Patent Publication Number: US-9894956-B2

Title: Article of footwear with a customizable upper

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. Patent Publication Number 2010/0180469, entitled “Article of Footwear with a Customizable Upper,” and published on Jul. 22, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear, and in particular to an article of footwear with a customizable upper. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Articles with inserts have been previously proposed. Vates (U.S. patent publication number 2006/0277785) teaches a shoe having vamp openings and body and tongue chimney structures that may be removable from a shoe. The shoe includes an upper partially comprised of a material that has openings. The material covers body chimney structure, which is located within the shoe and visible through openings. The chimney structures can be removably inserted into the footwear. 
     Scerri (UK patent application GB2172191) teaches a shoe having a sole and a vamp. The vamp comprises a flexible inner vamp member and a transparent flexible outer vamp member. The outer vamp member is coupled to the inner vamp member so as to form a vamp envelope for removably receiving a thin flexible vamp insert. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure 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 disclosure. 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 associated with an insert system including a lateral insert; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with an insert system including a lateral insert; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article illustrated in phantom with a lateral insert; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article associated with an insert system including a medial insert; 
         FIG. 5  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with an insert system including a medial insert; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with a medial and lateral insert; 
         FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with covered apertures and a lateral insert with an exploded view of the lateral insert disposed beneath covered apertures; 
         FIG. 8  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article and an insert system including a plurality of inserts; 
         FIG. 9  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article with an insert configured to support an ankle; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a medial insert and a lateral insert associated with an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a medial and lateral insert; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a medial and lateral insert; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with a medial and lateral insert; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment of a medial and lateral insert to an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment of a medial and lateral insert to an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an attachment of a medial and lateral insert to an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 17  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an insert system that includes an ankle strap and is configured to support an ankle; 
         FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an insert system that includes an ankle strap and is configured to support an ankle; 
         FIG. 19  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an insert system that includes an ankle strap and is configured to support an ankle inserted within an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 20  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastening of an ankle strap of an insert system with an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a fastening of an ankle strap of an insert system with an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 22  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an insert system that may be fastened with an ankle strap to an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 23  is an isomeric view of an exemplary embodiment of an insert system fastened with an ankle strap to an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 24  is a top down view of an exemplary embodiment of an insert system fastened with an ankle strap to an article of footwear; 
         FIG. 25  is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear associated with an insert system and a bootie; and 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwear with an insert system and a bootie. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An article of footwear with an insert system is disclosed. In one aspect, the disclosure provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a side portion, the side portion further including an outer portion and an inner portion; the side portion including at least one aperture; an insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with the inner portion of the side portion; the insert including at least one raised portion; and where at least one raised portion can be inserted through at least one aperture and exposed on the outer portion. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a side portion, the side portion further including an outer portion and an inner portion; the side portion including a plurality of apertures; an insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with the inner portion of the side portion; the insert including a plurality of raised portions that are configured to engage the plurality of apertures; and where the raised portions and the outer portion of the upper form a substantially continuous outer surface when the insert is disposed inside the upper. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including at least one side portion, at least one side portion further including an outer portion and an inner portion; at least one side portion including at least one aperture; at least one insert configured to be inserted into the upper and associated with the inner portion of at least one side portion, at least one insert including an ankle portion that extends from a throat of the upper when the insert is inserted into the upper; an ankle strap fixedly connected to a portion of at least one insert; and where the ankle strap is configured to engage at least one strap receiving portion disposed near an opening of the upper and wherein the ankle strap is configured to tighten the upper at an ankle portion of the article. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the disclosure 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 disclosure, and be protected by the following claims. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  100 . For clarity, the following detailed description discusses an exemplary embodiment, in the form of a football shoe, but it should be noted that the presently disclosed article of footwear could take the form of any article of footwear including, but not limited to: soccer shoes, sneakers, football shoes, rugby shoes, baseball shoes as well as other kinds of shoes. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , article of footwear  100 , also referred to simply as article  100 , is intended to be used with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may equally apply to a mirror image of article of footwear  100  that is intended for use with a right foot. 
     Article of footwear  100  includes upper  102 . 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 upper  102  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 upper  102  is a running shoe, upper  102  could be a low top upper. 
     Upper  102  is configured to receive a foot of a wearer. In some embodiments, upper  102  includes throat  103  configured to receive a foot of a wearer. Typically, throat  103  allows a foot to be inserted into interior cavity  104  of upper  102 . 
     In some embodiments, upper  102  may include toe portion  113  that is associated with the toes of a foot inserted within upper  102 . Also, upper  102  may include heel portion  114  that is associated with a heel of a foot. Additionally, upper  102  can include middle portion  112  that is disposed between toe portion  113  and heel portion  114 . Middle portion  112  is associated with a midfoot, including an arch of the foot and a top of the foot. 
     In some embodiments, article of footwear  100  may include a fastening system configured to tighten upper  102 . Generally, article of footwear  100  could be associated with any type of fastening system including, but not limited to: laces, straps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, as well as other types of fastening systems. In one embodiment, article of footwear  100  includes a fastening system with a lace. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, article of footwear  100  may include lacing portion  109 . Generally, lacing portion  109  may be disposed on any portion of upper  102 . In some embodiments, lacing portion  109  may be disposed symmetrically on middle portion  112 . In other embodiments, lacing portion  109  may be disposed asymmetrically on middle portion  112 . In one embodiment, lacing portion  109  may be disposed in a substantially symmetrical manner on middle portion  112 . 
     Upper  102  may include lateral side portion  107 . Lateral side portion  107  may be associated with an outside of a foot. In particular, lateral side portion  107  may be bounded by heel portion  114 , lacing portion  109  and toe portion  113 . In a similar manner, upper  102  may include medial side portion  106  disposed opposite lateral side portion  107 . Medial side portion  106  may be bounded by heel portion  114 , lacing portion  109  and toe portion  113 . With this arrangement, medial side portion  106  may be associated with an inside of a foot. 
     In some embodiments, upper  102  may be associated with sole  105 . In different embodiments, sole  105  may include different components. For example, sole  105  may include an outsole, midsole and/or insole. 
     In some embodiments, sole  105  may include provisions to increase traction with a ground surface. Examples of provisions to increase traction include, but are not limited to: traction elements as well as cleats. In one embodiment, sole  105  may be configured with cleats  115  to increase traction with a ground surface. 
     Generally, each component of article of footwear  100  may be constructed of any material. Sole  105  may be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to: elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, other synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics. Also, upper  102  may be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to: nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber. 
     An article of footwear may include provisions for adjusting properties of a side portion of an upper. In particular, an article may include provisions to adjust the stiffness, thickness, shape, and insulating properties of a side portion of an upper. In some embodiments, an article can include an insert system that may be associated with a side portion of an article to adjust properties of the side portion. 
     In one embodiment, article  100  may be associated with insert system  150 . Insert system  150  may include lateral insert  157 . In some cases, insert system  150  may also include a medial insert that will be discussed later in this detailed description. Lateral insert  157  may be configured to be inserted into upper  102 . With this arrangement, lateral insert  157  and a medial insert may adjust properties of lateral side portion  107  and medial side portion  106 , respectively, of upper  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , lateral insert  157  includes peripheral portion  171  associated with a periphery of lateral insert  157 . Lateral insert  157  may also include central portion  172 . Central portion  172  may be disposed inward of peripheral portion  171 . 
