Patent Publication Number: US-2021186153-A1

Title: Stacked cushioning arrangement for sole structure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/886,571, filed Feb. 1, 2018, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 62/453,406, filed on Feb. 1, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application 62/517,129, filed on Jun. 8, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application 62/543,780, filed on Aug. 10, 2017. The disclosures of these prior applications are considered part of the disclosure of this application and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to articles of footwear and more particularly to a sole structure for an article of footwear. 
     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 and/or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper. 
     Midsoles using polymer foam materials are generally configured as a single slab that compresses resiliently under applied loads, such as during walking or running movements. Generally, single-slab polymer foams are designed with an emphasis on balancing cushioning characteristics that relate to softness and responsiveness as the slab compresses under gradient loads. Polymer foams providing cushioning that is too soft will decrease the compressibility and the ability of the midsole to attenuate ground-reaction forces after repeated compressions. Conversely, polymer foams that are too hard and, thus, very responsive, sacrifice softness, thereby resulting in a loss in comfort. While different regions of a slab of polymer foam may vary in density, hardness, energy return, and material selection to balance the softness and responsiveness of the slab as a whole, creating a single slab of polymer foam that loads in a gradient manner from soft to responsive is difficult to achieve. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1  taken along Line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1  taken along Line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1  taken along Line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1  taken along Line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 8  taken along Line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 8  taken along Line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 8  taken along Line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 8  taken along Line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 15  taken along Line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 15  taken along Line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 22  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 15  taken along Line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 22  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 15  taken along Line  17 - 17  of  FIG. 22  showing an alternate construction of a cushion; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view the article of footwear of  FIG. 15  incorporating an alternate sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 24  is a partial perspective view of the sole structure of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a partial bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 23 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 26  taken along Line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 30 , taken along Line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 34 , taken along Line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 38 , taken along Line  40 - 40  of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 43  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 42 , taken along Line  44 - 44  of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 47  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 46 , taken along Line  48 - 48  of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 49  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 51  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 53A  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 50 , taken along Line  53 A- 53 A of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 53B  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 50 , taken along Line  53 B- 53 B of  FIG. 52 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 55  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 56  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 54 ; 
         FIG. 57A  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 54 , taken along Line  57 A- 57 A of  FIG. 56 ; 
         FIG. 57B  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 54 , taken along Line  57 B- 57 B of  FIG. 56 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a perspective view of an article of footwear incorporating a sole structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 59  is an exploded view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 58 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a bottom view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 58 ; 
         FIG. 61A  is a cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 58 , taken along Line  61 A- 61 A of  FIG. 60 ; and 
         FIG. 61B  is a partial cross-sectional view of the article of footwear of  FIG. 58 , taken along Line  61 B- 61 B of  FIG. 60 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “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, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, 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. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected 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,” 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. 
     Although 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 when used herein 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 embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     With reference to the figures, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A midsole is provided and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is attached to the outsole and includes a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment along a longitudinal axis of the midsole by a gap. At least one plate extends from the midsole into the gap, and a cushion is disposed in the gap of the midsole and joined to the plate. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one of more of the following optional features. In some examples, a first end of the plate is joined to the first segment of the midsole, a second end of the plate is joined to the second segment of the midsole, and an intermediate portion of the plate extends through the gap from the first end to the second end and is joined to the cushion. 
     The first end of the plate may be embedded within the first segment of the midsole and the second end of the plate may be embedded within the second segment of the midsole. In some examples, a first end of the plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first segment of the midsole, and a second end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the second segment of the midsole. 
     In some implementations, the intermediate portion of the plate is disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole. Here, the cushion may include a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure having a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure having a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole. The second cushion may be fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     In other implementations the cushion may be disposed between intermediate portion of the plate and the upper portion of the midsole. Here, the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between upper portion of the midsole and the intermediate portion of the plate, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the intermediate portion of the plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     The plate may include a first plate disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the cushion and a second plate extending from the lower portion of the midsole and disposed between the cushion and the outsole. Optionally, at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed of carbon fiber. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure comprises an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The sole structure further includes a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is attached to the outsole and includes a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion, the second segment being spaced apart from the first segment along a longitudinal axis of the midsole by a gap. A cushion is disposed in the gap of the midsole and includes a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure. The second cushion is isolated from the first cushion. A first plate is joined to each of the first segment of the midsole, the second segment of the midsole, and the cushion. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one of more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the cushion comprises the first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the outsole, and the second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure includes a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the outsole. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. In some examples, at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     In some implementations, the least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. The first fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber in a direction extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the sole structure. 
     In some configurations, the sole structure includes a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and having a first end joined to the first segment of the midsole, a second end joined to the second segment of the midsole, and an intermediate portion joined to the cushion, such that the cushion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Optionally, the second plate is formed of carbon fiber. Here, the cushion comprises the first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and the second cushion including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, such that the second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Optionally, the sole structure further comprises a third plate disposed between the cushion and the outsole. The third plate is joined to each of the first segment of the midsole and the cushion. At least one of the second plate and the third plate may include a cutout formed between the first segment and the cushion. 
     In some examples, the first end of the second plate includes a first notch defining a first pair of tabs, and the second end of the second plate includes a second notch defining a second pair of tabs, the first pair of tabs embedded in the first segment of the lower portion of the midsole and the second pair of tabs embedded in the second segment of the lower portion of the midsole. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Implementations of the disclosure may include one of more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the first segment is formed along a first side surface, the second segment is formed in the first region of the ground-engaging surface, and the third segment  15  formed along a second side surface. 
     In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber may be fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the third fluid-filled chamber may be fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber. Further, the first cushion may be spaced apart and separated from the second cushion. 
     The first cushion may be disposed closer to an anterior end of the sole structure than the second cushion. A third cushion may be disposed between the second cushion and a posterior end of the sole structure. The third cushion may include a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper. 
     The outsole may include an outsole plate member forming the upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outsole plate member at the ground-engaging surface. In one configuration, the traction elements are formed from a resilient material. In another configuration, the traction elements are formed from a compressible material. In yet another configuration, the traction elements are formed from a rigid material. Regardless of the construction of the traction elements, the outsole plate member may be formed from a rigid material. 
     A plate member may extend from an anterior end of the sole structure toward a posterior end. The first cushion and the second cushion may be disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole. 
     In one configuration, at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber, the second fluid-filled chamber, the third fluid-filled chamber, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     The first cushion may form a first bulge in the ground-engaging surface and the second cushion may form a second bulge in the ground-engaging surface. The first bulge may be offset from the second bulge in a direction extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. 
     In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber. Further, the third fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber. 
     The outsole may extend from the second cushion to an anterior end of the sole structure. A cushioning element may be disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper. The cushioning element may be disposed between the anterior end of the sole structure and the first cushion. In one configuration, the cushioning element is formed from foam. Further, the cushioning element may taper in a direction toward the anterior end of the sole structure. 
     In another configuration, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is offset from the first cushion in a direction extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. 
     In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber may be fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the third fluid-filled chamber may be fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber. Further, the first cushion may be spaced apart and separated from the second cushion. 
     The first cushion may be disposed closer to an anterior end of the sole structure than the second cushion. A third cushion may be disposed between the second cushion and a posterior end of the sole structure. The third cushion may include a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper. 
     The outsole may include an outsole plate member forming the upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outsole plate member at the ground-engaging surface. In one configuration, the traction elements are formed from a resilient material. In another configuration, the traction elements are formed from a compressible material. In yet another configuration, the traction elements are formed from a rigid material. Regardless of the construction of the traction elements, the outsole plate member may be formed from a rigid material. 
     A plate member may extend from an anterior end of the sole structure toward a posterior end. The first cushion and the second cushion may be disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole. 
     In one configuration, at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber, the second fluid-filled chamber, the third fluid-filled chamber, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     The first cushion may form a first bulge in the ground-engaging surface and the second cushion may form a second bulge in the ground-engaging surface. 
     In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber. Further, the third fluid-filled chamber may be aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber. 
     The outsole may extend from the second cushion to an anterior end of the sole structure. A cushioning element may be disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper. The cushioning element may be disposed between the anterior end of the sole structure and the first cushion. In one configuration, the cushioning element is formed from foam. Further, the cushioning element may taper in a direction toward the anterior end of the sole structure. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, a sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper comprises an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A midsole of the sole structure is attached to the outsole and includes an upper portion and a lower portion defining a gap. The lower portion includes a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from a heel region of the upper portion. A cushion is disposed in the gap of the midsole, a first plate is disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole, and a second plate is joined to the first segment of the midsole and to the cushion. 
     In some examples, the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     A first end of the second plate may be joined to the first segment of the midsole and a second end of the second plate may be joined to the second segment of the midsole. In some examples the first end of the second plate is embedded within the first segment of the midsole. In some examples the second end of the second plate is embedded within the second segment of the midsole. In other examples the second end of the second plate is joined to a forefoot-facing sidewall of the second segment. 
     A first end of the first plate may be disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first segment of the midsole, and a second end of the first plate may disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first segment of the midsole. 
     In some examples, the second plate includes a concave intermediate portion having a radius of constant curvature from an anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal point of the sole structure. 
     Alternatively, the cushion may comprise a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the second plate. The cushion may further comprise a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the second plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     The second plate may extend from the first segment of the midsole to the second segment of the midsole. A first end of the second plate may be joined to an anterior end of the first segment and a second end of the second plate may be embedded within the second segment of the midsole. 
     An intermediate portion of the second plate is curved upward, and may include a damper disposed intermediate the cushion and the second segment of the midsole. The damper is configured to minimize a transfer of torsional forces from the intermediate portion to the second segment. 
     The midsole may further include a rib extending between the first segment and the second segment and laterally bisecting the cushion. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , an article of footwear  10  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14  attached to the upper  12 . The article of footwear  10  may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region  16 , a mid-foot region  18 , and a heel region  20 . The forefoot region  16  may correspond with toes and joints connecting metatarsal bones with phalanx bones of a foot. The mid-foot region  18  may correspond with an arch area of the foot while the heel region  20  may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The article of footwear  10  may additionally include a medial side  22  and a lateral side  24  that correspond with opposite sides of the article of footwear  10  and extend through the regions  16 ,  18 ,  20 . 
     The upper  12  includes interior surfaces that define an interior void  26  that receives and secures a foot for support on the sole structure  14 . An ankle opening  28  in the heel region  20  may provide access to the interior void  26 . For example, the ankle opening  28  may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void  26  and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void  26 . In some examples, one or more fasteners  30  extend along the upper  12  to adjust a fit of the interior void  26  around the foot while concurrently accommodating entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper  12  may include apertures  32  such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners  30 . The fasteners  30  may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. 
     The upper  12  may additionally include a tongue portion  34  that extends between the interior void  26  and the fasteners  30 . The upper  12  may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void  26 . Suitable materials of the upper  12  may include, 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 to the foot while disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     The sole structure  14  is attached to the upper  12  and provides the article of footwear  10  with support and cushioning during use. Namely, the sole structure  14  attenuates ground-reaction forces caused by the article of footwear  10  striking the ground during use. Accordingly, and as set forth below, the sole structure  14  may incorporate one or more materials having energy absorbing characteristics to allow the sole structure  14  to minimize the impact experienced by a user when wearing the article of footwear  10 . 
     The sole structure  14  may include a midsole  36 , an outsole  38 , and one or more cushions or cushioning arrangements  40  disposed generally between the midsole  36  and the outsole  38 . In addition, the sole structure  14  may include a plate  42  that extends from an anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10  towards a posterior end  46 . In one configuration, the plate  42  is attached directly to the upper  12 . In another configuration, the plate  42  is attached to the upper  12  via a strobel  48 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-6 . While the plate  42  may be directly attached to the upper  12  or may be attached to the upper  12  via a strobel  48 , the plate  42  will be hereinafter described and shown as being attached to the upper  12  via a strobel  48 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2-7 , the midsole  36  is shown as extending from the anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10  to the posterior end  46 . The midsole  36  may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole  36  opposes the strobel  48  of the upper  12  such that the plate  42  extends between the midsole  36  and the strobel  48 . The midsole  36  may extend at least partially onto an upper surface  50  of the upper  12  ( FIG. 3 ) such that the midsole  36  covers a junction of the upper  12  and the strobel  48 . 
     Forming the midsole  36  from an energy-absorbing material such as polymer foam allows the midsole  36  to attenuate ground-reaction forces caused by movement of the article of footwear  10  over ground during use. In addition to absorbing forces associated with use of the article of footwear  10 , the midsole  36  may serve to attach the plate  42  to the upper  12  via the strobel  48 . A suitable adhesive (not shown) may be used to attach the plate  42  to one or both of the midsole  36  and the strobel  48 . Alternatively, the plate  42  may be attached to the midsole  36  by molding a material of the midsole  36  directly to the plate  42 . For example, the plate  42  may be disposed within a cavity of a mold (not shown) used to form the midsole  36 . Accordingly, when the midsole  36  is formed (i.e. by foaming a polymer material), the material of the midsole  36  is joined to the material of the plate  42 , thereby forming a unitary structure having both the midsole  36  and the plate  42 . 
     While the plate  42  is described and shown as being disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36 , the plate  42  could alternatively be embedded within the material of the midsole  36 . For example, the plate  42  may be encapsulated by the midsole  36  such that a portion of the midsole  36  extends between the plate  42  and the upper  12  and another portion of the midsole  36  extends between the plate  42  and the outsole  38 . Further yet, the plate  42  could be disposed within the midsole  36  but not be fully encapsulated. For example, the plate  42  could be visible around a perimeter of the midsole  36  while a portion of the midsole  36  extends between the plate  42  and the upper  12  and another portion of the midsole  36  extends between the plate  42  and the outsole  38 . 
     Regardless of the particular location of the plate  42  relative to the midsole  36 , the plate  42  may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the plate  42  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. Forming the plate  42  from a relatively rigid material allows the plate  42  to distribute forces associated with use of the article footwear  10  when the article of footwear  10  strikes a ground surface, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Regardless of the materials used to form the plate  42 , the plate  42  may be a so-called “full-length plate” that extends from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46 . Allowing the plate  42  to extend from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46  causes the plate  42  to extend from the forefoot region  16  through the mid-foot region  18  and to the heel region  20 . While the plate  42  may be a full-length plate that extends from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 , the plate  42  could alternatively extend through only a portion of the sole structure  14 . For example, the plate  42  may extend from the anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10  to the mid-foot region  18  without extending fully through the mid-foot region  18  and into the heel region  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the outsole  38  is spaced apart from the midsole  36  to define a cavity  52  there between. The outsole  38  may include a ground-engaging surface  54  and a top surface  56  formed on an opposite side of the outsole  38  than the ground-engaging surface  54 . The outsole  38  may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber that provides the article of footwear  10  with a ground-engaging surface  54  that provides traction and durability. The ground-engaging surface  54  may include one or more traction elements  55  ( FIG. 7 ) that extend from the ground-engaging surface  54  to provide the article of footwear  10  with increased traction during use. 
     The outsole  38  may additionally include an outsole plate  58  that is attached to the top surface  56 . As with the plate  42 , the outsole plate  58  may be formed from a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. The outsole plate  58  may include a surface  60  that opposes the midsole  36  and defines at least a portion of the cavity  52 . The outsole  38  may be attached to the upper  12  at a tab  62  that is attached or otherwise bonded to the upper  12  at the anterior end  44 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the cushioning arrangement  40  is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64  and a lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66 . The medial cushioning arrangement  64  is disposed proximate to the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14  while the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64  includes a first fluid-filled chamber  68  and a second fluid-filled chamber  70 . With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  likewise includes the third fluid-filled chamber  72  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 . 
     The first fluid-filled chamber  68  is disposed generally between the upper  12  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70  while the second fluid-filled chamber  70  is disposed between the outsole plate  58  and the first fluid-filled chamber  68 . Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber  68  is attached to the midsole  36  at a first side and is attached to the second fluid-filled chamber  70  at a second side. The second fluid-filled chamber  70  is attached at a first side to the surface  60  of the outsole plate  58  and is attached to the first fluid-filled chamber  68  at a second side. The fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70  may be attached to one another and to the midsole  36  and the outsole plate  58 , respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  68  may be attached to the second fluid-filled chamber  70  by melding a material of the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and a material of the second fluid-filled chamber  70  at a junction of the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70 . 
     The first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70  may include a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element  76  may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element  78  may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in  FIG. 3  to define an interior void  80 . The first barrier element  76  may be joined to the second barrier element  78  by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  to define a peripheral seam  82 . The peripheral seam  82  seals the internal interior void  80 , thereby defining a volume of the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70 . 
