Patent Publication Number: US-9420846-B2

Title: Article of footwear for snowboarding

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a division of U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2012/0186104, currently U.S. application Ser. No. 13/440,254, entitled “Article of Footwear for Snowboarding”, filed on Apr. 5, 2012, and allowed on Oct. 24, 2013, which application is a division of U.S. Pat. No. 8,215,033, currently U.S. application Ser. No. 12/424,804, entitled “Article of Footwear for Snowboarding”, filed on Apr. 16, 2009, and issued on Jul. 10, 2012, the disclosure of each of which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an article of footwear, and in particular to a boot for use in snowboarding. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Articles of footwear for use in sporting activities, such as snowboarding, have been previously proposed. Some designs for snowboarding boots have previously been focused on provisions for increasing the durability of one or more portions of the upper or sole. Some other designs have been focused on provisions to attach a snowboard boot to bindings of a snowboard. 
     Some previous designs for articles have taught features for increasing flexibility of a component of the article. Francis et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,243,772) teaches a shoe with an external shell. Francis teaches a shoe with a sole, a sock attached to the sole and a form-retaining shell attached to the sole and not attached to the sock above the region of the sole, such that the sole may be flexible during use. Francis teaches a notch that enables the sole to flex in use. Francis also teaches an embodiment of the article with a gap that serves the same purpose of the notch (i.e. to allow the sole to flex during use). In another embodiment, Francis teaches that the notch is partially or wholly replaced by a flexible corrugated or bellow portion having a relatively thin, fan-like cross-section which may be molded into the shell. 
     Adams (U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,796) teaches a special sport shoe for people with high insteps. Adams teaches a shoe with an upper vamp section that is provided with V-shaped slits or openings, one on each side of the vamp. In addition, Adams teaches that in cases where the manufacturer desires to adapt the invention to somewhat more formal shoes for persons with high insteps, the V-shaped openings could be filled with an elastic gusset or other ornamental devices to cover the separation of the vamp portion of the shoe into upper and lower vamps. 
     Other designs for articles have taught provisions for lacing an article using lace loops. Sokolowski et al. (U.S. patent application publication number 2008/0110049) teaches an article of footwear having a flat knit upper construction. Sokolowski teaches an article of footwear that includes a sole structure and an upper. The article includes a textile element including four channels. The channels are formed from two at least partially coextensive layers of the material forming textile element. 
     Sokolowski also teaches lace elements that receive a lace. The lace elements include loops. In addition, the lace elements extend through the channels. The loops are positioned to extend outward from upper portions of the channels. The materials that can be used for the textile element include cotton and wool fibers, natural filaments such as silk, and synthetic filaments that include nylon, rayon, polyester and acrylic. Elastane fibers can provide substantial stretch and recoverability. 
     Lanzi (U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,363) teaches a textile weave of inelastic and elastic fiber forming an elastic weave with one or more rigid loops. The lace loop is made of inelastic fiber, which is connected to the inelastic-elastic weave, which is further connected to another inelastic fiber, which is then connected to the shoe. When the lace is tightened, the elastic-inelastic part stretches, but the loop does not. 
     Friton (U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,582) teaches an article of footwear with a heel clip. Friton teaches non-stretch lace engaging elements that may be made from nylon. The lace engaging elements include a first end containing eyelets, lace loops, or the like, and a second end that is fixedly attached to the side panel of the upper. The side panels may be flexible and may be made from a flexible mesh. Because of the flexibility of the side panels, the lace engaging elements are pulled upwardly and inwardly as the lace is tightened. Friton also teaches flexible straps that can be applied against the side panels, and in some cases can wrap over to tighten from one side to another. 
     Monti (U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,057) teaches a strapping closure system for an article of footwear. Monti teaches instep straps that are fixedly attached to second ends. The instep straps each have a loop at one end for receiving a lace. The instep straps are disposed through slits in the midfoot area of the upper. The instep straps are not attached to the upper so they can be tightened independently of the upper. Instead, the instep straps are attached to instep pieces. 
     Hatfield et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,430) teaches a shoe with an elastic closure system. Hatfield teaches a shoe in which elastic material is secured along the base of the upper on the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. A plurality of straps are separately and independently attached at their lower end to the elastic material. The straps are made of a substantially inelastic material. Lace openings are positioned at the upper ends of the straps. As the lace is drawn, the straps are tightened around the foot to place the elastic material disposed along the medial and lateral sides of the foot under tension. See the abstract. 
     Hatfield teaches an upper with medial straps and lateral straps. The straps are connected by web portions. Hatfield also teaches an elastic material including a first portion and a second portion disposed on the medial and lateral sides, respectively. Hatfield also teaches upper edges for the portions. 
     Hatfield teaches an inner sleeve including an outer layer made of a stretchable material, for example, neoprene, and an inner layer made of a stretchable material. Hatfield teaches the use of Lycra. The outer layer and inner layer are stitched together at their top ends around foot opening. 
     Articles with structural elements formed of threads have also been previously proposed. Meschter (U.S. patent application publication number 2007/0271823) teaches an article of footwear having an upper with thread structural elements. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention discloses an article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding. In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper comprising a lower portion corresponding to a foot and an upper portion corresponding to an ankle of the foot; a lacing region extending through the lower portion and the upper portion; a flex notch extending from the lacing region towards a heel portion of the upper; an elastic portion extending through a portion of the lacing region; and wherein the elastic portion extends between a first edge and a second edge of the flex notch. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper comprising a lower portion corresponding to a foot and an upper portion corresponding to an ankle of the foot; a lacing region extending through the lower portion and the upper portion; a flex notch extending from the lacing region towards a heel portion of the upper; the flex notch being disposed between the lower portion and the upper portion; a lace loop configured to receive a lacing member associated with the lacing region; the lace loop including a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; the first end portion being attached to the upper portion and the second end portion being attached to the lower portion; and wherein the intermediate portion spans between the flex notch. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper comprising a lower portion corresponding to a foot and an upper portion corresponding to an ankle of the foot; a lacing region extending through the lower portion and the upper portion; a flex notch extending from a lacing region towards a heel portion of the upper; an elastic portion extending through a portion of the lacing region, the elastic portion extending between a first edge and a second edge of the flex notch; a lace loop configured to receive a lacing member associated with the lacing region; the lace loop including a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; the first end portion being attached to the upper portion and the second end portion being attached to the lower portion; and wherein the intermediate portion spans the flex notch. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a lacing region; an elastic portion configured to attach to an edge of the lacing region; at least one lace loop including a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion and the second end portion being attached to the edge of the lacing region; and wherein a portion of the elastic portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion of the at least one lace loop. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a lacing region; an elastic portion configured to attach to an edge of the lacing region; the elastic portion including an exterior portion facing outwardly on the upper and an interior portion facing inwardly on the upper, the elastic portion further including an upper edge that separates the exterior portion from the interior portion; a lace loop including a first end portion and a second end portion attached to the edge of the lacing region; the lace loop including an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; and wherein the intermediate portion is configured to wrap around the upper edge of the elastic portion. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a lacing region; an elastic portion configured to attach to an edge of the lacing region; a first lace loop attached to an edge of the lacing region and a second lace loop attached to the edge of the lacing region; the elastic portion extending through the first lace loop and the second lace loop; and wherein the elastic portion includes an intermediate portion that extends between the first lace loop and the second lace loop. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a harness, the harness including a base layer and a threading layer, the threading layer configured to attach to the base layer; the threading layer comprising threads arranged in a first thread group and a second thread group; the first thread group including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the threads extend radially outward from the first end portion to the second end portion; the second thread group including a third end portion and a fourth end portion, wherein the threads extend radially outward from the third end portion to the fourth end portion; the first end portion of the first thread group being substantially spaced apart from the third end portion of the second thread group by a thread gap; and wherein the base layer includes a notch associated with the thread gap. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a harness, the harness including a base layer and a threading layer, the threading layer configured to attach to the base layer; the threading layer comprising threads arranged in a first thread group and a second thread group; the first thread group including a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the threads extend radially outward from the first end portion to the second end portion; the second thread group including a third end portion and a fourth end portion, wherein the threads extend radially outward from the third end portion to the fourth end portion; the first thread group including a first side edge extending from the first end portion of the first thread group to the second end portion of the first thread group; the second thread group including a second side edge extending from the third end portion of the second thread group to the fourth end portion of the second thread group; the threading layer including a thread gap disposed between the first side edge and the second side edge; and wherein the base layer includes a notch that extends between the first side edge and the second side edge. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a harness, the harness including a base layer and a threading layer, the threading layer configured to attach to the base layer; the harness further including a peripheral layer that is configured to attach to an outer peripheral portion of the base layer; the peripheral layer including a first tab portion including a first lace loop and a second tab portion including a second lace loop; the first tab portion being connected to the second tab portion by a segment; the threading layer comprising a plurality of threads arranged in a first thread group and a second thread group; a first end portion of the first thread group extending to the first tab portion of the peripheral layer and a second end portion of the second thread group extending to the second tab portion of the peripheral layer; the first end portion of the first thread group being spaced apart from the second end portion of the second thread group by a thread gap; and wherein the segment of the peripheral layer has a shape that corresponds to the thread gap. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a harness, the harness including a base layer and a threading layer, the threading layer configured to attach to the base layer; the harness further including a peripheral layer; the threading layer comprising a plurality of threads arranged in a thread group; the thread group including an end portion disposed adjacent to an edge of the base layer; and wherein the threads of the end portion are disposed between the peripheral layer and the base layer. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a harness, the harness including a base layer and a threading layer, the threading layer configured to attach to the base layer; the base layer including a central portion and an outer peripheral portion extending around the central portion; the threading layer extending through the central portion of the base layer; a peripheral layer disposed adjacent to the base layer; and wherein the peripheral layer is configured to confront the outer peripheral portion of the base layer. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a harness, the harness including a base layer and a threading layer, the threading layer configured to attach to the base layer; the harness further including a peripheral layer; the peripheral layer including at least one lace loop; and wherein at least one lace loop is bonded to a tab portion of the peripheral layer and wherein the tab portion comprises a polymer material. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a base layer configured to form an upper, the upper including a forefoot portion, a heel portion and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion; a threading layer including at least one thread group disposed on the base layer in the midfoot portion, the threading layer including an outer perimeter; a connecting layer configured to bond the threading layer to the base layer; the connecting layer including a first portion and a second portion; and wherein the first portion is configured to cover the threading layer and wherein the second portion is configured to extend away from the threading perimeter of the threading layer. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a base layer configured to form an upper, the upper including a forefoot portion, a heel portion and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion; a threading layer including a first thread group disposed on a side of the midfoot portion; a connecting layer including a first side portion and a forward portion; and wherein the first side portion corresponds to the first thread group and wherein the forward portion corresponds to a toe portion of the forefoot portion. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a base layer configured to form an upper, the upper including a forefoot portion, a heel portion and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion; a threading layer including a first thread group disposed on a medial side of the midfoot portion and the threading layer including a second thread group disposed on a lateral side of the midfoot portion; a connecting layer including a first side portion and a second side portion; and wherein the first side portion corresponds to the first thread group and the second side portion corresponds to the second thread group. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a medial side of a lacing system for an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a lateral side of a lacing system for an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a lateral side of a lacing system for an article of footwear with elastic portions illustrated in phantom; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of an alternative embodiment of a lacing system for an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a lacing system for an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear illustrating a normal position of a flex notch; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear illustrating a flexed position of a flex notch as well as the expansion of an elastic portion associated with the flex notch; 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a flex notch when a lacing system is loosened; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of a flex notch when a lacing system is tightened; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with an internal harness shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear shown in phantom including an internal harness illustrated in solid; 
         FIG. 14  is an isometric rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including an internal harness illustrating the attachment of the internal harness to a rear wall of the upper; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a harness; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a harness; 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a harness; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a harness in a flattened position; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a harness; 
         FIG. 20  is a top isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a lacing arrangement for an article of footwear including a harness; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a harness tightened around a foot; 
         FIG. 22  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an upper of an article of footwear including external threads; 
         FIG. 23  is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a threading layer and a connecting layer; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a connecting layer disposed over a toe portion of an upper and a snowboard edge resting on the connecting layer at the toe portion; 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an article of footwear including a threading layer and a connecting layer; 
         FIG. 26  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an article of footwear including a threading layer and a connecting layer; 
         FIG. 27  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an article of footwear including a threading layer and a connecting layer; 
         FIG. 28  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an article of footwear including a threading layer and a connecting layer; 
         FIG. 29  is a rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a rear foot support; 
         FIG. 30  is an exploded rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear including a rear foot support; 
         FIG. 31  is an exploded isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a harness; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of a harness; 
         FIG. 33  is an isometric view of an another exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear shown with a harness tightened around a foot; and 
         FIG. 34  is an exploded isometric view of yet another exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a harness. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1-2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100 . In particular,  FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100  and  FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100 . For clarity, the following detailed description discusses an exemplary embodiment, in the form of a boot, but it should be noted that the present invention could take the form of any article of footwear including, but not limited to: hiking boots, soccer shoes, football shoes, sneakers, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments illustrate a boot configured to be used for snowboarding, however, in other embodiments the boot could be used for other activities such as hiking, skiing, or any other type of activity in which boots may be used. As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , article of footwear  100 , also referred to simply as article  100 , can be used with a right foot. It is understood that the following discussion may equally apply to a mirror image of article of footwear  100  that can be used with a left foot. Features discussed herein may apply equally well for an article of footwear configured for use with a left foot or for a right foot. However, some features discussed herein or configurations shown may provide particular advantages an article of footwear configured for use with either a left foot or a right foot, such as a snowboard boot arranged for use as the lead boot for a user having an left or goofy foot stance. 
     For purposes of reference, article  100  may be divided into forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14 . Forefoot portion  10  may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot portion  12  may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. Likewise, heel portion  14  may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. In addition, article  100  may include lateral side  16  and medial side  18 . In particular, lateral side  16  and medial side  18  may be opposing sides of article  100 . Furthermore, both lateral side  16  and medial side  18  may extend through forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14 . 
