel. 
     A third alternative embodiment of the footwear in the sole assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 15-21  and generally designated  320 . This embodiment is similar to the embodiment described above in structure function and operation, with several exceptions. For example, this embodiment can include a sole assembly  320  which can be joined with an upper such as that described above. The sole assembly  320  can include a first midsole platform of first midsole  330  and a second midsole platform or second midsole  340  similar to those described above in connection with the current embodiment. The sole assembly  320  also can include a spring plate  360  which optionally is disposed between the first midsole  330  and the second midsole  340  in the heel region  16 , arch region  14  and forefoot region  12 . Each of the respective first midsole platform, second midsole platform and plate can be substantially similar to that of corresponding elements in the embodiments above. 
     The sole assembly of this embodiment, however, can be constructed so that the plate  360  extends between the first midsole  330  and the second midsole  340  through the heel region  16 , arch region  14  and forefoot region  12 . In this construction as well, the first midsole platform and second midsole platform also can be configured slightly differently than the embodiments above. For example, the first midsole  330  can include a sidewall  333 W that circumferentiates a plate recess  333 R. This sidewall  333 W can transition to an upwardly extending wall  333 U that extends from the lower surface  333  to the upper surface  331  of the first midsole  330 . This first sidewall  333 W can transition forward into the forefoot region  12 . Near the toe region  330 T, the sidewall  333 W and in particular the lower surface  333  of the first midsole  330  can transition to a rearwardly extending ridge  336 . This ridge  336  can be configured to fit within the spring plate slot  360 S as described below. This ridge  336  can include a lateral wall  336 L and an opposing medial wall  336 M that extend rearward from the toe  330 T to a rearward tip  336 T. The rearward tip  336 T can be disposed forward of the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate when the plate and first midsole are joined with one another, optionally via cement, adhesive molding or other techniques. The medial wall  336 M can be longer than the lateral wall  336 L by optionally at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm or at least 10 mm. The portion of the recess  333 RM adjacent the medial wall  336 M also can extend forwardly farther then the portion of the recess  333 RL adjacent the lateral wall  336 L by similar distances or more. In some cases, the first midsole  330  can include a landing  337  forward of the lateral portion  333 RL of the recess that is disposed adjacent the ridge  336  and the portion of the recess  333 RM. This landing  337  can transition to the remainder of the lower surface  333  of the first midsole and to the sidewall  333 W. 
     With reference to  FIG. 17 , the first midsole  330  can be configured to interfit or nest within the recess for  344 R of the second midsole  340 . This second midsole  340  can include a sidewall  341 W that extends around the recess  344 R defined by the second midsole  340  generally extending downward from the upper surface  341  toward the lower surface  343  of the second midsole  340 . The recess  344 R can be bounded by an inner side wall  341 IW that is configured to be disposed adjacent, engage and/or be secured to the upward extending sidewall  333 U of the first midsole  330  when it and the plate  360  are installed in the recess  344 R. These sidewalls can be glued, cemented, adhered, molded or otherwise joined with one another to secure the first midsole within the recess of the second midsole. Further, the lower surface  333  of the first midsole  330  can be adhered within the recess  344 R, for example, to the bottom wall  344 B of that recess  344 R. Likewise the lower surface  363  of the plate  360  can be adhered to the bottom surface  344 B, while the upper surface  361  of the plate  360  can be adhered to the bottom wall  333 B of the recess  333 R of the first midsole  330 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the sidewall  341 W of the second midsole  340  optionally can be configured to extend upwardly and above the upper extending sidewall  333 U of the first midsole  330 . In some cases, the second midsole sidewall  341 W can extend a distance D 7  that is optionally at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm above the uppermost extent of the upward extending sidewall  333 U of the first midsole  330 . The sidewall  341 W of the second midsole  340  also can extend a similar distance D 7  above the upper surface  331  of the first midsole  330 . In some applications, the second midsole sidewall  341 W optionally can extend above and higher than the upper surface  331  of the first midsole around the entire perimeter of the first midsole. 