     The interior void  80  of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may receive a tensile element  84  therein. Each tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  extending between an upper tensile sheet  88  and a lower tensile sheet  90 . The upper tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  while the lower tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78 . In this manner, when the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70  receives a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  86  of the tensile elements  84  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  88  is attached to the first barrier element  76  and the lower tensile sheet  90  is attached to the second barrier element  78 , the tensile strands  86  retain a desired shape of the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and a desired shape of the second fluid-filled chamber  70  when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void  80 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  likewise includes the third fluid-filled chamber  72  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 . As with the medial cushioning arrangement  64 , the third fluid-filled chamber  72  is disposed between the upper  12  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 , and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  is disposed between the outsole plate  58  and the third fluid-filled chamber  72 . The third fluid-filled chamber  72  is attached to the midsole  36  at a first side and is attached to the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  at a second side located on an opposite side of the third fluid-filled chamber  72  than the first side. The fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  is attached at a first side to the surface  60  of the outsole plate  58  and is attached at a second side located on an opposite side of the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  than the first side to the third fluid-filled chamber  72 . The third fluid-filled chamber  72  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  may be identical to the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70 . Accordingly, the third fluid-filled chamber  72  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  may each include a first barrier element  76 , a second barrier element  78 , an interior void  80 , a peripheral seam  82 , and a tensile element  84  disposed within the interior void  80 . 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  that are received between the upper  12  and the outsole  38 . In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber  68  is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber  70  and the third fluid-filled chamber  72  is fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 . Further yet, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the second fluid-filled chamber  70 ) is fluidly isolated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  (i.e., the third fluid-filled chamber  72  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 ). 
     While the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are described and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  could alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, and with reference to  FIG. 4 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  may each include a foam block  92  that replaces the second fluid-filled chamber  70  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 , respectively. The foam blocks  92  may be received within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Positioning the foam blocks  92  within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  allows the barrier elements  76 ,  78  to restrict expansion of the foam blocks  92  beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks  92  may be controlled by allowing the foam blocks  92  to interact with the barrier elements  76 ,  78  during loading. While the foam blocks  92  are described and shown as being received within the interior void  80  of the barrier elements  76 ,  78 , the foam blocks  92  could alternatively be positioned within the cavity  52  absent the barrier elements  76 ,  78 . In such a configuration, the foam blocks  92  would be directly attached to the surface  60  of the outsole plate  58  and to the second barrier element  78  of the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the third fluid-filled chamber  72 , respectively. 
     While the second fluid-filled chamber  70  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  are described and shown as being replaced with a foam block  92 , the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the third fluid-filled chamber  72  could alternatively be replaced with a different cushioning element, such as the foam blocks  92  shown in  FIG. 4 . Replacement of the first fluid-filled chamber  68  with a foam block  92  and replacement of the third fluid-filled chamber  72  with a foam block  92  is shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     Finally, each of the first fluid-filled chamber  68 , the second fluid-filled chamber  70 , the third fluid-filled chamber  72 , and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  could be replaced with a foam block  92 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . The particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  (i.e., use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be dictated by the amount of cushioning required at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 . 
     Regardless of the particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64  may be positioned forward of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure  14 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Namely, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  is disposed closer to the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14  than is the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 . While the medial cushioning arrangement  64  is disposed closer to the anterior end  44  than the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64  overlaps the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  such that the medial cushioning arrangement  64  at least partially opposes the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  in a direction extending between the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14 . 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on the sole structure  14 . In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  each provide a pair of stacked, fluid-filled chambers (i.e.  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 ) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , respectively. The individual fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  may include the same volume and, further, may be at the same pressure. For example, the individual fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 pounds per square inch (psi) and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. Alternatively, the pressures of the various fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  may vary between the cushioning arrangements  64 ,  66  and/or within each cushioning arrangement  64 ,  66 ). For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  68  may include the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  70  or, alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  68  may include a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  70 . Likewise, the third fluid-filled chamber  72  may include the same or different pressure than the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74  and may include a different pressure than the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and/or the second fluid-filled chamber  70 . 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a force is transmitted via the outsole plate  58  to the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 . Namely, the force is transmitted to the first fluid-filled chamber  68 , the second fluid-filled chamber  70 , the third fluid-filled chamber  72 , and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  74 . The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole  36  and the plate  42  but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the plate  42  is described as being formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14 , the forces exerted on the plate  42  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are dissipated over a length of the plate  42  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are dissipated along a length of the plate  42  due to the rigidity of the plate  42  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 8-14 , an article of footwear  10   a  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   a  attached to the upper  12 . 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. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 9-13 , the sole structure  14   a  is shown to include a midsole  36   a,  an outsole  38   a,  a cushioning arrangement  40  disposed between the midsole  36   a  and the outsole  38   a,  and a plate  42 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the plate  42  is disposed between the midsole  36   a  and the strobel  48  associated with the upper  12 . As with the article footwear  10  described above, the plate  42  could be directly attached to the upper  12 , thereby obviating the need for the strobel  48 . While the strobel  48  may be removed and the plate  42  attached directly to the upper  12 , the sole structure  14   a  will be described and shown hereinafter as including a strobel  48  disposed between the upper  12  and the plate  42 . In addition, while the plate  42  will be described and shown as being disposed between the midsole  36   a  and the strobel  48 , the plate  42  could be at least partially embedded within the material of the midsole  36   a  such that a portion of the midsole  36   a  extends between the strobel  48  and the plate  42 . 
     The midsole  36   a  may be formed from a foamed polymer material in a similar fashion as the midsole  36  associated with the article of footwear  10  described above. However, the midsole  36   a  may include a different shape than the midsole  36  of the article of footwear  10  in that the midsole  36   a  is thicker in an area of the heel region  20  of the sole structure  14   a  as compared to the midsole  36 . Specifically, the midsole  36   a  may include a thickness at the heel region  20  and at the mid-foot region  18  that provides the midsole  36   a  with a substantially continuous surface  96  that extends from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 . 
     While the midsole  36   a  includes a substantially continuous surface  96 , the continuous surface  96  may be interrupted at a medial recess  98  and at a lateral recess  100 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the medial recess  98  may be disposed at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   a  and the lateral recess  100  may be disposed at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   a.  In one configuration, the medial recess  98  and the lateral recess  100  are formed into a material of the midsole  36   a  such that at least one of the medial recess  98  and the lateral recess  100  extend through a sidewall  102  of the midsole  36   a.  While the medial recess  98  and the lateral recess  100  will be shown and described hereinafter as extending through the sidewall  102  of the midsole  36   a,  the medial recess  98  and/or the lateral recess  100  could alternatively be spaced apart from the sidewall  102  such that the medial recess  98  and/or the lateral recess  100  are hidden from view. In such a configuration, the sidewall  102  would include a substantially constant outer surface extending from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 10-13 , the medial recess  98  and the lateral recess  100  receive respective portions of the cushioning arrangement  40  therein. Namely, the medial recess  98  receives the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral recess  100  receives the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 . The medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are identical to those incorporated into the sole structure  14  of the article of footwear  10  described above. Accordingly, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  is disposed closer to the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   a  than the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 10-13 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are shown as being respectively disposed within the medial recess  98  and the lateral recess  100  and are exposed at the sidewall  102 . Further, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are shown as protruding from the substantially continuous surface  96  of the midsole  36   a.  As such, when the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are respectively received within the medial recess  98  and the lateral recess  100  of the midsole  36   a,  and the outsole  38   a  is attached to the substantially continuous surface  96 , a pair of bulges  104  are visible at the outsole  38   a  at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The bulges  104  stand proud of a nominal plane defined by the outsole  38   a  at other regions of the outsole  38   a  where the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  are absent. 
     The medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  may include the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  described above with respect to the sole structure  14 . Further, the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  could alternatively include foam blocks  92  in place of any or all of the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 , the sole structure  14   a  may include the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the third fluid-filled chamber  72  along with a pair of foam blocks  92  respectively associated with the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 . Alternatively, the foam blocks  92  could replace the first fluid-filled chamber  68  and the third fluid-filled chamber  72  ( FIG. 12 ), or, alternatively, the foam blocks  92  could replace each of the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  ( FIG. 13 ). Regardless of the particular configuration of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  protrude from the normal plane defined by the outsole  38   a  such that the bulges  104  are formed in the outsole  38   a  at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 . 
     Extending the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  from the substantially continuous surface  96  of the midsole  36   a  and, thus, forming the bulges  104  in the outsole  38   a  at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  allows the sole structure  14   a  to provide a degree of cushioning and protection during use of the article of footwear  10   a.  Namely, when the article of footwear  10 a contacts a ground surface during use, the forces associated with contacting the ground surface are absorbed by the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , thereby protecting and supporting a foot of a user. 
     In addition to the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , the midsole  36  provides a degree of protection and cushioning to the user&#39;s foot during use of the article of footwear  10   a  due to the substantially continuous surface  96  of the midsole  36   a  extending from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 . Further, the material of the midsole  36   a  extends between the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 . This portion of the midsole  36   a  disposed between the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  extends to the substantially continuous surface  96  and, thus, during use of the article of footwear  10   a  likewise absorbs impact forces associated with the article of footwear  10   a  contacting a ground surface. 
     The portion of the midsole  36   a  disposed between the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66  likewise serves to maintain a shape of the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  when a force is applied to the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 . For example, when a force is applied to the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74 , the applied force causes the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  to expand in a direction generally perpendicular to the applied force. By providing a material of the midsole  36   a  in an area between the medial cushioning arrangement  64  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , such movement of the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  is restricted and, thus, a desired shape of the fluid-filled chambers  68 ,  70 ,  72 ,  74  is maintained. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 15-22 , an article of footwear  10   b  is provided. 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. 
     The article of footwear  10   b  includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   b  attached to the upper  12 . The sole structure  14   b  includes a plate  42  attached to the upper  12 , an outsole  38   b,  and a cushioning arrangement  40   b  disposed generally between the plate  42  and the outsole  38   b.  The plate  42  extends from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46  and spans the article of footwear  10   b  from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 . The plate  42  is formed from a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17-20 , the plate  42  is attached directly to the upper  12  at a perimeter of the plate  42 . As such, the article of footwear  10   b  is not shown or described as including a strobel. While the article of footwear  10   b  is not shown or described as including a strobel, the article of footwear  10   b  could include a strobel in a similar fashion as the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a  described above. Such a strobel could be disposed between the upper  12  and the plate  42  or, alternatively, the plate  42  could be disposed within the interior void  26  such that the strobel is disposed between the plate  42  and the outsole  38   b.  While the article of footwear  10   b  could be provided with a strobel, the article of footwear  10   b  will be described hereinafter as including a plate  42  that is directly attached to the upper  12 . 
     The outsole  38   b  may be substantially J-shaped, having a medial leg  106  extending along the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   b  and a lateral leg  108  extending along the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   b  ( FIG. 22 ). The outsole  38   b  may additionally include a forefoot portion  110  extending along the anterior end  44  and connecting the medial leg  106  and the lateral leg  108 . 
     The outsole  38   b  may be formed from a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a none-foamed polymer material or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fiber. Regardless of the particular construction of the outsole  38   b,  the outsole  38   b  cooperates with the plate  42  to define a cavity  112  extending between the outsole  38   b  and the plate  42  in which the cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   b  is disposed. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 15-20 , the cavity  112  may include varying heights at different locations along a length of the outsole  38   b.  For example, the cavity  112  may include a first height (H 1 ) at the lateral leg  108  and may include a second height (H 2 ) at the medial leg  106 , whereby the second height (H 2 ) is less than the first height (H 1 ). Additionally, the lateral leg  108  may include a first portion that is disposed a distance away from the plate  42  equal to the second height (H 2 ) and may include a second portion that is disposed a distance away from the plate  42  that is substantially equal to the first height (H 1 ). Because the lateral leg  108  includes a first portion and second portion that are disposed at different distances from the plate  42 , the lateral leg  108  includes a substantially arcuate portion  114  joining the first portion at the second height (H 2 ) and the second portion at the first height (H 1 ). As will be described in greater detail below, the difference in the heights (H 1 , H 2 ) of the medial leg  106  and the lateral leg  108  accommodates the varying thicknesses of the cushioning arrangement  40   b  disposed within the cavity  112  and between the outsole  38   b  and the plate  42 . 
     The outsole  38   b  may be attached to the upper  12  and/or the plate  42  at an anterior end  116 . The cushioning arrangement  40   b  may be located rearward of the anterior end  116  and forward of posterior ends  118  of the U-shaped outsole  38   b.  As best shown in  FIGS. 15, 16, and 21 , the posterior ends  118  of the outsole  38   b  are defined generally by a terminal end of the medial leg  106  and a terminal end of the lateral leg  108  of the outsole  38   b.  As best shown in  FIG. 22 , the posterior ends  118  of the outsole  38   b  are located at a different distance from the anterior end  116  at the medial leg  106  and the lateral leg  108  in a direction extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure  14   b.  As shown, the lateral leg  108  includes a greater length than the medial leg  106  such that the posterior end  118  of the lateral leg  108  is disposed a greater distance from the anterior end  116  than the posterior end  118  of the medial leg  106 . As best shown in  FIGS. 15, 16, and 21 , the outsole  38   b  may include a series of traction elements  120  extending from the outsole  38   b  in an area between the anterior end  116  and the posterior end  118 . The traction elements  120  allow the sole structure  14   b  to better grip a ground surface during use of the article of footwear  10   b.    
     The cushioning arrangement  40   b  is disposed between the outsole  38   b  and the plate  42  and includes a first fluid-filled chamber  122 , a second fluid-filled chamber  124 , a third fluid-filled chamber  126 , and a fourth fluid-filled chamber  128 . The first fluid-filled chamber  122  is disposed between the medial leg  106  and the plate  42 . Similarly, the second fluid-filled chamber  124  is disposed between the second portion of the lateral leg  108  and the plate  42 . The third fluid-filled chamber  126  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  are stacked on top of one another and are disposed between the first portion of the lateral leg  108  and the plate  42 . Specifically, the third fluid-filled chamber  126  includes a first side attached to the plate  42  and a second side that is disposed on an opposite side of the third fluid-filled chamber  126  than the first side and is attached to the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128 . The fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  includes a first side attached to the third fluid-filled chamber  126  and a second side disposed on an opposite of the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  than the first side and is attached to the lateral leg  108 . Accordingly, the third fluid-filled chamber  126  is disposed between the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  and the plate  42  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  is disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber  126  and the lateral leg  108  of the outsole  38   b.    
     While the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124  are described as being individual, fluid-filled chambers, these chambers  122 ,  124  could each be replaced with a stacked pair of individual fluid-filled chambers that are fluidly isolated from one another in a similar fashion as the third fluid-filled chamber  126  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128 . Such a configuration would include fluid-filled chambers each having the same thickness but having a combined thickness that equals the dimension (H 2 ) such that each stacked arrangement of fluid-filled chambers includes a thickness that is substantially equal to the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124 , respectively. 
     With reference to  FIG. 22 , the first fluid-filled chamber  122  is shown as being disposed closer to the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   b  than the second fluid-filled chamber  124 . Likewise, the stacked third fluid-filled chamber  126  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  are shown as being disposed closer to the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   b  than either the first fluid-filled chamber  122  or the second fluid-filled chamber  124 . Finally, the first fluid-filled chamber  122  is shown as overlapping the second fluid-filled chamber  124  such that the first fluid-filled chamber  122  opposes the second fluid-filled chamber  124  in a direction extending between the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   b.    
     Each of the first fluid-filled chamber  122 , the second fluid-filled chamber  124 , the third fluid-filled chamber  126 , and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  may include a tensile element  84  disposed therein as described above with respect to the cushioning arrangement  40  of the article of footwear  10  and the article of footwear  10   a.  Each tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  that extend between a first tensile sheet  88  and a second tensile sheet  90 , as shown in  FIGS. 17-20 . As with the cushioning arrangements  40  of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a,  the first tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  and the second tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78  such that when the fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  are pressurized, the tensile elements  84  respectively associated with the fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  maintain a desired shape of each chamber  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124  may include substantially the same thickness such that the thickness of each chamber  122 ,  124  is substantially equal to the dimension (H 2 ) extending between the medial leg  106  and the plate  42  and the second portion of the lateral leg  108  and the plate  42 . Likewise, the combined height of the stacked third fluid-filled chamber  126  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  may be substantially equal to the dimension (H 1 ) that extends between the first portion of the lateral leg  108  and the plate  42 . 
     The first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124  may include substantially the same pressure. Alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124  may include different pressures. The fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. Regardless of the pressures contained within the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124 , the first fluid-filled chamber  122  may be fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber  124 . Likewise, the third fluid-filled chamber  126  may include the same or different pressure as the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  and may likewise be fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128 . In short, each of the first fluid-filled chamber  122 , the second fluid-filled chamber  124 , the third fluid-filled chamber  126 , and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  may include the same or different pressure and may be fluidly isolated from one another. 