     It will be understood that forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14  are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article  100 . Likewise, lateral side  16  and medial side  18  are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article  100  into two halves. In addition, forefoot portion  10 , midfoot portion  12  and heel portion  14 , as well as lateral side  16  and medial side  18 , can also be applied to individual components of an article, such as a sole structure and/or an upper. 
     For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole. 
     Article  100  can include upper  102  and sole structure  110 . Sole structure  110  is secured to upper  102  and extends between the foot and the ground when article  100  is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure  110  may include different components. For example, sole structure  110  may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. 
     In some embodiments, sole structure  110  may be configured to provide traction for article  100 . In addition to providing traction, sole structure  110  may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure  110  may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure  110  can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure  110  may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces. 
     In embodiments where article of footwear  100  is a snowboard boot, sole structure  110  can include provisions for interacting with a snowboard. For example, in some cases, sole structure  110  can include features for receiving, and fastening to, bindings on a snowboard. Furthermore, sole structure  110  can include traction members to enhance grip between article  100  and a snowboard. For purposes of clarity, sole structure  110  is shown without any particular features for associating with a snowboard, but it will be understood that in different embodiments any such provisions known in the art can be used. 
     Upper  102  is configured to receive a foot of a wearer of article  100 . Generally, upper  102  may be any type of upper. In particular, upper  102  could have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article  100  is a basketball shoe, upper  102  could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article  100  is a running shoe, upper  102  could be a low top upper. In an exemplary embodiment, upper  102  has the shape of a boot upper that completely covers a foot and provides additional coverage at an ankle. 
     In one embodiment, upper  102  may be provided with lower portion  104  and upper portion  106 . In some cases, lower portion  104  may be associated with, and configured to receive, the toes, arch and heel of a foot. Upper portion  106  may extend upwards from lower portion  104 . In some cases, upper portion  106  can be associated with an ankle of a foot. In an exemplary embodiment, upper portion  106  may be a cuff portion for upper  102 . 
     Upper  102 , including both lower portion  104  and upper portion  106 , may define a void in article  100  for receiving and securing the foot relative to sole structure  110 . In particular, the void is shaped to accommodate a foot and extends along the lateral side of the foot, along the medial side of the foot, over the foot and under the foot. In some cases, upper  102  may be provided with entry hole  108  that provides access to the void. In an exemplary embodiment, entry hole  108  may be provided at upper end portion  112  of upper portion  106 . 
     Upper  102  may include provisions for enhancing the durability and appearance of article  100 . In some embodiments, upper  102  may include first padded portion  114 . In some cases, first padded portion  114  may be disposed adjacent to entry hole  108 . In an exemplary embodiment, first padded portion  114  may extend around a substantial majority of the perimeter of entry hole  108 . This arrangement can facilitate cushioning at a top edge of upper  102  to enhance comfort as a foot is inserted or removed from article  100 . 
     In addition, upper  102  can include second padded portion  116 . In some embodiments, second padded portion  116  can be disposed adjacent to an ankle of the foot in order to provide cushioning for the ankle. In some cases, second padded portion  116  can be disposed on medial side  18 . In other cases, however, second padded portion  116  can be disposed on lateral side  16 . In still other cases, second padded portion  116  can be provided on both lateral side  16  and medial side  18  of upper  102 . With this arrangement, second padded portion  116  can provide additional protection for the ankle of a user. 
     Article  100  can include lacing system  120  for purposes of adjusting upper  102 . In some cases, lacing system  120  can extend from forefoot portion  10  through midfoot portion  12  of article  100 . Furthermore, in some cases, lacing system  120  can extend through lower portion  104  and upper portion  106  of upper  102 . In particular, lacing system  120  may be associated with lacing region  122  that is disposed between lateral side  16  and medial side  18  of upper  102 . 
     In some embodiments, upper  102  includes lower gap  131  and upper gap  132 . In some cases, lower gap  131  may span between lower medial edge  134  and lower lateral edge  136  of lower portion  104 . Likewise, upper gap  132  may span between upper medial edge  138  and upper lateral edge  140 . In an exemplary embodiment, lacing system  120  can include provisions for changing the sizes of lower gap  131  and upper gap  132  in order to adjust the size of upper  102  and thereby tighten or loosen upper  102  around a foot. 
     In some embodiments, upper  102  may include tongue  111  that extends through lacing region  122 . In some cases, tongue  111  may be integrally formed with upper  102 . In other cases, however, tongue  111  may be a separate component from upper  102  and may be attached to upper  102  using conventional methods such as stitching or adhesives. 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  can include lacing member  124 . The term ‘lacing member’, as used throughout this detailed discussion, refers to any type of lace that may be used with an article of footwear. Generally, the size, including cross sectional shape and length, of lacing member  124  may be varied. Also, lacing member  124  may be made of any material, including, but not limited to: various types of natural and/or synthetic fibers, as well as other types of materials that may be used as laces. Furthermore it should be understood that although a single lacing member is shown in this preferred embodiment, other embodiments may incorporate more than one lace. 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include provisions for securing lacing member  124  to various portions of upper  102 . In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include lace receiving members configured to receive portions of lacing member  124 . In other words, these lace receiving members may function in a similar manner to traditional eyelets. In different embodiments, different types of lace receiving members may be used. Examples of different lace receiving members include but are not limited to: eyelets, hooks, lace loops, as well as other types of lace receiving members. 
     In some embodiments, lacing system  120  may include lace hook set  200 . In particular, lace hook set  200  can include first lace hook  201 , second lace hook  202  and third lace hook  203  that are associated with upper medial edge  138  of upper  102 . In addition, lace hook set  200  can include fourth lace hook  204 , fifth lace hook  205  and sixth lace hook  206  that are associated with upper lateral edge  140  of upper  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, first lace hook  201 , second lace hook  202 , third lace hook  203 , fourth lace hook  204 , fifth lace hook  205  and sixth lace hook  206  are traditional types of lace hooks. Generally, lace hooks of lace hook set  200  can have any shape that is configured to receive lacing member  124  for the purposes of tightening upper medial edge  138  and upper lateral edge  140 . It will be understood that in other embodiments different types of lacing guides could be used in place of lace hooks. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, lacing system  120  may include lace loop set  130  that is associated with lower medial edge  134  and lower lateral edge  136 . In particular, lace loop set  130  can include first lace loop  141 , second lace loop  142 , third lace loop  143  and fourth lace loop  144  that are associated with lower medial edge  134 . In addition, lace loop set  130  can include fifth lace loop  145 , sixth lace loop  146 , seventh lace loop  147  and eighth lace loop  148  that are associated with lower lateral edge  136 . Using lace loop set  130 , lacing member  124  can be configured to tighten lower portion  104  of upper  102 . 
     In different embodiments, the geometry of one or more lace loops can vary. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , each lace loop of lace loop set  130  may have a substantially rectangular shape. In other embodiments, however, the shape of one or more lace loops can vary. In addition, each of the lace loops in the current embodiment have lengths that vary in a generally longitudinal direction along lacing region  122 . In particular, first lace loop  141  and fifth lace loop  145  are generally smaller than the remaining lace loops. Likewise, fourth lace loop  144  and eighth lace loop  148  are generally larger than the remaining lace loops. Furthermore, the lengths of second lace loop  142 , third lace loop  143 , sixth lace loop  146  and seventh lace loop  147  increase from forefoot portion  10  towards heel portion  14 . It will be understood, however, that in different embodiments the length of each lace loop of lace loop set  130  can vary. 
     An article can be provided with provisions for enhancing the flexibility between an upper portion and a lower portion of an upper. For example, in cases where an upper includes an upper portion that wraps around an ankle, an article can include provisions to allow the ankle to move forwards and rearwards with respect to the foot. In an exemplary embodiment, an article can include one or more flex notches that are configured to facilitate increased flexibility for a cuff of an upper, which can facilitate leaning forwards and rearwards during snowboarding maneuvers. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , article  100  includes first flex notch  182  and second flex notch  184  disposed on medial side  18  and lateral side  16 , respectively. In one embodiment, first flex notch  182  has an approximately triangular shape. In particular, first flex notch  182  includes first edge  186 , which is associated with upper portion  106 . Also, first flex notch  182  can include second edge  187 , which is associated with lower portion  104 . Furthermore, first edge  186  may extend from upper medial edge  138  in a rearwards direction towards heel portion  14 . Likewise, second edge  187  may extend from lower medial edge  134  towards heel portion  14 . In some cases, first edge  186  and second edge  187  may be joined at first vertex portion  189 . In an exemplary embodiment, first edge  186  and second edge  187  are disposed at an acute angle with respect to one another. With the arrangement, first flex notch  182  may be configured to facilitate movement between upper portion  106  and lower portion  104  on medial side  18 . 
     In a similar manner, second flex notch  184  may be configured with a shape that facilitates enhanced flexibility of lateral side  16  of upper  102 . In one embodiment, second flex notch  184  also has an approximately triangular shape. In particular, second flex notch  184  may include third edge  196 , which is associated with upper portion  106 . Also, second flex notch  184  can include fourth edge  197 , which is associated with lower portion  104 . Furthermore, third edge  196  may extend from upper lateral edge  140  in a rearwards direction towards heel portion  14 . Likewise, fourth edge  197  may extend from lower lateral edge  136  towards heel portion  14 . In some cases, third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  may be joined at second vertex portion  199 . In an exemplary embodiment, third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  are disposed at an acute angle with respect to one another. With the arrangement, second flex notch  184  may be configured to facilitate movement between upper portion  106  and lower portion  104  on lateral side  16 . 
     It will be understood that the location of one or more flex notches can vary in different embodiments. In other embodiments, a flex notch could be disposed closer to a toe portion of an upper in order to facilitate increased flexibility at the middle of an upper. In still other embodiments, a flex notch could be disposed closer to an entry hole of an upper to facilitate increased flexibility at a high ankle portion of an upper. 
     Furthermore, the geometry of one or more flex notches can vary in different embodiments. In one embodiment, the angle formed between a first edge and a second edge of a flex notch can be in the range between 10 degrees and 50 degrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle formed between a first edge and a second edge of a flex notch can be in the range between 20 degrees and 40 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle could be less than 10 degrees or greater than 50 degrees. In another embodiment, for example, the angle formed between a first edge and a second edge of a flex notch could be an approximately right angle. In still other embodiments, the angle formed between a first edge and a second edge could be an obtuse angle. 
     It will also be understood that the shape of a flex notch is not limited to an approximately triangular shape. In other embodiments, a flex notch could be configured with any other kind of shape including, but not limited to: rectangular shapes, oval-like shapes, rounded shapes, polygonal shapes, irregular shapes, as well as any other type of shape. 
     In addition, while the current embodiment includes two flex notches disposed on the medial and lateral sides of the upper, other embodiments could include any number of flex notches. For example, in another embodiment, a flex notch could be provided on only a medial side or lateral side of the upper. In other embodiments, either the medial or lateral side of the upper can be provided with two or more flex notches. 
     An article of footwear can include provisions for controlling the flexibility of a lacing region. In some cases, an article can be provided with a layer of material that extends through a portion of the lacing region. In an exemplary embodiment, the article can include an elastic layer that extends through a portion of the lacing region. 
     Article  100  can include first elastic portion  160  and second elastic portion  162 . Generally, first elastic portion  160  can have any shape. In some cases, first elastic portion  160  can be configured to extend through a portion of lacing region  122 . In particular, first portion  164  of first elastic portion  160  may be configured to extend from first end portion  172  to second end portion  174  along medial side  18  of lacing region  122 . In a similar manner, first portion  165  of second elastic portion  162  may extend from first end portion  172  to second end portion  174  along lateral side  16  of lacing region  122 . With this arrangement, first elastic portion  160  and second elastic portion  162  may enhance the flexibility of lacing region  122  in order to help upper  102  conform to a foot for a better fit. 
     In some embodiments, an elastic portion can be further associated with a flex notch in order to provide increased stability for the flex notch. In the current embodiment, first elastic portion  160  may include second portion  166 . In some cases, second portion  166  of first elastic portion  160  may be configured to extend into first flex notch  182 . Additionally, second elastic portion  162  may include second portion  167 . In some cases, second portion  167  of second elastic portion  162  may be configured to extend into second flex notch  184 . With this arrangement, the flexibility of first flex notch  182  and second flex notch  184  can be fine tuned. 
     In different embodiments, the size and shape of each elastic portion can vary. For example, in another embodiment, first elastic portion  160  and second elastic portion  162  can be configured as inner linings for upper  102 . In particular, first elastic portion  160  and second elastic portion  162  can extend further into an interior portion of upper  102 . In some cases, first portion  164  of first elastic portion  160  can extend below lower medial edge  134  of lacing region  122 . In addition, second portion  166  of first elastic portion  160  can extend beyond first edge  186  and second edge  187  of first flex notch  182 . In a similar manner, first portion  165  and second portion  167  of second elastic portion  162  can extend below lower lateral edge  136  and second flex notch  184 , respectively. 
     In different embodiments, the materials used for the various components of article  100  may vary. For example, sole structure  110  may be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to: elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, other synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics. In some cases, the materials used for making sole structure  110  may be selected to accomplish stability and cushioning for a foot undergoing forces typically associated with snowboarding. 
     Also, upper  102  may be made from any suitable material. Examples of materials for upper  102  include, but are not limited to: nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber or synthetic rubber. In some cases, upper  102  can be made of any suitable knitted, woven or non-woven material. In an exemplary embodiment, upper  102  can be made of a combination of outer and inner layers. For example, in some cases, upper  102  can be provided with an outer layer made of synthetic leather, which can enhance the durability of upper  102 . The outer layer can be reinforced on an interior side of upper  102  by an inner layer made of, for example, a synthetic fabric that provides increased comfort to a foot. 
     Components associated with a lacing system can be made of any materials known in the art. For example, lace loops used in a lacing system can be made of materials including, but not limited to: leather, synthetic leather, knitted fabrics, woven fabrics, rubbers, plastics, or any other type of material. In an exemplary embodiment, lace loops used with upper  102  may be made of a fabric with a woven mesh, which can provide substantial flexibility to the lace loops. 