     The spring plate  360  of the sole assembly  310  of this embodiment will now be described with further reference to  FIGS. 17-19 . Generally, the spring plate  360  can be disposed in the first midsole lower surface  333 R. When the first midsole  330  is installed in the second midsole recess  344 R of the second midsole  340 , the plate can be adjacent and/or secured to the bottom wall  344 B of that recess  344 R. The plate can be sandwiched between the first midsole  330  in the second midsole  340  throughout the forefoot region  12 , the arch region  14  and heel region  16 . While in the first midsole recess  333 R, the lower surface  363  of the plate can be flush with the first midsole lower surface  333 . The upper surface  361  of the plate  360  can engage and/or be secured to the bottom wall  333 B of the recess  333 R. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16, 17 and 19 , the spring plate  360  can include a bifurcated forefoot portion  360 T having a lateral arm  365  and a medial arm  366 . The lateral arm and a medial arm can be separated from one another via a plate slot  360 S. The plate slot  360 S can extend rearward from the forward most portion  360 F of the plate  360  toward the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate which can be located in a similar location as the lowermost portion of the plates of the embodiments above and will not be described again here. The plate slot  360 S can include a rounded base  360 SB distal from the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate. The medial arm  366  can extend a first distance D 8 A from the slot base  360  SB. The lateral arm  365  can extend forward a second distance D 9  from the base. The first distance can be greater than the second distance, optionally at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The first distance can be calibrated so that the medial arm that extends farther under a big toe of a wearer&#39;s foot when it is disposed in the footwear  310  including the sole assembly  320 . In turn, this can provide the footwear with more spring upon toe off, yet still allow the lateral and medial metatarsals of the wearer&#39;s foot to move slightly more independently of one another, rather than being guided by a rigid plate across the entire width of the foot in the forefoot. The lateral arms and medial arm can cantilever forward of the slot base  360 SB independently from one another, allowing this flexibility across the width of the foot. This can allow the metatarsals to move more independently of one another, yet still provide spring energy return and assist in roll upon toe off. 
     As can be seen with further reference to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the lateral arm  365  can extend forwardly to a lateral arm tip  365 T while the medial arm  366  can extend forwardly to a medial arm tip  366 T. Optionally, each of these arm tips can be rounded. The lateral arm tip  365 T can include a first edge  365 E, while the medial arm tip  366 T can include a second edge  366 E, the first edge  365 E of the lateral arm can have a first radius of curvature R 5  as that edge transitions toward the slot  360 S and toward the tip  365 T. The second edge  366 E of the medial arm can have a second radius of curvature R 6  as that edge transitions toward the slot  360 S and toward the tip  366 T. The first radius of curvature and second radius of curvature can be unequal and/or different. In some cases, the first radius of curvature can be greater than the second radius of curvature, while in other applications, the first radius of curvature can be less than the second radius of curvature. 
     Further optionally, in some applications, the medial arm tip  366 T can be narrower than the lateral arm tip. For example as shown in  FIG. 16 , at a distance of about 5 mm to 10 mm rearward from the forward most portion of the lateral arm tip  365 T, the tip and/or arm can include a width N 1 . This width N 1  can be greater than the width N 2  rearward from the forward most portion of the tip  366 T of the lateral arm  366 . Of course in other applications, the widths can be reversed. 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , as mentioned above, the plate slot  360 S can be located in its entirety forward of the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate, without extending rearward of that portion  360 L. The slot base  360 B also can be disposed a distance D 10 , which can be optionally at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 20 mm or more, forward of the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate. In some applications, the outsole  350  optionally can define a slot  350 S that is aligned with and overlaps the plate slot  360 S. This outsole slot  350 S can extend rearward of the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate. In some applications, it can extend a distance D 11  rearward of the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate  360 . The outsole slot  350 S can divide the outsole into a lateral part  355  and a medial part  356 . These lateral and medial parts can extend adjacent the outsole slot  350 , and can be aligned with the respective lateral and medial arms of the plate, lying under them. The lateral part and medial part of the outsole forward of the outsole slot however can be joined via a forward connection  357 . Further, the medial part and lateral part can be joined rearward of the outsole slot  350 S via a rearward connection  358 . 
     Further optionally, the outsole  350  can define a secondary slot  350 N located in the arch region and/or the heel region of the sole. This secondary slot  350 N, however, might not overlap with any portion of the plate slot  360  S. The secondary slot can be rearward of the rearward connection  358  and of the slot  350 S that can extend through the arch region and forefoot region of the sole assembly. 
     In this embodiment, the spring plate  360  of the sole assembly  320  shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , as mentioned above, can include a lowermost portion  360 L in the forefoot region  12  corresponding to a metatarsal phalangeal joint of a wearer&#39;s foot. Forward of this lowermost portion, the plate can include a variety of changing radii of curvature, similar to those described in connection with the embodiments above. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the plate can include a curvature at that lowermost portion. That curvature can be defined by a radius R 4  that emanates from a center of a circle above the plate  360  and extends to and/or or passes through the lowermost portion  360 L of the spring plate  360 . The spring plate  360  can include an overall length OL. The tread radius R 4  can be optionally between 35% and 45% inclusive, between 37% and 42%, inclusive, between 37% and 40%, inclusive, between 39% and 40%, inclusive, or about 39.4% of the overall length OL. It is been discovered that with this relationship between the radius R 4  and the overall length, the plate can provide exceptional energy return and assistance in toe off across multiple sizes of footwear including different overall length plates. Accordingly, this relationship of the radius and the overall length need not be recalculated and redesigned for various different sized footwear and associated spring plates. Other dimensions and portions of the plates can be easily scaled up or down relative to one size, while that relationship of the radius R 4  to the overall length OL remains the same for different sized footwear using the same type of spring plate. 