     While the cushioning arrangement  40   b  is described as including a series of fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 , one or more of the chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  may include a foam block  92  in place of the tensile element  84  and pressurized fluid in a similar fashion as described above with respect to the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a.  For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  could be replaced with a foam block  92  disposed within the interior void  80  created by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  could be replaced by a foam block  92  without locating the foam block  92  within an interior void  80  defined by a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . While the fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  128  could be replaced with a foam block  92  without positioning the foam block  92  within an interior void  80  defined by barrier elements  76 ,  78 , the foam blocks  92  are shown in  FIG. 18  as being received within the interior void  80  defined by the barrier elements  76 ,  78 . 
     In addition to the configuration shown in  FIG. 18 , the third fluid-filled chamber  126  could be replaced with a foam block  92  either as a stand-alone foam block  92  or by a foam block disposed within an interior void  80  defined by a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . Such a configuration is shown in  FIG. 19 . Finally, each of the first fluid-filled chamber  122 , the second fluid-filled chamber  124 , the third fluid-filled chamber  126 , and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  128  could be replaced with a foam block  92  either as a stand-alone foam block  92  or a foam block  92  disposed within an interior void  80  defined by a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 21 , the sole structure  14   b  is shown as including an additional cushioning element  130  disposed proximate to the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   b.  The additional cushioning element  130  may be formed from a foam material and may substantially fill the cavity  112  between the outsole  38   b  and the plate  42  in an area of the forefoot region  16 . Namely, the cushioning element  130  may be positioned between the outsole  38   b  and the plate  42  in an area forward of the first fluid-filled chamber  122  and the second fluid-filled chamber  124 . The cushioning element  130  provides an additional degree of cushioning to a foot of a user during use when the sole structure  14  contacts a ground surface. 
     During operation, when the sole structure  14   b  contacts a ground surface at the outsole  38   b,  a force is transmitted to the outsole  38   b.  Because the outsole  38   b  is formed from a relatively rigid material that is supported by the fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  and, in some configurations, by the cushioning element  130  relative to the plate  42 , the applied force at the outsole  38   b  causes the outsole  38   b  to move in a direction toward the plate  42 . In so doing, the fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  and the cushioning element  130  are compressed, thereby attenuating the forces caused by the sole structure  14   b  contacting the ground surface. As such, the forces are absorbed by the fluid-filled chambers  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  and, if present, additionally by the cushioning element  130 . As such, the cushioning arrangement  40   b  serves to provide the user with a degree of comfort and protection during use of the article of footwear  10   b.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 23-25 , an article of footwear  10   c  is provided. 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. 
     The article of footwear  10   c  is shown as including an upper  12   c  defining an interior void  26   c  that is accessible via an ankle opening  28   c.  Additionally, the upper  12   c  is shown as including a series of fasteners  30   c  such as lacing that may be attached to the upper  12   c  via a series of apertures or eyelets  32  in a similar fashion as described above with respect to the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a,    10   b.    
     The upper  12   c  is attached to a sole structure  14   c  having a midsole  36   c,  an outsole  38   c,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   c.  As shown in  FIG. 23 , the midsole  36   c  extends generally between an anterior end  44   c  and a posterior end  46   c  located on opposite ends of the sole structure  14   c.    
     The midsole  36   c  may include a pair of recesses  132  that respectively receive portions of the cushioning arrangement  40   c.  For example, the cushioning arrangement  40   c  may include a forward cushion or cushioning arrangement  134  and a rearward cushion or cushioning arrangement  136 . The forward cushioning arrangement  134  is disposed closer to the anterior end  44   c  of the sole structure  14   c  than the rearward cushioning arrangement  136  while the rearward cushioning arrangement  136  is disposed closer to the posterior end  46   c  than the forward cushioning arrangement  134 . 
     The forward cushioning arrangement  134  and the rearward cushioning arrangement  136  may each include a pair of stacked, fluid-filled chambers in a similar fashion as the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a,    10   b.  Namely, the forward cushioning arrangement  134  may include a first fluid-filled chamber  138  and a second fluid-filled chamber  140 . Likewise, the rearward cushioning arrangement  136  may include a third fluid-filled chamber  142  and a fourth fluid-filled chamber  144 . Each of the fluid-filled chambers  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  may include a tensile element  84  disposed within an interior void  80  defined by a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first fluid-filled chamber  138  may include the same or different pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  140 . Similarly, the third fluid-filled chamber  142  may include the same or different pressure as the fourth fluid-filled chamber  144 . The fluid-filled chambers  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. Regardless of the pressures of the fluid-filled chambers  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 , the fluid-filled chambers  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144  may be fluidly isolated from one another and may include a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , the first fluid-filled chamber  138  may be disposed closer to the upper  12   c  than the second fluid-filled chamber  140  such that the second fluid-filled chamber  140  is disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber  138  and the outsole  38   c.  Similarly, the third fluid-filled chamber  142  may be disposed closer to the upper  12   c  than the fourth fluid-filled chamber  144  such that the fourth fluid-filled chamber  144  is disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber  142  and the outsole  38   c.    
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the forward cushioning arrangement  134  and the rearward cushioning arrangement  136  may impart a pair of bulges  104   c  at the outsole  38   c.  Namely, the outsole  38   c  may include bulges  104   c  in the areas of the forward cushioning arrangement  134  and the rearward cushioning arrangement  136 , whereby the bulges  104   c  stand proud of a nominal plane defined by the outsole  38   c.  As such, when the article of footwear  10   c  is in use, the bulges  104   c  may contact a ground surface before other portions of the outsole  38   c,  thereby allowing the forward cushioning arrangement  134  and the rearward cushioning arrangement  136  to absorb forces caused by contact with the outsole  38   c  and the ground surface. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 26-29 , an article of footwear  10   d  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   d  attached to the upper  12 . 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. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 26-29 , the sole structure  14   d  is shown to include a midsole  36   d,  an outsole  38   d,  a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   d  disposed between the midsole  36   d  and the outsole  38   d,  and a plate  42   d.  The plate  42   d  is formed from a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , the midsole  36   d  extends generally between an anterior end  44  and a posterior end  46  located on opposite ends of the sole structure  14   d.  The midsole  36   d  may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. In one configuration, the midsole  36   d  opposes the strobel  48  of the upper  12 . The midsole  36   d  may extend at least partially onto an upper surface  50  of the upper  12  such that the midsole  36   d  covers a junction of the upper  12  and the strobel  48 . 
     The midsole  36   d  includes an upper portion  146  and a lower portion  148  defining a channel  150  therebetween. As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 29 , the lower portion  148  includes a first segment  152  extending from the forefoot region  16  in a direction toward the heel region  20  and a second segment  154  extending from the heel region  20  in a direction toward the forefoot region  16 . The first segment  152  is spaced apart from the second segment  154  to define a gap  156  therebetween. As will be described in greater detail below, the plate  42   d  may be visible at the gap  156  once assembled into the midsole  36   d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 26 , the plate  42   d  is embedded within a material of the midsole  36   d  such that the upper portion  146  of the midsole  36   d  extends between the plate  42   d  and the upper  12 , and the lower portion  148  of the midsole  36   d  extends between the plate  42   d  and the outsole  38   d.  As shown, a ground-facing surface  158  of the plate  42   d  may be visible at the gap  156  defined between the first segment  152  and the second segment  154 . Further, an outer perimeter edge  160  of the plate  42   d  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   d  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   d.    
     The plate  42   d  may be a so-called “partial-length plate” that extends from an intermediate portion of the forefoot region  16  to an intermediate portion of the heel region  20 . Accordingly, the plate  42   d  may extend from the forefoot region  16  of the article of footwear  10   d  to the mid-foot region  18  without extending fully through the mid-foot region  18  and into the heel region  20 . While the plate  42   d  may be a partial-length plate that extends from the intermediate portion of the forefoot region  16  to the intermediate portion of the heel region  20 , the plate  42   d  could alternatively be a full-length plate, as described above with respect to the article of footwear  10 . 
     Regardless of the particular size and configuration of the plate  42   d,  the plate  42   d  may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the plate  42   d  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 26-29 , the cushioning arrangement  40   d  is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   d  and a lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   d.  The medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  is disposed proximate to the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   d  while the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 28 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  includes a first fluid-filled chamber  162  disposed generally between the plate  42   d  and the outsole  38   d.  Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber  162  is attached to the plate  42   d  proximate to an exposed surface  158  of the plate  42   d  at a first side and is attached to the outsole  38   d  at a second side. 
     The first fluid-filled chamber  162  may be attached to the plate  42   d  and to the outsole  38   d,  respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  162  may be attached to the outsole  38   d  by melding a material of the first fluid-filled chamber  162  and a material of the outsole  38   d  at a junction of the first fluid-filled chamber  162  and the outsole  38   d.    
     The first fluid-filled chamber  162  may include a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element  76  may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element  78  may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in  FIG. 28  to define an interior void  80 . The first barrier element  76  may be joined to the second barrier element  78  by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  to define a peripheral seam  82 . The peripheral seam  82  seals the interior void  80 , thereby defining a volume of the first fluid-filled chamber  162 . 
     The interior void  80  of the first fluid-filled chamber  162  may receive a tensile element  84  therein. The tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  extending between an upper tensile sheet  88  and a lower tensile sheet  90 . The upper tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  while the lower tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78 . In this manner, when the first fluid-filled chamber  162  receives a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  86  of the tensile element  84  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  88  is attached to the first barrier element  76  and the lower tensile sheet  90  is attached to the second barrier element  78 , the tensile strands  86  retain a desired shape of the first fluid-filled chamber  162  when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void  80 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 26 , the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  likewise includes a second fluid-filled chamber  164 . As with the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d,  the second fluid-filled chamber  164  is disposed between the plate  42   d  and the outsole  38   d.  The second fluid-filled chamber  164  may be identical to the first fluid-filled chamber  162 . Accordingly, the second fluid-filled chamber  164  may include a first barrier element  76 , a second barrier element  78 , an interior void  80 , a peripheral seam  82 , and a tensile element  84  disposed within the interior void  80 . 
     In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber  162 ) is fluidly isolated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  (i.e., the second fluid-filled chamber  164 ). As such, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  is spaced apart and separated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  by a distance  166  ( FIG. 29 ). While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  is described and shown as being spaced apart from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d,  the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  could alternatively be in contact with one another while still being fluidly isolated. 
     While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  are described and shown as including fluid-filled chambers  162 ,  164 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and/or the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  could alternatively include alternative or additional cushioning elements. For example, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and/or the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  may each include a foam block (not shown) that replaces one or both of the fluid-filled chambers  162 ,  164 . The foam block(s) may be received within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Positioning the foam block(s) within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  allows the barrier elements  76 ,  78  to restrict expansion of the foam block(s) beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks may be controlled by allowing the foam block(s) to interact with the barrier elements  76 ,  78  during loading. 
     Regardless of the particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  may be aligned with the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure  14   d,  as shown in  FIG. 29 . Additionally or alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  may be aligned with the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  in a direction extending from the medial side  22  to the lateral side  24  such that both cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  are approximately equally spaced from the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   d  and/or from the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   d,  as shown in  FIG. 29 . Alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  may be offset from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  in the direction extending along the longitudinal axis (L). Namely, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  may be disposed closer to or farther from the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   d  than the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d,  similar to the example shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  may include substantially oval shapes. As such, the surrounding segments  152 ,  154  of the midsole  36   d  may include a complimentary shape such that the material of the midsole  36   d  is substantially evenly spaced from an outer perimeter of each cushioning arrangement  64   d,    66   d.  As such, the portion  152 ,  154  of the midsole  36   d  that opposes the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  may include an arcuate surface  168  that mimics an outer perimeter shape of the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d.  While the surfaces  168  are described as mimicking a shape of the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  such that the surfaces  168  are substantially evenly spaced apart from the outer perimeter of the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  along their length, the surfaces  168  could include different shapes, thereby varying a distance between one or more of the surfaces  168  and the outer perimeter of the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d.    
     Regardless of whether the surfaces  168  are evenly spaced from the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d,  providing a gap between the surfaces  168  of the midsole  36   d  and the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  allows the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  to outwardly expand when subjected to a load. Namely, the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  are permitted to extend into the gap disposed between the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  and the surfaces  168  when the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  are subjected to a load. The width of this gap may be designed to control the degree to which the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  are permitted to expand when subjected to a load. For example, the larger the gap, the more the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  must expand before contacting the surfaces  168 —if at all. Conversely, if the surfaces  168  are disposed in close proximity to the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d,  minimal expansion of the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d,  will be permitted before the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  contact the surfaces  168  of the midsole  36   d,  thereby allowing the midsole  36   d  to restrain the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d  from expanding beyond a predetermined amount. 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  each provide a cushioning element disposed at discrete locations on the sole structure  14   d.  In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  each provide a fluid-filled chamber (i.e. elements  162 ,  164 ) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , respectively. The individual, discrete fluid-filled chambers  162 ,  164  may include the same volume and, further, may be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the pressures of the various fluid-filled chambers  162 ,  164  may vary between the cushioning arrangements  64   d,    66   d.  For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  162  may include the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  164  or, alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  162  may include a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  164 . The fluid-filled chambers  162 ,  164  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi 
     As shown in  FIG. 26 , the outsole  38   d  is joined to the midsole  36   d  and the cushioning arrangement  40   d.  More specifically, the outsole  38   d  is fragmentary, whereby portions of the outsole  38   d  are separately formed from each other, and are joined to each of the midsole  36   d,  the first fluid-filled chamber  162 , and the second fluid-filled chamber  164 . 
     The outsole  38   d  may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber that provides the article of footwear  10   d  with a ground-engaging surface  54  that provides traction and durability. As described above, the ground-engaging surface  54  may include traction elements  55  to enhance engagement of the sole structure  14   d  with a ground surface. 
     During operation, when the sole structure  14   d  contacts the ground, a force is transmitted to the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d.  Namely, the force is transmitted to the first fluid-filled chamber  162  and the second fluid-filled chamber  164 . The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  162 ,  164  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   d  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole plate  42   d  and the midsole  36   d,  but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the plate  42   d  is formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   d,  the forces exerted on the plate  42   d  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  are dissipated over a length of the plate  42   d  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   d  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   d  are dissipated along a length of the plate  42   d  due to the rigidity of the plate  42   d  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 30-33 , an article of footwear  10   e  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   e  attached to the upper  12 . 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  14   e  is attached to the upper  12  and provides the article of footwear  10   e  with support and cushioning during use. Namely, the sole structure  14   e  attenuates ground-reaction forces caused by the article of footwear  10   e  striking the ground during use. Accordingly, and as set forth below, the sole structure  14   e  may incorporate one or more materials having energy absorbing characteristics to allow the sole structure  14   e  to reduce the impact experienced by a user when wearing the article of footwear  10   e.    
     The sole structure  14   e  may include a midsole  36   e,  an outsole  38   e,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   e  disposed generally between the midsole  36   e  and the outsole  38   e.  In addition, the sole structure  14   e  may include a first plate  170  and a second plate  172  that extend from the forefoot region  16  of the article of footwear  10   e  towards the posterior end  46 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , the first plate  170  is disposed intermediate the midsole  36   e  and the cushioning arrangement  40   e,  while the second plate  172  is disposed within the midsole  36   e  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   e  into an upper portion and a lower portion. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 31 , the midsole  36   e  may include a continuously formed upper portion  146   e  and a segmented lower portion  148   e.  The upper portion  146   e  is shown as extending from the anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10   e  to the posterior end  46 . In one configuration, the upper portion  146   e  opposes the strobel  48  of the upper  12  and joins the sole structure  14   e  to the upper  12 . The upper portion  146   e  of the midsole  36   e  may extend at least partially onto an upper surface  50  of the upper  12  ( FIG. 32 ) such that the midsole  36   e  covers a junction of the upper  12  and the strobel  48 . 
     The lower portion  148   e  of the midsole  36   e  may include a first segment  152   e  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   e  and a second segment  154   e  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   e.  A heel-facing sidewall  174  of the first segment  152   e  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176  of the second segment  154   e  to define a gap  156   e  between the first segment  152   e  and the second segment  154   e.  The forefoot-facing sidewall  176  of the second segment  154   e  may be tapered, as shown in  FIG. 31 . The forefoot-facing sidewall  176  may include a top surface  178  and a bottom surface  180  that converge with each other in a direction from the heel region  20  to the forefoot region  16 . Furthermore, the top surface  178  of the forefoot-facing sidewall  176  may diverge from the upper portion  146   e,  thereby forming a space (not labeled) therebetween. 
     The midsole  36   e  may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. Forming the midsole  36   e  from an energy-absorbing material such as polymer foam allows the midsole  36   e  to attenuate ground-reaction forces caused by movement of the article of footwear  10   e  over ground during use. 