     The term “elastic portion” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims is used to describe any component that is capable of substantial elastic deformation. It should be understood that the term “elastic portion” is not intended to be limited to a particular class of elastic materials. In some cases, one or more elastic portions can be made of an elastomeric material including, but not limited to: natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubbers, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubbers, chloroprene rubber (such as polychloroprene, neoprene and bayprene), ethylene propylene rubber (EPM), ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber (FVMQ), fluoroelastomers (such as Viton, Tecnoflon, Fluorel, Aflas and Dai-El), perfluoroelastomers (such as Tecnoflon PFR, Kalrez, Chemraz, Perlast), polyether block amides (PEBA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), various types of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), for example Elastron, as well as any other type of material with substantial elastic properties. In other cases, an elastic portion could be made of another type of material that is capable of elastic deformation. In other words, materials used for an elastic portion are not limited to elastomeric materials. In an exemplary embodiment, each elastic portion may be made of neoprene. 
       FIGS. 3 through 5  illustrate assembled views of lacing system  120  of article  100 . For purposes of clarity, tongue  111  is not illustrated. Referring to  FIGS. 3 through 5 , first portion  164  of first elastic portion  160  may be associated with lower medial edge  134  of upper  102 , as previously discussed. In addition, second portion  166  may be associated with first flex notch  182 . In some cases, first portion  164  may be stitched to lower medial edge  134 . In other cases, first portion  164  could be attached to lower medial edge  134  using an adhesive. In still other cases, first portion  164  may be attached to lower medial edge  134  in any other manner known in the art. In a similar manner, in some cases, peripheral edge  169  of second portion  166  can be stitched to first edge  186  and second edge  187  of first flex notch  182 . In other cases, peripheral edge  169  can be fastened to first edge  186  and second edge  187  of first flex notch  182  in another manner, such as through the use of an adhesive. 
     Second elastic portion  162  can be attached to upper  102 . In some cases, first portion  165  of second elastic portion  162  may be associated with lower lateral edge  136  of upper  102 . Likewise, second portion  167  may be associated with second flex notch  184 . In some cases, first portion  165  may be stitched to lower lateral edge  136 . In other cases, first portion  165  may be attached to lower lateral edge  136  in another manner. In a similar manner, in some cases, peripheral edge  207  of second portion  167  can be stitched to third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  of second flex notch  184 . In other cases, peripheral edge  207  can be fastened to third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  of second flex notch  184  in another manner. 
     In this embodiment, each lace loop of first lace loop  141 , second lace loop  142  and third lace loop  143  may be configured to attach to lower medial edge  134  of lacing region  122 . In particular, first lace loop  141  includes first end portion  251  and second end portion  252 . In some cases, first end portion  251  and second end portion  252  may be attached to lower medial edge  134  of lacing region  122 . In a similar manner, second lace loop  142  may include third end portion  253  and fourth end portion  254  that are configured to attach to lower medial edge  134 . Similarly, third lace loop  143  may include fifth end portion  255  and sixth end portion  256  that are configured to attach to lower medial edge  134 . 
     Each lace loop of fifth lace loop  145 , sixth lace loop  146  and seventh lace loop  147  may be configured to attach to lower lateral edge  136  of lacing region  122 . In particular, fifth lace loop  145  can include seventh end portion  257  and eighth end portion  258  configured to attach to lower lateral edge  136 . In addition, sixth lace loop  146  includes ninth end portion  259  and tenth end portion  260  configured to attach to lower lateral edge  136 . Also, seventh lace loop  147  includes eleventh end portion  261  and twelfth end portion  262  configured to attach to lower lateral edge  136 . 
     In contrast to the lace loops discussed above, fourth lace loop  144  and eighth lace loop  148  may include end portions that attach at separated portions of upper  102 . In one embodiment, fourth lace loop  144  includes first end portion  231  and second end portion  232 . In some cases, first end portion  231  may be attached to second edge  187  of first flex notch  182 . Also, second end portion  232  may be attached to first edge  186  of first flex notch  182 . Furthermore, fourth lace loop  144  may include intermediate portion  233  that is disposed between first end portion  231  and second end portion  232 . In some cases, intermediate portion  233  can be configured to extend between first edge  186  and second edge  187  of first flex notch  182 . This arrangement can help a wearer to adjust first flex notch  182 , since fourth lace loop  144  extends between adjacent edges of first flex notch  182 . 
     In some embodiments, eighth lace loop  148  can include first end portion  234  and second end portion  235 . In some cases, first end portion  234  may be attached to fourth edge  197  of second flex notch  184 . In addition, second end portion  235  may be attached to third edge  196  of second flex notch  184 . Furthermore, eighth lace loop  148  may include intermediate portion  236  that is disposed between first end portion  234  and second end portion  235 . In some cases, intermediate portion  236  can be configured to extend between third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  of second flex notch  184 . This arrangement can help a wearer adjust second flex notch  184 , since eighth lace loop  148  extends between adjacent edges of second flex notch  184 . 
     An article including lace loops can include provisions to increase comfort in a lacing region of the footwear. In some cases, lace loops can be associated with an elastic portion that extends throughout a lacing region in order to reduce localized pressure that may be applied by a lace loop when a lacing member is tightened. In an exemplary embodiment, lace loops can be configured to wrap around an elastic portion to enhance the comfort in the lacing region. 
     Generally, some lace loops of lace loop set  130  may be configured to wrap around first elastic portion  160  and second elastic portion  162 . For example, first lace loop  141  is configured to wrap around first elastic portion  160 . In particular, first end portion  251  of first lace loop  141  is disposed adjacent to first exterior portion  272  of first elastic portion  160 . In addition, second end portion  252  of first lace loop  141  is disposed adjacent to first interior portion  274  of first elastic portion  160 . Furthermore, first intermediate portion  211  of first lace loop  141 , which is disposed between first end portion  251  and second end portion  252 , is disposed adjacent to first upper edge  221  of first elastic portion  160 . In other words, first elastic portion  160  extends through the aperture formed within first lace loop  141 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, second lace loop  142  and third lace loop  143  may be configured to wrap around first elastic portion  160 . Also, fifth lace loop  145 , sixth lace loop  146  and seventh lace loop  147  may be configured to wrap around second elastic portion  162 . In particular third end portion  253  and fifth end portion  255  of second lace loop  142  and third lace loop  143  are disposed adjacent to first exterior portion  272  of first elastic portion  160 . In addition, fourth end portion  254  and sixth end portion  256  of second lace loop  142  and third lace loop  143  are disposed adjacent to first interior portion  274  of first elastic portion  160 . Furthermore, second lace loop  142  and third lace loop  143  include second intermediate portion  212  and third intermediate portion  213 , respectively, disposed around first upper edge  221  of first elastic portion  160 . 
     In a similar manner, seventh end portion  257 , ninth end portion  259  and eleventh end portion  261  of fifth lace loop  145 , sixth lace loop  146  and seventh lace loop  147  are disposed adjacent to second exterior portion  276  of second elastic portion  162 . In addition, eighth end portion  258 , tenth end portion  260  and twelfth end portion  262  of fifth lace loop  145 , sixth lace loop  146  and seventh lace loop  147  are disposed adjacent to second interior portion  278  of second elastic portion  162 . Furthermore, fifth lace loop  145 , sixth lace loop  146  and seventh lace loop  147  include fifth intermediate portion  215 , sixth intermediate portion  216  and seventh intermediate portion  217 , respectively, disposed around second upper edge  223  of second elastic portion  162 . 
     In some embodiments, fourth lace loop  144  and eighth lace loop  148  may not be configured to wrap around first elastic portion  160  and second elastic portion  162 , respectively. Instead, fourth lace loop  144  may be disposed adjacent to first exterior portion  272  of first elastic portion  160 . In particular, first end portion  231  and second end portion  232  of fourth lace loop  144  may be both disposed adjacent to first exterior portion  272  of first elastic portion  160 . Likewise, first end portion  234  and second end portion  235  of eighth lace loop  148  may be both disposed adjacent to second exterior portion  276  of second elastic portion  162 . 
     Typically, as a wearer adjusts an article with lace loops, the lace loops may tighten against a top surface of the article. In embodiments with free-floating lace loops, which are lace loops that are not wrapped around an elastic portion, the tension of the lace loops against an upper surface of the article can cause discomfort to a wearer. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an article including lace loops. Referring to  FIG. 6 , article  300  may have a substantially similar design to the embodiment discussed above. For example, article  300  may be a boot, such as a boot designed for snowboarding. In particular, article  300  can include upper  302 , which further includes lower portion  304  and upper portion  306 . Lower portion  304  may be configured to receive a foot, including the toes, arch and heel. In addition, upper portion  306  may be a cuff-like portion configured to receive an ankle. 
     Furthermore, article  300  can be provided with lacing system  320 , which is disposed in lacing region  322 . In the alternative embodiment, lacing system  320  further includes lower set of lace loops  330 , which includes first lace loop  331 , second lace loop  332 , third lace loop  333 , fourth lace loop  334 , fifth lace loop  335  and sixth lace loop  336 . In this case, the lace loops of lower set of lace loops  330  are associated with lower portion  304  of upper  302 . In particular, lacing member  324  of lacing system  320  may be inserted through each lace loop of lacing system  320  in order to facilitate fastening of lower portion  304 . 
     In this alternative embodiment, the end portions of each lace loop of lower set of lace loops  330  are attached directly to medial edge  318  and lateral edge  316  of lacing region  322 . In particular, the end portions of each lace loop are attached to one another and a corresponding edge of lacing region  322 . In contrast to the previous embodiment, however, article  300  does not include any elastic portions disposed through lacing region  322 . 
     In this alternative embodiment, lacing member  324  has been pulled to tighten fully lacing system  320 . As lacing member  324  is tightened, each lacing loop of lower set of lace loops  330  is pulled taught against upper surface  350  of upper  102 . In this embodiment, upper surface  350  is associated with an upper surface of tongue  311  of upper  302 . However, in other embodiments without a tongue, each lace loop of lower set of lace loops  330  may be pressed directly against an inner lining of upper  302 . 
     As each lace loop tightens around upper surface  350 , pressure may be applied at localized regions of upper surface  350 . For example, in this embodiment first lace loop  331  applies a downward and inward pressure at first localized region  361  of upper surface  350 . In addition, second lace loop  332  applies a downward and inward pressure at second localized region  362  of upper surface  350 . This arrangement can cause depressions in upper surface  350  at first localized region  361  and second localized region  362  of upper surface  350 . Furthermore, as first localized region  361  and second localized region  362  of upper surface  350  are compressed under the pressure applied by first lace loop  331  and second lace loop  332 , intermediate region  363  of upper surface  350  may expand outwardly from adjacent regions of upper surface  350 . In other words, intermediate region  363  may bunch due to the forces applied at first localized region  361  and second localized region  362 . 
     In a similar manner, upper surface  350  may be depressed in localized regions adjacent to third lace loop  333 , fourth lace loop  334 , fifth lace loop  335  and sixth lace loop  336 . Furthermore, regions intermediate to any two adjacent lace loops may experience bunching or bulging due to the pressure applied locally at the lace loops. This bunched arrangement for upper surface  350  can lead to discomfort for a wearer, as the uneven surface created at upper surface  350  can lead to an irregular lower surface of tongue  111  that is configured to contact a foot or sock of a wearer. 
     In contrast to the arrangement described in the alternative embodiment without elastic portions, an article with elastic portions disposed through lace loops can help reduce localized pressures that can cause an irregular upper surface for an upper. In particular, the exemplary design includes a lace loop system in which the lace loops are coupled with the elastic portions in a manner that provides substantially even pressure over an upper surface of an upper, especially adjacent to edges of the lacing region. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , article  100  includes lace loops that are configured to wrap around elastic portions, as previously discussed. In this embodiment, as lacing member  124  is tightened, each lace loop of lace loop set  130  may be pulled inwardly and downwardly against upper surface  370  of upper  102 . For example, first lace loop  141  is pulled taught against upper surface  370 . Also, second lace loop  142  is pulled taught against upper surface  370 . In addition, because first elastic portion  160  is disposed through first lace loop  141  and second lace loop  142 , intermediate elastic portion  372  is also pulled taught against upper surface  370 . Therefore, the forces applied by first lace loop  141  and second lace loop  142  are distributed over first region  374 , which is extends beneath first lace loop  141 , second lace loop  142  and intermediate elastic portion  372 . 
     In a similar manner, as other lace loops of lace loop set  130  are pulled tightly against upper surface  370 , the pressures that would normally be applied to localized regions are instead distributed over wider regions that span between adjacent lace loops. With this arrangement, pressure is evenly applied over a relatively large region of upper surface  370 , which results in a substantially smooth surface. In other words, this arrangement helps reduce the bunching and uneven surfaces that are created using the free-floating lace loop arrangement described in the alternative embodiment. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  are intended to illustrate the enhanced stability provided for a flex notch that is associated with an elastic portion. Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the flexibility of second flex notch  184  can be controlled using second elastic portion  162  that extends between third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  of second flex notch  184 . In particular, second portion  167  can provide an elastic tension between third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  that helps urge third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  together as a user leans forward in article  100 . Furthermore, as a user leans rearwards in article  100 , which acts to widen second flex notch  184 , second elastic portion  162  can help provide a restoring force to second flex notch  184  to enhance stability. 
     In addition, because second elastic portion  162  extends along lateral side  16  of lacing region  122 , second elastic portion  162  may be configured to provide a greater restoring force for flexing at second flex notch  184 . Likewise, because first elastic portion  160  extends along medial side  18  of lacing region  122 , first elastic portion  160  may be configured to provide a greater restoring force at first flex notch  182 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , athlete  380  is standing in a generally upright position to steer snowboard  382  in a generally straight manner. It is understood that a binding mechanism (not shown) may bind article  100  to snowboard  382  during use, which has been omitted for clarity. The term athlete is intended to include both professional athletes and amateur athletes. In particular, the term athlete, as used throughout this detailed discussion and in the claims, refers to any user of article  100 . In this situation, second flex notch  184  may be disposed on a substantially non-flexed position. In this case, third edge  196  may form an angle A1 with fourth edge  197 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the shoulders of athlete  380  are rotated to turn snowboard  382 . As athlete  380  twists, upper portion  106  extends in a rearward direction and second flex notch  184  expands to accommodate the flexing of upper portion  106  with respect to lower portion  104 . In particular, third edge  196  may form an angle A2 with fourth edge  197  in this flexed position. 