     In different embodiments, an insert may be configured in different shapes. Examples of shapes, include, but are not limited to: square shapes, rectangular shapes, elliptical shapes, triangular shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes as well as other types of shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, lateral insert  157  is configured with an irregular shape. 
     In some embodiments, lateral insert  157  may be configured with one or more corners. In one embodiment, lateral insert  157  may comprise five generally rounded corners. With this arrangement, lateral insert  157  may fit contours of lateral side portion  107 . 
     In different embodiments, lateral insert  157  may adjust different properties of lateral side portion  107 . For example, in some embodiments, lateral insert  157  may be relatively rigid to provide support to lateral side portion  107 . In some cases, lateral insert  157  may provide additional padding to protect a lateral side of a foot. 
     In one embodiment, lateral insert  157  includes plurality of raised portions  173 . Plurality of raised portions  173  can be disposed in central portion  172  of lateral insert  157 . In some cases, plurality of raised portions  173  may be disposed within central portion  172  so that peripheral portion  171  extends outward from plurality of raised portions  173 . 
     Generally, plurality of raised portions  173  can include any number of raised portions. In some embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  can include more than four raised portions. In other embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  can include less than four raised portions. In one embodiment, plurality of raised portions  173  may include four raised portions. In particular, plurality of raised portions  173  includes first raised portion  175 , second raised portion  176 , third raised portion  177  and fourth raised portion  178 . 
     In different embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  may be configured with various shapes and sizes. Examples of shapes, include, but are not limited to: square shapes, rectangular shapes, elliptical shapes, triangular shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes as well as other types of shapes. In one embodiment, plurality of raised portions  173  is configured with rounded rectangular shapes. 
     Plurality of raised portions  173  may be configured with various heights with respect to central portion  172 . In some embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  may be raised slightly with respect to central portion  172 . In other embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  may be raised significantly with respect to central portion  172 . This will be discussed in greater detail later in this detailed description. 
     In some embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  can provide more padding for lateral insert  157 . In some cases, additional padding can improve the insulating capabilities of upper  102 . In other cases, additional padding can protect a foot disposed within upper  102 . In other embodiments, plurality of raised portions  173  can provide greater stiffness for lateral insert  157 . 
     A side portion of an upper can include various provisions for receiving an insert system. In some embodiments, a side portion can be configured with apertures for receiving a plurality of raised portions of an insert. In other embodiments, a side portion can be configured without apertures and receive an insert with a plurality of raised portions. 
     Generally, an aperture in an upper can be formed in various manners known in the art. In some embodiments, an aperture may be formed by removing portions of an upper. In some cases, an aperture can provide an opening to an interior cavity of an upper. In other cases, an aperture may be covered so that it does not form an opening to an interior cavity of an upper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , lateral side portion  107  includes plurality of apertures  120 . Plurality of apertures  120  may include any number of apertures. In some embodiments, plurality of apertures  120  can include more than four apertures. In other embodiments, plurality of apertures  120  can include less than four apertures. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of apertures  120  can include four apertures. In particular, plurality of apertures  120  can include first aperture  125 , second aperture  126 , third aperture  127  and fourth aperture  128 . 
     In different embodiments, plurality of apertures  120  may be configured in various shapes. Examples of shape, include, but are not limited to: square shapes, rectangular shapes, elliptical shapes, triangular shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes as well as other types of shapes. In one embodiment, plurality of apertures  120  is configured with rounded rectangular shapes. With this arrangement, plurality of apertures  120  may be configured to receive plurality of raised portions  173 . 
     Generally, plurality of apertures  120  may be arranged in various patterns on lateral side portion  107 . For example, plurality of apertures  120  may be arranged in a generally longitudinal direction. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In other embodiments, plurality of apertures  120  may be arranged in a generally lateral direction. The term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In still other embodiments, plurality of apertures  120  may be arranged in a direction other than longitudinal or lateral. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of apertures  120  may be arranged in a generally longitudinal direction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , lateral insert  157  may be inserted into upper  102  and associated with lateral side portion  107 . This arrangement allows plurality of raised portions  173  to engage plurality of apertures  120 . In particular, lateral insert  157  may be disposed so that first raised portion  175  engages first aperture  125 . Also, second raised portion  176  may engage second aperture  126 . In addition, third raised portion  177  may engage third aperture  127 . Likewise, fourth raised portion  178  may engage fourth aperture  128 . In some cases, plurality of raised portions  173  may protrude through plurality of apertures  120  as plurality of raised portions  173  engage plurality of apertures  120 . 
       FIG. 3  is an isometric view of an embodiment of article  100  with lateral insert  157 . For purposes of clarity, article  100  is illustrated in phantom so that lateral insert  157  may be clearly seen. With lateral insert  157  associated with lateral side portion  107 , lateral insert  157  can provide additional support to lateral side portion  107 . Furthermore, lateral insert  157  may also provide additional protection for a lateral side of a foot against impacts with balls or other objects. With this arrangement, lateral insert  157  can provide additional reinforcement for lateral side portion  107 . 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear may be associated with a medial insert and a lateral insert of an insert system. Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , article of footwear  100  may be associated with medial insert  156  as well as lateral insert  157 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , of insert system  150 . In some embodiments, medial insert  156  may be substantially similar to lateral insert  157 . In particular, medial insert  156  may be configured with a substantially similar shape as lateral insert  157 . Furthermore, medial insert  156  may be configured with a substantially similar rigidity and padding as lateral insert  157 . 
     In some embodiments, medial insert  156  may include plurality of raised portions  160 . In some cases, plurality of raised portions  160  may be substantially similar to plurality of raised portions  173 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, plurality of raised portions  160  can include first raised portion  165 , second raised portion  166 , third raised portion  167  and fourth raised portion  168 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, medial side portion  106  may be configured with plurality of apertures  130 . In some cases, plurality of apertures  130  may be substantially similar to plurality of apertures  120  associated with lateral side portion  107 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . In particular, plurality of apertures  130  may be configured to receive plurality of raised portions  160  of medial insert  156 . In one embodiment, plurality of apertures  130  can comprise first aperture  135 , second aperture  136 , third aperture  137  and fourth aperture  138 . 
     In one embodiment, medial insert  156  may be inserted into throat  103  and disposed adjacent to medial side portion  106 . This arrangement allows plurality of raised portions  160  to engage plurality of apertures  130 . In particular, medial insert  156  may be disposed so that first raised portion  165  engages first aperture  135 . Also, second raised portion  166  may engage second aperture  136 . In addition, third raised portion  167  may engage third aperture  137 . Likewise, fourth raised portion  168  may engage fourth aperture  138 . With medial insert  156  associated with medial side portion  106 , medial insert  156  can provide additional reinforcement for medial side portion  106 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of upper  102 . In some embodiments, upper  102  may include a sock liner and/or bootie. A sock liner and/or bootie may provide additional comfort to a foot disposed within upper  102 . In one embodiment, upper  102  includes sock liner  111 . Sock liner  111  may be disposed adjacent to a bottom surface of upper  102 . With this arrangement, sock liner  111  may be configured as an insole for sole  105 . 
     As previously discussed, upper  102  may include medial insert  156  and lateral insert  157  of insert system  150 . In different embodiments, medial insert  156  and lateral insert  157  may be inserted in different manners within upper  102 . In some embodiments, medial insert  156  and lateral insert  157  may be inserted between an outer lining and an inner lining of upper  102 . 