     The first plate  170  may be disposed within the midsole  36   e  such that the upper portion  146   e  of the midsole  36   e  extends between the first plate  170  and the upper  12 . As shown, the first plate  170  may be disposed intermediate the upper portion  146   e  and the lower portion  148   e.  More particularly, a first end of the first plate  170  is embedded within the midsole  36   e  between the upper portion  146   e  and the first segment  152   e,  and a second end of the first plate  170  is embedded within the midsole  36   e  between the upper portion  146   e  and the second segment  154   e.  An intermediate portion of the first plate  170  is disposed between the upper portion  146   e  and the cushioning arrangement  40   e,  whereby a ground-facing surface  158   e  of the first plate  170  is exposed within the gap  156   e  formed intermediate the first segment  152   e  and the second segment  154   e.    
     The first plate  170  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   e  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   e.  Alternatively, the first plate  170  may be encapsulated within the upper portion  146   e  of the midsole  36   e.  In some examples, the first plate  170  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   e,  whereby the first plate  170  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . 
     As shown, the second plate  172  is spaced apart from the first plate  170 , and is disposed generally between the first plate  170  and the outsole  38   e.  A first end  182  of the second plate  172  is joined to the first segment  152   e  of the lower portion  148   e  of the midsole  36   e,  while an opposing second end  184  is joined to the second segment  154   e  of the lower portion  148   e  of the midsole  36   e.  In the illustrated example, the first end  182  of the second plate  172  is embedded within the first segment  152   e,  and the second end  184  is bonded to the top surface  178  of the forefoot-facing sidewall  176  of the second segment  154   e.  Alternatively, the second end  184  of the second plate  172  may be embedded within the second segment  154   e,  or may be joined to the bottom surface  180  of the forefoot-facing sidewall  176 . An intermediate portion  186  of the second plate  172  spans the gap  156   e  formed between the first segment  152   e  and the second segment  154   e,  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   e  into an upper portion and a lower portion, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Either one or both of the plates  170 ,  172  may be so-called “partial-length” plates that extend along only a portion of the sole structure  14   e.  Accordingly, one or both of the plates  170 ,  172  could extend from an intermediate portion of the forefoot region  16  to an intermediate portion of the heel region  20 . While the plates  170 ,  172  may be partial-length plates, the first plate  170  and/or the second plate  172  could alternatively be full-length plates, as described above, which extend from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   e.    
     Regardless of the particular size and location of the first plate  170  and the second plate  172 , the first plate  170  and/or the second plate  172  may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the first plate  170  and/or the second plate  172  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. Forming the first plate  170  and the second plate  172  from a relatively rigid material allows the first plate  170  and the second plate  172  to distribute forces associated with use of the article footwear  10   e  when the article of footwear  10   e  strikes a ground surface, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 30-33 , the cushioning arrangement  40   e  is disposed within the gap  156   e  of the midsole  36   e,  and is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   e  and a lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   e.  The medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  is disposed proximate to the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   e  while the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   e.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  includes a first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and a second fluid-filled chamber  190   e.  Similarly, the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  includes a third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  and a fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e.  The first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  are disposed generally between the first plate  170  and the second plate  172 , while the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e  are disposed between second plate  172  and the outsole  38   e.  Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  are attached to the first plate  170  at respective first sides, and are attached to the second plate  172  at respective second sides. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e  are attached to the second plate  172  at respective first sides, and are attached to the outsole  38   e  at respective second sides. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 30 and 32 , the intermediate portion  186  of the second plate  172  extends through the cushioning arrangement  40   e.  More specifically, the intermediate portion  186  of the second plate  172  is disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e,  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e.  In other words, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  are disposed above the second plate  172  (i.e., between the second plate  172  and the upper  12 ), while the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e  are disposed between the second plate  172  and the outsole  38   e.    
     The fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  may be attached to the outsole  38   e,  the first plate  170 , and/or the second plate  172 , respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  may be joined to any one or more of the outsole  38   e,  the first plate  170 , and the second plate  172  by melding a material of at least one of the fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e,  the outsole  38   e,  the first plate  170 , and the second plate  172 . 
     The fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  may each include a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element  76  may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element  78  may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in  FIG. 3  to define an interior void  80 . The first barrier element  76  may be joined to the second barrier element  78  by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  to define a peripheral seam  82 . The peripheral seam  82  seals the internal interior void  80 , thereby defining a volume of the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e.    
     The interior void  80  of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may receive a tensile element  84  therein. Each tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  extending between an upper tensile sheet  88  and a lower tensile sheet  90 . The upper tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  while the lower tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78 . In this manner, when the fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  receive a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  86  of the tensile elements  84  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  88  is attached to the first barrier element  76  and the lower tensile sheet  90  is attached to the second barrier element  78 , the tensile strands  86  retain a desired shape of each of the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e,  the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e,  the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e,  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e,  respectively, when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void  80 . 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  that are received generally between the upper  12  and the outsole  38   e.  In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  are fluidly respectively isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e  by the second plate  172 . 
     In some configurations, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e ) is fluidly isolated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  (i.e., the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e ). While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  is described and shown as being spaced apart from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e,  the cushioning arrangements  64   e,    66   e  could alternatively be in contact with one another while still being fluidly isolated. 
     While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  are described and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  could alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  may each include a foam block (see e.g.,  92  in  FIGS. 4-6 ) that replaces any one or more of the fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e.  The foam blocks may be received within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Positioning the foam blocks within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  allows the barrier elements  76 ,  78  to restrict expansion of the foam blocks beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks may be controlled by allowing the foam blocks to interact with the barrier elements  76 ,  78  during loading. While the foam blocks are described as being received within the interior void  80  of the barrier elements  76 ,  78 , the foam blocks could alternatively be positioned within the cushioning arrangement  40   e  absent the barrier elements  76 ,  78 . In such a configuration, the foam blocks would be directly attached to any one or more of the outsole  38   e,  the first plate  170 , the second plate  172 , and/or one of the fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e,  respectively. The particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  (i.e., use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be dictated by the amount of cushioning required at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 . 
     Regardless of the particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e,  the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  may be substantially aligned with each other along a direction extending between the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   e.  Alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  may be offset from each other. 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on the sole structure  14   e.  In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  each provide a pair of stacked, fluid-filled chambers (i.e. elements  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e ) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , respectively. The individual fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  may include the same volume and, further, may be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the volumes and the pressures of the various fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  may vary between the cushioning arrangements  64   e,    66   e  and/or within each cushioning arrangement  64   e,    66   e ). For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  may include the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  or, alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  may include a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e.  Likewise, the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  may include the same or different pressure than the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e,  and may include a different pressure than the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and/or the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e.  The fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. 
     As shown in  FIG. 30 , the outsole  38   e  is joined to the midsole  36   e  and the cushioning arrangement  40   e.  More specifically, the outsole  38   e  is fragmentary, whereby a first portion of the outsole  38   e  is joined to the first segment  152   e  of the midsole  36   e  and the cushioning arrangement  40   e,  and a separately formed second portion of the outsole  38   e  is joined to the second segment  154   e  of the midsole  36   j.  Alternatively, the outsole  38   e  may be continuously formed, and extend from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46 . 
     The outsole  38   e  may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber that provides the article of footwear  10   e  with a ground-engaging surface  54  that provides traction and durability. As described above, the ground-engaging surface  54  may include traction elements  120  to enhance engagement of the sole structure  14   e  with a ground surface. 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a force is transmitted via the outsole  38   e  to the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e.  Namely, the force is transmitted to the second plate  172  through the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e,  through the second plate  172  to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e,  and to the first plate  170  through the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e.  The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   e,    190   e,    192   e,    194   e  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   e  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole  36   e  via the first plate  170  and the second plate  172 , but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the first plate  170  and the second plate  172  are described as being formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   e,  the forces exerted on the first plate  170  and the second plate  172  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  are dissipated over a length of the midsole  36   e  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  170  and the second plate  172  due to the rigidity of the plates  170 ,  172  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . Furthermore, by extending the second plate  172  between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   e  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   e  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   e  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   e  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   e  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   e,  additional stability is provided to the cushioning arrangement  40   e  by distributing the applied force between the cushioning arrangements  64   e,    66   e,  the first segment  152   e,  and the second segment  154   e.    
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 34-37 , an article of footwear  10   f  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   f  attached to the upper  12 . 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. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 34-37 , the sole structure  14   f  is shown to include a midsole  36   f,  an outsole  38   f,  a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   f  disposed between the midsole  36   f  and the outsole  38   f  In addition, the sole structure  14   f  may include a first plate  196  and a second plate  198  that extend from the forefoot region  16  of the article of footwear  10   f  towards the posterior end  46 . As shown in FIG,  34 , the first plate  196  is disposed intermediate the midsole  36   f  and the cushioning arrangement  40   f,  while the second plate  198  is disposed within the midsole  36   f  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   f  into an upper portion and a lower portion. 
     The midsole  36   f  may be formed in a similar manner to the midsole  36   e  associated with the article of footwear  10   e  above, in that the midsole  36   f  includes a continuously formed upper portion  146   f  and a segmented lower portion  148   f  However, the segmented lower portion  148   f  of the midsole  36   f  of  FIGS. 34-37  may include a different configuration. As shown in  FIG. 34 , the lower portion  148   f  of the midsole  36   f  includes a first segment  152   f  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   f,  and a second segment  154   f  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   f.  A heel-facing sidewall  174   f  of the first segment  152   f  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176   f  of the second segment  154   f  to define a gap  156   f  between the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f,  in which the cushioning arrangement  40   f  may be received. Further, the sidewalls  174   f,    176   f  may be adjacent to and evenly spaced from the cushioning arrangement  40   f.  At least one of the sidewalls  174   f,    176   f  may include a complimentary shape to an outer perimeter of the cushioning arrangement  40   f  ( FIG. 37 ). 
     While the midsole  36   f  is shown and described as having the upper portion  146   f  integrally formed with the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f,  one or both of the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f  could be formed separately from the upper portion  146   f.  For example, the upper portion  146   f  could be separate and distinct from both of the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f  such that the upper portion  146   f  is spaced apart and separated from the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f  by the second plate  198 . In this configuration, the upper portion  146   f  would be disposed on an opposite side of the second plate  198  than both of the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f  and wouldn&#39;t be in contact with either segment  152   f,    154   f.    
     As with the midsole  36  described above with respect to the article of footwear  10 , the midsole  36   f  may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. 
     The first plate  196  is disposed between the upper portion  146   f  and each of the lower portion  148   f  and the cushioning arrangement  40   f.  More specifically, a first end of the first plate  196  is disposed between the upper portion  146   f  and the first segment  152   f,  and an opposing second end of the first plate  196  is disposed between the upper portion  146   f  and the second segment  154   f.  An intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion  146   f  and the cushioning arrangement  40   f,  whereby a ground-facing surface  158   f  of the first plate  196  is exposed within the gap  156   f  formed intermediate the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f.    
     The first plate  196  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   f  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   f.  While the first plate  196  is described and shown as being embedded within the material of the midsole  36   f,  the first plate  196  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   f,  whereby the first plate  196  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . The first plate  196  may be a partial-length plate or a full-length plate, as discussed above with respect to the article of footwear  10 . 
     As shown, the second plate  198  is spaced apart from the first plate  196 , and is disposed between the first plate  196  and the outsole  38   f.  The second plate  198  is joined to each of the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f,  and extends through the cushioning arrangement  40   f.  More specifically, a first end  200  of the second plate  198  is embedded within the first segment  152   f  and an opposing second end  202  is embedded within the second segment  154   f.  Accordingly, an intermediate portion  204  of the second plate  198  spans the gap  156   f  formed between the first segment  152   f  and the second segment  154   f,  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   f  into an upper portion and a lower portion, as discussed further below. 
     An anterior-most point of the first end  200  of the second plate  198  is disposed in the forefoot region  16  of the sole structure  14   f,  while a posterior-most point of the second end  202  is disposed closer to the heel region  20  of the sole structure  14   f  than the anterior-most point. The intermediate portion  204  comprises a concave portion  205  extending between the anterior-most point and the posterior-most point. The concave portion  205  includes a constant radius of curvature from the anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal (MTP) point of the sole structure  14   f  that opposes an MTP joint of a foot during use. One example of the second plate  198  is provided in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/248,051 and U.S. application Ser. No. 15/248,059, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     The first plate  196  and the second plate  198  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. Forming the first plate  196  and the second plate  198  from a relatively rigid material allows the first plate  196  to distribute forces associated with use of the article footwear  10   f  when the article of footwear  10   f  strikes a ground surface, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 34-37 , the cushioning arrangement  40   f  of the article of footwear  10   f  is the same as the cushioning arrangement  40   f  described above with respect to the article of footwear  10   e.  Accordingly, the cushioning arrangement  40   f  may include the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f  comprising the first fluid-filled chamber  188   f  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   f  in a stacked arrangement, and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f  comprising the third fluid-filled chamber  192   f  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  192   f  in a stacked arrangement. 
     As introduced above, the intermediate portion  204  of the second plate  198  extends through and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   f,  similar to the intermediate portion  186  of the second plate  172  discussed above with respect to the article of footwear  10   e.    
     As shown in  FIG. 34 , the outsole  38   f  is joined to the midsole  36   f  and the cushioning arrangement  40   f.  More specifically, the outsole  38   f  is fragmentary, whereby portions of the outsole  38   f  are separately formed from each other, and are joined to each of the first segment  152   f,  the second segment  154   f,  the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f,  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f.    
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a force is transmitted via the outsole  38   f  to the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f.  Namely, the force is transmitted to the second plate  198  through the second fluid-filled chamber  190   f  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   f,  through the second plate  198  to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   f  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   f,  and to the first plate  196  through the first fluid-filled chamber  188   f  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   f.  The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   f,    190   f,    192   f,    194   f  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   f  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole  36   f  via the first plate  196  and the second plate  196 , but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the first plate  196  and the second plate  198  are described as being formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   f,  the forces exerted on the first plate  196  and the second plate  198  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f  are dissipated over a length of the midsole  36   f  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  196  and the second plate  198  due to the rigidity of the plates  196 ,  198  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . Furthermore, by extending the second plate  196  between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   f  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   f  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   f  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   f  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   f  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   f,  additional stability is provided to the cushioning arrangement  40   f  by distributing the applied force between the cushioning arrangements  64   f,    66   f,  the first segment  152   f,  and the second segment  154   f.    
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 38-41 , an article of footwear  10   g  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   g  attached to the upper  12 . 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. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 38-41 , the sole structure  14   g  is shown to include a midsole  36   g,  an outsole  38   g,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   g  disposed between the midsole  36   g  and the outsole  38   g,  a first plate  206  disposed between the midsole  36   g  and the cushioning arrangement  40   g,  and a second plate  208  disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   g  and the outsole  38   g.    
     The midsole  36   g  may be formed in a similar manner to the midsole  36   e  associated with the article of footwear  10   e  above, in that the midsole  36   g  includes a continuously formed upper portion  146   g  and a segmented lower portion  148   g.  The lower portion  148   g  of the midsole  36   g  may include a first segment  152   g  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   g,  and a second segment  154   g  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   g.  A heel-facing sidewall  174   g  of the first segment  152   g  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176   g  of the second segment  154   g  to define a gap  156   g  between the first segment  152   g  and the second segment  154   g.  A thickness of the second segment  154   g  may be tapered, whereby the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   g  converges with the upper portion  146   g  in a direction from the heel region  20  to the forefoot region  16 . 
     The first plate  206  is disposed between the upper portion  146   g  and each of the lower portion  148   g  and the cushioning arrangement  40   g.  More specifically, a first end of the first plate  206  is disposed between the upper portion  146   g  and the first segment  152   g,  an opposing second end of the first plate  206  is disposed between the upper portion  146   g  and the second segment  154   g,  and an intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion  146   g  and the cushioning arrangement  40   g,  whereby a ground-facing surface  158   g  of the first plate  206  is exposed within the gap  156   g  formed intermediate the first segment  152   g  and the second segment  154   g.  Alternatively, the first plate  206  could be at least partially encapsulated within the upper portion  146   g  of the midsole  36   g.  Further, the first plate  206  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   g  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   g.  While the first plate  206  is described and shown as being partially embedded within the material of the midsole  36   g,  the first plate  206  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   g,  whereby the first plate  206  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . The first plate  206  may be a partial-length plate or a full-length plate, as discussed above with respect to the article of footwear  10 . 