     In this case, second elastic portion  162  may stretch to accommodate the widening of second flex notch  184 . In particular, second flex notch  184  may expand to fill the increased surface area between third edge  196  and fourth edge  197  of second flex notch  184 . In addition, second elastic portion  162  may be configured to expand in a substantially longitudinal direction between first end portion  172  of lacing region  122  and third edge  196  of second flex notch  184 . This arrangement can help increase the restoring force to second flex notch  184  that is provided by second elastic portion  162 . In particular, this arrangement may provide for increased stability over a system in which an elastic portion is confined to a flex notch. 
     Although only lateral side  16  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , it will be understood that first flex notch  182 , which is disposed on medial side  18 , may be configured to flex in a similar manner to second flex notch  184 . Furthermore, first elastic portion  160  can also be configured to accommodate flexing at first flex notch  182 . In particular, first elastic portion  160  can provide a similar restoring force for first flex notch  182  during maneuvers where upper portion  106  is titled backwards with respect to lower portion  104 . 
     The arrangement discussed here for an article of footwear with flex notches can provide increased flexibility for an athlete. As discussed above, first flex notch  182  and second flex notch  184  can accommodate bending between lower portion  104  and upper portion  106 . In addition to facilitating bending between lower portion  104  and upper portion  106  of upper  102 , first flex notch  182  and second flex notch  184  can also accommodate twisting between lower portion  104  and second lower portion  106 . By accommodating both bending and twisting of upper  102 , article  100  can help assist an athlete in performing various athletic maneuvers. For example, when article of footwear  100  is used for snowboarding, first flex notch  182  and second flex notch  184  can help the athlete in performing various types of snowboarding moves such as turning and carving. In addition, article  100  can be configured to help an athlete perform various types of snowboarding tricks including aerial tricks, such as ollies, as well as surface tricks, including but not limited to wheelies, butters and nose and tail rolls, grinding tricks, such as 50/50 grinds, halfpipe tricks such as alley oops, as well as any other type of snowboarding trick. 
     An article with one or more flex notches can include provisions for modifying the size of the one or more flex notches. In some cases, one or more straps can be associated with a flex notch. In other cases, one or more lace loops can be associated with a flex notch. In an exemplary embodiment, a flex notch of an article can include a lace loop with opposing ends that are attached to adjacent edges of the flex notch. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  are intended to illustrate the use of fourth lace loop  144  for modifying the size of first flex notch  182 . Although the embodiment shown here only illustrates medial side  18  of upper  102 , including first flex notch  182  and fourth lace loop  144 , it will be understood that eighth lace loop  148  may be used to modify the size of second flex notch  184  in a similar manner. In particular, because lacing member  124  is generally laced in a symmetric manner through lace loop set  130 , including both fourth lace loop  144  and eighth lace loop  148 , similar forces are applied to both fourth lace loop  144  and eighth lace loop  148  by lacing member  124 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , lacing member  124  has not been tightened. In particular, lacing member  124  is loose and disposed away from intermediate portion  233  of fourth lace loop  144 . At this point, first flex notch  182  is in a non-flexed position. As illustrated, first edge  186  and second edge  187  are separated by a distance D1. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , lacing member  124  has been tightened to adjust upper  102  around a foot. In particular, lacing member  124  is drawn tightly against intermediate portion  233  of fourth lace loop  144 . In this case, lacing member  124  pulls intermediate portion  233  towards the middle of lacing region  122 . As intermediate portion  233  is pulled, first end portion  231  and second end portion  232  of fourth lace loop  144  are pulled closer together, which also acts to pull first edge  186  and second edge  187  of first flex notch  182  closer together. As illustrated, in this tightened position, first edge  186  and second edge  187  are separated by a distance D2. In an exemplary embodiment, distance D2 is substantially smaller than distance D1. With this arrangement, the size of first flex notch  182 , which corresponds to the distance between first edge  186  and second edge  187 , can be controlled using lacing member  124 . This arrangement can facilitate a more controlled fit for a wearer, since first flex notch  182  can be adjusted to different positions. 
     An article of footwear can include provisions to enhance stability for a foot. In an article configured as a boot, the upper may include additional provisions for securely wrapping around the rear of a foot. In some embodiments, the article can include a harness that is associated with a rear portion of a foot. In some cases, the harness can be disposed externally over an upper. In an exemplary embodiment, an article can include a harness that is disposed internally within an upper. 
       FIGS. 12 through 14  illustrate isometric views of an embodiment of article  100  including harness  400 . Referring to  FIGS. 12 through 14 , harness  400  is disposed within upper  102  of article  100 . In some cases, harness  400  may be disposed adjacent to heel portion  14  of upper. In particular, harness  400  may extend between rear wall  402  of upper  102  and tongue  111  in a substantially longitudinal direction. Also, harness  400  may extend through both lower portion  104  and upper portion  106  in a substantially vertical direction. 
     In some embodiments, harness  400  can have a substantially symmetric shape that includes first side portion  410  and second side portion  412 . In some cases, first side portion  410  may be configured to partially wrap around a medial side of a foot that is inserted into upper  102 . In particular, first side portion  410  may engage the medial side of the foot at or just below the ankle of the foot. In a similar manner, second side portion  412  may be configured to partially wrap around a lateral side of a foot that is inserted into upper  102 . In particular, second side portion  412  may engage the lateral side of the foot at or just below the ankle of the foot. With this arrangement, harness  400  can be configured to cradle a rear portion of the foot and provide enhanced stability for article  100 . 
     In one embodiment, first side portion  410  includes medial edge  420 . Likewise, second side portion  412  includes lateral edge  422 . In an exemplary embodiment, medial edge  420  is disposed adjacent to upper medial edge  138  of lacing region  122 . In some cases, a portion of medial edge  420  may extend below upper medial edge  138  of lacing region  122 . In other cases, a portion of medial edge  420  can substantially coincide with upper medial edge  138  of lacing region  122 . In some embodiments, lateral edge  422  is disposed adjacent to upper lateral edge  140  of lacing region  122 . In some cases, a portion of lateral edge  422  may extend below upper lateral edge  140 . In other cases, a portion of lateral edge  422  can substantially coincide with upper lateral edge  140  of lacing region  122 . With this arrangement, medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  of harness  400  may be associated with lacing region  122 . In some embodiments, medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  can be configured to receive laces, as discussed in further detail below. 
     It will be understood that in other embodiments, medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  could be associated with different parts of lacing region  122 . For example, in another embodiment, medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  could be disposed adjacent to lower medial edge  134  and lower lateral edge  136 , respectively, of lacing region  122 . In still other embodiments, medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  may not be associated with any portions of lacing region  122 . 
     In some embodiments, first side portion  410  may include first lower extended portion  424 . In some cases, first lower extended portion  424  may extend downwards towards lower surface  421  of upper  102 . In a similar manner, second side portion  412  may include second lower extended portion  426 . In some cases, second lower extended portion  426  may also extend downwards towards lower surface  421 . With this arrangement, first lower extended portion  424  and second lower extended portion  426  can enhance stability of a foot at a base of the heel. 
     In some embodiments, harness  400  can include heel opening  430  to provide clearance for a heel in the rear of upper  102 . In particular, heel opening  430  may be provided between first lower extended portion  424  and second lower extended portion  426 . With this arrangement, heel opening  430  allows the heel of a foot to be disposed directly against an inner lining, or interior surface, of upper  102 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, heel opening  430  has an approximately semi-circular shape. However, in other embodiments, heel opening  430  can have any other shape including, but not limited to: squares, circles, rectangles, regular polygons, irregular polygons, irregular shapes or any other type of shape. In particular, a different shape for heel opening  430  can be provided by modifying the shapes, and/or sizes, of first lower extended portion  424  and second lower extended portion  426 . 
     In different embodiments, harness  400  may be attached to an interior surface of upper  102  in various ways. In some cases, a substantial majority of harness  400  can be attached to the interior surface of upper  102 . In other cases, only a portion of harness  400  can be attached to the interior surface of upper  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, a central portion of harness  400  can be attached to the interior surface of upper  102 . 
     Harness  400  can include central portion  440 . In particular, central portion  440  may be disposed between first side portion  410  and second side portion  412 . In this exemplary embodiment, central portion  440  includes attachment region  442 . Attachment region  442  may be a region of upper  102  that is attached directly to an interior surface of upper  102 . In one embodiment, attachment region  442  is attached to an interior surface of upper  102  at rear wall  402  of upper  102 . With this arrangement, harness  400  is prevented from shifting substantially during use. 
     In different embodiments, harness  400  can be attached to upper  102  in various ways. In some cases, harness  400  can be attached to upper  102  using an adhesive of some kind. In other cases, harness  400  can be attached to upper  102  using a fastening system, such as a hook and loop fastener system. In an exemplary embodiment, harness  400  can be stitched directed to upper  102 . 
       FIGS. 15 through 19  illustrate embodiments of harness  400  isolated from upper  102 . Referring to  FIGS. 15 through 19 , harness  400  may comprise multiple layers. In one embodiment, harness  400  can comprise base layer  450 , threading layer  452  and peripheral layer  454 . Generally, base layer  450  can be any substrate to which threads  460  of threading layer  452  are attached. In some cases, base layer  450  can be a single piece of material. In other cases, base layer  450  can be formed from multiple pieces of material. Furthermore, in some cases base layer  450  can comprise a single material layer. In other cases, base layer  450  can comprise multiple material layers. 
     Articles with threads configured to provide structural support have been previously disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0271822, to Meschter, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0271823, also to Meschter, is hereby incorporated by reference. These two references will be referred to as the thread structural elements cases throughout the remainder of this detailed description. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, base layer  450  defines the overall shape of harness  400 . In particular, central portion  440 , first side portion  410  and second side portion  412  of harness  400  may be associated with base layer  450 . In addition, base layer  450  may be further associated with first lower extended portion  424  and second lower extended portion  426  of harness  400 . 
     Base layer  450  can also include medial edge  420  associated with first side portion  410 . In some embodiments, medial edge  420  can be provided with first medial portion  472 , second medial portion  474  and third medial portion  476 . Furthermore, first medial portion  472  may be separated from second medial portion  474  via first medial notch  477 . Likewise, second medial portion  474  may be separated from third medial portion  476  by second medial notch  478 . 
     In different embodiments, the shape of one or more medial notches of medial edge  420  can vary. In some cases, first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478  can have substantially similar shapes. In other cases, first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478  can have substantially different shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478  can have a substantially similar shape. 
     Furthermore, first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478  can have any shape including, but not limited to: rounded shapes, rectangular shapes, circular shapes, ovular shapes, polygonal shapes, irregular shapes, as well as any other type of shape. In an exemplary embodiment, first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478  can both have substantially triangular shapes. 
     Base layer  450  can also include lateral edge  422  associated with second side portion  412 . In some embodiments, lateral edge  422  can be provided with first lateral portion  482 , second lateral portion  484  and third lateral portion  486 . Furthermore, first lateral portion  482  may be separated from second lateral portion  484  via first lateral notch  487 . Likewise, second lateral portion  484  may be separated from third lateral portion  486  by second lateral notch  488 . 
     In different embodiments, the shape of one or more lateral notches of lateral edge  422  can vary. In some cases, first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488  can have substantially similar shapes. In other cases, first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488  can have substantially different shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488  can both have substantially similar shapes. 
     Furthermore, first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488  can have any shape including, but not limited to: rounded shapes, rectangular shapes, circular shapes, ovular shapes, polygonal shapes, irregular shapes, as well as any other type of shape. In an exemplary embodiment, first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488  can both have substantially triangular shapes. 
     Although the current embodiment includes medial and lateral edges shaped to include two notches, in other embodiments a medial and/or lateral edge could include a different number of notches. For example, in another embodiment, a medial edge and a lateral edge could each include a single notch. In still another embodiment, a medial edge and a lateral edge could each include three or more notches. In still another embodiment, a medial and/or lateral edge could be provided without notches. 
     Threading layer  452  may comprise threads  460 . Generally, threads  460  may be associated with base layer  450  in any manner. In some cases, portions of threads  460  can extend through base layer  450 . In areas where threads  460  extend through base layer  450 , threads  460  may be directly joined or otherwise secured to base layer  450 . In other cases, portions of threads  460  can lie adjacent to base layer  450 . In areas where threads  460  lie adjacent to base layer  450 , threads  460  may be unsecured to base layer  450  or may be joined using a connecting layer or other securing element that bonds, secures, or otherwise joins portions of threads  460  to base player  450 . 
     In order to form structural elements in harness  400 , multiple threads  460  or sections of an individual thread  460  may be collected into one of various thread groups. In an exemplary embodiment, threads  460  can include first thread group  461 , second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464 . In particular, first thread group  461  includes threads  460  that extend between first lateral portion  482  and first medial portion  472  of base layer  450 . Second thread group  462  includes threads  460  that extend between second lateral portion  484  and second medial portion  474  of base layer  450 . In some cases, some threads  460  of second thread group  462  also extend between second lateral portion  484  and lower edge  490  of harness  400 . In addition, some threads  460  of second thread group  462  can also extend between second medial portion  474  and lower edge  490 . Third thread group includes threads  460  that extend between third lateral portion  486  and lower edge  490  of base layer  450 . In a similar manner, fourth thread group includes threads  460  that extend between third medial portion  476  and lower edge  490  of base layer  450 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , each thread group includes threads that extend radially outward from medial and lateral portions of base layer  450 . For example, first thread group  461  includes first end portion  491  associated with first lateral portion  482  and second end portion  492  associated with first medial portion  472 . In addition, first thread group  461  includes intermediate portion  493  that is associated with central portion  489  of base layer  450 . In this exemplary embodiment, threads  460  are tightly packed together at first end portion  491 . Moving from first end portion  491  to intermediate portion  493 , threads  460  may expand radially outward. In other words, adjacent threads  460  may be spaced further apart at intermediate portion  493  than at first end portion  491 . In a similar manner, threads  460  are tightly packed together at second end portion  492 . Moving from second end portion  492  to intermediate portion  493 , threads  460  may expands radially outwards. In other words, adjacent threads  460  may be spaced further apart at intermediate portion  493  than at second end portion  492 . 
