Patent Description:
Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and is generally at least partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may define a bottom surface on one side that opposes the outsole and a footbed on the opposite side that may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface of the foot. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper.

Midsoles using polymer foam materials are generally configured as a single slab that compresses resiliently under applied loads, such as during walking or running movements. Generally, single-slab polymer foams are designed with an emphasis on balancing cushioning characteristics that relate to softness and responsiveness as the slab compresses under gradient loads. Polymer foams providing cushioning that is too soft will decrease the compressibility and the ability of the midsole to attenuate ground-reaction forces after repeated compressions. Conversely, polymer foams that are too hard and, thus, very responsive, sacrifice softness, thereby resulting in a loss in comfort. While different regions of a slab of polymer foam may vary in density, hardness, energy return, and material selection to balance the softness and responsiveness of the slab as a whole, creating a single slab of polymer foam that loads in a gradient manner from soft to responsive is difficult to achieve.

<CIT> describes that a shoe has a rubber or plastics sole (not shown) the edge of which is raised in the manner of a galosh strip over the upper, the upper terminating in the vicinity of the raised edge of the sole, and an insole which is raised along at least part of its periphery and is sewn at to the lower edge of the upper. The raised edge of the insole may be extended around the entire periphery of the insole as shown or may be raised only in the region from the toe to the ball region of the shoe.

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations.

Referring to <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> includes a sole structure <NUM> and a bootie <NUM> attached to the sole structure <NUM>. Generally, the sole structure <NUM> is configured to provide characteristics of cushioning and responsiveness to the article of footwear <NUM>, while the bootie <NUM> is configured to receive a foot of a wearer to secure the foot of the wearer to the sole structure <NUM>.

The footwear <NUM> may further include an anterior end <NUM> associated with a forward-most point of the article of footwear <NUM>, and a posterior end <NUM> corresponding to a rearward-most point of the footwear <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a longitudinal axis A<NUM> of the footwear <NUM> extends along a length of the footwear <NUM> from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, and generally divides the footwear <NUM> into a medial side <NUM> and a lateral side <NUM>. Accordingly, the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> respectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwear <NUM> and extend from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM>.

The article of footwear <NUM> may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region <NUM>, a mid-foot region <NUM>, and a heel region <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the forefoot region <NUM> may be further subdivided into a toe portion <NUM>T corresponding with phalanges and a ball portion <NUM>B associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot region <NUM> may correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel region <NUM> may correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone.

The article of footwear <NUM> may be further described as including a peripheral region <NUM> and an interior region <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>. The peripheral region <NUM> is generally described as being a region between the interior region <NUM> and an outer perimeter of the sole structure <NUM>. Particularly, the peripheral region <NUM> extends from the forefoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM> along each of the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>, and wraps around each of the anterior end <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM>. The interior region <NUM> is circumscribed by the peripheral region <NUM>, and extends from the forefoot region <NUM> to the heel region <NUM> along a central portion of the sole structure <NUM>. Accordingly, each of the forefoot region <NUM>, the mid-foot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM> may be described as including the peripheral region <NUM> and the interior region <NUM>.

Components of the article of footwear <NUM> may be further defined in terms of a vertical position on the article of footwear <NUM>. For example, the article of footwear <NUM> includes a plantar region <NUM> on the bottom of the article of footwear <NUM> and configured to oppose or support a plantar surface of the foot. A dorsal region <NUM> is formed on an opposite side of the article <NUM> from the plantar region <NUM>, and extends along a top side of the article of footwear <NUM> and receives a dorsal portion of the foot. A side region <NUM> extends along the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM> between the plantar region <NUM> and the dorsal region <NUM> and surrounds an outer periphery of the foot.

With reference to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> includes a midsole <NUM> configured to impart properties of cushioning and responsiveness, and an outsole <NUM> configured to impart properties of traction and abrasion resistance. The midsole <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> may cooperate to define a ground engaging surface <NUM> along the plantar region <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> may further include one or more directional supports, such as a toe cap <NUM> disposed at the anterior end <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>, a saddle <NUM> extending from the medial side <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>, and a heel clip <NUM> extending from the posterior end <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. As detailed below, the midsole <NUM> includes a cushioning element <NUM>, a plurality of cushioning particles <NUM> received by the cushioning element <NUM>, and an upper barrier layer <NUM> attached to the top of the cushioning element <NUM> to enclose the cushioning particles <NUM> on a first side of the cushioning element <NUM>. The outsole <NUM> may include a plurality of outsole elements 118a-118c attached to an opposite side of the cushioning element <NUM> from the upper barrier layer <NUM> to enclose the cushioning particles <NUM> within the midsole <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cushioning element <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> disposed at the anterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM> to a second end <NUM> disposed at the posterior end <NUM> of the footwear <NUM>. The cushioning element <NUM> further includes a top surface <NUM> and a bottom surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side from the top surface <NUM>. A distance between the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> defines a thickness of the cushioning element <NUM>. An outer side surface <NUM> extends from the top surface <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM> and defines an outer peripheral profile of the cushioning element <NUM>.