     The second plate  208  is spaced apart from the first plate  206  and extends from the first segment  152   g  to the second segment  154   g.  Particularly, the second plate  208  includes a first end  210  joined to the anterior end  44  of the midsole  36   g,  and an opposing second end  212  joined to the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   g  of the second segment  154   g.  The second end  212  may be embedded within the second segment  154   g.  An intermediate portion  214  of the second plate  208  spans the gap  156   g  formed between the first segment  152   g  and the second segment  154   g,  and is disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   g  and the outsole  38   g.  Further, the intermediate portion  214  of the second plate  208  is curved upward and, more specifically, a ground-facing surface of the intermediate portion  214  is convex. Accordingly, the intermediate portion  214  of the second plate  208  is disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   g  and the ground when the article of footwear  10   g  is used, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 38-41 , the cushioning arrangement  40   g  of the article of footwear  10   g  is the same as the cushioning arrangement  40   e  described above with respect to the article of footwear  10   e.  Accordingly, the cushioning arrangement  40   g  may include the medial cushioning arrangement  64   g  comprising the first fluid-filled chamber  188   g  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   g  in a stacked arrangement, and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   g  comprising the third fluid-filled chamber  192   g  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   g  in a stacked arrangement. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 38-41 , the cushioning arrangement  40   g  is disposed between the first plate  206  and the second plate  208 . The first fluid-filled chamber  188   g  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   g  are attached to the first plate  206  at respective first sides, and are attached to the second fluid-filled chamber  190   g  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   g,  respectively, at respective second sides. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber  190   g  and the fourth fluid-filled-chamber  194   g  are attached to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   g  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   g,  respectively, at respective first sides, and to the second plate  208  at respective second sides. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the outsole  38   g  is joined to the second segment  154   g  of the midsole  36   g  and the second plate  208 . More specifically, the outsole  38   g  is fragmentary, whereby portions of the outsole  38   g  are separately formed from each other, and are joined to each of the second segment  154   g  and the second plate  208 . 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a first bending force is transmitted via the outsole  38   g  to the second plate  208 . With the first end  210  and the second end  212  of the second plate  208  fixed to the first segment  152   g  and the second segment  154   g  of the midsole  36   g,  respectively, the first bending force is partially axially transmitted along a length of the second plate  208  to each of the first segment  152   g  and the second segment  154   g.  The first bending force is further transferred to the medial cushioning arrangement  64   g  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   g  as a compressive force which, in turn, transfer the compressive force to the first plate  196  as a second bending force. The compressive force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   g,    190   g,    192   g,    194   g  to compress, thereby absorbing the first bending force associated with the outsole  38   g  contacting the ground. The compressive force is then transmitted from the cushioning arrangement  40   g  to the first plate  206 . Accordingly, the first bending force is transmitted to the midsole  36   g  by the first plate  206 , the second plate  208 , and the cushioning arrangement  40   g,  but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the first plate  206  and the second plate  208  are described as being formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   g  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   g  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   g,  the forces exerted on the first plate  206  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   g  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   g  are dissipated over a length of the midsole  36   g  such that the compressive force is not applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   g  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   g  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  206  and the second plate  208  due to the rigidity of the plates  206 ,  208  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 42-45 , an article of footwear  10   h  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   h  attached to the upper  12 . 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. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 42-45 , the sole structure  14   h  is shown to include a midsole  36   h,  an outsole  38   h,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   h  disposed between the midsole  36   h  and the outsole  38   h,  a first plate  206  disposed between the midsole  36   h  and the cushioning arrangement  40   h,  and a second plate  216  disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   h  and the outsole  38   h.    
     The midsole  36   h,  the outsole  38   h,  the cushioning arrangement  40   h,  and the first plate  206  are constructed and arranged similar to the respective midsole  36   g,  outsole  38   g,  cushioning arrangement  40   g,  and first plate  206  of the article of footwear  10   g  described above. 
     The second plate  216  is spaced apart from the first plate  206  and extends from the first segment  152   h  to the second segment  154   h.  Particularly, the second plate  216  includes a first end  218  joined to the anterior end  44  of the midsole  36   h,  and an opposing second end  220  joined to the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   h  of the second segment  154   h.  The second end  220  may be embedded within the second segment  154   h.  An intermediate portion  222  of the second plate  216  spans the gap  156   h  formed between the first segment  152   h  and the second segment  154   h,  and is disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   h  and the outsole  38   h.  Accordingly, the intermediate portion  222  of the second plate  216  is disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   h  and the ground when the article of footwear  10   h  is used, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     The intermediate portion  222  of the second plate  216  is curved upward and, more specifically, a ground-facing surface of the intermediate portion  222  is convex. Further, the intermediate portion  222  includes a damper  224  integrally formed therein. As shown, the damper  224  is formed in the intermediate portion  222  between the cushioning arrangement  40   h  and the second segment  154   h.  The damper  224  is configured to minimize a transfer of torsional forces from the intermediate portion  222  to the second segment  154   h,  while facilitating the transfer of axial forces from the intermediate portion  222  to the second segment  154   h.  In some examples, the damper  224  is defined by a plurality of sidewalls arranged as integrally-formed, staggered shapes such as, for example, rectangles. In some examples, the damper  224  may have a honeycomb pattern, a wave shape, or other shapes configured to minimize the transfer of torsional force. 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a first bending force is transmitted via the outsole  38   h  to the second plate  216 . With the first end  218  and the second end  220  of the second plate  216  fixed to the first segment  152   h  and the second segment  154   h  of the midsole  36   h,  respectively, the first bending force is partially distributed through the second plate  216  to each of the first segment  152   h  and the second segment  154   h  as an axial force. As provided above, the damper  224  of the second plate  216  minimizes the transfer of torsional forces to the second segment  154   h,  while facilitating the transfer of the axial force. The first bending force is further transferred to the medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   h  and the lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   h  as a compressive force which, in turn, transfer the compressive force to the first plate  196  as a second bending force. The compressive force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   h,    190   h,    192   h,    194   h  to compress, thereby absorbing the first bending force associated with the outsole  38   h  contacting the ground. The compressive force is then transmitted from the cushioning arrangement  40   h  to the first plate  206 . Accordingly, the first bending force is transmitted to the midsole  36   h  by the first plate  206 , the second plate  216 , and the cushioning arrangement  40   h,  but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the first plate  206  and the second plate  216  are described as being formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   h  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   h  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   h,  the forces exerted on the first plate  206  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   h  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   h  are dissipated over a length of the midsole  36   h  such that the compressive force is not applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   h  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   h  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  206  and the second plate  216  due to the rigidity of the plates  206 ,  208  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 46-49 , an article of footwear  10   i  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   i  attached to the upper  12 . 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   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. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 46-49 , the sole structure  14   i  is shown to include a midsole  36   i,  an outsole  38   i,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   i  disposed between the midsole  36   i  and the outsole  38   i,  a first plate  226  disposed generally between the midsole  36   i  and the cushioning arrangement  40   i,  and a second plate  228  disposed generally between the cushioning arrangement  40   i  and the outsole  38   i.    
     The midsole  36   i  includes an upper portion  146   i  and a lower portion  148   i.  As shown, the upper portion  146   i  is continuously formed and is joined to the upper  12 . The lower portion  148   i  of the midsole  36   i  includes a first segment  152   i  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   i,  a second segment  154   i  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   i,  and a rib  230  extending between the first segment  152   i  and the second segment  154   i.  A heel-facing sidewall  174   i  of the first segment  152   i  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176   i  of the second segment  154   i  to define a gap  156   i  between the first segment  152   i  and the second segment  154   i.  Accordingly, the rib  230  spans the gap  156   i  between the first segment  152   i  and the second segment  154   i,  and laterally bisects the cushioning arrangement  40   i.    
     The first plate  226  is disposed between the upper portion  146   i  and each of the lower portion  148   i  and the cushioning arrangement  40   i.  More specifically, a first end of the first plate  226  is disposed between the upper portion  146   i  and the first segment  152   i,  an opposing second end of the first plate  226  is disposed between the upper portion  146   i  and the second segment  154   i,  and an intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion  146   i  on one side and the cushioning arrangement  40   i  and rib  230  on an opposite side. Alternatively, the first plate  226  could be at least partially encapsulated within the upper portion  146   i  of the midsole  36   i.  Further, the first plate  226  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   i  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   i.  While the first plate  226  is described and shown as being embedded within the material of the midsole  36   i,  the first plate  226  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   i,  whereby the first plate  226  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . The first plate  226  may be a partial-length plate or a full-length plate, as discussed above with respect to the article of footwear  10 . 
     The second plate  228  is spaced apart from the first plate  226  and extends from the first segment  152   i  to the cushioning arrangement  40   i.  Particularly, the second plate  228  includes a first end  232  joined to the anterior end  44  of the midsole  36   i,  and an opposing second end  234  joined to the cushioning arrangement  40   i.    
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 46-49 , the cushioning arrangement  40   i  of the article of footwear  10   i  is the same as the cushioning arrangement  40   e  described above with respect to the article of footwear  10   e.  Accordingly, the cushioning arrangement  40   i  may include the medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   i  comprising the first fluid-filled chamber  188   i  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   i  in a stacked arrangement, and the lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   i  comprising the third fluid-filled chamber  192   i  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   i  in a stacked arrangement. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 46-49 , the cushioning arrangement  40   i  is disposed between the first plate  226  and the second plate  228 . The first fluid-filled chamber  188   i  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   i  are attached to the first plate  226  at respective first sides, and are attached to the second fluid-filled chamber  190   i  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   i,  respectively, at respective second sides. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber  190   i  and the fourth fluid-filled-chamber  194   i  are attached to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   i  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   i,  respectively, at respective first sides, and to the second plate  228  at respective second sides. 
     As shown in  FIG. 46 , the outsole  38   i  is joined to the second segment  154   i  of the midsole  36   i  and to the second plate  228 . More specifically, the outsole  38   i  is fragmentary, whereby portions of the outsole  38   i  are separately formed from each other, and are joined to each of the second segment  154   i  and the second plate  228 . 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a force is transmitted via the second plate  228  to the medial cushioning arrangement  64   i  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   i.  Namely, the force is transmitted to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   i,  the second fluid-filled chamber  190   i,  the third fluid-filled chamber  192   i,  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   i.  The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   i,    190   i,    192   i,    194   i  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   i  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole  36   i  and the first plate  226  but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the first plate  226  is described as being formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   i  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   i  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   i,  the forces exerted on the first plate  226  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   i  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   i  are dissipated over a length of the first plate  226  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   i  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   i  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  226  due to the rigidity of the first plate  226  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 50-53B , an article of footwear  10   j  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   j  attached to the upper  12 . 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   j,  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  14   j  is attached to the upper  12  and provides the article of footwear  10   j  with support and cushioning during use. Namely, the sole structure  14   j  attenuates ground-reaction forces caused by the article of footwear  10   j  striking the ground during use. Accordingly, and as set forth below, the sole structure  14   j  may incorporate one or more materials having energy absorbing characteristics to allow the sole structure  14   j  to reduce the impact experienced by a user when wearing the article of footwear  10   j.    
     The sole structure  14   j  may include a midsole  36   j,  an outsole  38   j,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   j  disposed generally between the midsole  36   j  and the outsole  38   j.  In addition, the sole structure  14   j  may include a first plate  236 , a second plate  238 , and a third plate  240  that extend from the forefoot region  16  of the article of footwear  10   j  towards the posterior end  46 . As shown in  FIGS. 50 and 53B , the first plate  236  is disposed intermediate the midsole  36   j  and the cushioning arrangement  40   j,  while the second plate  238  is disposed within the midsole  36   j  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   j  into an upper portion and a lower portion. The third plate  240  is disposed intermediate the cushioning arrangement  40   j  and the outsole  38   j.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 50, 51, and 53B , the midsole  36   j  may include a continuously formed upper portion  146   j  and a segmented lower portion  148   j.  The upper portion  146   j  is shown as extending from the anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10   j  to the posterior end  46 . In one configuration, the upper portion  146   j  opposes the strobel  48  of the upper  12  and joins the sole structure  14   j  to the upper  12 . The upper portion  146   j  of the midsole  36   j  may extend at least partially onto an upper surface  50  of the upper  12  such that the midsole  36   j  covers a junction of the upper  12  and the strobel  48 , as shown in  FIG. 53A . 
     The lower portion  148   j  of the midsole  36   j  may include a first segment  152   j  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   j  and a second segment  154   j  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   j.  A heel-facing sidewall  174   j  of the first segment  152   j  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176   j  of the second segment  154   j  to define a gap  156   j  between the first segment  152   j  and the second segment  154   j.  The forefoot-facing sidewall  176   j  of the second segment  154   j  may be tapered, as shown in  FIGS. 51 and 53B . Generally, the gap  156   j  is defined to provide sufficient clearance for uninhibited expansion and contraction of the cushioning arrangement  40   j  during use. For example, on initial impact with the ground surface, a width of the cushioning arrangement  40   j  may expand laterally as the cushioning arrangement  40   j  is vertically compressed. By providing the gap  156   j,  the shock absorption capacity of the cushioning arrangement  40   j  is maximized. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 50-52 , the second segment  154   j  of the midsole  36   j  may include a channel  157   j  extending continuously from the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   j  to the posterior end  46 . As shown, a width of the channel  157   j  may flare from the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   j  to an intermediate portion, and taper from the intermediate portion to a second vertex adjacent the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   j.  In some examples, the channel  157   j  extends through the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   j  of the second segment  154   j.    
     The midsole  36   j  may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. Forming the midsole  36   j  from an energy-absorbing material such as polymer foam allows the midsole  36   j  to attenuate ground-reaction forces caused by movement of the article of footwear  10   j  over ground during use. In some examples, the upper portion  146   j  may be formed of a first material and the lower portion  148   j  may be formed of a second material. Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the segments  152   j,    154   j  may be compositely formed, and include an upper portion  152   j   1 ,  154   j   1  formed of a first foam material and a lower portion  152   j   2 ,  154   j   2  formed of a second foam material, as illustrated in  FIG. 51 . 
     As provided above, the sole structure  14   j  includes a plurality of plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  configured to provide rigid or semi-rigid interfaces between the midsole  36   j  and the cushioning arrangement  40   j,  thereby providing increased stability to the cushioning arrangement  40   j  and distributing loads throughout the sole structure  14   j.  The first plate  236  may be disposed within the midsole  36   j  such that the upper portion  146   j  of the midsole  36   j  extends between the first plate  236  and the upper  12 . As shown, the first plate  236  may be disposed intermediate the upper portion  146   j  and the lower portion  148   j.  More particularly, a first end of the first plate  236  is embedded within the midsole  36   j  between the upper portion  146   j  and the first segment  152   j  of the lower portion  148   j,  and an opposing second end of the first plate  236  is embedded within the midsole  36   j  between the upper portion  146   j  and the second segment  154   j  of the lower portion  148   j.  An intermediate portion of the first plate  236  traverses the gap  156   j,  whereby a ground-facing surface  158   j  of the first plate  236  is exposed within the gap  156   j  and is joined to a proximal end of the cushioning arrangement  40   j.    
     The first plate  236  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   j  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   j.  Alternatively, the first plate  236  may be encapsulated within the upper portion  146   j  of the midsole  36   j.  In some examples, the first plate  236  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   j,  whereby the first plate  236  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . 
     As shown, the second plate  238  is spaced apart from the first plate  236 , and is disposed generally between the first plate  236  and the outsole  38   j.  A first end  242  of the second plate  238  is joined to the first segment  152   j  of the lower portion  148   j  of the midsole  36   j,  while an opposing second end  244  is joined to the second segment  154   j  of the lower portion  148   j  of the midsole  36   j.  In the illustrated example, the first end  242  of the second plate  238  is embedded within the first segment  152   j  and the second end  244  is embedded within the second segment  154   j.  An intermediate portion  246  of the second plate  238  spans the gap  156   j  formed between the first segment  152   j  and the second segment  154   j,  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   j  into an upper portion and a lower portion, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     With reference to  FIG. 51 , the second plate  238  includes a pair of cutouts  252 ,  254  formed at opposing ends  242 ,  244 . In the illustrated example, the first cutout is a first notch  252  formed in the first end  242  and the second cutout is a second notch  254  formed in the second end  244 . As shown, each of the notches  252 ,  254  is formed through the thickness of the second plate  238  and tapers in width to a vertex disposed in the intermediate portion  246  of the second plate  238 . Accordingly, each of the notches  252 ,  254  effectively defines a pair of tabs  256  at each end  242 ,  244  of the second plate  238 . The tabs  256  of the first end  242  extend through the heel-facing sidewall  174   j  into the first segment  152   j  of the midsole  36   j,  and the tabs  256  of the second end  244  extend through the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   j  into second segment  154   j  of the midsole  36   j.    
     The tabs  256  are configured to act as flexures at each of the first and second ends  242 ,  244  of the second plate  238  during use of the footwear  10   j.  For example, the first notch  252  may be sized and positioned to minimize a stiffness of the second plate  238  within the forefoot region. Likewise, by providing the tabs  256 , the second notch  254  allows the second end  244  of the second plate  238  to twist and/or bend within the mid-foot region  18 . In some examples, one or more of the cutouts may be an aperture formed within the intermediate portion  246  of the second plate  238 . 