     Second thread group  462  can include first end portion  501  associated with second lateral portion  484  and second end portion  502  associated with second medial portion  474 . In addition, second thread group  462  includes intermediate portion  503  that is associated with central portion  489  of base layer  450 . In this exemplary embodiment, threads  460  are packed together at first end portion  501  and second end portion  502 . Moving towards intermediate portion  503  from either first end portion  501  or second end portion  502 , threads  460  may expand radially outwards. 
     Third thread group  463  can include first end portion  511  associated with third lateral portion  486 . Third thread group  463  can also include second end portion  512  associated with lower edge  490  of base layer  450 . In this exemplary embodiment, threads  460  are packed tightly at first end portion  511  and expand radially outward towards second end portion  512 . In a similar manner, fourth thread group  464  can include first end portion  521  associated with third medial portion  476 . Fourth thread group  464  can also include second end portion  522  associated with lower edge  490  of base layer  450 . In this exemplary embodiment, threads  460  are packed tightly at first end portion  521  and expand radially outwards towards second end portion  522 . 
     In different embodiments, threads of a thread group can be arranged in various ways. For example, in some cases, each thread of a thread group can be extended in a substantially straight manner from a first end portion to a second end portion of the thread group. In other cases, however, a thread may have various portions that are angled with respect to one another. In still other cases, a thread may be arranged in a curved shape. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first thread group  461  can include first thread segment  497  that extends in a generally straight manner from first end portion  491  to intermediate portion  493 . Likewise, first thread group  461  can include second thread segment  498  that extends in a generally straight manner from second end portion  492  to intermediate portion  493 . In this embodiment, first thread segment  497  may be angled with respect to second thread segment  498  at intermediate portion  493 . In some cases, this angled arrangement between first thread segment  497  and second thread segment  498  can be achieved by stitching down intermediate portion  493  of first thread group  491 . In a similar manner, each of the threads  460  associated with second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  can be arranged in a substantially straight manner or as a plurality of thread segments that are angled with respect to one another. 
     The process of applying threads  460  to base layer  450  can be achieved using any method known in the art. In particular, the order of application of different threads from various thread groups can vary from one embodiment to another. Examples of a process for applying threads to an upper for an article of footwear are discussed in the thread structural elements cases. It will be understood that similar methods could be used for applying threads to a base layer for a harness. 
     In different embodiments, each thread of threads  460  may be secured to base layer  450  in various ways. In one embodiment, threads  460  of first thread group  461 , for example, can be secured to base layer  450  at first end portion  491  and second end portion  492  using a lock stitch. In addition, intermediate portion  493  of first thread group  461  may be attached to base layer  450  using a connecting layer that bonds, secures, or otherwise joins portions of threads  460  to base layer  450 . In other embodiments, however, threads  460  of first thread group  461  could be embedded in base layer  450 , especially in embodiments where base layer  450  comprises a polymer layer. Threads  460  of second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  can also be applied to base layer  450  in any manner discussed above. 
     During use of article of footwear  100 , forces induced in article  100  may tend to stretch harness  400  in various directions, and the forces may be concentrated at various locations. Each of threads  460  are located to form structural elements in harness  400 . More particularly, first thread group  461 , second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  are collections of multiple threads  460  or sections of an individual thread  460  that form structural elements to resist stretching in various directions or reinforce locations where forces are concentrated. First thread group  461  and second thread group  462  generally extend from medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  of harness  400  to central portion  440  of harness  400  to resist stretch in a longitudinal direction. In addition, third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  generally extend from medial edge  420  and lateral edge  422  to lower edge  490  to resist stretch in a substantially vertical direction. 
     A harness can include provisions for associating with a lacing system of an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the harness can include a layer associated with one or more lace receiving members. In an exemplary embodiment, the harness can include a layer that provides lace receiving members and also helps to reinforce one or more thread groups of a threading layer. 
     Harness  400  can include peripheral layer  454 . In different embodiments, peripheral layer  454  can have any shape. In some cases, peripheral layer  454  can have a shape that confronts a substantial entirety of base layer  450 . In other cases, peripheral layer  454  can have a shape that confronts only a portion of base layer  450 . In an exemplary embodiment, peripheral layer  454  can have a shape configured to confront outer peripheral portion  499  of base layer  450 . In other words, peripheral layer  454  may be configured as a peripheral lining that is only disposed on an outer edge of harness  400 . 
     Peripheral layer  454  can include first portion  532  and second portion  534 . First portion  532  may include first tab portion  541 , second tab portion  542  and third tab portion  543 . In addition, second portion  534  can include fourth tab portion  544 , fifth tab portion  545  and sixth tab portion  546 . In some embodiments, first tab portion  541  may be connected to second tab portion  542  via first segment  551 . Also, second tab portion  542  may be connected to third tab portion  543  via second segment  552 . In addition, fourth tab portion  544  may be connected to fifth tab portion  545  via third segment  553 . Also, fifth tab portion  545  may be connected to sixth tab portion  546  via fourth segment  554 . In some cases, first tab portion  541  and fourth tab portion  544  can be attached via fifth segment  555 . Finally, peripheral layer  454  can also include sixth segment  556  and seventh segment  557  that extend away from third tab portion  543  and sixth tab portion  546 , respectively. 
     In some embodiments, one or more tab portions of peripheral layer  454  may have shapes that correspond to the shape of outer peripheral portion  499 . In some cases, first tab portion  541 , second tab portion  542  and third tab portion  543  may be configured to confront first medial portion  472 , second medial portion  474  and third medial portion  476  of base layer  450 . Likewise, in some cases, fourth tab portion  544 , fifth tab portion  545  and sixth tab portion  546  may be configured to confront first lateral portion  482 , second lateral portion  484  and third lateral portion  486  of base layer  450 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more segments of peripheral layer  454  may correspond to outer peripheral portion  499 . In some cases, first segment  551  and second segment  552  may be shaped in a manner that corresponds to first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478 , respectively. In particular, first segment  551  and second segment  552  may be substantially v-shaped segments that correspond to the edges of first medial notch  477  and second medial notch  478 . In some cases, third segment  553  and fourth segment  554  may be shaped in a manner that corresponds to first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488 , respectively. In particular, third segment  553  and fourth segment  554  may be substantially v-shaped segments that corresponds to the edges of first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488 . Furthermore, fifth segment  555  can be associated with upper edge  559  of base layer  450 . Also, sixth segment  556  and seventh segment  557  can be associated with portions of lower edge  490  of base layer  450 . 
     In some embodiments, peripheral layer  454  can include provisions for attaching to a lacing member. In some cases, peripheral layer  454  can include one or more lacing guides disposed on one or more tab portions. In other cases, peripheral layer  454  can include apertures or holes that are disposed on one or more tab portions to receive a lacing member. In an exemplary embodiment, peripheral layer  454  can include one or more lacing loops that are disposed on one or more tab portions, which are configured to receive a lacing member for the purposes of tightening harness  400 . 
     In one embodiment, peripheral layer  454  can include first lace loop  561 , second lace loop  562 , third lace loop  563 , fourth lace loop  564 , fifth lace loop  565  and sixth lace loop  566 . In some cases, each lace loop may be disposed on a corresponding tab portion of peripheral layer  454 . In this exemplary embodiment, first lace loop  561  can be disposed on first tab portion  541  of peripheral layer  454 . In a similar manner, second lace loop  562 , third lace loop  563 , fourth lace loop  564 , fifth lace loop  565  and sixth lace loop  566  can be disposed on second tab portion  542 , third tab portion  543 , fourth tab portion  544 , fifth tab portion  545  and sixth tab portion  546 , respectively. 
     Generally, lace loops can be attached to tab portions of peripheral layer  454  in any manner. In some cases, first lace loop  561  can comprise an extended portion of first tab portion  541 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , first end portion  571  of first lace loop  561  may be integrally formed with first tab portion  541 . In addition, second end portion  572  of first lace loop  561  may be fixedly attached to first tab portion  541  using any manner known in the art including, but not limited to: adhesives, fusing, stitching, or other methods. In other cases, first lace loop  561  could be made separately from first tab portion  541  and both first end portion  571  and second end portion  572  could be fixedly attached to first tab portion  541  using any of the methods discussed above. In a similar manner, each of the remaining lace loops, including second lace loop  562 , third lace loop  563 , fourth lace loop  564 , fifth lace loop  565  and sixth lace loop  566  could be associated with second tab portion  542 , third tab portion  543 , fourth tab portion  544 , fifth tab portion  545  and sixth tab portion  546  in any manner. 
     In different embodiments, the materials used for each of the layers of harness  400  may vary. Base layer  450  may be formed from any generally two-dimensional material. The term “two-dimensional material” as used through this detailed description and in the claims refers to any generally flat material exhibiting a length and width that are substantially greater than a thickness of the material. Examples of different materials that could be used for base layer  450  include, but are not limited to: various textiles, polymer sheets, or combinations of textiles and polymer sheets. Textiles are generally manufactured from fibers, filaments, or yarns that are, for example, either (a) produce direction from webs of fibers by bonding, fusing or interlocking to construct non-woven fabrics and felts or (b) formed through a mechanical manipulation of yarn to produce a woven fabric. The textiles may incorporate fibers that are arranged to impart one-directional stretch or multi-directional stretch, and the textiles may include coatings that form a breathable and water resistant barrier. The polymer sheets may be extruded, rolled, or otherwise formed from a polymer material to exhibit a generally flat aspect. Two-dimensional materials may also encompass laminated or otherwise layered materials that include two or more layers of textiles, polymer sheets, or combinations of textiles and polymer sheets. In addition to textiles and polymer sheets, other two-dimensional materials may be utilized for base layer  450 . Although two-dimensional materials may have smooth or generally untextured surfaces, some two-dimensional materials will exhibit textures or other surface characteristics, such as dimpling, protrusions, ribs, or various patterns, for example. Despite the presence of surface characteristics, two-dimensional materials remain generally flat and exhibit a length and a width that are substantially greater than a thickness. 
     In embodiments where base layer  450  comprises a textile material, base layer  450  can be any type of textile material. Examples of different textile materials include, but are not limited to: plant based textiles (such as cotton), mineral textiles (such as glass fiber), synthetic textiles (such as polyester, aramid, acrylic, nylon, spandex, olefin fiber, ingeo and lurex), as well as other textiles. It will also be understood that base layer  450  can comprise a combination of various textile materials. As previously mentioned, base layer  450  may also include a combination of textile and polymer materials. 
     In embodiments where base layer  450  comprises a polymer material, base layer  450  can be any type of polymer. Examples of different types of polymers include synthetic polymers, or plastics, such as thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. Some examples of thermoplastics include, but are not limited to: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic (PMMA), celluloid, cellulose acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), fluoroplastics (PTFE), ionomers, Kydex, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyacetal (POM or Acetal), polyacrylates (Acrylic), polyacrylonitrile (PAN or Acrylonitrile), polyamide (PA or Nylon), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK or Ketone), polybutadiene (PBD), polybutylene (PB), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polycarbonate (PC), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyketone (PK), polyester, polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylenechlorinates (PEC), polyimide (PI), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl idene chloride (PVDC), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) as well as any other type of thermoplastic. In an exemplary embodiment, base layer  450  may comprise a layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU). 
     Threads  460  may be formed from any generally one-dimensional material. As utilized with respect to the present invention, the term “one-dimensional material” or variants thereof is intended to encompass generally elongated materials exhibiting a length that is substantially greater than a width and a thickness. Accordingly, suitable materials for threads  460  include various filaments and yarns, for example. Filaments may be formed from a plurality of synthetic materials such as rayon, nylon, polyester, and polyacrylic, with silk being the primary, naturally-occurring exception. In addition, various engineering fibers, such as aramid fibers, para-aramid fibers, and carbon fibers, may be utilized. Yarns may be formed from at least one filament or a plurality of fibers. Whereas filaments have an indefinite length, fibers have a relatively short length and generally go through spinning or twisting processes to produce a yarn of suitable length. With regarding to yarns formed from filaments, these yarns may be formed from a single filament or a plurality of individual filaments grouped together. Yarns may also include separate filaments formed from different materials, or yarns may include filaments that are each formed from two or more different materials. Similar concepts also apply to yarns formed from fibers. Accordingly, filaments and yarns may have a variety of configurations exhibiting a length that is substantially greater than a width and a thickness. In addition to filaments and yarns, other one-dimensional materials may be utilized for threads. Although one-dimensional materials will often have a cross-section where width and thickness are substantially equal (e.g., a round or square cross-section), some one-dimensional materials may have a width that is greater than a thickness (e.g., a rectangular cross-section). Despite the greater width, a material may be considered one-dimensional if a length of the material is substantially greater than a width and a thickness of the material. 
     Peripheral layer  454  may also be formed from any substantially two-dimensional layer. Furthermore, the materials used for peripheral layer  454  can be any type of material including textile materials, polymer materials, or any combination of textile and polymer materials. In some cases, materials for peripheral layer  454  can be selected to provide substantial bonding between base layer  450  and peripheral layer  454 . In addition, materials can be selected that include high tensile strength, since segments of peripheral layer  454  may be narrow and exposed to various strains along the edges of harness  400 . 
     A harness can include provisions for increasing the flexibility of edges of a harness that are configured with one or more lace loops. In embodiments including a threading layer, the threads may be packed closely together at end portions adjacent to one or more lace loops. In particular, the threads may form thread groups that are spaced apart adjacent to the lace loops. In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer of a harness may include notches that correspond to the spacing between threads adjacent to one or more lace loops. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, threads  460  of first thread group  461 , second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  are packed tightly at end portions disposed adjacent to lateral edge  422  and medial edge  420  of base layer  450 . In particular, first thread group  461  has an approximately pointed shape adjacent to first medial portion  472  and first lateral portion  482 . Likewise, second thread group  462  has an approximately pointed shape adjacent to second medial portion  474  and second lateral portion  484 . Also, third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  have approximately pointed shapes adjacent to third lateral portion  486  and fourth medial portion  476 , respectively. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first end portion  491  of first thread group  461  may be spaced apart from first end portion  501  of second thread group  462  by first thread gap  601 . In addition, second end portion  492  of first thread group  461  may be spaced apart from second end portion  502  of second thread group  462  by second thread gap  602 . In a similar manner, first end portion  501  of second thread group  462  may be spaced apart from first end portion  511  of third thread group  463  by third thread gap  603 . Also, second end portion  502  of second thread group  462  may be spaced apart from first end portion  521  of fourth thread group  464  by fourth thread gap  604 . 