     Upper  102  can include outer lining  610 . Outer lining  610  may include inner portion  611 . Inner portion  611  may be associated with interior cavity  104 . In addition, outer lining  610  can also include outer portion  612  disposed opposite inner portion  611 . In some cases, outer portion  612  may be associated with an outer surface of upper  102 . 
     In some embodiments, upper  102  may include inner lining  620 . Inner lining  620  may be associated with interior cavity  104  of upper  102 . In some cases, inner lining  620  may be configured to form a pocket with outer lining  610 . 
     Medial insert  156  may include first side portion  661 . In embodiments with plurality of raised portions  160 , first side portion  661  may be associated with plurality of raised portions  160 . Medial insert  156  may also include second side portion  662  disposed opposite first side portion  661 . In a similar manner, lateral insert  157  may comprise first side portion  671  and second side portion  672 . In some cases, first side portion  671  may include plurality of raised portions  173 . Second side portion  672  may be disposed opposite first side portion  671 . 
     In some embodiments, first side portion  661  of medial insert  156  may be disposed adjacent to inner portion  611  of outer lining  610  when medial insert  156  is inserted within upper  102 . In embodiments including inner lining  620 , second side portion  662  may be disposed adjacent to inner lining  620 . However, in embodiments without inner lining  620 , second side portion  662  may be configured to contact a foot directly when a foot is inserted within upper  102 . 
     Similarly, first side portion  671  of lateral insert  157  may be disposed adjacent to inner portion  611  of outer lining  610  when lateral insert  157  is inserted within upper  102 . In some cases, second side portion  672  may be disposed adjacent to inner lining  620 . In embodiments without inner lining  620 , however, second side portion  672  may be configured to contact a foot directly when a foot is inserted with upper  102 . 
     An insert system can include provisions to facilitate the coupling between a side portion of an upper and an insert. This may allow a side portion and an insert to present a substantially continuous outer surface for an upper. In some embodiments, raised portions of an insert may engage apertures of a side portion to facilitate the coupling between a side portion of the upper and an insert. 
     As previously discussed, raised portions can be configured with varying heights. In some embodiments, raised portions may be configured with a height to protrude through apertures. This arrangement can allow raised portions to be inserted through an aperture and exposed on an outer portion of an upper. 
     For example, in one embodiment, third raised portion  167  of medial insert  156  may protrude through third aperture  137  of medial side portion  106 . Similarly, third raised portion  177  of lateral insert  157  may protrude through third aperture  127  of lateral side portion  107 . This arrangement allows third raised portion  167  and third raised portion  177  to be exposed on outer portion  612 . In some cases, this arrangement can help maintain the alignment between medial insert  156  and medial side portion  106  as well as the alignment between lateral insert  157  and lateral side portion  107 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, third raised portion  167  of medial insert  156  and third raised portion  177  of lateral insert  157  may be relatively flush with outer portion  612  of outer lining  610 . This arrangement allows medial insert  156  and lateral insert  157  to present a substantially continuous outer surface with outer portion  612  of outer lining  610 . In particular, medial insert  156  and outer portion  612  may present a substantially continuous outer surface as indicated by first dotted line L 1 . Likewise, lateral insert  157  and outer portion  612  can present a substantially continuous outer surface as indicated by second dotted line L 2 . With this arrangement, medial insert  156  and medial side portion  106  may act as a single reinforced side portion for upper  102 . Similarly, lateral insert  157  and lateral side portion  107  may act as a single reinforced side portion for upper  102 . 
     An insert system can increase the utility of an article by allowing a user to introduce and remove inserts to adjust properties of the article. For example, during activities that require more support, inserts can be introduced to the article. Likewise, inserts may be removed from the article when a user wants more flexibility. In addition, inserts can be introduced or removed from an article to adjust the breathability of the article. In cases where a user wants more insulation for the article, the user can introduce inserts to the article. Similarly, a user can remove the inserts to increase the airflow within the article. 
     In embodiments of an article that include apertures, an article may feel like a lightweight article or a sandal when worn without the inserts. With the inserts, the article may feel more like a traditional article of footwear with a solid upper. This arrangement allows properties of a single article to be adjusted to increase the utility of the article. 
     In embodiments including apertures, an article can include provisions to protect sides of a foot when an insert is not used. In some embodiments, apertures may be covered to protect a foot when an insert is not used. By covering apertures, objects or debris may be prevented from entering the apertures. In some cases, a mesh portion may cover apertures of an upper. With this arrangement, the breathability and lightweight nature of a side portion with apertures may be maintained. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of article  700 . In one embodiment, article  700  may be configured in a substantially similar manner as article  100  of the previous embodiment. In particular, article  700  may include plurality of apertures  720 . Plurality of apertures  720  may be disposed on lateral side portion  707  of upper  702  of article  700 . In some cases, plurality of apertures  720  may include first aperture  725 , second aperture  726 , third aperture  727  and fourth aperture  728 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, upper  702  of article  700  may include mesh portion  717 . In some embodiments, mesh portion  717  may cover one aperture of plurality of apertures  720 . In other embodiments, mesh portion  717  may cover a combination of apertures of plurality of apertures  720 . In still other embodiments, mesh portion  717  may cover plurality of apertures  720 . 
     Generally, mesh portion  717  may be constructed from any type of material suitable for covering plurality of apertures  720 . Examples of materials can include, but are not limited to: nylon, textiles, as well as any suitable knitted, woven or non-woven material. In one embodiment, mesh portion  717  may be constructed from a lightweight material. This allows mesh portion  717  to maintain the breathability provided by plurality of apertures  720  and light weight nature of lateral side portion  707 . Using this arrangement, mesh portion  717  may protect a foot disposed within upper  702 . 
     In some embodiments, mesh portion  717  may be relatively elastic. This may allow mesh portion  717  to expand outward when an insert is introduced to upper  702 . For example, lateral insert  757  with plurality of raised portions  773  may be inserted within upper  702 , as illustrated in an exploded view in  FIG. 7 . With lateral insert  757  disposed adjacent to lateral side portion  707 , plurality of raised portions  773  may protrude through plurality of apertures  720 . With a relatively elastic material, mesh portion  717  may expand outward to accommodate plurality of raised portions  773 . Using this arrangement, plurality of apertures  720 , covered by mesh portion  717 , may receive and engage plurality of raised portions  773 . 
     An insert system can include provisions to accommodate user preferences. In some embodiments, an insert system can include a plurality of inserts that may be associated with side portions of an upper. The plurality of inserts can be configured to adjust properties of a side portion in different manners. For example, an insert system can include a plurality of inserts configured with various sizes and shapes. This arrangement allows a user to select an insert to accommodate desired levels of support for different types of activities. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , insert system  850  may be associated with upper  102  of article  100 . In particular, insert system  850  may be associated with lateral side portion  107 . Generally, insert system  850  can include any number of inserts. In one embodiment, insert system  850  may comprise first insert  801 , second insert  802  and third insert  803 . 
     In different embodiments, inserts of insert system  850  may be configured with different shapes and sizes to accommodate user preferences. In one embodiment, first insert  801  may be configured to provide substantial support for lateral side portion  107 . In particular, first insert  801  may include extended peripheral portion  811 . Extended peripheral portion  811  may be shaped to extend over a substantial portion of lateral side portion  107 . This arrangement can allow first insert  801  to provide increased support to lateral side portion  107 . With this arrangement, first insert  801  may be used with article  100  during a soccer or football game to provide support to lateral side portion  107 . 