     The third plate  240  is spaced apart from the second plate  238 , and is disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   j  and the outsole  38   j.  As shown, the third plate  240  extends from a first end  248  attached to the first segment  152   j  of the midsole  36   j  to a second end  250  attached to the cushioning arrangement  40   j.  More specifically, the first end  248  of the third plate  240  is disposed between a distal end of the first segment  152   j  and the outsole  38   j,  while the second end  250  of the third plate is joined to the cushioning arrangement  40   j  and does not extend to the second segment  154   j.  Accordingly, the second end  250  of the third plate  240  is free to move with the cushioning arrangement  40   j.  As described in greater detail below, at least a portion of the outsole  38   j  may be attached to or formed integrally with the third plate  238 . 
     With reference the  FIGS. 51 and 53B , the first plate  236  is a full-length plate and extends substantially along an entire length of the sole structure  14   j  from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 . The second plate  238  and the third plate  240  may be so-called “partial-length” plates that extend along only a portion of the sole structure  14   j.  In the illustrated example, the second plate  238  extends from the forefoot region  16  to the mid-foot region  18 , while the third plate  240  is disposed substantially within the forefoot region  16 . In some examples, any one or more of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  could extend from an intermediate portion of the forefoot region  16  to an intermediate portion of the heel region  20 . Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  may be full-length plates, as described above, which extend from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   j.    
     Additionally, each of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  may include one or more sockets  257  configured to receive the cushioning arrangement  40   j  therein. As shown in  FIG. 51 , the sockets  257  may be defined by a rib, protrusion, or recess formed on one or more surfaces of each of the respective plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  and configured to interface with the cushioning arrangement  40   j.  Accordingly, the sockets  257  receive respective ends of the cushioning arrangement  40   j  to secure a position of the cushioning arrangement  40   j  with respect to each plate  236 ,  238 ,  240 . 
     Regardless of the particular size, location, and features, one or more of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, one or more of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. For example, carbon fiber plates have been found to provide maximum performance due to the relatively low weight and desirable force distribution properties compared to polymeric materials. However, polymeric plates may provide suitable weight and force distribution properties in other implementations of the sole structure. Forming the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  from a relatively rigid material allows forces associated with use of the article footwear  10   j  when the article of footwear  10   j  strikes a ground surface to be distributed throughout the entire sole structure  14   j,  as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 50-53B , the cushioning arrangement  40   j  is disposed within the gap  156   j  of the midsole  36   j,  and is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   j  and a lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   j.  The medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  is disposed proximate to the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   j  while the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   j.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 52 and 53A , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  includes a first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and a second fluid-filled chamber  190   j.  Similarly, the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  includes a third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  and a fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j.  The first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  are disposed generally between the first plate  236  and the second plate  238 , while the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j  are disposed between second plate  238  and the third plate  240 . Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  are attached to the first plate  236  at respective first sides, and are attached to the second plate  238  at respective second sides. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j  are attached to the second plate  238  at respective first sides, and are attached to the third plate  240  at respective second sides. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 50 and 53B , the intermediate portion  246  of the second plate  238  intersects the cushioning arrangement  40   j.  More specifically, the intermediate portion  246  of the second plate  238  is disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j,  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j.  In other words, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  are disposed above the second plate  238  (i.e., between the second plate  238  and the upper  12 ), while the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j  are disposed beneath the second plate  238  (i.e., between the second plate  238  and the outsole  38   j ). 
     The fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may be attached to the first plate  236 , the second plate  238 , and/or the third plate  240 , respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may be joined to any one or more of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240  by melding a material of at least one of the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j,  the first plate  236 , the second plate  238 , and/or the third plate  240 . As discussed above, opposing ends of each of fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may be received in a respective socket  257  formed in or on each of the plates  236 ,  238 ,  240 , thereby mechanically securing a position of one or more of the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j.    
     Referring to  FIG. 53A , the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may each include a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element  76  may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element  78  may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in  FIG. 53A  to define an interior void  80 . The first barrier element  76  may be joined to the second barrier element  78  by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  to define a peripheral seam  82 . The peripheral seam  82  seals the interior void  80 , thereby defining a volume of each of the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j.    
     The interior void  80  of the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may receive a tensile element  84  therein. Each tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  extending between an upper tensile sheet  88  and a lower tensile sheet  90 . The upper tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  while the lower tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78 . In this manner, when the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  receive a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  86  of the tensile elements  84  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  88  is attached to the first barrier element  76  and the lower tensile sheet  90  is attached to the second barrier element  78 , the tensile strands  86  retain a desired shape of each of the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j,  the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j,  the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j,  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j,  respectively, when pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void  80 . 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  that are received generally between the upper  12  and the outsole  38   j.  In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  are, respectively, fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber  192   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j  by the second plate  238 . 
     In some configurations, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j ) is fluidly isolated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  (i.e., the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j ). While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  is described and shown as being spaced apart from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j,  the cushioning arrangements  64   j,    66   j  could alternatively be in contact with one another while still being fluidly isolated. 
     While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  are described and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  could alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  may each include a foam block (see e.g.,  92  in  FIGS. 4-6 ) that replaces any one or more of the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j.  The foam blocks may be received within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Positioning foam blocks within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  allows the barrier elements  76 ,  78  to restrict expansion of the foam blocks beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks may be controlled by allowing the foam blocks to interact with the barrier elements  76 ,  78  during loading. While the foam blocks are described as being received within the interior void  80  of the barrier elements  76 ,  78 , the foam blocks could alternatively be positioned within the cushioning arrangement  40   j  absent the barrier elements  76 ,  78 . In such a configuration, the foam blocks would be directly attached to any one or more of the first plate  236 , the second plate  238 , the third plate  240 , and/or one of the fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j,  respectively. The particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  (i.e., use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be dictated by the amount of cushioning required at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 . 
     Regardless of the particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j,  the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  may be substantially aligned with each other along a direction extending between the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   j.  Alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  may be offset from each other. 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on the sole structure  14   j.  In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  each provide a pair of stacked, fluid-filled chambers (i.e. elements  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j ) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , respectively. The individual fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may include the same volume and, further, may be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the volumes and the pressures of the various fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may vary between the cushioning arrangements  64   j,    66   j  and/or within each cushioning arrangement  64   j,    66   j ). For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  may include the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  or, alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  may include a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j.  Likewise, the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  may include the same or different pressure than the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j,  and may include a different pressure than the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and/or the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j.  The fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 50 and 53B , the outsole  38   j  is joined to the midsole  36   j  and the third plate  240 . More specifically, the outsole  38   j  is fragmentary, whereby a forefoot segment  258  of the outsole  38   j  is joined to the first segment  152   j  of the midsole  36   j  and the third plate  240 , and one or more heel segments  260  of the outsole  38   j  are joined to the second segment  154   j  of the midsole  36   j.  Alternatively, the outsole  38   j  may be continuously formed, and extend from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46 . The outsole  38   j  may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber that provides the article of footwear  10   j  with a ground-engaging surface  54  that provides traction and durability. 
     As shown, the third plate  240  cooperates with the forefoot segment  258  of the outsole  38   j  to define a cutout  262 . The cutout  262  extends through each of the third plate  240  and the forefoot segment  258  and tapers in width along the longitudinal axis L to a vertex disposed between the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j.  Similarly, outer peripheries of the third plate  240  and the forefoot segment  258  of the outsole  38   j  may correspond to a profile of the cushioning arrangement  40   j,  and cooperate to define a notch  264  extending between the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j,  and opposing the cutout  262 . 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a force is distributed to the first segment  152   j  and the cushioning arrangement  40   j  by the third plate  240 . The force received by the cushioning arrangement  40   j  through the third plate  240  is transmitted to the second plate  238  through the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j,  through the second plate  238  to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j,  and to the first plate  236  through the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j.  The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   j,    190   j,    192   j,    194   j  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   j  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole  36   j  via the first plate  236 , the second plate  238 , and the third plate  240 , but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. As described above, one or more of the first plate  236 , the second plate,  238 , and the third plate  240  are formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   j,  the forces exerted the first plate  236  and the second plate  238  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  are dissipated over a length of the midsole  36   j  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  236  and the second plate  238  due to the rigidity of the plates  236 ,  238  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . Furthermore, by attaching the third plate  240  to the distal ends of each of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j,  and extending the second plate  238  between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   j  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   j  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   j  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   j  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   j  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   j,  additional stability is provided to the cushioning arrangement  40   j  by distributing the applied force between the cushioning arrangements  64   j,    66   j,  the first segment  152   j,  and the second segment  154   j.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 54-57B , an article of footwear  10   k  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   k  attached to the upper  12 . 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   k,  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  14   k  is attached to the upper  12  and provides the article of footwear  10   k  with support and cushioning during use. Namely, the sole structure  14   k  attenuates ground-reaction forces caused by the article of footwear  10   k  striking the ground during use. Accordingly, and as set forth below, the sole structure  14   k  may incorporate one or more materials having energy absorbing characteristics to allow the sole structure  14   k  to reduce the impact experienced by a user when wearing the article of footwear  10   k.    
     The sole structure  14   k  may include a midsole  36   k,  an outsole  38   k,  and a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   k  disposed generally between the midsole  36   k  and the outsole  38   k.  In addition, the sole structure  14   k  may include a first plate  266 , a second plate  268 , and a third plate  270  that extend from the forefoot region  16  of the article of footwear  10   k  towards the posterior end  46 . As shown in  FIGS. 54 and 57B , the first plate  266  is disposed intermediate the midsole  36   k  and the cushioning arrangement  40   k,  while the second plate  268  is disposed within the midsole  36   k  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   k  into an upper portion and a lower portion. The third plate  270  is disposed intermediate the cushioning arrangement  40   k  and the outsole  38   k.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 55 and 57B , the midsole  36   k  may include a continuously formed upper portion  146   k  and a segmented lower portion  148   k.  The upper portion  146   k  is shown as extending from the anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10   k  to the posterior end  46 . In one configuration, the upper portion  146   k  opposes the strobel  48  of the upper  12  and joins the sole structure  14   k  to the upper  12 . The upper portion  146   k  of the midsole  36   k  may extend at least partially onto an upper surface  50  of the upper  12 , such that the midsole  36   k  covers a junction of the upper  12  and the strobel  48 , as shown in  FIG. 57A . 
     The lower portion  148   k  of the midsole  36   k  may include a first segment  152   k  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   k  and a second segment  154   k  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   k.  A heel-facing sidewall  174   k  of the first segment  152   k  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176   k  of the second segment  154   k  to define a gap  156   k  between the first segment  152   k  and the second segment  154   k.  The forefoot-facing sidewall  176   k  of the second segment  154   k  may be tapered, as shown in  FIGS. 55 and 57B . Generally, the gap  156   k  is defined to provide sufficient clearance for uninhibited expansion and contraction of the cushioning arrangement  40   k  during use. For example, on initial impact with the ground surface, a width of the cushioning arrangement  40   k  may expand as the cushioning arrangement  40   k  is compressed. By providing the gap  156   k,  the shock absorption capacity of the cushioning arrangement  40   k  is maximized. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 54 and 56 , the second segment  154   k  of the midsole  36   k  may include a channel  157   k  extending continuously from the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   k  to the posterior end  46 . As shown, a width of the channel  157   k  may flare from the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   k  to an intermediate portion, and taper from the intermediate portion to a second vertex adjacent the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   k.    
     The midsole  36   k  may be formed from an energy absorbing material such as, for example, polymer foam. Forming the midsole  36   k  from an energy-absorbing material such as polymer foam allows the midsole  36   k  to attenuate ground-reaction forces caused by movement of the article of footwear  10   k  over ground during use. 
     As provided above, the sole structure  14   k  includes a plurality of plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  configured to provide rigid or semi-rigid interfaces between the midsole  36   k  and the cushioning arrangement  40   k,  thereby providing increased stability to the cushioning arrangement  40   k  and distributing loads throughout the sole structure  14   k.  The first plate  266  may be disposed within the midsole  36   k  such that the upper portion  146   k  of the midsole  36   k  extends between the first plate  266  and the upper  12 . As shown, the first plate  266  may be disposed intermediate the upper portion  146   k  and the lower portion  148   k.  More particularly, a first end of the first plate  266  is embedded within the midsole  36   k  between the upper portion  146   k  and the first segment  152   k,  and a second end of the first plate  266  is embedded within the midsole  36   k  between the upper portion  146   k  and the second segment  154   k.  An intermediate portion of the first plate  266  traverses the gap  156   k,  whereby a ground-facing surface  158   k  of the first plate  266  is exposed within the gap  156   k  and is joined to a proximal end of the cushioning arrangement  40   k.    
     The first plate  266  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   k  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   k.  Alternatively, the first plate  266  may be encapsulated within the upper portion  146   k  of the midsole  36   k.  In some examples, the first plate  266  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   k,  whereby the first plate  266  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . 
     As shown, the second plate  268  is spaced apart from the first plate  266 , and is disposed generally between the first plate  266  and the outsole  38   k.  A first end  272  of the second plate  268  is joined to the first segment  152   k  of the lower portion  148   k  of the midsole  36   k,  while an opposing second end  274  is joined to the second segment  154   k  of the lower portion  148   k  of the midsole  36   k.  In the illustrated example, the first end  272  of the second plate  268  is embedded within the first segment  152   k  and the second end  274  embedded within the second segment  154   k.  An intermediate portion  276  of the second plate  268  spans the gap  156   k  formed between the first segment  152   k  and the second segment  154   k,  and separates the cushioning arrangement  40   k  into an upper portion and a lower portion, as discussed in greater detail below. 
     With reference to  FIG. 55 , the second plate  268  includes cutouts  282 ,  284  formed therethrough for controlling flexibility and stability characteristics. As shown, the cutouts  282 ,  284  include a first notch  282  extending from the first end  272  of the second plate  268 , and a second notch  284  extending from the second end  274  of the second plate  268 . Each of the first notch  282  and the second notch  284  extend to respective vertices adjacent opposing sides of the cushioning arrangement  40   k.  As shown, the notches  282 ,  284  may extend partially between portions of the cushioning arrangement  40   k,  as discussed below. Accordingly, each of the notches  282 ,  284  effectively defines a pair of tabs  286  at each end  272 ,  274  of the second plate  268 . The tabs  286  of the first end  272  extend through the heel-facing sidewall  174   k  into the first segment  152   k  of the midsole  36   k,  and the tabs  286  of the second end  274  extend through the forefoot-facing sidewall  176   k  into second segment  154   k  of the midsole  36   k.    
     The tabs  286  are configured to act as flexures at each of the first and second ends  272 ,  274  of the second plate  268  during use of the footwear  10   k.  For example, the first notch  282  may be sized and positioned to minimize a stiffness of the second plate  268  within the forefoot region  16 , adjacent the cushioning arrangement  40   k.  Likewise, by forming the tabs  286 , the second notch  284  allows the second end  274  of the second plate  268  to twist and bend within the mid-foot region  18 . Size and position of the notches  282 ,  284  may be modified depending on desired characteristics of flexibility and stability. 
     The third plate  270  is spaced apart from the second plate  268 , and is disposed between the cushioning arrangement  40   k  and the outsole  38   k.  As shown, the third plate  270  extends from a first end  278  attached to the first segment  152   k  of the midsole  36   k  to a second end  280  attached to the cushioning arrangement  40   k.  More specifically, the first end  278  of the third plate  270  is disposed between a distal end of the first segment  152   k  and the outsole  38   k,  while the second end  280  of the third plate  270  is received between a distal end of the second segment  154   k  and the outsole  38   k.  Accordingly, at least a portion of the outsole  38   k  may be attached to or formed integrally with the third plate  270 , as described in greater detail below. 
     Like the second plate  268 , the third plate  270  includes a plurality of cutouts  288 ,  289 ,  290  formed therethrough. In the illustrated example, the first cutout is a first notch  288  formed in the first end  278  and the second cutout is a second notch  290  formed in the second end  280 . As shown, each of the notches  288 ,  290  are formed through the thickness of the third plate  270  and taper in width to a vertex disposed in an intermediate portion of the third plate  270 . Accordingly, each of the notches  288 ,  290  effectively defines a pair of tabs  291  at each end  278 ,  280  of the third plate  270 . The tabs  291  of the first end  278  are received between the first segment  152   k  and the outsole  38   k,  and the tabs  291  of the second end  280  are received between the second segment  154   k  and the outsole  38   k.  The third plate  270  further includes an aperture  289  formed through the intermediate portion on an opposing side of the cushioning arrangement  40   k  from the first notch  288 . Like the tabs  286  of the second plate  268 , the tabs  291  of the third plate  270  may be configured to provide desired flexibility and stability. 