     In this embodiment, the sole assembly  320  can be constructed with the spring plate  360  with one or more of the features described above. Optionally, that spring plate also can be constructed to include certain anisotropic and anti-puncture properties to provide protection, support, and stability to the foot of a wearer of the footwear while still allowing for flexibility. The spring plate can be formed from a layered arrangement having a high resistance to bending in a first direction and a low resistance to bending in an opposing second direction. Put another way, the plate can have a first bending stiffness during bending in a first direction and a second bending stiffness, greater than the first bending stiffness, during bending in a second direction. Exemplary anisotropic configurations for a plate suitable for use herein are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,109,639 to Shanker, U.S. Pat. No. 10,786,973 to Simmons and U.S. Pat. No. 9,370,904 to Khan, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the plate  360  optionally can be constructed from a first layer  368  and a second layer  369 , which can be joined together along an interface between those two layers. As shown in solid lines in both  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the spring plate  360  is shown in a relaxed or neutral position, neither bent upwardly or downwardly. As shown in broken lines in  FIG. 20 , the spring plate can be bent away from the relaxed or neutral position or configuration in a first direction, for example, upwardly, about a lateral axis  360 A that can extend through the plate above the lowermost portion  360 L of the plate. As this occurs, the forwardmost portion  360 F and rear most portion  360 R of the plate can move upward, for example, distances D 12  and D 13  from the neutral position of those portions respectively. These distances can correspond to the amount of force transferred from a wearer&#39;s foot through the sole assembly to the plate. The plate can have less stiffness and/or relatively low bending resistance to bending forces that cause the plate  360  to bend in this first direction, that is, upwardly, where the plate  360  appears to become more concave upward or more bowed upward when viewed from a side view. This bending in a first direction, for example, upwardly can be experienced by the plate during a normal gait cycle of a wearer, for example during a forward roll of the foot and/or toe off during the gait cycle. 
     As shown in broken lines in  FIG. 21 , the spring plate  360  also can be bent away from the relaxed or neutral position or configuration in a second direction, for example downwardly, about the lateral axis  360 A. As this occurs, the forward most portion  360 F and rear most portion  360 R of the plate  360  can move downward, for example distances D 14  and D 15  from the neutral position or configuration of those portions, respectively. These respective distances D 14  and D 15  can be less than the respective distances D 12  and D 13  when the plate is bent in the opposite direction shown in  FIG. 20 . The plate can have more stiffness and/or relatively higher bending resistance to bending forces that cause the plate  360  to bend in the second direction, that is downwardly, where the plate  360  appears to become more convex upward or less concave, or more bowed downward when viewed from a side view. This bending in a second direction, for example downwardly, can be experienced by the plate when the footwear and sole assembly encounters terrain or an underfoot object closer to the longitudinal center of the plate, rather than at the ends. In turn, this can prevent the underfoot object or terrain from being felt substantially by the wearer and can prevent the foot from conforming to the underfoot terrain causing discomfort or instability. Generally, the plate can be tuned to be flexible and easily bendable in the first direction, but being rigid and inflexible to bending in the opposite direction. Of course, the flexibility and bendability shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  can be reversed, so that the plate can have less bending resistance downward and more bending resistance upward. 
     Optionally, the first layer  368  can control bending characteristics of the assembly plate  360  in a selected direction, for example, downward as shown in  FIG. 21 . To do so, the first layer  368  can be made of a material having a tensile modulus that is substantially greater than the material&#39;s compressive modulus. A material&#39;s modulus (tensile or compressive modulus) can refer to the modulus of elasticity of the material in tension and/or compression. The first layer  368  can be a fiber-reinforced composite material having unidirectional fibers or interlaced fiber encapsulated and/or impregnated in a selected flexible matrix configured so the composite material alone is flexible and pliable or non-rigid. The fibers can be inorganic fibers, such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, ceramic fibers, metal fibers, other fibers, and/or combinations thereof, organic or synthetic fibers, such as polyamide fibers, polyester fibers, or combinations thereof, natural fibers, and/or combinations thereof. The material of the first layer can be such that the spring plate  260  can exhibit strain stiffening behavior. Accordingly, the rate of stiffening in the material can increase in response to increased strain. This configuration can provide the plate and thus the sole assembly with asymmetric flexural characteristics. 