     In some embodiments, second insert  802  may be a low-profile insert. As a low-profile insert, second insert  802  may be configured with less overall surface area than first insert  801 . In particular, second insert  802  may not be configured with an extended peripheral portion as first insert  801 . Furthermore, second insert  802  may have less pronounced corners than first insert  801 . This configuration allows second insert  802  to provide some reinforcement for lateral side portion  107  without stiffening the entire side wall of lateral side portion  107 . With this configuration, second insert  802  may be useful during activities such as cross training or running because second insert  802  provides some support while maintaining flexibility of lateral side portion  107 . 
     Third insert  803  of insert system  850  may be configured to provide support to an ankle portion of a foot. In some embodiments, third insert  803  may include ankle portion  832 . Ankle portion  832  may be disposed adjacent to extended peripheral portion  831  of third insert  803 . This arrangement allows third insert  803  to cover a substantial portion of lateral side portion  107  as well as protect an ankle portion of a foot. With this arrangement, third insert  803  can be used during any activities that require increased ankle support. 
     In some embodiments, ankle portion  832  may include ankle pad  833 . Ankle pad  833  may be configured to provide additional protection to an ankle portion of a foot. In some cases, ankle pad  833  may be associated with a bony protrusion of an ankle. For example, ankle pad  833  may be configured to protect a portion of a tibia, fibulas or talus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , third insert  803  is inserted into upper  102  and disposed adjacent to lateral side portion  107 . In addition, medial insert  903  may be inserted within upper  102  and disposed adjacent to medial side portion  106 . In some embodiments, medial insert  903  may be configured in a substantially similar manner as third insert  803 . In particular, medial insert  903  may include medial ankle portion  932 . 
     In embodiments where third insert  803  and medial insert  903  are associated with a high top upper, third insert  803  and medial insert  903  may be disposed within the high top upper. In embodiments where third insert  803  and medial insert  903  are associated with a low top upper, third insert  803  and medial insert  903  may extend above the upper. In an exemplary embodiment, ankle portion  832  and medial ankle portion  932  extend from throat  103  of upper  102 . With this arrangement, third insert  803  and medial insert  903  may protect and provide increased support to an ankle portion of a foot. 
     With an insert system comprising different types of inserts, a user can select an insert to accommodate desired levels of support for different types of activities. The interchangeability of the inserts allows a user to remove one insert from an article and replace it with a different insert that may be configured to provide a different level of support. Using this arrangement, a user can fine tune the properties of a single article of footwear with an insert system. 
     An insert system can include provisions to accommodate differences between a medial side portion and a lateral side portion of a foot. Since a foot is not typically symmetrical, an insert associated with a medial side portion of a foot may be shaped differently than an insert associated with a lateral side portion of a foot. In some cases, an insert associated with a lateral side portion of a foot may be configured with greater surface area to accommodate the greater surface area of a lateral side portion of a foot. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a top down view of an exemplary embodiment of article  1000 . Generally, article  1000  may be any type of article. Furthermore, article  1000  includes upper  1002 . Upper  1002  may include medial side portion  1006  and lateral side portion  1007 . 
     In some embodiments, article  1000  may be associated with insert system  1050 . Insert system  1050  may comprise medial insert  1056  and lateral insert  1057 . In some cases, medial insert  1056  and lateral insert  1057  may have substantially different shapes to accommodate differences between a medial side portion and a lateral side portion of a foot. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, lateral insert  1057  includes first peripheral portion  1070 . Likewise, medial insert  1056  includes second peripheral portion  1060 . In some embodiments, first peripheral portion  1070  may be configured with a greater surface area than second peripheral portion  1060 . In one embodiment, first peripheral portion  1070  may extend higher on upper portion  1072  of lateral insert  1057  than second peripheral portion  1060  extends on upper portion  1062  of medial insert  1056 . With this arrangement, lateral insert  1057  and medial insert  1056  can accommodate the differences in the shapes of a lateral portion and medial portion of a foot. 
     In some embodiments, a medial insert and a lateral insert may be further modified to accommodate additional differences between sides of a foot. In addition, a medial insert and a lateral insert may be configured to accommodate different functions of sides of a foot during some types of activities. For example, in cases where a medial portion of a foot is used to kick a ball, a medial insert may be configured with greater rigidity than a lateral insert. 
     In some cases, inserts may be custom tailored to accommodate different shapes of feet. In other cases, inserts could be manufactured in pre-selected shapes that correspond to common differences in feet. This arrangement can increase the comfort and usability of inserts. 
     An insert system can include provisions to accommodate common variable characteristics of feet. For example, widths of feet commonly vary. In some embodiments, a set of inserts may be configured so that each insert of the set of inserts has a different thickness that can be used to modify the interior width of an upper. For example, a thinner insert may accommodate a wider foot by providing a greater interior width of an upper. Likewise, a thicker insert may accommodate a thinner foot by providing a smaller interior width of an upper. This arrangement can increase the comfort and usability of inserts. 
       FIGS. 11-13  illustrate cross sectional views of exemplary embodiments of article  100  associated with a set of inserts systems. The cross sectional views of these Figures are similar to the view discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, in  FIGS. 11-13 , article  100  may be associated with a medial insert and a lateral insert. For purposes of clarity, the medial insert and the lateral insert may be configured in a substantially similar manner. In particular, the medial insert and lateral insert may be configured with substantially similar thicknesses. In other embodiments, however, a medial insert and a lateral insert may be configured with different thicknesses. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , article  100  is associated with first insert system  1150 . First insert system  1150  may comprise medial insert  1156  and lateral insert  1157 . In one embodiment, medial insert  1156  and lateral insert  1157  may be configured with first thickness T 1 . With first thickness T 1  of medial insert  1156  and lateral insert  1157 , upper  102  may have first interior width W 1 . 
     In some embodiments, second insert system  1250  may be inserted within article  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . In particular, medial insert  1256  and lateral insert  1257  may be associated with medial side portion  106  and lateral side portion  107 , respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, medial insert  1256  and lateral insert  1257  may be configured with second thickness T 2 . Second thickness T 2  may be greater than first thickness T 1  of the previous embodiment. This configuration provides upper  102  with second interior width W 2 . Second interior width W 2  may be narrower than first interior width W 1  of the previous embodiment due to the greater second thickness T 2  of second insert system  1250 . With this arrangement, second insert system  1250  may accommodate a narrower foot than first insert system  1150 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , article  100  may be associated with third insert system  1350 . Third insert system  1350  may include medial insert  1356  and lateral insert  1357 . Furthermore, medial insert  1356  and lateral insert  1357  may be associated with third thickness T 3 . Third thickness T 3  may be thicker than second thickness T 2 . This arrangement provides upper  102  with third interior width W 3 . Third interior width W 3  may be narrower than second interior width W 2  of the previous embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Using this arrangement, third insert system  1350  may accommodate a narrower foot than second insert system  1250  and first insert system  1150 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
     An article can include provisions to secure an insert to an upper. In different embodiments, an insert may be positioned and secured to a side portion of an upper by different methods. In some embodiments, an insert may be inserted within a pocket associated with an upper. In other embodiments, an insert may be secured to a side portion of an upper with a fastening system. In still other embodiments, an insert may be secured to a side portion through locating features. It is also possible that provisions to secure an insert to an upper can help maintain the alignment between the insert and the side portion during use of the article. 