     With reference the  FIGS. 55 and 57B , the first plate  266  is a full-length plate and extends substantially along an entire length of the sole structure  14   k  from the forefoot region  16  to the heel region  20 . The second plate  268  and the third plate  270  may be so-called “partial-length” plates that extend along only a portion of the sole structure  14   k.  In the illustrated example, the second plate  268  and the third plate extend from the forefoot region  16  to the mid-foot region  18 . In some examples, any one or more of the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  could extend from an intermediate portion of the forefoot region  16  to an intermediate portion of the mid-foot region  18  or the heel region  20 . Additionally or alternatively, any one or more of the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  may be full-length plates, as described above, which extend from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   k.    
     Regardless of the particular size, location, and features, one or more of the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers, such as carbon fibers. Carbon fiber plates have been found to provide maximum performance due to the relatively low weight and desirable force distribution properties compared to polymeric materials. However, polymeric plates may provide suitable weight and force distribution properties in other implementations of the sole structure. Forming the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  from a relatively rigid material allows forces associated with use of the article footwear  10   k  when the article of footwear  10   k  strikes a ground surface to be distributed throughout the entire sole structure  14   k,  as will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 54-57B , the cushioning arrangement  40   k  is disposed within the gap  156   k  of the midsole  36   k,  and is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   k  and a lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   k.  The medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  is disposed proximate to the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   k  while the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   k.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 55 and 57A , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  includes a first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and a second fluid-filled chamber  190   k.  Similarly, the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  includes a third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  and a fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k.  The first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  are disposed generally between the first plate  266  and the second plate  268 , while the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k  are disposed between second plate  268  and the third plate  270 . Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  are attached to the first plate  266  at respective first sides, and are attached to the second plate  268  at respective second sides. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k  are attached to the second plate  268  at respective first sides, and are attached to the third plate  270  at respective second sides. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 54 and 57B , the intermediate portion  276  of the second plate  268  extends through the cushioning arrangement  40   k.  More specifically, the intermediate portion  276  of the second plate  268  is disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k,  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k.  In other words, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  are disposed above the second plate  268  (i.e., between the second plate  268  and the upper  12 ), while the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k  are disposed between the second plate  268  and the outsole  38   k.    
     The fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may be attached to the first plate  266 , the second plate  268 , and/or the third plate  270 , respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may be joined to any one or more of the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  by melding a material of at least one of the fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k,  the first plate  266 , the second plate  268 , and/or the third plate  270 . As discussed above, opposing ends of each of fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may be received in a corresponding socket  287  formed in or on each of the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270 , thereby mechanically securing a position of each end. 
     The fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may each include a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element  76  may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element  78  may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in  FIG. 57A  to define an interior void  80 . The first barrier element  76  may be joined to the second barrier element  78  by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  to define a peripheral seam  82 . The peripheral seam  82  seals the internal interior void  80 , thereby defining a volume of each of the chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k.    
     The interior void  80  of each of the fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may receive a tensile element  84  therein. Each tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  extending between an upper tensile sheet  88  and a lower tensile sheet  90 . The upper tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  while the lower tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78 . In this manner, when the fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  receive a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  86  of the tensile elements  84  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  88  is attached to the first barrier element  76  and the lower tensile sheet  90  is attached to the second barrier element  78 , the tensile strands  86  retain a desired shape of each of the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k,  the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k,  the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k,  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k,  respectively, when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void  80 . 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  each include a pair of fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  that are received generally between the upper  12  and the outsole  38   k.  In one configuration, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  are, respectively, fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k  by the second plate  268 . 
     In some configurations, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k ) is fluidly isolated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  (i.e., the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k ). While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  is described and shown as being spaced apart from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k,  the cushioning arrangements  64   k,    66   k  could alternatively be in contact with one another while still being fluidly isolated. 
     While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  are described and shown as including stacked pairs of fluid-filled chambers, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  could alternatively include other cushioning elements. For example, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  may each include a foam block (see e.g.,  92  in  FIGS. 4-6 ) that replaces any one or more of the fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k.  The foam blocks may be received within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Positioning the foam blocks within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  allows the barrier elements  76 ,  78  to restrict expansion of the foam blocks beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks may be controlled by allowing the foam blocks to interact with the barrier elements  76 ,  78  during loading. While the foam blocks are described as being received within the interior void  80  of the barrier elements  76 ,  78 , the foam blocks could alternatively be positioned within the cushioning arrangement  40   k  absent the barrier elements  76 ,  78 . In such a configuration, the foam blocks would be directly attached to any one or more of the first plate  266 , the second plate  268 , the third plate  270 , and/or one of the fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k,  respectively. The particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  (i.e., use of foam blocks, fluid-filled chambers, or a combination thereof) may be dictated by the amount of cushioning required at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 . 
     Regardless of the particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k,  the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  may be substantially aligned with each other along a direction extending between the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   k.  Alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  may be offset from each other. 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  each provide a pair of stacked cushioning elements disposed at discrete locations on the sole structure  14   k.  In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  each provide a pair of stacked, fluid-filled chambers (i.e. elements  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k ) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , respectively. The individual fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may include the same volume and, further, may be at the same pressure. Alternatively, the volumes and the pressures of the various fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may vary between the cushioning arrangements  64   k,    66   k  and/or within each cushioning arrangement  64   k,    66   k.  For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  may include the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  or, alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  may include a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k.  Likewise, the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  may include the same or different pressure than the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k,  and may include a different pressure than the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and/or the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k.  For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  may include a higher or lower pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  may include a higher or lower pressure than the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k.  The fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. 
     As shown in  FIG. 54 , the outsole  38   k  is joined to the midsole  36   k  and the third plate  270  and extends from the anterior end  44  through the heel region  20 . The outsole  38   k  may include cutouts  292 ,  294  formed therethrough that have complementary profiles to the cutouts  288 ,  290  of the third plate  270  and/or the channel  157   k  of the midsole  36   k.  The outsole  38   k  may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber that provides the article of footwear  10   k  with a ground-engaging surface  54  that provides traction and durability. 
     During operation, when the ground-engaging surface  54  contacts the ground, a force is distributed to the first segment  152   k  and the cushioning arrangement  40   k  by the third plate  270 . The force received by the cushioning arrangement  40   k  through the third plate  270  is transmitted to the second plate  268  through the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k,  through the second plate  268  to the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k,  and to the first plate  266  through the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k.  The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  188   k,    190   k,    192   k,    194   k  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   k  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole  36   k  via the first plate  266 , the second plate  268 , and the third plate  270 , but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. As described above, one or more of the first plate  266 , the second plate,  268 , and the third plate  270  are formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   k,  the forces exerted on the first plate  266  and the second plate  268  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  are dissipated over a length of the midsole  36   k  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k  are dissipated along a length of the first plate  266  and the second plate  268  due to the rigidity of the plates  266 ,  268 ,  270  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . Furthermore, by attaching the third plate  270  to the distal ends of each of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k,  and extending the second plate  268  between the first fluid-filled chamber  188   k  and the second fluid-filled chamber  190   k  of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   k  and between the third fluid-filled chamber  192   k  and the fourth fluid-filled chamber  194   k  of the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   k,  additional stability is provided to the cushioning arrangement  40   k  by distributing the applied force between the cushioning arrangements  64   k,    66   k,  the first segment  152   k,  and the second segment  154   k.    
     With reference to  FIGS. 58-61A , an article of footwear  10   m  is provided and includes an upper  12  and a sole structure  14   m  attached to the upper  12 . 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   m,  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. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 58-61B , the sole structure  14   m  is shown to include a midsole  36   m,  an outsole  38   m,  a cushion or cushioning arrangement  40   m  disposed between the midsole  36   m  and the outsole  38   m,  and a plate  296  disposed between the midsole  36   m  and the cushioning arrangement  40   m.  The plate  296  is formed from a relatively rigid material such as, for example, a non-foamed polymer or a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 58, 59, and 61B , the midsole  36   m  may include a continuously formed upper portion  146   m  and a lower portion  148   m.  The upper portion  146   m  is shown as extending from the anterior end  44  of the article of footwear  10   m  to the posterior end  46 . In one configuration, the upper portion  146   m  opposes the strobe!  48  of the upper  12  and joins the sole structure  14   m  to the upper  12 . The upper portion  146   m  of the midsole  36   m  may extend at least partially onto an upper surface  50  of the upper  12 , such that the midsole  36   m  covers a junction of the upper  12  and the strobel  48 , as shown in  FIG. 61B . 
     The lower portion  148   m  of the midsole  36   m  may include a first segment  152   m  extending downwardly from the forefoot region  16  of the upper portion  146   m,  a second segment  154   m  extending downwardly from the heel region  20  of the upper portion  146   m,  and a rib  230   m  extending between the first segment  152   m  and the second segment  154   m.  A heel-facing sidewall  174   m  of the first segment  152   m  is spaced apart from a forefoot-facing sidewall  176   m  of the second segment  154   m  to define a gap  156   m  between the first segment  152   m  and the second segment  154   m.  Accordingly, the rib  230   m  spans the gap  156   m  between the first segment  152   m  and the second segment  154   m,  and laterally bisects the cushioning arrangement  40   m.  As discussed below, each of the sidewalls  174   m,    176   m  may be spaced apart from the cushioning arrangement  40   m,  In some examples, the sidewalls  174   m,    176   m  may have a profile that is substantially complementary in shape to an outer profile of the cushioning arrangement  40   m.    
     The plate  296  is disposed between the upper portion  146   m  and each of the lower portion  148   m  and the cushioning arrangement  40   m.  More specifically, a first end of the plate  296  is disposed between the upper portion  146   m  and the first segment  152   m,  an opposing second end of the plate  296  is disposed between the upper portion  146   m  and the second segment  154   m,  and an intermediate portion is disposed between the upper portion  146   m  on one side and the cushioning arrangement  40   m  and rib  230   m  on an opposite side, which defines a ground-facing surface  158   m  of the plate  296 . Alternatively, the plate  296  could be at least partially encapsulated within the upper portion  146   m  of the midsole  36   m.  Further, the plate  296  may be visible at the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   m  and/or at the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   m.  While the plate  296  is described and shown as being embedded within the material of the midsole  36   m,  the plate  296  may be disposed between the upper  12  and the midsole  36   m,  whereby the plate  296  is attached directly to the strobel  48  and/or the upper  12 . 
     As shown, the plate  296  is a full-length plate and extends substantially continuously from the anterior end  44  to the posterior end  46 , as discussed above with respect to the article of footwear  10 . In some examples, the plate  296  may be a so-called “partial-length plate” that extends from an intermediate portion of the forefoot region  16  to an intermediate portion of the mid-foot region  16  or the heel region  20 . Accordingly, the plate  296  may extend from the forefoot region  16  of the article of footwear  10   m  to the mid-foot region  18  without extending fully through the mid-foot region  18  and into the heel region  20 . 
     Additionally, the plate  296  may include one or more sockets  307  configured to receive the cushioning arrangement  40   m  therein. As shown in  FIG. 59 , the sockets  307  may be defined by a rib, protrusion, or recess formed on the ground-facing surface  158   m  of the plate  296 , and configured to interface with the cushioning arrangement  40   m.  Accordingly, the sockets  307  receive respective ends of the cushioning arrangement  40   m  to secure a position of the cushioning arrangement  40   m  with respect to the plate  296 . 
     The plate  296  may include one or more cutouts  298  formed therethrough for controlling flex and stability characteristics. As shown, the plate  296  includes an aperture  298  formed through the heel region  20  of the plate  296 . In some examples, the plate  296  may include notches or other cutouts to provide desired flexibility and stability. 
     Regardless of the particular size and configuration of the plate  296 , the plate  296  may be formed from a relatively rigid material. For example, the plate  296  may be formed from a non-foamed polymer material or, alternatively, from a composite material containing fibers such as carbon fibers. Forming the plate  296  from a relatively rigid material allows the plate  296  to distribute forces associated with use of the article footwear  10   m  when the article of footwear  10   m  strikes a ground surface, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 58-61A , the cushioning arrangement  40   m  is shown to include a medial cushion or cushioning arrangement  64   m  and a lateral cushion or cushioning arrangement  66   m.  The medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  is disposed proximate to the medial side  22  of the sole structure  14   m  while the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  is disposed proximate to the lateral side  24  of the sole structure  14   m.    
     As shown in  FIG. 61A , the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  includes a first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  disposed generally between the plate  296  and the outsole  38   m.  Similarly, the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  includes second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  disposed between the plate  296  and the outsole  38   m  at the lateral side  24 . Specifically, the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  is attached to the exposed surface  158   m  of the plate  296  at a first side and is attached to the outsole  38   m  at a second side. Likewise, the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  is attached to the exposed surface  158   m  of the plate  296  at a first side and is attached to the outsole  38   m  at a second side. 
     The first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  may be attached to the plate  296  and to the outsole  38   m,  respectively, via a suitable adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  may be attached to the outsole  38   m  by melding a material of the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  and a material of the outsole  38   m  at a junction of the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  and the outsole  38   m.  As discussed above, first ends of each of the fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m  may be received in a corresponding socket  307  formed in the plate  296 , thereby mechanically securing a position of the fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m.  In some examples, the outsole  38   m  may also include sockets  307  for receiving second ends of the fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m.    
     The first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  and the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  may each include a first barrier element  76  and a second barrier element  78 . The first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  may be formed from a sheet of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Specifically, the first barrier element  76  may be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may include a substantially planar shape. The second barrier element  78  may likewise be formed from a sheet of TPU material and may be formed into the configuration shown in  FIG. 28  to define an interior void  80 . The first barrier element  76  may be joined to the second barrier element  78  by applying heat and pressure at a perimeter of the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  to define a peripheral seam  82 . The peripheral seam  82  seals the interior void  80 , thereby defining a volume of the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m.    
     The interior void  80  of each of the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  and the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  may receive a tensile element  84  therein. The tensile element  84  may include a series of tensile strands  86  extending between an upper tensile sheet  88  and a lower tensile sheet  90 . The upper tensile sheet  88  may be attached to the first barrier element  76  while the lower tensile sheet  90  may be attached to the second barrier element  78 . In this manner, when the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  receives a pressurized fluid, the tensile strands  86  of the tensile element  84  are placed in tension. Because the upper tensile sheet  88  is attached to the first barrier element  76  and the lower tensile sheet  90  is attached to the second barrier element  78 , the tensile strands  86  retain a desired shape of the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  when the pressurized fluid is injected into the interior void  80 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 61A , the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  likewise includes a second fluid-filled chamber  164   m.  As with the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m,  the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  is disposed between the plate  296  and the outsole  38   m.  The second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  may be identical to the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m.  Accordingly, the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  may include a first barrier element  76 , a second barrier element  78 , an interior void  80 , a peripheral seam  82 , and a tensile element  84  disposed within the interior void  80 . 
     In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  (i.e., the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m ) is fluidly isolated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  (i.e., the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m ). As such, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  is spaced apart and separated from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  by a distance  166  ( FIG. 29 ). While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  is described and shown as being spaced apart from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m,  the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  could alternatively be in contact with one another while still being fluidly isolated. 
     While the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  are described and shown as including fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m,  the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and/or the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  could alternatively include alternative or additional cushioning elements. For example, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and/or the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  may each include a foam block (not shown) that replaces one or both of the fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m.  The foam block(s) may be received within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78 . Positioning the foam block(s) within the interior void  80  defined by the first barrier element  76  and the second barrier element  78  allows the barrier elements  76 ,  78  to restrict expansion of the foam block(s) beyond a predetermined amount when subjected to a predetermined load. Accordingly, the overall shape and, thus, the performance of the foam blocks may be controlled by allowing the foam block(s) to interact with the barrier elements  76 ,  78  during loading. 
     Regardless of the particular construction of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m,  the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  may be aligned with the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis (L) of the sole structure  14   m,  as shown in  FIG. 61A . Additionally or alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  may be aligned with the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  in a direction extending from the medial side  22  to the lateral side  24  such that both cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  are approximately equally spaced from the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   m  and/or from the posterior end  46  of the sole structure  14   m,  as shown in  FIG. 61A . Alternatively, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  may be offset from the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  in the direction extending along the longitudinal axis (L). Namely, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  may be disposed closer to or farther from the anterior end  44  of the sole structure  14   m  than the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m,  similar to the example shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     As discussed above, sidewalls  174   m,    176   m  of the midsole  36   m  are spaced apart from the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m.  The spacing allows the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  to outwardly expand when subjected to a load. Namely, the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  are permitted to extend into the spaces disposed between the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  and the sidewalls  174   m    176   m  when the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  are subjected to a load. The width of this gap  156   m  may be designed to control the degree to which the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  are permitted to expand when subjected to a load. For example, the larger the gap  156   m,  the more the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  must expand before contacting the sidewalls  174   m,    176   m —if at all. Conversely, if the sidewalls  174   m,    176   m  are disposed in close proximity to the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m,  minimal expansion of the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m,  will be permitted before the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  contact the surfaces  168  of the midsole  36   m,  thereby allowing the midsole  36   m  to restrain the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m  from expanding beyond a predetermined amount. 