     Generally, first thread gap  601 , second thread gap  602 , third thread gap  603  and fourth thread gap  604  may be associated with any shape. Examples of different shapes include, but are not limited to: circular shapes, ovular shapes, rectangular shapes, triangular shapes, polygonal shapes, irregular shapes as well as any other types of shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, first thread gap  601 , second thread gap  602 , third thread gap  603  and fourth thread gap  604  may have approximately triangular or wedge-like shapes. For example, first thread gap  601  can have a wedge like shape defined by first thread edge  611  of first thread group  461  and second thread edge  612  of second thread group  462 . In a similar manner, each of the remaining thread gaps may have substantially similar wedge-like shapes to first thread gap  601 . 
     In some cases, one or more layers adjacent to threading layer  452  can include gaps or notches that correspond to the thread gaps of threading layer  452 . In one embodiment, first lateral notch  487  of base layer  450  can correspond to first thread gap  601  of threads  460 . In particular, first lateral notch  487  extends into first thread gap  601 . In a similar manner, second lateral notch  488  of base layer  450  can correspond to second thread gap  602  of threads  460 . In particular, second lateral notch  488  extends into second thread gap  602 . In a similar manner, first medial notch  477  of base layer  450  can correspond to third thread gap  603  of threads  460 . In particular, first medial notch  477  extends into third thread gap  603 . In a similar manner, second medial notch  478  of base layer  450  can correspond to fourth thread gap  604  of threads  460 . In particular, second medial notch  478  extends into fourth thread gap  604 . 
     With this arrangement, a substantial majority of the surface area of base layer  450  is reinforced with threads  460  in order to enhance the overall strength of harness  400 . In particular, by removing areas of base layer  450  that are not disposed adjacent to, or disposed beneath, threads  460 , this arrangement reduces or substantially eliminates regions of base layer  450  that may be weaker. 
     As previously discussed, peripheral layer  454  may have a shape that corresponds to the notches of base layer  450 . In particular, peripheral layer  454  may include first segment  551 , second segment  552 , third segment  553  and fourth segment  554  that are shaped to correspond to the edges of first medial notch  477 , second medial notch  478 , first lateral notch  487  and second lateral notch  488 , respectively. With this arrangement, first segment  551  may also correspond to the shape of third thread gap  603 . In other words, first segment  551  may be disposed between first thread group  461  and second thread group  462 . Likewise, second segment  552  may correspond to the shape of fourth thread gap  604 . In other words, second segment  552  may be disposed between second thread group  462  and fourth thread group  464 . Additionally, third segment  553  may correspond to the shape of first thread gap  601 . In other words, third segment  553  may be disposed between first thread group  461  and second thread group  462 . Finally, fourth segment  554  may correspond to the shape of second thread gap  602 . In other words, fourth segment  554  may be disposed between second thread group  462  and third thread group  463 . This arrangement for peripheral layer  454  can help reinforce regions where threads  460  are not provided on base layer  450 . 
     In addition to enhancing the strength of a majority of the surface area of harness  400 , these provisions can also help to reduce the costs of producing harnesses, since less material is required. Furthermore, this configuration can help reduce the weight of harness  400 , by decreasing the overall surface area of harness  400 . Such reductions in weight can be useful since boot-like articles are typically heavier than traditional low-top articles, which can inhibit comfort and mobility for a user. By reducing the weight of any components of the article, such as the harness, the experience of the user in activities such as snowboarding can be enhanced. 
     In some previous designs, threads have attached to portions of a base layer. However, these designs have lacked provisions for reinforcing the end portions of the threads with a layer that opposes the base layer. In contrast to such designs, the current design includes provisions for reinforcing the attachment of the threads to a harness by applying a peripheral layer over the first end portions of the threads. 
     In some embodiments, first tab portion  541  may be disposed over second end portion  492  of first thread group  461 . In particular, first tab portion  541  may be configured to confront first medial portion  472  of base layer  450  such that second end portion  492  of first thread group  461  is disposed between first tab portion  541  and first medial portion  472 . With this arrangement, first tab portion  541  can help to reinforce second end portion  492  of first thread group  461 , which can help prevent detachment of threads  460  associated with second end portion  492 . 
     In a similar manner, second tab portion  542 , third tab portion  543 , fourth tab portion  544 , fifth tab portion  545  and sixth tab portion  546  may be configured to reinforce second medial portion  474 , third medial portion  476 , first lateral portion  482 , second lateral portion  484  and third lateral portion  486  of base layer  450 . Therefore, the end portions of threads  460  may be surrounded by protective layers to help prevent detachment of threads  460  from base layer  450 . 
     A conventional harness for an upper may be formed from multiple material layers that each impart different properties to various areas of the harness. During use, the harness may experience significant tensile forces, and one or more layers of material are positioned in areas of the harness to resist the tensile forces. That is, individual layers may be incorporated into specific portions of the harness to resist tensile forces that arise during use of the footwear. As an example, a woven textile may be incorporated into a harness to impart stretch resistance in the longitudinal direction. A woven textile is formed from yarns that interweave at right angles to each other. If the woven textile is incorporated into the upper for purposes of longitudinal stretch-resistance, then only the yarns oriented in the longitudinal direction will contribute to longitudinal stretch-resistance, and the yarns oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal direction will not generally contribute to longitudinal stretch-resistance. Approximately one-half of the yarns in the woven textile are, therefore, superfluous to longitudinal stretch-resistance. As a further example, the degree of stretch-resistance required in different areas of the harness may vary. Whereas some areas of the harness may require a relatively high degree of stretch-resistance, other areas of the harness may require a relatively low degree of stretch-resistance. Because the woven textile may be utilized in areas requiring both high and low degrees of stretch-resistance, some of the yarns in the woven textile are superfluous in areas requiring the low degree of stretch-resistance. In each of these examples, the superfluous yarns add to the overall mass of the footwear, without adding beneficial properties to the footwear. Similar concepts apply to other materials, such as leather and polymer sheets, that are utilized for one or more of wear-resistance, flexibility, air-permeability, cushioning, and moisture-wicking, for example. 
     Based upon the above discussion, materials utilized in the conventional harness formed from multiple layers of material may have superfluous portions that do not significantly contribute to the desired properties of the harness. With regard to stretch-resistance, for example, a layer may have material that imparts (a) a greater number of directions of stretch-resistance or (b) a greater degree of stretch-resistance than is necessary or desired. The superfluous portions of these materials may, therefore, add to the overall mass of the footwear without contributing beneficial properties. 
     In contrast with the conventional layered construction, harness  400  is constructed to minimize the presence of superfluous material. Base layer  450  provides a large surface area to wrap around a foot, but exhibits a relatively low mass. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  461 , second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  are located to provide stretch resistance in predetermined directions and the number of threads  460  are selected to impart the desired amount of stretch resistance. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  461 , second thread group  462 , third thread group  463  and fourth thread group  464  are located to reinforce specific areas of harness  400 . With this arrangement, the orientations, locations and quantity of threads  460  are selected to provide structural elements for harness  400  that are tailored for a specific purpose. 
     Threads  460  may be utilized to modify properties of article  100  other than stretch resistance. For example, threads  460  may be utilized to provide additional wear-resistance in specific areas of harness  400 . For example, threads  460  may be utilized for wear resistance. If utilized for wear resistance, threads  460  may be selected from materials that also exhibit relatively high wear-resistance properties. Threads  460  may also be utilized to modify the flex characteristics of harness  400 . That is, areas with relatively high concentrations of threads  460  may flex to a lesser degree than areas with relatively low concentrations of threads  460 . Similarly, areas with relatively high concentrations of threads  460  may be less air-permeable than areas with relatively low concentrations of threads  460 . 
       FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate exemplary embodiments of harness  400  being used within article  100 . In particular,  FIG. 20  illustrates an exemplary lacing arrangement for harness  400  within article  100  and  FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of harness  400  in a tightened position within article  100 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , lacing member  124  may be disposed through a plurality of lace loops of article  100 . For purposes of clarity, lacing member  124  is divided into first portion  630  and second portion  632  which correspond to two evenly divided halves of lacing member  124 . In particular, first portion  630  and second portion  632  are integrally joined at central lace portion  634  that is inserted through toe lacing guide  636  disposed at first end portion  172  of lacing region  122 . 
     In this embodiment, first portion  630  extends from toe lacing guide  636  to first lace loop  141 , then to sixth lace loop  146 , back to third lace loop  143  and then to eighth lace loop  148 . In an alternating manner, second portion  632  extends from toe lacing guide  636  to fifth lace loop  145 , then to second lace loop  142 , back to seventh lace loop  147  and then to fourth lace loop  144 . At this point, first end portion  630  and second end portion  632  extend to the lacing loops of harness  400 . In particular, first end portion  630  extends from eighth lace loop  148  of lace loop set  130  to third lace loop  563  of harness  400 . Also, second end portion  632  extends from fourth lace loop  144  of lace loop set  130  to sixth lace loop  566  of harness  400 . First end portion  630  then extends from third lace loop  563  through fifth lace loop  565  and then through first lace loop  561  of harness  400 . In an alternating manner, second end portion  632  extends from sixth lace loop  566  through second lace loop  562  and then through fourth lace loop  564  of harness  400 . At this point, first end portion  630  and second end portion  632  can be laced through first lace hook  201 , second lace hook  202 , third lace hook  203 , fourth lace hook  204 , fifth lace hook  205  and sixth lace hook  206  in an alternating manner in order to fully fasten article  100 . 
     With this arrangement, as lacing member  124  is tightened, lower medial edge  134  can be pulled together with lower lateral edge  136 . In addition, upper medial edge  138  can be pulled together with upper lateral edge  140 . Furthermore, medial edge  420  of harness  400  can be pulled together with lateral edge  422  of harness  400 . This arrangement allows upper  102  to be tightened around a foot. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, harness  400  provides increased stability for foot  640 . In particular, first side portion  410  and second side portion  412  are configured to wrap around medial and lateral sides of foot  640 . Also, central portion  440  of harness  400  is configured to wrap around a rear side of foot  640  above the heel. This arrangement helps to reduce slippage of foot  640  within upper  102 . 
     An article of footwear can include provisions to enhance the strength of portions of an upper. In an exemplary embodiment, an article can be provided with a threading layer that is disposed on an exterior surface of the upper. As previously discussed, by applying a threading layer to a material of an article, that material can be strengthened in various directions to enhance durability and prevent unwanted stretching or twisting of the material. 
     In one embodiment, upper  102  of article  100  can be provided with threads  700  that are disposed externally on upper  102 . In particular, a portion of upper  102  may be formed of a base layer  702  and threading layer  704  that is disposed on base layer  702 . 
     In this exemplary embodiment, threading layer  704  includes threads  700  that are arranged into a plurality of thread groups. In particular, threading layer  704  includes first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714  that are disposed on medial side  18  of base layer  702 . In addition, threading layer  704  includes fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  that are disposed on lateral side  16  of base layer  702 . Each thread group can include a first end portion that is disposed adjacent to lacing region  122  and a second end portion disposed adjacent to sole structure  110 . For example, first thread group  711  includes first end portion  721  disposed adjacent to lacing region  122  and second end portion  722  that is disposed adjacent to sole structure  110 . In a similar manner, second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  also include a first end portion disposed adjacent to lacing region  122  and a second end portion disposed adjacent to sole structure  110 . 
     In some cases, each thread group may have a shape that extends radially outwards from lacing region  122 . For example, threads  700  of first thread group  711  are packed closely together at first end portion  721 . As threads  700  extend from first end portion  721  to second end portion  722  of first thread group  711 , threads  700  are spaced further apart in a radially outward direction. In a similar manner, second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  all extend radially outwards from lacing region  122  to sole structure  110 . With threads  400  oriented in a generally vertical direction along base portion  702  of upper  102 , threads  700  can provide increased strength in this generally vertical direction. This arrangement may help in stabilizing a snowboarding boot that undergoes vertical forces from the snowboard below the sole and from bindings above the upper. 
     In a similar manner to the threading layer provided for harness  400 , threading layer  704  can provide structural elements for upper  102 . In particular, base layer  702  of upper  102  provides a covering for a foot, but exhibits a relatively low mass. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  are located to provide stretch resistance in predetermined directions and the number of threads  700  are selected to impart the desired amount of stretch resistance. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  are located to reinforce specific areas of upper  102 . With this arrangement, the orientations, locations and quantity of threads  700  are selected to provide structural elements for upper  102  that are tailored for a specific purpose. 
     As previously discussed for a harness, materials utilized in the conventional upper formed from multiple layers of material may have superfluous portions that do not significantly contribute to the desired properties of the upper. With regard to stretch-resistance, for example, a layer may have material that imparts (a) a greater number of directions of stretch-resistance or (b) a greater degree of stretch-resistance than is necessary or desired. The superfluous portions of these materials may, therefore, add to the overall mass of the footwear without contributing beneficial properties. 
     In contrast with the conventional layered construction, upper is  102  is constructed to minimize the presence of superfluous material. Base layer  702  provides a large surface area to wrap around a foot, but exhibits a relatively low mass. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715  and sixth thread group  716  are located to provide stretch resistance in predetermined directions and the number of threads  700  are selected to impart the desired amount of stretch resistance. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715  and sixth thread group  716  are located to reinforce specific areas of upper  102 . With this arrangement, the orientations, locations and quantity of threads  700  are selected to provide structural elements for upper  102  that are tailored for a specific purpose. 