     Further optionally, the plate  360  can be constructed as a laminate by combining a carbon fiber epoxy plate that defines the second layer  369  with a fiber reinforced nitrile butadiene rubber and thermoplastic polyurethane film that defines the first layer  368 . The layers can be joined with adhesives or other bonding materials. In another application, the first layer  368  can be constructed from a nitrile butadiene rubber impregnation with thermoplastic polyurethane films. The second layer  369  can be constructed from material that has a tensile modulus substantially the same as its compressive modulus, for example a rigid carbon fiber epoxy plate, or other materials, including but not limited to steel, titanium, aluminum, other metal material, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyurethane, low density polyurethane, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, and combinations thereof. Yet further optionally, the compressive modulus of the material used in the second layer  369  can be greater than the compressive modulus of the material used in the first layer  368  to allow the spring plate  360  to be anisotropically-flexible with the anisotropic properties in compression and tension. 
     The following additional statements about other current embodiments are provided, the lettering of which is not to be construed as designating levels of importance. 
     Statement A. A footwear is provided comprising an upper; a first midsole platform joined with the upper; a second midsole plate below the first midsole platform; a plate disposed between the first midsole platform and the second midsole platform in a heel region of the footwear, the plate extending through a forefoot region of the footwear and located below the first midsole platform in the forefoot region; and an outsole layer disposed below the plate and the first midsole platform in the forefoot region. 
     Statement B. The footwear of statement A, wherein the plate defines an aperture extending through the plate in the forefoot region, wherein a mounting cap is joined with the plate and extends through the aperture. 
     Statement C. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting cap includes a mounting flange that extends radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the mounting cap adjacent the aperture. 
     Statement D. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting cap defines a threaded bore configured to receive a spike. 
     Statement E. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the aperture includes a threaded bore extending at least one of through, below and above a lower surface of the plate. 
     Statement F. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting flange is directly adhered to at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the plate, the plate being a carbon plate. 
     Statement G. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the outsole layer defines a hole aligned with the aperture in the plate, wherein a threaded shaft of a spike extends through the hole and into the aperture. 
     Statement H. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting cap includes a metal threaded portion, wherein the threaded portion is configured to engage the spike, wherein the threaded portion extends through the plate aperture, or wherein the threaded portion extends below the lower surface of the plate, without extending through the plate aperture. 
     Statement I. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the plate defines a first radius of curvature and a second radius of curvature in the forefoot region, wherein a first aperture is located in the first radius and wherein a second aperture is located in the second radius, distal from the first aperture. 
     Statement J. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting flange is engaged with the second midsole platform above an upper surface of the plate. 
     Statement K. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting cap includes a barrel, wherein the barrel extends through the aperture defined by the plate from an upper surface to a lower surface of the plate, and through a hole defined by an outsole layer disposed directly below the lower surface, such that the barrel extends at least partially through the outsole layer. 
     Statement L. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the barrel defines a threaded bore configured to receive threads of a stud of a traction spike, wherein the threaded bore is in the form of a metal insert, wherein the threaded insert extends at least one of above and below at least one of the upper surface and lower surface of the plate, and optionally completely through the plate. 
     Statement M. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting cap includes a tooth, wherein the tooth engages the plate adjacent the aperture to prevent rotation of the mounting cap relative to the plate when a spike is rotated relative to a threaded bore of the mounting cap. 
     Statement N. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the tooth extends at least partially through or into the plate. 
     Statement O. The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the tooth is in the form of a plurality of barbs that engage in the upper surface of the plate to prevent it from spinning upon a rotation force being transmitted to the mounting cap. 
     Statement P: The footwear of any preceding statement wherein the plate is a carbon plate comprising a plurality of layers of strands of carbon, wherein each of the layers includes a respective layer edge adjacent the plate aperture, wherein the plate aperture extends through the plurality of layers, wherein a barrel of the mounting cap is disposed adjacent a plurality of the respective layer edges when the mounting cap is joined with the plate. 
     Statement Q: The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the mounting flange of the mounting cap is disposed below the lower surface of the plate, wherein the threaded bore does not extend through the aperture or the plate. 
     Statement R: The footwear of any preceding statement, wherein the plate includes no voids rearward of the arch region that are surrounded by the material of the plate. 
     Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s). 
     In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,” “directly adhered to,” “directly secured 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 components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; Y, Z, and/or any other possible combination together or alone of those elements, noting that the same is open ended and can include other elements.