     As described, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  each provide a cushioning element disposed at discrete locations on the sole structure  14   m.  In one configuration, the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  each provide a fluid-filled chamber (i.e. elements  162   m,    164   m ) that cooperate to provide cushioning at the medial side  22  and the lateral side  24 , respectively. The individual, discrete fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m  may include the same volume and, further, may be at the same pressure (i.e., 20 psi). Alternatively, the pressures of the various fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m  may vary between the cushioning arrangements  64   m,    66   m.  For example, the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  may include the same pressure as the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m  or, alternatively, the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  may include a different pressure than the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m.  The fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m  may be at a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi and preferably at a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 58 and 61B , the outsole  38   m  is joined to the midsole  36   m  and the cushioning arrangement  40   m.  The outsole  38   m  may be formed from a resilient material such as, for example, rubber that provides the article of footwear  10   m  with a ground-engaging surface  54  that provides traction and durability. As described above, the ground-engaging surface  54  may include traction elements  55  to enhance engagement of the sole structure  14   m  with a ground surface. 
     During operation, when the sole structure  14   m  contacts the ground, a force is transmitted to the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m.  Namely, the force is transmitted to the first fluid-filled chamber  162   m  and the second fluid-filled chamber  164   m.  The applied force causes the individual fluid-filled chambers  162   m,    164   m  to compress, thereby absorbing the forces associated with the outsole  38   m  contacting the ground. The force is transmitted to the midsole plate  296  and the midsole  36   m,  but is not experienced by the user as a point or localized load. Namely, and as described above, the plate  296  is formed from a rigid material. Accordingly, even though the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  are located at discrete locations along the sole structure  14   m,  the forces exerted on the plate  296  by the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  are dissipated over a length of the plate  296  such that neither applied force is applied at individual, discrete locations to a user&#39;s foot. Rather, the forces applied at the locations of the medial cushioning arrangement  64   m  and the lateral cushioning arrangement  66   m  are dissipated along a length of the plate  296  due to the rigidity of the plate  296  and, as such, point loads are not experienced by the user&#39;s foot when the foot is in contact with an insole  94  disposed within the interior void  26 . 
     Each of the foregoing articles of footwear  10 - 10   m  respectively incorporate a sole structure  14 - 14   i  that provides the articles of footwear  10 - 10   m  with a degree of cushioning and protection to a foot of a user during use of the particular article of footwear  10 - 10   m.  Accordingly, the articles of footwear  10 - 10   i  may be used for a variety of athletic activities such as running in the case of the articles of footwear  10 ,  10   a,    10   d,    10   e,    10   f,    10   g,    10   h,    10   i,    10   j,    10   k,    10   m,  a track-and-field event in the case of the article of footwear  10   b,  or during a basketball game in the case of the article of footwear  10   c.    
     The following Clauses provide configurations 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 having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion attached to the outsole and including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion and spaced apart from the first segment along a longitudinal axis of the midsole by a gap, at least one plate extending from the midsole into the gap, and a cushion disposed in the gap of the midsole and joined to the plate. 
     Clause 2: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein a first end of the plate is joined to the first segment of the midsole, a second end of the plate is joined to the second segment of the midsole, and an intermediate portion of the plate extends through the gap from the first end to the second end and is joined to the plate. 
     Clause 3: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the first end of the plate is embedded within the second segment of the midsole and the second end of the plate is embedded within the first segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 4: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the intermediate portion of the plate is disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole. 
     Clause 5: The sole structure of Clause 4, wherein the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 6: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein the cushion is disposed between intermediate portion of the plate and the upper portion of the midsole. 
     Clause 7: The sole structure of Clause 6, wherein the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between upper portion midsole and the intermediate portion of the plate, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the intermediate portion of the plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 8: The sole structure of Clause 2, wherein a first end of the plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first segment of the midsole, and a second end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the second segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 9: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein the plate includes a first plate disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the cushion and a second plate extending from the lower portion of the midsole and disposed between the cushion and the outsole. 
     Clause 10: The sole structure of Clause 1, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is formed of carbon fiber. 
     Clause 11: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a midsole having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion attached to the outsole and including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion in a direction toward a heel region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from the heel region of the upper portion in a direction toward the forefoot region of the upper portion and spaced apart from the first segment along a longitudinal axis of the midsole by a gap; a cushion disposed in the gap of the midsole and including a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure, the second cushion being isolated from the first cushion; and a first plate joined to each of the first segment of the midsole, the second segment of the midsole, and the cushion. 
     Clause 12: The sole structure of Clause 11, wherein the cushion comprises the first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 13: The sole structure of Clause 11, further comprising a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and having a first end joined to the first segment of the midsole, a second end joined to the second segment of the midsole, and an intermediate portion joined to the cushion, the cushion disposed between the first plate and the second plate. 
     Clause 14: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the cushion comprises the first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and the second cushion including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 15: The sole structure of Clause 14, further comprising a third plate disposed between the cushion and the outsole, the third plate extending from a first end joined to the first segment of the midsole to a terminal end between the cushion and the second segment. 
     Clause 16: The sole structure of Clause 14, wherein at least one of the second plate and the third plate includes a cutout formed between the first segment and the cushion. 
     Clause 17: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the first end of the second plate includes a first notch defining a first pair of tab and the second end of the second plate includes a second notch defining a second pair of tabs, the first pair of tabs embedded in the first segment and the second pair of tabs embedded in the second segment. 
     Clause 18: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     Clause 19: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the second plate is formed of carbon fiber. 
     Clause 20: The sole structure of Clause 13, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber in a direction extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 21: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 22: The sole structure of Clause 21, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the third fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 23: The sole structure of Clause 22, wherein the first cushion is spaced apart and separated from the second cushion. 
     Clause 24: The sole structure of Clause 21, wherein the first cushion is disposed closer to an anterior end of the sole structure than the second cushion. 
     Clause 25: The sole structure of Clause 21, further comprising a third cushion disposed between the second cushion and a posterior end of the sole structure. 
     Clause 26: The sole structure of Clause 25, wherein the third cushion includes a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper. 
     Clause 27: The sole structure of Clause 21, wherein the outsole includes an outsole plate member forming the upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outsole plate member at the ground-engaging surface. 
     Clause 28: The sole structure of Clause 27, wherein the traction elements are formed from a resilient material. 
     Clause 29: The sole structure of Clause 27, wherein the traction elements are formed from a compressible material. 
     Clause 30: The sole structure of Clause 27, wherein the traction elements are formed from a rigid material. 
     Clause 31: The sole structure of Clause 27, wherein the outsole plate member is formed from a rigid material. 
     Clause 32: The sole structure of Clause 21, further comprising a plate member extending from an anterior end of the sole structure toward a posterior end, the first cushion and the second cushion disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole. 
     Clause 33: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber, the second fluid-filled chamber, the third fluid-filled chamber, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     Clause 34: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first cushion forms a first bulge in the ground-engaging surface and the second cushion forms a second bulge in the ground-engaging surface. 
     Clause 35: The sole structure of Clause 34, wherein the first bulge is offset from the second bulge in a direction extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. 
     Clause 36: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 37: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the third fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 38: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the outsole extends from the second cushion to an anterior end of the sole structure. 
     Clause 39: The sole structure of Clause 38, further comprising a cushioning element disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper, the cushioning element being disposed between the anterior end of the sole structure and the first cushion. 
     Clause 40: The sole structure of Clause 39, wherein the cushioning element is formed from foam. 
     Clause 41: The sole structure of Clause 40, wherein the cushioning element tapers in a direction toward the anterior end of the sole structure. 
     Clause 42: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the second cushion being offset from the first cushion in a direction extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sole structure. 
     Clause 43: The sole structure of Clause 42, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber and the third fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the fourth fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 44: The sole structure of Clause 43, wherein the first cushion is spaced apart and separated from the second cushion. 
     Clause 45: The sole structure of Clause 42, wherein the first cushion is disposed closer to an anterior end of the sole structure than the second cushion. 
     Clause 46: The sole structure of Clause 42, further comprising a third cushion disposed between the second cushion and a posterior end of the sole structure. 
     Clause 47: The sole structure of Clause 46, wherein the third cushion includes a fifth fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a sixth fluid-filled chamber attached to the fifth fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the fifth fluid-filled chamber and the upper. 
     Clause 48: The sole structure of Clause 42, wherein the outsole includes an outsole plate member forming the upper surface and a series of traction elements extending from the outsole plate member at the ground-engaging surface. 
     Clause 49: The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein the traction elements are formed from a resilient material. 
     Clause 530: The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein the traction elements are formed from a compressible material. 
     Clause 51: The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein the traction elements are formed from a rigid material. 
     Clause 52: The sole structure of Clause 48, wherein the outsole plate member is formed from a rigid material. 
     Clause 53: The sole structure of Clause 42, further comprising a plate member extending from an anterior end of the sole structure toward a posterior end, the first cushion and the second cushion disposed between the plate member and the upper surface of the outsole. 
     Clause 54: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber, the second fluid-filled chamber, the third fluid-filled chamber, and the fourth fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     Clause 55: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first cushion forms a first bulge in the ground-engaging surface and the second cushion forms a second bulge in the ground-engaging surface. 
     Clause 56: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 57: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the third fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the fourth fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 58: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the outsole extends from the second cushion to an anterior end of the sole structure. 
     Clause 59: The sole structure of Clause 58, further comprising a cushioning element disposed between the upper surface of the outsole and the upper, the cushioning element being disposed between the anterior end of the sole structure and the first cushion. 
     Clause 60: The sole structure of Clause 59, wherein the cushioning element is formed from foam. 
     Clause 61: The sole structure of Clause 60, wherein the cushioning element tapers in a direction toward the anterior end of the sole structure. 
     Clause 62: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a plate member attached to the upper, an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber, the first fluid-filled chamber attached at a first side to the upper surface of the outsole and attached at a second side opposite the first side to the plate member, a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber, the second fluid-filled chamber attached at a first side to the upper surface of the outsole and attached at a second side opposite the first side to the plate member, and a third cushion including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and to the plate member. 
     Clause 63: The sole structure of Clause 62, wherein the third cushion extends farther from the plate member than at least one of the first cushion and the second cushion. 
     Clause 64: The sole structure of Clause 62, wherein the third cushion is disposed closer to the lateral side than the medial side. 
     Clause 65: The sole structure of Clause 62, wherein the plate member includes an anterior end and a posterior end. 
     Clause 66: The sole structure of Clause 65, wherein the third cushion is disposed closer to the posterior end than the first cushion and the second cushion. 
     Clause 67: The sole structure of Clause 65, wherein the first cushion is disposed closer to the anterior end than the second cushion. 
     Clause 68: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, the outsole extending between an anterior end and a posterior end, a first cushion including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper, and a second cushion including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper, the second cushion being disposed between the first cushion and the posterior end of the outsole. 
     Clause 69: The sole structure of Clause 68, wherein the outsole includes a first bulge and a second bulge that stand proud of a nominal plane defined by the outsole. 
     Clause 70: The sole structure of Clause 69, wherein the first bulge is aligned with the first cushion and the second bulge is aligned with the second cushion. 
     Clause 71: The sole structure of Clause 68, wherein the first cushion is aligned with the second cushion in a direction extending along a longitudinal axis of the outsole. 
     Clause 72: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising a midsole having an upper portion in contact with the upper, a lower portion extending from the upper portion, and a channel formed between the upper portion and the lower portion, a plate member disposed within the channel of the midsole, and a cushion attached to the plate member at a first side. 
     Clause 73: The sole of Clause 72, wherein the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the plate and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the plate. 
     Clause 74: The sole structure of Clause 73, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is fluidly isolated from the second fluid-filled chamber. 
     Clause 75: The sole structure of Clause 73, wherein the first cushion is spaced apart and separated from the second cushion. 
     Clause 76: The sole structure of Clause 72, further comprising an outsole having a first portion joined to the midsole and a second portion joined to the cushion. 
     Clause 77: The sole structure of Clause 76, wherein the first portion of the outsole is separate from the second portion of the outsole. 
     Clause 78: The sole structure of Clause 72, wherein the lower portion of the midsole includes a recess in fluid communication with the channel. 
     Clause 79: The sole structure of Clause 78, wherein the plate is exposed at the recess. 
     Clause 80: The sole structure of Clause 79, wherein the cushion is disposed within the recess. 
     Clause 81: The sole structure of Clause 72, wherein plate member extends from an intermediate portion of a forefoot region to an intermediate portion of a heel region. 
     Clause 82: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein at least one of the first fluid-filled chamber and the second fluid-filled chamber includes a tensile member disposed therein. 
     Clause 83: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first fluid-filled chamber is aligned with the second fluid-filled chamber in a direction extending from a medial side to a lateral side of the sole structure. 
     Clause 84: A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper, the sole structure comprising an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface, a midsole attached to the outsole and having an upper portion and a lower portion defining a gap, the lower portion including a first segment extending from a forefoot region of the upper portion and a second segment extending from a heel region of the upper portion, a cushion disposed in the gap of the midsole, a first plate disposed between the cushion and the upper portion of the midsole, and a second plate joined to the first segment of the midsole and to the cushion. 
     Clause 85: The sole structure of Clause 84, wherein the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a second fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber disposed between the first plate and the second plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber disposed between the second plate and the outsole, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 86: The sole structure of Clause 84, wherein a first end of the second plate is joined to the first segment of the midsole and a second end of the second plate is joined to the second segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 87: The sole structure of Clause 86, wherein the first end of the second plate is embedded within the second segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 88: The sole structure of Clause 87, wherein the second end of the second plate is embedded within the first segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 89: The sole structure of Clause 87, wherein the second end of the second plate is joined to a forefoot-facing sidewall of the second segment. 
     Clause 90: The sole structure of Clause 84, wherein a first end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first segment of the midsole, and a second end of the first plate is disposed between the upper portion of the midsole and the first segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 91: The sole structure of Clause 84, wherein the second plate includes a concave intermediate portion having a radius of constant curvature from an anterior-most point to a metatarsophalangeal point of the sole structure. 
     Clause 82: The sole structure of Clause 84, wherein the cushion comprises a first cushion disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and including a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the second plate, and a second cushion disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and including a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the first plate and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the second plate, the second cushion being fluidly isolated from the first cushion. 
     Clause 93: The sole structure of Clause 92, wherein the second plate extends from the first segment of the midsole to the second segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 94: The sole structure of Clause 93, wherein a first end of the second plate is joined to an anterior end of the first segment and a second end of the second plate is embedded within the second segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 95: The sole structure of Clause 92, wherein an intermediate portion of the second plate is curved upward. 
     Clause 96: The sole structure of Clause 95, wherein the intermediate portion of the second plate includes a damper. 
     Clause 97: The sole structure of Clause 96, wherein the damper is disposed intermediate the cushion and the second segment of the midsole. 
     Clause 98: The sole structure of Clause 96, wherein the damper is configured to minimize a transfer of torsional forces from the intermediate portion to the second segment. 
     Clause 99: The sole structure of Clause 84, wherein the midsole includes a rib extending between the first segment and the second segment and laterally bisecting the cushion. 
     Clause 100: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chambers include a pressure within a range of 15-30 psi. 
     Clause 101: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chambers include a pressure within a range of 20-25 psi. 
     Clause 102: The sole structure of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the fluid-filled chambers include a pressure of 20 psi. 
     Clause 103: The sole structure of any of Clauses 1-101, wherein the fluid-filled chambers include a pressure of 25 psi. 
     Clause 104: A sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper, the sole structure comprising a first midsole portion attached to the upper, a first plate member attached to the first midsole portion, a first cushion attached to the first plate member on an opposite side of the first plate member than the first midsole portion, a second plate member attached to the first cushion on an opposite side of the first cushion than the first plate member, a second cushion attached to the second plate member on an opposite side of the second plate member than the first cushion, and an outsole attached to the second cushion on an opposite side of the second cushion than the second plate member. 
     Clause 105: A sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper, the sole structure comprising a first midsole portion attached to the upper, a first plate member attached to the first midsole portion, a first cushion attached to the first plate member on an opposite side of the first plate member than the first midsole portion, a second plate member attached to the first cushion on an opposite side of the first cushion than the first plate member, a second cushion attached to the second plate member on an opposite side of the second plate member than the first cushion, and a third plate member attached to the second cushion on an opposite side of the second cushion than the second plate member. 
     Clause 106: A sole structure for an article of footwear including an upper, the sole structure comprising a first midsole portion attached to the upper, a first plate member attached to the first midsole portion, a first cushion attached to the first plate member on an opposite side of the first plate member than the first midsole portion, a second midsole portion disposed on an opposite side of the first plate member than the first midsole portion, and an outsole attached to the second midsole portion on an opposite side of the second midsole portion than the first plate member. 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or feature of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, 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.