       FIGS. 14-16  illustrate cross sectional views of exemplary embodiments of articles with various provisions to secure an insert. The cross sectional views of these Figures are similar to the view discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . Furthermore, in  FIGS. 14-16 , articles may be associated with insert systems that comprise a medial insert and a lateral insert. For purposes of clarity, the medial insert and the lateral insert of each insert system may be configured to secure to the articles in a substantially similar manner. 
     Generally, an insert may be inserted into an upper through various openings of the upper. In some embodiments, an insert may be inserted through a throat of the upper. In other embodiments, an insert may be inserted through a fastening system of the upper. For example, in embodiments including a lacing portion, laces may be unfastened to introduce an insert through the lacing portion. For purposes of clarity,  FIGS. 14-16  illustrate an insert inserted through a lacing portion of an upper without laces. 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , insert system  1450  may be inserted within pockets associated with upper  1402  of article  1400 . In different embodiments, pockets may be formed in various manners. In some embodiments, pockets may be associated with a liner that may be introduced into upper  1402  of article  1400 . In other embodiments, pockets may be formed within upper  1402 . 
     In some embodiments, a pair of pockets may be formed by portions of upper  1402  of article  1400 . In some cases, a pair of pockets may be formed by inner lining  1420  and outer lining  1410  of upper  1402 . Inner lining  1420  may be associated with interior cavity  1404  of upper  1402 . Outer lining  1410  may be disposed opposite inner lining  1420 . With this arrangement, inner lining  1420  may be spaced apart from outer lining  1410  to form a pair of pockets to receive a pair of inserts. In particular, inner lining  1420  and outer lining  1410  may form medial pocket  1416  and lateral pocket  1417  disposed on medial side portion  1406  and lateral side portion  1407  of upper  1402 , respectively. 
     In different embodiments, an insert may be inserted within a pocket in different manners. In some embodiments, an insert may be inserted within an opening of a pocket disposed adjacent to a throat of an article. In other embodiments, an insert may be inserted within an opening of a pocket disposed adjacent to a fastening portion of an article. In still other embodiments, an insert may be inserted within an opening of a pocket disposed on a side portion of an upper. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, upper  1402  includes plurality of apertures  1454  disposed on medial side portion  1406  and lateral side portion  1407 . Furthermore, insert system  1450  may include plurality of raised portions  1453 . Plurality of raised portions  1453  may be disposed on first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  of insert system  1450 . With this arrangement, plurality of apertures  1454  and plurality of raised portions  1453  may assist in aligning first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  with medial side portion  1406  and lateral side portion  1407 , respectively. 
     In one embodiment, first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  may be inserted into medial pocket  1416  and lateral pocket  1417 , respectively. With this arrangement, first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  may be disposed between inner lining  1420  and outer lining  1410 . After inserting first insert  1451  and second insert  1452 , first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  may be positioned longitudinally along medial side portion  1406  and lateral side portion  1407 , respectively. In embodiments with plurality of apertures  1454 , first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  may be positioned so that plurality of apertures  1454  engage plurality of raised portions  1453 . Using this arrangement, first insert  1451  and second insert  1452  may be secured to medial side portion  1406  and lateral side portion  1407 , respectively. 
     In other embodiments, an upper may be configured with a fastening system to secure an insert to the upper. Referring to  FIG. 15 , upper  1502  of article  1500  includes plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555 . Plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be configured to fasten a pair of inserts to upper  1502 . 
     In different embodiments, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed in different locations on upper  1502  to fasten a pair of inserts to upper  1502 . In some embodiments, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed on medial side portion  1506  and lateral side portion  1507  of upper  1502 . In some cases, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed adjacent to a bottom portion of medial side portion  1506  and lateral side portion  1507 . In other cases, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed adjacent to a top portion of medial side portion  1506  and lateral side portion  1507 . In one embodiment, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed adjacent to a bottom portion and top portion of medial side portion  1506  and lateral side portion  1507 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed above and below plurality of apertures  1554  of upper  1502 . In particular, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may be disposed on inner portion  1511  of medial side portion  1506  and lateral side portion  1507 . 
     In one embodiment, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  includes first fastener receiving portion  1556  and second fastener receiving portion  1557  disposed on medial side portion  1506 . First fastener receiving portion  1556  may be disposed on first portion  1516  of medial side portion  1506 . First portion  1516  may be disposed above plurality of apertures  1554 . Similarly, second fastener receiving portion  1557  may be disposed on second portion  1517  of medial side portion  1506 . Second portion  1517  may be disposed below plurality of apertures  1554 . Furthermore, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may include fastener receiving portions arranged in a substantially similar manner on lateral side portion  1507 . With this arrangement, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  may fasten a pair of inserts. 
     Generally, various fastening systems may be used to fasten an insert to an upper. Examples of fastening systems include, but are not limited to: laces, straps, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, as well as other types of fastening systems. In one embodiment, plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555  comprises loop portions of a hook and loop type fastener. 
     In some embodiments, insert system  1550  may be associated with article  1500 . Insert system  1550  includes first insert  1551  and second insert  1552 . In some cases, first insert  1551  and second insert  1552  may include plurality of raised portions  1553 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first insert  1551  and second insert  1552  may be configured with plurality of fasteners  1566 . Plurality of fasteners may be configured to associate with fastener receiving portions disposed on upper  1502 . In some cases, plurality of fasteners  1556  may comprise hook portions of a hook and loop type fastener to associate with plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555 . 
     In some embodiments, plurality of fasteners  1566  may be disposed above and below plurality of raised portions  1553 . Plurality of fasteners  1566  may include first fastener  1571  and second fasteners  1572  disposed on first insert  1551 . First fastener  1571  may be disposed on first portion  1581  of first insert  1551 . In some cases, first portion  1581  may be disposed on a peripheral portion above plurality of raised portions  1553 . Similarly, second fastener  1572  may be disposed on second portion  1582  of first insert  1551 . Second portion  1582  may be disposed on a peripheral portion below plurality of raised portions  1553 . Furthermore, plurality of fasteners  1566  may also include fasteners disposed on second insert  1552  in a substantially similar manner as first insert  1551 . 
     In one embodiment, first insert  1551  may be inserted within upper  1502  and positioned adjacent to medial side portion  1506 . In particular, first insert  1551  may be aligned with medial side portion  1506  so that plurality of apertures  1554  engage plurality of raised portions  1553 . Furthermore, plurality of fasteners  1566  may be aligned with and secured to plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555 . In particular, first fastener receiving portion  1556  may fasten to first fastener  1571 . Also, second fastener receiving portion  1557  may fasten to second fastener  1572 . With this arrangement, first insert  1551  may be secured to medial side portion  1506  of upper  1502 . 
     In a similar manner, second insert  1552  may be inserted within upper  1502 . Following insertion, second insert  1552  may be aligned with lateral side portion  1507  so that plurality of apertures  1554  engage plurality of raised portions  1553 . In addition, plurality of fasteners  1566  may be aligned with and secured to plurality of fastener receiving portions  1555 . With this arrangement, second insert  1552  may be fastened to lateral side portion  1507  of article  1502 . 