     Threads  700  may be utilized to modify properties of article  100  other than stretch resistance. For example, threads  700  may be utilized to provide additional wear-resistance in specific areas of upper  102 . For example, threads  700  may be utilized for wear resistance. If utilized for wear resistance, threads  700  may be selected from materials that also exhibit relatively high wear-resistance properties. Threads  700  may also be utilized to modify the flex characteristics of upper  102 . That is, areas with relatively high concentrations of threads  700  may flex to a lesser degree than areas with relatively low concentrations of threads  700 . Similarly, areas with relatively high concentrations of threads  700  may be less air-permeable than areas with relatively low concentrations of threads  700 . 
     As previously discussed, threads embroidered onto a base layer can be provided with a connecting layer to help bond intermediate portions of the threads to the base layer. In this exemplary embodiment, article  100  can be provided with connecting layer  740 . In some cases, connecting layer  740  may be a substantially clear polymer layer. For example, in one embodiment connecting layer  740  may be a substantially clear layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU). Using a clear TPU layer can help maintain the integrity of threading layer  704  without interfering with the design and aesthetic appearance of upper  102 . 
     Generally, connecting layer  740  may have a shape and size to cover over the entirety of threading layer  704 . In the exemplary embodiment, connecting layer  740  includes first side portion  742  and second side portion  744 . In particular, first side portion  742  may be configured to extend over the entirety of first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714 . In some cases, first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714  may be associated with first threading perimeter  789  that defines an outer boundary for first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714 . In one embodiment, first side portion  742  may extend within first threading perimeter  789 . Furthermore, second side portion  744  may be configured to extend over the entirety of fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . In some cases, fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  may be associated with second threading perimeter  799  that defines an outer boundary for fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . In one embodiment, second side portion  744  may extend within second threading perimeter  799 . With this arrangement, threading layer  704  may be substantially connected to base layer  702 , which comprises upper  102 , of article  100 . 
     An article for use in snowboarding, or similar types of activities, can include provisions for protecting different regions of an upper from contact with a snowboard or other objects. In some embodiments, an article can include one or more protective layers disposed on different regions of an upper to help protect the outer surface of the upper. In embodiments using a connecting layer to facilitate connection of a threading layer to a base layer of the upper, the connecting layer can be extended over a greater surface area so that the connecting layer can provide increased protection over different regions of the upper. 
     In this exemplary embodiment, connecting layer  740  can include forward portion  746 . In some cases, forward portion  746  may be disposed forwards for first side portion  742  and second side portion  744  in a substantially longitudinal direction. As shown in  FIG. 23 , connecting layer  740  extends around upper  102  between first side portion  742 , forward portion  746 , and second side portion  744  so as to have an approximately U-shape. In some embodiments, forward portion  746  may extend away, or outside of, first threading perimeter  789  and second threading perimeter  799 . The term “threading perimeter” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a boundary formed around threads  700 , such that each thread group is disposed within the threading perimeter and such that no portion of the threading perimeter is disposed between any two threads. 
     In some cases, forward portion  746  may extend forwards of threads  700  in a substantially longitudinal direction. In particular, forward portion  746  may extend forward of first thread group  711  in a substantially longitudinal direction. Likewise, forward portion  746  may extend forward of fifth thread group  715  in a substantially longitudinal direction. 
     Generally, forward portion  746  may be configured to cover any portion of upper  102 . In one embodiment, forward portion  746  may be configured to cover a portion of forefoot portion  10  of upper  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, forward portion  746  may be configured to cover toe portion  750  of upper  102 . 
       FIG. 24  illustrates an embodiment of article  100  during use. Referring to  FIG. 24 , athlete  780  is sitting on ski lift  790 . In this embodiment, athlete  780  is a snowboarder who has brought snowboard  760  onto ski lift  790 . Athlete  780  is also wearing a pair of snowboarding boots, including article  100 . 
     In some cases, athlete  780  may rest a portion of snowboard  760  on article  100  to help support snowboard  760  during the trip on ski lift  790 . In particular, athlete  780  may rest snowboard edge  762  on article  100 . Typically, the most readily available surface for placing snowboard edge  762  is toe portion  750  of upper  102 . 
     In previous designs, toe portion  750  of upper  102  may comprise a traditional upper material such as synthetic leather. In such designs, as snowboard edge  762  is placed against toe portion  750 , snowboard edge  762  could potentially scratch, rip, scuff, or otherwise damage toe portion  750 , especially after athlete  780  has taken multiple trips on ski lift  790 . 
     In contrast to these previous designs, article  100  may be provided with connecting layer  740  that extends over, and covers, toe portion  750 . In particular, the exemplary embodiment includes a substantially clear layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) that provides a protective layer for toe portion  750 . With this arrangement, snowboard edge  762  may scratch, scuff or otherwise damage connecting layer  740  without damaging base layer  702  of upper  102 . Furthermore, since connecting layer  740  is substantially transparent, the appearance of toe portion  750  is not substantially changed as connecting layer  740  is deformed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 23 , connecting layer  740  is substantially U-shaped and configured to extend around upper  102  between medial side  18  and lateral side  16 . In different embodiments, the overall shape of connecting layer  740  can vary. In addition, in different embodiments connecting layer  740  can extend to different portions of upper  102 . Furthermore, in other embodiments, multiple connecting layers can be used, rather than one single connecting layer. 
       FIGS. 25 through 28  illustrate additional embodiments for an article with one or more connecting layers disposed on an upper. Referring to  FIGS. 25 through 28 , article  100  can be provided with threading layer  704 , as discussed in the previous embodiment. In particular, threading layer  704  can include a plurality of thread groups, including first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . For purposes of illustration, fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  are not shown in  FIGS. 25 through 28 , but are visible in  FIG. 23 . 
     In one embodiment, article  100  can be provided with connecting layer  782 . In some embodiments, connecting layer  782  may be a substantially transparent polymer layer. In an exemplary embodiment, connecting layer  782  may be a TPU layer. Connecting layer  782  may be provided with first side  784  and second side  786 . In addition, connecting layer  782  can include forward portion  788  that is associated with toe portion  750  of upper  102 . As shown in  FIG. 25 , connecting layer  782  extends around upper  102  between first side  784 , forward portion  788 , and second side  786  so as to have an approximately U-shape. 
     In some cases, connecting layer  782  can have a shape that conforms to the shape of first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713 , fourth thread group  714 , fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . In particular, first side  784  of connecting layer  782  can include interior medial edge  785  that includes first gap  791 , second gap  792  and third gap  793  corresponding to first thread gap  801 , second thread gap  802  and third thread gap  803 . Likewise, second side  786  of connecting layer  782  can include interior lateral edge  787  that includes fourth gap  794 , fifth gap  795  and sixth gap  796  corresponding to thread gaps associated with fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . With this arrangement, first side  784  and second side  786  of connecting layer  782  can be extended only over those portions of upper  102  associated with threads  700  of threading layer  704 . 
     In some cases, a connecting layer can be divided into multiple separate portions to facilitate manufacturing. For example, referring to  FIGS. 26 and 27 , first connecting layer  812  can include first portion  814  and second portion  816 . First portion  814  is configured to cover first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714 . In addition, first portion  814  includes first forward portion  815  that extends to medial side  18  of toe portion  750 . Likewise, second portion  816  is configured to cover fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . In addition, second portion  816  includes second forward portion  817  that extends to lateral side  16  of toe portion  750 . With this arrangement, first portion  814  and second portion  816  can be applied separately to medial side  18  and lateral side  16 , respectively, of upper  102  during the manufacturing of article  100 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , connecting layer  812  extends around upper  102  through first portion  814  and second portion  816  so as to have an approximately U-shape. 
     In another embodiment, second connecting layer  820  includes first portion  822  and second portion  824 . In some cases, first portion  822  is associated with medial side  18  and toe portion  750  of upper  102 . In particular, first portion  822  extends to cover first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714  to help connect threads  700  to base layer  702 . In addition, first portion  822  extends into toe portion  750  to help provide additional protection for toe portion  750 . In contrast, second portion  824  extends only through lateral side  16  of upper  102 . In particular, second portion  824  is disposed over fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718 . This arrangement can also help facilitate assembly of article  100  by providing separated portions of a connecting layer to thread groups disposed on opposing medial and lateral sides of upper  102 . As shown in  FIG. 27 , connecting layer  820  extends around upper  102  through first portion  822  and second portion  824  so as to have an approximately U-shape. 
     In still another embodiment, a connecting layer may be configured to extend to different regions of an upper. As seen in  FIG. 28 , connecting layer  830  is configured to extend from threading layer  704  to heel portion  14 . In particular, connecting layer  830  includes first side portion  840  and second side portion  842 . First side portion  840  is associated with medial side  18  and extends over first thread group  711 , second thread group  712 , third thread group  713  and fourth thread group  714 . Likewise, second portion  842  is associated with lateral side  16  and extends over fifth thread group  715 , sixth thread group  716 , seventh thread group  717  and eighth thread group  718  (see  FIG. 27 ). In addition, connecting layer  830  includes rearward portion  846  that is associated with heel portion  14  of article  100 . In particular, rearward portion  846  may cover portions of upper  102  corresponding to the heel of a foot. As shown in  FIG. 28 , connecting layer  830  extends around heel portion  14  of upper  102  between first side portion  840 , rearward portion  846 , and second side portion  842  so as to have an approximately U-shape. In some embodiments, rearward portion  846  may further extend to cover portions of upper  102  corresponding to the ankle of the foot. 
     In still other embodiments, other arrangements for a connecting layer are possible. For example, in one embodiment, a connecting layer may be restricted to covering threads of a threading layer. In another embodiment, a connecting layer may also extend from thread groups on sides of an upper down to a lower peripheral edge of the upper that is associated with a sole structure. 
     An article can include provisions for supporting a portion of a foot. In some cases, an article can include a heel counter. In other cases, an article can include an ankle counter. In an exemplary embodiment, an article can include a heel counter that extends through the heel and ankle portions of an upper. 
       FIGS. 29 and 30  illustrate exemplary embodiments of an article of footwear including an extended heel counter. In particular,  FIG. 29  illustrates a rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with an extended heel counter and  FIG. 30  illustrates an exploded rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with an extended heel counter. Referring to  FIGS. 29 and 30 , upper  102  includes extended heel counter  900 . In an exemplary embodiment, extended heel counter  900  may be associated with heel portion  14  of article  100 . In particular, extended heel counter  900  may extend through heel portion  14  as well as ankle portion  15  of article  100 . 
     Traditionally, a heel counter may be disposed internally to an article. In addition, a heel counter may be integrally formed with a sole. In contrast to the traditional design, however, extended heel counter  900  may be attached to upper  102 . Furthermore, extended heel counter  900  may be disposed externally on article  100 . With this arrangement, extended heel counter  900  can provide increased protection for a heel and/or ankle of article  100 . 
     In some embodiments, extended heel counter  900  may include base portion  930  and upper portion  932 . In some cases, base portion  930  may be disposed adjacent to a heel, while upper portion  932  may be disposed adjacent to an ankle of the foot. In particular, base portion  930  may include first side portion  920  and second side portion  922 , which extend in a generally longitudinal direction. In some cases, first side portion  920  may be associated with medial side  18  of upper  102 . In particular first side portion  920  may extend from heel portion  14  towards midfoot portion  12  of upper  102  on medial side  18 . In addition, second side portion  922  may be associated with lateral side  16  of upper  102 . In particular, second side portion  922  may extend from heel portion  14  towards midfoot portion  12  of upper  102  on lateral side  16 . With this arrangement, extended heel counter  900  can also provide protection for the sides of an ankle during use. 
     In some embodiments, upper portion  932  may extend away from base portion  930 . In some cases, upper portion  932  may extend in a substantially vertical direction from base portion  930 . In particular, upper portion  932  includes end portion  934  that is disposed on upper portion  106  of upper  102 . 
     In different embodiments, the height of extended heel counter  900  can vary. In one embodiment, end portion  934  may be disposed at height H1 above a bottom surface  940  of sole structure  110 . In some cases, height H1 may have a value in the range between 100 and 400 millimeters. In other cases, height H1 may have a value in the range between 200 and 300 millimeters. In an exemplary embodiment, height H1 may have a value of approximately 283 millimeters. 
     An extended heel counter can include provisions to enhance flexibility. In one embodiment, extended heel counter  900  can be provided with one or more flex notches. In an exemplary embodiment, extended heel counter  900  includes first flex notch  950 . In some cases, first flex notch  950  may be disposed on medial side  18  of extended heel counter  900 . In particular, first flex notch  950  may be disposed between base portion  930  and upper portion  932  of extended heel counter  900  on medial side  18 . In a similar manner, extended heel counter  900  can include a second flex notch (not shown). In some cases, the second flex notch may be disposed on lateral side  16  of extended heel counter  900 . In particular, the second flex notch may be disposed between base portion  930  and upper portion  932  of extended heel counter  900  on lateral side  16 . 
     In different embodiments, the materials comprising extended heel counter  900  can vary. For example, in some cases extended heel counter  900  can be made from similar materials to sole structure  110 , including but not limited to: elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, other synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics. In other cases, heel counter  900  can be made from similar materials to upper  102  including, but not limited to: nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber or synthetic rubber. In other cases, any suitable knitted, woven or non-woven material can be used to make extended heel counter  900 . In an exemplary embodiment, the materials chosen for extended heel counter  900  may be selected to achieve increased rigidity over other regions of article  100 , especially other regions of upper  102 . 
       FIGS. 31 through 34  illustrate further exemplary arrangements of article  100  having alternative harness configurations. Referring initially to  FIGS. 31 and 32 , exemplary harness  1400  is shown that generally includes the features and preferences of harness  400  except as described herein. Harness  1400  may comprise base layer  1450 , threading layer  1452 , peripheral layer  1454  and lacing member connections  1489  to  1499 . Peripheral layer  1454  can have a shape that confronts a substantial entirety of base layer  1450  and that corresponds to the notches and tabs of base layer  450  discussed previously along with  FIGS. 16 to 18 . Further, peripheral layer  1454  can be formed from the same material, or from a substantially similar material, as the material used for base layer  1450 , which can enhance the cushioning of harness  1400  and enable it to distribute forces between it and the foot in a generally uniform manner. This can reduce the likelihood of discomfort to the foot related to prolonged use of article  100  or while harness  1400  securely engages the foot. In other embodiments, base layer  1450  and peripheral layer  1454  can be formed from different types of materials to provide specialized characteristics as desired, such as greater cushioning for peripheral layer  1454  disposed against the foot or greater strength for base layer  1450  attached to the interior of upper  102 . Further, additional layers can be used beyond the base and peripheral layers described in these example arrangements to provide further beneficial characteristics. 