     In other embodiments, an insert may be configured with a plurality of first locating features that may engage a plurality of second locating features on an upper to facilitate alignment of an upper. In some cases, friction may assist in securing the insert to the upper after the insert is aligned with side portions of an upper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , insert system  1650  may be associated with article  1600 . Insert system  1650  includes first insert  1651  and second insert  1652 . In some embodiments, first insert  1651  and second insert  1652  may include plurality of first locating features  1656 . Plurality of first locating features  1656  may be disposed above and below plurality of raised portions  1653  of first insert  1651  and second insert  1652 . Using this configuration, plurality of first locating features  1656  may be configured to facilitate the alignment of first insert  1651  and second insert  1652 . 
     In some embodiments, upper  1602  includes plurality of second locating features  1655 . Plurality of second locating features  1655  may be disposed on medial side portion  1606  and lateral side portion  1607  of upper  1602 . Plurality of second locating features  1655  may be configured to receive plurality of first locating features  1656 . This arrangement may facilitate an alignment of insert system  1650  with medial side portion  1606  and lateral side portion  1607 . 
     In different embodiments, plurality of second locating features  1655  may be disposed in various locations on medial side portion  1606  and lateral side portion  1607 . In one embodiment, plurality of second locating features  1655  may be disposed above and below plurality of apertures  1654  of upper  1602 . With this arrangement, plurality of second locating features  1655  may assist in the alignment of inserts with medial side portion  1606  and lateral side portions  1607 . 
     Generally, locating features may be configured with various sizes and shapes. Examples of shapes include, but are not limited to: square shapes, rectangular shapes, elliptical shapes, triangular shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes as well as other types of shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, plurality of first locating features  1656  and plurality of second locating features  1655  are configured with rounded shapes. In particular, plurality of first locating features  1656  may be configured with rounded shapes that protrude from first insert  1651  and second insert  1652 . In contrast, plurality of second locating features  1655  may be configured with rounded shapes that are recessed within upper  1602 . With this arrangement, plurality of first locating features  1656  may engage plurality of second locating features  1655 . 
     In different embodiments, plurality of first locating features  1656  and plurality of second locating features  1655  may be configured with various heights and depths, respectively. By varying the height and depth of plurality of first locating features  1656  and plurality of second locating features  1655 , respectively, the strength of the engagement between plurality of first locating features  1656  and plurality of second locating features  1655  may be adjusted. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, first insert  1651  may be inserted within upper  1602  and associated with medial side portion  1606 . In particular, first insert  1651  may be aligned with medial side portion  1606  so that plurality of apertures  1654  engage plurality of raised portions  1653 . Furthermore, plurality of first locating features  1656  may be aligned with and engage plurality of second locating features  1655 . With this arrangement, first insert  1651  may be aligned and associated with medial side portion  1606  of upper  1602 . 
     Similarly, second insert  1652  may be inserted within upper  1602 . Following insertion, second insert  1652  may be aligned with lateral side portion  1607  so that plurality of apertures  1654  engage plurality of raised portions  1653 . In addition, plurality of first locating features  1656  may be aligned with and engage plurality of second locating features  1655 . With this arrangement, second insert  1652  may be associated with lateral side portion  1607  of article  1602 . 
     In some embodiments, an article can be configured with multiple provisions for aligning and securing an insert to a side portion of an upper. For example, an upper may be configured with a plurality of locating features as well as fastener receiving portions to secure an insert. In some cases, the plurality of locating features may assist in aligning and positioning an insert on a side portion of an upper while the fastener receiving portions secure the insert to a side portion of an upper. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , insert system  1750  includes medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752 . Medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  are configured to be inserted into an upper of an article. In some embodiments, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  may provide support to an ankle of a foot disposed within an upper. In particular, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  are configured with medial ankle portion  1761  and lateral ankle portion  1762 , respectively. Medial ankle portion  1761  and lateral ankle portion  1762  may be disposed adjacent to an ankle portion of a foot when insert system  1750  is used with an article. 
     Generally, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  may be configured with any combination of provisions discussed with respect to previous embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  may be shaped differently to accommodate the different shapes of a lateral and medial portion of a foot. In other embodiments, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  may be configured with various thicknesses to accommodate a width of a foot disposed within an upper. In one embodiment, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  may be configured with plurality of raised portions  1753 . 
     An insert system can include provisions to increase support for an ankle. In some embodiments, an ankle strap may provide support to an ankle by securing an insert system and an upper to the ankle. In some cases, an ankle strap may be fixedly attached to a pair of inserts of an insert system. In other cases, an ankle strap can be fixedly attached to one insert of an insert system. In an exemplary embodiment, an ankle strap may be fixedly attached to a first insert of an insert system and releasably attached to a second insert of the insert system. With this arrangement, the ankle strap may be configured to tighten an ankle portion of an article to provide support to an ankle. 
     Insert system  1750  may include ankle strap  1720 . In some embodiments, ankle strap  1720  may be fixedly attached to one insert of insert system  1750 . For example, ankle strap  1720  may be fixedly attached to medial insert  1751 . In addition, ankle strap  1720  may be releasably attached to lateral insert  1752 . 
     In different embodiments, ankle strap  1720  may be releasably attached to lateral insert  1752  in various manners known in the art. In some embodiments, lateral insert  1752  may include a plurality of openings to receive ankle strap  1720 . In an exemplary embodiment, lateral insert  1752  includes first slot  1801  and second slot  1802 . First slot  1801  and second slot  1802  can be configured to receive ankle strap  1720 . In other words, ankle strap  1720  may be threaded through first slot  1801  and second slot  1802  of lateral insert  1752 . With this arrangement, ankle strap  1720  may allow lateral insert  1752  to move relative to medial insert  1751  while connecting lateral insert  1752  to medial insert  1751 . 
     In different embodiments, ankle strap  1720  may extend between different portions of medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752 . In one embodiment, first end portion  1721  of ankle strap  1720  may be fixedly connected to first forward portion  1781  of medial ankle portion  1761 . First forward portion  1781  may face toward a forefoot of a foot when insert system  1750  is used with an article. In a similar manner, second end portion  1726  of ankle strap  1720  may be threaded through first slot  1801 . In some cases, first slot  1801  may be disposed adjacent to second forward portion  1782  of lateral ankle portion  1762 . Following the insertion of second end portion  1726  in first slot  1801 , second end portion  1726  may be threaded through second slot  1802 . In some cases, second slot  1802  may be disposed adjacent to rearward portion  1792  of lateral ankle portion  1762 . Rearward portion  1792  may face toward a heel of a foot when insert system  1750  is used with an article. With this arrangement, ankle strap  1720  may extend between medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  across a forward portion of a throat when insert system  1750  is associated with an article. 
     Ankle strap  1720  may also be configured to tighten an upper at an ankle portion of an article. In some embodiments, a fastening portion of ankle strap  1720  may be configured to tighten an upper at an ankle portion of the article. In one embodiment, ankle strap  1720  includes fastening portion  1724 . Fastening portion  1724  may extend between a portion of ankle strap  1720  disposed adjacent to second slot  1802  and second end portion  1726 . Using this arrangement, fastening portion  1724  of ankle strap  1720  may be configured to tighten an upper of an article. 
     In other embodiments, however, an ankle strap may be fixedly attached to a medial insert and a lateral insert of an insert system.  FIG. 18  illustrates an alternative embodiment of insert system  1950 . Insert system  1950  includes medial insert  1951  and lateral insert  1952 . In some cases, medial insert  1951  and lateral insert  1952  may be configured to provide support to an ankle. In particular, medial insert  1951  includes medial ankle portion  1961 . Likewise, lateral insert  1952  includes lateral ankle portion  1962 . 
     Insert system  1950  also comprises ankle strap  1920 . In one embodiment, ankle strap  1920  is fixedly attached to medial insert  1951  and lateral insert  1952 . In particular, connecting portion  1923  of ankle strap  1920  may extend between medial insert  1951  and lateral insert  1952 . In some cases, first end portion  1921  of connecting portion  1923  may be fixedly connected to first forward portion  1981  of medial ankle portion  1961 . In a similar manner, second end portion  1922  of connecting portion  1923  may be fixedly attached to second forward portion  1982  of lateral ankle portion  1962 . Furthermore, intermediate portion  1925  of ankle strap  1920  may be fixedly attached to rearward portion  1992  of lateral ankle portion  1962 . With this configuration, connecting portion  1923  of ankle strap  1920  may connect medial insert  1951  and lateral insert  1952  across a forward portion of a throat when insert system  1950  is associated with an article. 
     Ankle strap  1920  may also include fastening portion  1924  configured to tighten an upper at an ankle portion of an article. In some cases, fastening portion  1924  may be configured in a substantially similar manner to fastening portion  1724  of the previous embodiment. In particular, fastening portion  1924  may extend between intermediate portion  1925  and second end portion  1926  of ankle strap  1920 . With this arrangement, fastening portion  1924  may be used to tighten an upper at an ankle portion of an article. 
     Generally, an ankle strap may be constructed from any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to: nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber or synthetic rubber, as well as knitted, woven or non-woven material. In some embodiments, portions of an ankle strap may be constructed of different materials. For example, a fastening portion may be constructed of a different material than a remaining portion of an ankle strap. In an exemplary embodiment, an ankle strap may be configured with a material with some degree of elasticity. This can allow an ankle strap to stretch between a medial insert and a lateral insert to accommodate different widths of a foot. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , insert system  1750  may be associated with upper  1802  of article of footwear  1800 . In one embodiment, upper  1802  includes plurality of apertures  1854 . Plurality of apertures  1854  can be disposed on medial side portion  1806  and lateral side portion  1807  of upper  1802 . With this arrangement, plurality of apertures  1854  may be configured to receive plurality of raised portions  1753  of insert system  1750 . 
     Insert system  1750  may be inserted within upper  1802  of article  1800  in various manners. In some embodiments, insert system  1750  may be inserted so that medial insert  1751  is associated with an inner portion of medial side portion  1806 . Following insertion within upper  1802 , medial ankle portion  1761  may extend from throat  1803  of upper  1802 . In a similar manner, lateral insert  1752  may be inserted within upper  1802  so that lateral insert  1752  is disposed adjacent to an inner portion of lateral side portion  1807 . As lateral insert  1752  is disposed adjacent to an inner portion of lateral side portion  1807 , lateral ankle portion  1762  may extend from throat  1803  of upper  1802 . Furthermore, medial insert  1751  and lateral insert  1752  may be aligned so that plurality of raised portions  1753  engage plurality of apertures  1854 . Following the insertion of insert system  1750 , ankle strap  1720  may be fastened to upper  1802 . 
     In different embodiments, an upper may be configured with different provisions to fasten an ankle strap to an article. In some embodiments, an upper may be configured with apertures that may receive an ankle strap to fasten the ankle strap. In other embodiments, an upper may include one or more straps receiving portions to fasten an ankle strap to an article. In one embodiment, an upper can include one or more straps receiving portions that are D-rings. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , upper  1802  includes first strap receiving portion  1891 . In addition, upper  1802  includes second strap receiving portion  1892 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Generally, first strap receiving portion  1891  and second strap receiving portion  1892  may be disposed in various locations on upper  1802 . In some embodiments, first strap receiving portion  1891  and second strap receiving portion  1892  may be disposed near an opening of upper  1802 . In some cases, first strap receiving portion  1891  and second strap receiving portion  1892  may be disposed on heel foxing  1814 . 
     In one embodiment, first strap receiving portion  1891  may be disposed on lateral side portion  1807 . In particular, first strap receiving portion  1891  may be disposed on heel foxing  1814  near throat  1803 . In a similar manner, second strap receiving portion  1892  may be disposed on medial side portion  1806 . In some cases, second strap receiving portion  1892  may be disposed on heel foxing  1814  adjacent to throat  1803 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , fastening portion  1724  of ankle strap  1720  may be fastened through first strap receiving portion  1891  and second strap receiving portion  1892 . In particular, second end portion  1726  may be threaded through first strap receiving portion  1891 . After threading through first strap receiving portion  1891 , second end portion  1726  may be drawn over a front side of an ankle, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . In other words, second end portion  1726  may be drawn across lateral insert  1752  and medial insert  1751 . This allows second end portion  1726  to be threaded through second strap receiving portion  1892 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Following the insertion through second strap receiving portion  1892 , second end portion  1726  may be drawn back across a front side of ankle and secured. 
     Generally, second end portion  1726  may be secured in various manners known in the art. In some embodiments, second end portion  1726  may be releasably secured to a portion of upper  1802 . In other embodiments, second end portion  1726  may be releasably secured to a portion of ankle strap  1720 . 
     In some embodiments, fastening portion  1724  may include a fastening system so that second end portion  1726  may be releasably secured to a portion of ankle strap  1720 . In different embodiments, fastening portion  1724  may include various fastening systems known in the art. Examples of fastening systems include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, snap fasteners, lacing systems, zipper and straps. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , fastening portion  1724  of ankle strap  1720  includes fastener portion  1735 . In some cases, fastener portion  1735  may be a hook portion of a hook and loop fastening system. Similarly, second end portion  1726  may include fastener receiving portion  1736 , as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . Fastener receiving portion  1736  may be a loop portion of a hook and loop fastening system. This arrangement allows fastener portion  1735  to releasably attach to fastener receiving portion  1736  and secure second end portion  1726  to fastening portion  1724 , as illustrated in  FIG. 21 . With this configuration, ankle strap  1720  may be releasably secured to itself. 
     With ankle strap  1720  fastened, ankle strap  1720  may tighten upper  1802  around a foot disposed within article  1800 . In particular, ankle strap  1720  may tighten upper  1802  at an ankle portion of article  1800 . In some cases, medial ankle portion  1761  and lateral ankle portion  1762  may be pressed against an ankle as ankle strap  1720  tightens an ankle portion of article  1800 . Using this arrangement, insert system  1750  can protect and support a foot and ankle disposed within upper  1802 . 
     In some embodiments, an ankle strap that is independent of an insert system may be configured to tighten an upper around an ankle to increase support for an ankle. In some cases, the ankle strap may also be used to secure the insert system to the upper when an insert system is used with the upper. This arrangement can increase the flexibility of an insert system by allowing a wearer of an article to use an ankle strap alone or with an insert system for additional ankle support. 