     In general, peripheral layer  1454  and base layer  1450 , as well as threading layer  1452  disposed proximate base layer  1450  and opposed by peripheral layer  1452 , can cooperate to form a resilient harness for effectively transmitting forces between the foot and article  100 . Harness  1400  can include a pair of relatively thin opposing layers  1450  and  1454  that can surround a broad network of structural threads  1460 , which can enhance the transmission of forces in various directions. As shown, outlines of threads  1460  may be visible via raised tunnel portions of layers  1450  and  1454  formed via the layers conforming to the outlines of the threads. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32 , peripheral layer  1454  may include first segment  1551 , second segment  1552 , third segment  1553  and fourth segment  1554  that are shaped to correspond to the edges of base layer first medial notch  1471 , second medial notch  1478 , first lateral notch  1487  and second lateral notch  1488  formed in base layer  1450 . With this arrangement, first segment  1551  may also correspond to the shape of third thread gap  1603  formed in threading layer  1452 . In other words, first segment  1551  may be disposed between first thread group  1461  and second thread group  1462 . Likewise, second segment  1552  may correspond to the shape of fourth thread gap  1604 . In other words, second segment  1552  may be disposed between second thread group  1462  and fourth thread group  1464 . Additionally, third segment  1553  may correspond to the shape of first thread gap  1601 . In other words, third segment  1553  may be disposed between first thread group  1461  and second thread group  1462 . Finally, fourth segment  1554  may correspond to the shape of second thread gap  1602 . In other words, fourth segment  1554  may be disposed between second thread group  1462  and third thread group  1463 . 
     This arrangement of peripheral layer  1454  and base layer  1450  can provide a resilient harness having a generally uniform thickness for affording even pressure and cushioning against the foot during use along with high strength and flexibility characteristics, such as described previously along with harness  400 . Likewise, such an arrangement can provide a durable configuration of structural threads for effectively transmitting forces between the foot and article  100  via the harness. As noted above, in some previous designs, threads have been attached to portions of a base layer without reinforcing the threads via use of an opposing layer, which can affect the durability and useful life of such designs due to delamination of the threads. In contrast, the current arrangement includes provisions for reinforcing the attachment of the threads to the harness by applying a peripheral layer over the threads to secure them in place with the base layer. Peripheral layer  1454  can do so along the substantial entirety of the base layer and the network of threads disposed there on. Such a reinforced arrangement can enhance the strength and durability of the thread connections, as well as improve the overall resiliency of the harness. In addition, as discussed below, such an arrangement can provide for robust lacing member connections via threads providing structural reinforcement for the lacing loops. 
     Harness  1400  can be constructed to minimize the presence of superfluous material while still providing a thin, high-strength, flexible harness that can impart generally uniform pressure and cushioning against the foot during use. Base layer  1450  and peripheral layer  1454  can provide a large surface area for wrapping around the foot while being relatively thin to exhibit a low overall mass. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  1461 , second thread group  1462 , third thread group  1463  and fourth thread group  1464  can be arranged to provide stretch resistance in predetermined directions to allow the harness have a low mass while maintaining needed strength in those directions. Moreover, the number of threads  1460  can be selected to impart a desired amount of stretch resistance to the harness. In addition, some of the thread groups of first thread group  1461 , second thread group  1462 , third thread group  1463  and fourth thread group  1464  can be located to reinforce specific areas of harness  1400 . As such, the orientations, locations and quantities of threads  1460  can be selected to provide structural elements for harness  1400  that are tailored for specific purposes. 
     The exemplary arrangement of harness  1400  can include reinforced lacing member connections  1489  to  1499  ( FIG. 31 ), which can be formed via looped tab extensions extending from the base and peripheral layers that retain rigid lace receiving members, such as lace-receiving hoops  1411  ( FIG. 32 ). Tab extensions  1451  to  1461  extending from the stacked base and peripheral layers along with thread extensions  1465  to  1475  extending from the ends of the thread groups can be folded over or looped lengthwise through lace-receiving hoops to provide structurally reinforced lace-receiving members. The corresponding tab extensions of the base and peripheral layers along with respective thread extensions can form stacks of robust support materials for securely connecting the lace-receiving members to the harness. Such a configuration can create robust, yet resilient, lacing member connections  1489  to  1499  shown in  FIG. 31 . The stacks of supports can each be folded over or looped back to attach to one or more of the fabric layers via stitching  1487  or another attachment mechanism, such as an adhesive bond. However, a stitched connection can engage all layers of the stack including the end portions of threads  1460  and, thus, provide high strength lace receiving member connections. 
     In the exemplary arrangement shown in  FIG. 32 , first tab extensions  1451  in the base and peripheral layers and first thread extension  1465  can form a stack of support materials that is looped through first lace-receiving hoop  1413 . This stack of support materials can be stitched to one or more of the harness layers to create a reinforced first lace connection tab  1425 . Similarly, second tab extensions  1453  and second thread extensions  1467  can loop through second lace-receiving hoop  1415  and be stitched to create a reinforced second lace connection tab  1427 , and third tab extensions  1455  and third thread extensions  1469  can loop through third lace-receiving hoop  1417  and be stitched to create a reinforced third lace connection tab  1429 . Likewise, fourth tab extensions  1457  and fourth thread extensions  1471  can loop through fourth lace-receiving hoop  1419  and be stitched to create a reinforced fourth lace connection tab  1431 ; fifth tab extensions  1459  and fifth thread extensions  1473  can loop through fifth lace-receiving hoop  1421  and be stitched to create a reinforced fifth lace connection tab  1433 ; and sixth tab extensions  1461  and sixth thread extensions  1475  can loop through sixth lace-receiving hoop  1423  and be stitched to create a reinforced sixth lace connection tab  1435 . 
     Lace-receiving hoops  1411  retained by the lace connection tabs can provide a robust configuration for securing the harness to the foot. The lace-receiving hoops  1411  can be formed from a relatively rigid material, such as a metal or polymeric material, or combinations of materials, such as a rigid base material and a less rigid cover material. A rigid material can distribute tensile forces to most or all of the corresponding thread group and permit harness  1400  to be more effectively secured than may be provided by other types of lacing member connections. In embodiments where lace-receiving hoops  1411  comprise a metal material, various types of metals or metal alloys could be used, such as, for example, materials including stainless steel, iron or aluminum. In embodiments where lace-receiving hoops  1411  comprise a polymeric material, the lace-receiving hoops could be formed from a wide variety of polymers. Examples of different types of polymers could include synthetic polymers, or plastics, such as thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. Some examples of thermoplastics include, but are not limited to: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acrylic (PMMA), celluloid, cellulose acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), fluoroplastics (PTFE), ionomers, Kydex, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyacetal (POM or Acetal), polyacrylates (Acrylic), polyacrylonitrile (PAN or Acrylonitrile), polyamide (PA or Nylon), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyaryletherketone (PAEK or Ketone), polybutadiene (PBD), polybutylene (PB), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polycarbonate (PC), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyketone (PK), polyester, polyethylene (PE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylenechlorinates (PEC), polyimide (PI), polylactic acid (PLA), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) as well as other types of thermoplastic. In embodiments where lace-receiving hoops  1411  comprise combinations of materials, the lace-receiving hoops could be formed from a wide variety of base materials, such as from a rigid metal or metal alloy covered by a less rigid polymeric material, or from a rigid base material such as iron having a covering such as a galvanic coating, powder coating or paint. 
     Harness  1400  can provide high-strength lacing member connections via its thread-reinforced looped-tab configuration, as well as a resilient and comfortable cradle that can wrap around the foot and distribute forces encountered during use generally evenly against the foot. The use of lace-receiving hoops  1411  can permit the user to tighten the harness under greater tension than can typically be applied comfortably to a harness configuration having other types of lacing member connections, such as flexible lace loops or apertures formed through fabric. The lace-receiving hoops can also allow the user to tighten the harness much more quickly than can typically be accomplished via a configuration having other types of lacing member connections including lace hooks. In the exemplary configuration shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , lace-receiving hoops have a circular configuration, which can allow the lacing member to retain the harness quickly and securely with a variety of lace-receiving hoop orientations that can conform to particular user characteristics such as the shape and size of the user&#39;s ankle. However, lace-receiving hoops  1411  can form other shapes, such as shapes having particular directional characteristics like oval, rectangular or triangular hoops that can have rounded corners to avoid pinching the lacing member or forming stress concentrations in the lacing member. 
     The lace-receiving hoop configurations shown in the exemplary arrangement can permit the user to bind harness  1400  about the foot at the heel and ankle locations quickly and securely, which can be significant portions of the foot often used when maneuvering a snowboard or other object attached to article  100 . The exemplary arrangement can permit lace-receiving hoops  1411  to have significant orientation flexibility within the looped tab connections attaching them to the harness such that they can rotate several degrees in the medial and lateral directions as needed. This can permit lace-receiving hoops  1411  to conform to the particular configuration and size of the user&#39;s foot and to engage it tightly in a comfortable manner. 
     Harness  1400  shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32  includes an arrangement of threads similar to the arrangements shown in  FIGS. 13-21  along with having the generally uniform peripheral layer  1454  noted above. Such an arrangement can provide structural reinforcement to the harness in many different directions while comfortable distributing forces along the harness. The versatile and multi-directional structural reinforcement provided by the threads can be desirable for certain uses and types of footwear articles, such as footwear for sports requiring a wide variety of differing maneuvers or footwear for use by skilled athletes of particular sports. However, it is understood that a variety of thread arrangements can be used as desired, which can be varied according to factors such as the intended use of article  100  including the type of sport, skill of the user, special needs of the user, cost considerations for article  100 , and design considerations such as configuration options for the base and peripheral layers. For the exemplary arrangement shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 , a substantial majority of the surface area of base layer  1450  can be reinforced via threads  1460  in order to enhance greatly the overall strength of harness  1400  to do so in many directions. As discussed along with  FIG. 34 , thread configurations can be selected for specific types and uses of article  100  or to provide other advantages, such as a low mass harness. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 33 , harness  1400  is shown in a dual lacing member arrangement that includes an outer lacing member  1325  and an inner lacing member  1327 . Inner lacing member  1327  can secure harness  1400  about the foot separately from outer lacing member  1325 . This can ensure a highly secure connection between the foot and harness  1400  that is less affected by usage variations or deficiencies in the tension of outer lacing member  1325 . Further, the dual lacing member arrangement can allow article  100  to be loosely secured about the foot by outer lacing member  1325  as desired by the user for a more comfortable fit, while still providing a firm connection between the harness and foot via more securely retained inner lacing member  1327 . This can allow the user to maintain significant control of the snowboard or other object during use in a comfortable and secure manner, which can often be largely provided by movements of the heel and ankle portions of the foot engaged by the harness. 
     As shown in  FIG. 33 , a quick release tab  1329  can also be provided to allow the user to pull inner lacing member  1327  to assist with quickly releasing harness tension about the foot, which may be provided without the user needing to modify significantly the tension of the outer lacing member. This can be beneficial for releasing pressure on the foot when unnecessary, such as between snowboard runs or when the snowboard or other object has been disconnected from article  100 . It is understood that quick release fittings (not shown), such as spring-loaded ratchet fittings or other quick release lacing mechanisms, could also be used along with quick release tab  1329  instead of the manual tie  1305  illustrated in  FIG. 33 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 34 , an alternative harness  2400  is shown having fewer threads  2460 , and threads disposed in fewer orientations, than those for harness  1400  illustrated in  FIGS. 31-33 . Although they are fewer in number and orientation, threads  2460  can be selectively arranged to provide secure retention in desired directions for the most often encountered uses of article  100 . Other than the quantity and orientations of threads or corresponding mass reductions in the base and peripheral layers, harness  2400  is generally the same as harness  1400 . 
     As shown in the exemplary arrangement, threads  2460  can be oriented to provide high tensile strength in directions of primary need for a given use or sport while otherwise keeping small the mass of harness  2400 . For instance, upper thread group  2461  and middle thread group  2462  can wrap around the back of the foot proximate the Achilles tendon, which can provide tensile force for retaining the rear wall  402  of upper  102  against the back of the foot just above the heel during many common maneuvers. This can allow movement of the foot to be quickly transmitted to the snowboard when the user executes a common toe turn, which can include rocking forward or curling the toes while raising the heel. This can be accomplished via tensile forces being transmitted through thread groups  2461  and  2462  to article  100  and then to the snowboard. Of course, reverse movements of the snowboard due to contact with slopes can likewise be transmitted via threads groups  2461  and  2462  to the foot, which the user would likely counteract in a similar manner via tension along thread groups  2461  and  2462 . 
     Similarly, the medial or lateral sides of thread groups  2461  and  2462  can transmit corresponding tensile forces when the user twists the foot in the lateral or medial directions to execute other manuevers. In a like manner, the diagonal orientation of thread groups  2463  and  2464  extending along the harness from the heel of article  100  can efficiently transmit tensile forces to the snowboard or other device when the user leans forward or backward during maneuvers or when the user rocks the foot laterally about the longitudinal axis of the foot. Thus, although the thread groups can be relatively small in quantity and the numbers of orientations, they can be arranged to transmit the forces most often encountered during the primary control movements of the foot in an efficient and robust manner. 
     Further, harness  2400  can be reinforced in other directions via varying thread quantities, orientations and configurations according to the primary movements anticipated for article  100 , or as desired by a user, to transmit effectively the encountered tensile forces while minimizing the presence of superfluous material. As such, a relatively thin base layer  2450  and peripheral layer  2454  can be used with a small number of appropriately oriented threads  2460  to provide a robust harness  2400  having a low mass that distributes forces well to the foot. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.