       FIGS. 22-24  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of article of footwear  2400 . Article of footwear  2400  includes upper  2402 . In some embodiments, upper  2402  is a low top upper. Furthermore, upper  2402  may include medial side portion  2406  and lateral side portion  2407 . In one embodiment, upper  2402  includes tongue portion  2405  disposed between medial side portion  2406  and lateral side portion  2407 . In some cases, tongue portion  2405  may be associated with a fastening portion of upper  2402 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, insert system  2450  may be inserted within article of footwear  2400 . Insert system  2450  may be configured to provide ankle support for a wearer of article  2400 . In particular, medial insert  2451  and lateral insert  2452  of insert system  2450  include ankle portions to provide ankle support. For example, medial insert  2451  includes medial ankle portion  2461 . Similarly, lateral insert  2452  includes lateral ankle portion  2462 . With this arrangement, insert system  2450  may provide ankle support for a wearer of article  2400 . 
     In order to tighten upper  2402  at an ankle portion of article  2400 , article of footwear  2400  may be associated with ankle strap  2420 . Ankle strap  2420  may include first end portion  2431  and second end portion  2432 , disposed opposite first end portion  2431 . Also, ankle strap  2420  may include intermediate portion  2433  disposed between first end portion  2431  and second end portion  2432 . Furthermore, ankle strap  2420  may include first side portion  2481  and second side portion  2482 , disposed opposite first side portion  2481 . 
     In some embodiments, upper  2402  may include one or more strap receiving portions to fasten ankle strap  2420  to article  2400 . In one embodiment, upper  2402  may include first strap receiving portion  2421 , second strap receiving portion  2422  and third strap receiving portion  2423 . First strap receiving portion  2421  may be disposed on heel foxing  2413  of upper  2402 , as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . In particular, first strap receiving portion  2421  may be disposed on medial side portion  2406  of heel foxing  2413 . Similarly, second strap receiving portion  2422  may be disposed on lateral side portion  2407  of heel foxing  2413 . In addition, third strap receiving portion  2423  may be disposed on tongue portion  2405  of upper  2402 . 
     Generally, first strap receiving portion  2421 , second strap receiving portion  2422  and third strap receiving portion  2423  may receive ankle strap  2420  in any manner known in the art. In one embodiment, first strap receiving portion  2421  and second strap receiving portion  2422  may be D-rings. In contrast, third strap receiving portion  2423  may be a loop that receives ankle strap  2420 . 
     In some embodiments, ankle strap  2420  may include provisions to fasten to strap receiving portions. Referring to  FIG. 22 , first side portion  2481  includes fastener portion  2491  and fastener receiving portion  2492 . In particular, fastener portion  2491  and fastener receiving portion  2492  may be disposed on first side portion  2481  adjacent to second end portion  2432 . In some cases, fastener portion  2491  and fastener receiving portion  2492  may be hook and loop type fasteners. However, in other cases, fastener portion  2491  and fastener receiving portion  2492  may be other types of fasteners. With this arrangement, fastener portion  2491  and fastener receiving portion  2492  may fasten to each other to secure second end portion  2432  to a strap receiving portion of upper  2402 . 
     Although not illustrated for purposes of clarity in  FIGS. 22-24 , second side portion  2482  may also include a fastener portion and a fastener receiving portion. In some cases, a fastener portion and a fastener receiving portion on second side portion  2482  may be disposed adjacent to first end portion  2431 . This can allow second side portion  2482  to fasten around a strap receiving portion at first end portion  2431 . For example, first end portion  2431  may be fastened to first strap receiving portion  2421  by folding second side portion  2482  around first strap receiving portion  2421  and attaching a fastener portion and a fastener receiving portion. 
     Following the fastening of first end portion  2431  to first strap receiving portion  2421 , ankle strap  2420  may wrap around medial ankle portion  2461  of medial insert  2451 , as illustrated in  FIG. 24 . In some embodiments, ankle strap  2420  may be releasably attached to medial insert  2451 . In an exemplary embodiment, ankle strap  2420  may instead only wrap around medial ankle portion  2461  in order to tighten medial insert  2451  to an ankle. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23 and 24 , second end portion  2432  may be inserted through third strap receiving portion  2423  in tongue portion  2405  to fasten ankle strap  2420  to upper  2402 . Following the threading of second end portion  2432  through third strap receiving portion  2423 , ankle strap  2420  may wrap around lateral ankle portion  2462 . As ankle strap  2420  wraps around lateral ankle portion  2462 , second end portion  2432  may be pulled to tighten ankle strap  2420  around upper  2402  at an ankle portion of article  2400 . Second end portion  2432  may then be secured to second strap receiving portion  2422 . This may be accomplished by folding second end portion  2432  around second strap receiving portion  2422  so that first side  2481  is disposed against itself. This arrangement allows fastener portion  2491  to releasably attach to fastener receiving portion  2492 , as illustrated in  FIG. 22 , to secure second end portion  2432  to second strap receiving portion  2422 . With this arrangement, ankle strap  2420  may tighten upper  2402  at an ankle portion of article  2400  and simultaneously secure insert system  2450  in place. 
     In some embodiments, an article of footwear may be associated with a sock liner and/or bootie as well as an insert system. In embodiments with a bootie, inserts can be disposed between an outer lining of an upper and a bootie.  FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of article  2100  associated with bootie  2110  and insert system  2150 . In particular,  FIG. 25  is an isometric exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of article  2100  and  FIG. 26  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of bootie  2110  and insert system  2150  inserted within article  2100 . The cross sectional view of  FIG. 26  is similar to the view discussed with respect to  FIG. 6 . 
     In some embodiments, article  2100  may be associated with bootie  2110 . Generally, bootie  2110  may be any type of bootie that may cover a foot. In some cases, bootie  2110  may include sock liner  2311 , as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . Sock liner  2311  may be disposed adjacent to a bottom of a foot inserted within bootie  2110 . With this arrangement, bootie  2110  may provide comfort to a foot inserted within article  2100 . 
     Article  2100  may also be associated with insert system  2150 . Insert system  2150  may include lateral insert  2157  and medial insert  2156 , not illustrated in  FIG. 25  for purposes of clarity. Lateral insert  2157  may be associated with an inner portion of lateral side portion  2107  of upper  2102  of article  2100 . Similarly, medial insert  2156  may be associated with an inner portion of medial side portion  2106  of upper  2102 . Medial insert  2156  and lateral insert  2157  may be configured with plurality of raised portions  2160 . Plurality of raised portions  2160  may be configured to engage plurality of apertures  2170  of medial side portion  2106  and lateral side portion  2107  of upper  2102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 26 , bootie  2110  and insert system  2150  may be inserted within upper  2102 . Medial insert  2156  may be disposed between bootie  2110  and medial side portion  2106 . In particular, medial insert  2156  may be disposed adjacent to outer lining  2120  of upper  2102  and bootie  2110 . Similarly, lateral insert  2157  may be disposed between bootie  2110  and lateral side portion  2107 . In some cases, lateral insert  2157  may be disposed between bootie  2110  and interior portion  2121  of outer lining  2120  of upper  2102 . This arrangement allows bootie  2110  to provide comfort to a foot disposed adjacent to medial insert  2156  and lateral insert  2157 . With this arrangement, bootie  2110  may help maintain the alignment of medial insert  2156  and lateral insert  2157  with medial side portion  2106  and lateral side portion  2107 , respectively. 
     It is also possible to use different options that have been described to form inserts that adjust multiple properties of a side portion of an upper. For example, an insert system may comprise inserts with substantially different shapes to accommodate different shapes of a foot as well as different sizes to provide distinct levels of support for different types of activities. By combining different options for an insert, a user may make subtle adjustments to a side portion of an article to increase the usability or comfort of the article. 
     While various embodiments 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 disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure 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.