The cushioning element <NUM> further includes an inner side surface <NUM> spaced inwardly from the outer side surface <NUM> and extending continuously from the top surface <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM> to form a channel <NUM> through the thickness of the cushioning element <NUM>. As shown, the inner side surface <NUM> is formed between the peripheral region <NUM> and the interior region <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. Accordingly, the channel <NUM> is substantially formed within the interior region <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>, and extends continuously from a first end <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> to a second end <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the first end <NUM> is disposed between the toe portion <NUM>T and a ball portion <NUM>B of the forefoot region <NUM>, such that the channel <NUM> extends through the ball portion <NUM>B, and the toe portion <NUM>B is supported by the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>. Accordingly, the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> extends along the peripheral region <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM>, the midfoot region <NUM>, and the heel region <NUM>. In other examples, the channel <NUM> may extend through the entire forefoot region <NUM>, such that the toe portion <NUM>T is also supported by the cushioning particles <NUM> when the sole structure <NUM> is assembled.

The cushioning element <NUM> includes one or more ribs 138a, 138b configured to separate the channel <NUM> into a plurality of pockets 152a-152c for receiving the cushioning particles <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the one or more ribs 138a, 138b includes a first rib 138a disposed between the forefoot region <NUM> and the midfoot region <NUM>, and a second rib 138b disposed between the midfoot region <NUM> and the heel region <NUM>. In other examples, the cushioning element <NUM> may include different numbers of the ribs 138a, 138b. For example, where the channel <NUM> extends along an entirety of the interior region <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>, the cushioning element <NUM> may include three or more ribs to divide the channel <NUM> into four or more pockets. Here, at least one of the pockets may be disposed within the toe portion <NUM>T.

Each of the ribs 138a, 138b extends across the channel <NUM> from a first end 140a, 140b attached to the inner side surface <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> to a second end 142a, 142b attached to the inner side surface <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ribs 138a, 138b further include an upper surface 144a, 144b formed at the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> and a lower surface 146a, 146b formed at the bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>. The upper surface 144a, 144b of each rib 138a, 138b may be offset or recessed from the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> by a distance. The lower surface 146a, 146b of each rib 138a, 138b may be coincident with the bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>, and may form a portion of the ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, each rib 138a, 138b may further include an anterior side surface 148a, 148b extending from the upper surface 144a, 144b towards the lower surface 146a, 146b and facing the anterior end <NUM>. Each rib 138a, 138b may also include a posterior side surface 150a, 150b extending from the upper surface 144a, 144b towards the lower surface 146a, 146b and facing the posterior end <NUM>. A distance from the anterior side surface 146a, 146b to the posterior side surface 148a, 148b defines a width W138a, W138b of each rib 138a, 138b. In the illustrated example, the widths W<NUM> of the ribs 138a, 138b increase along a direction from the upper surface 144a, 144b to the lower surface 146a, 146b. Accordingly each rib 138a, 138b is configured such that a stiffness progressively increases as compression towards the lower surface <NUM> increases. The anterior side surface 148a of the first rib 138a and the posterior side surface 148b of the second rib 138b may have concave profiles, while the posterior side surface 150a of the first rib 138a and the anterior side surface 148b of the second rib 138b may be substantially straight.

Referring again to <FIG>, the ribs 138a, 138b separate the channel <NUM> into a forefoot pocket 152a disposed on an anterior side of the first rib 138a, a midfoot pocket 152b disposed between the first rib 138a and the second rib 138b, and a heel pocket 152c disposed on a posterior side of the second rib 138b. Each of the forefoot pocket 152a, the midfoot pocket 152b, and the heel pocket 152c extends from a respective top opening 154a-154c formed through the top surface <NUM> to a bottom opening 156a-156c formed through the bottom surface <NUM>. As discussed above, the widths W138a, W138b of the ribs 138a, 138b may progressively increase in a direction from the top surface <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>. Accordingly, a cross-sectional area of one or more of the pockets 152a-152c may progressively decrease along the direction from the top surface <NUM> to the bottom surface <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> include a plurality of recesses for receiving covers or enclosures for the pockets 152a-152c. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the top surface <NUM> includes a top recess <NUM> extending outwardly from the inner side surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>. A peripheral profile of the top recess <NUM> corresponds to an outer peripheral profile of the upper barrier layer <NUM> and a depth of the top recess <NUM> corresponds to a thickness of the upper barrier layer <NUM>. Accordingly, the top recess <NUM> is configured to receive the upper barrier layer <NUM> such that a top surface of the upper barrier layer <NUM> is flush with the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> when the sole structure <NUM> is assembled, as shown in <FIG>.

The bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> further includes a plurality of outsole recesses 160a-160c corresponding to the bottom openings 156a-156c of each of the pockets 152a-152c. For example, each of the outsole recesses 160a-160c may extend outwardly from one of the bottom openings 156a-156c to provide a receptacle for receiving one of the outsole elements 118a-118c. Accordingly, the outsole recesses 160a-160c are configured with a depth corresponding to thicknesses of the respective outsole elements 118a-118c, while a peripheral profile of each outsole recess 160a-160c corresponds to a peripheral profile of one of the outsole elements 118a-118c.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the cushioning element <NUM> may be provided with one or more windows 162a, 162b formed through the peripheral region <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> and into one of the pockets 152a-152c. For example, the cushioning element <NUM> includes a first pair of windows 162a, 162b formed in the bottom surface <NUM> and extending through the peripheral region <NUM> from the outer side surface <NUM> to the inner side surface <NUM>. As shown, the windows 162a, 162b include a first window 162a extending into the midfoot pocket 152b on the medial side <NUM>, and a second window 162b extending into the midfoot pocket 152b on the lateral side <NUM>. Each of the windows 162a, 162b provides a space through with the cushioning particles <NUM> can flow between the cushioning element <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> when the sole structure <NUM> is assembled. Accordingly, cushioning particles <NUM> may be disposed against, and visible through, the midfoot outsole element 118b along the outer periphery of the sole structure <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the heel region <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> may include a ramp surface <NUM> formed around the bottom opening 156c of the heel pocket 152c. Generally, the ramp surface <NUM> is offset and spaced apart from the bottom surface <NUM>. As shown, the ramp surface <NUM> extends towards the top surface <NUM>, such that the ramp surface <NUM> is spaced apart from a ground plane GP in the heel region. In one configuration, the ramp surface <NUM> is formed at an oblique angle θ relative to the ground-engaging surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>, such that the ramp surface <NUM> extends away from the ground plane GP at the angle θ along a direction from the midfoot region <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>.

The heel region <NUM> of the cushioning element further includes one or more pillars 166a-166c projecting downwardly from the ramp surface <NUM>. Accordingly, each of the pillars 166a-166c extends from a proximal end 168a-168c attached at the ramp surface <NUM> to a terminal, distal end 170a-170c formed at an opposite end of the pillar 166a-166c. The distal ends 170a-170c are configured to interface with the heel outsole element 118c when the sole structure <NUM> is assembled, thereby providing support to the article of footwear <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>. Accordingly, the distal ends 170a-170c may by understood as forming a portion of the bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM>. A cross-sectional area of one or more of the pillars 166a-166c may decrease along a direction from the proximal end 168a-168c to the distal end 170a-170c. For example, at least one of a width and/or a length of the one or more pillars 166a-166c may taper along a height direction from the proximal end 168a-168c to the distal end 170a-170c.

In the illustrated example, the one or more pillars 166a-166c includes a series of pillars 166a-166c arranged around the bottom opening 156c of the heel pocket 152c. Particularly, the series of pillars 166a-166c includes a medial pillar 166a disposed on the medial side <NUM> of the bottom opening 156c, a lateral pillar 166b disposed on the lateral side <NUM> of the bottom opening 156c, and a posterior pillar 166c disposed on a posterior end of the bottom opening 156c. As shown in <FIG>, the pillars 166a-166c are aligned in series along an outer periphery of the bottom opening 156c. Here, the pillars 166a-166c are arranged in series along a horseshoe-shaped, arcuate path or axis A<NUM> corresponding to the curvature of the posterior end <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. The pillars 166a-166c may be spaced apart from each other along the axis A<NUM> to provide a series of gaps <NUM> disposed between adjacent pillars 166a-166c. These gaps <NUM> maximize flow of the cushioning particles <NUM> within the heel region <NUM>, as the cushioning particles <NUM> are able to flow freely between adjacent ones of the pillars 166a-166c.

In some examples, the heel region <NUM> of the cushioning element may include a relief <NUM> formed in the outer side surface <NUM>. The relief <NUM> extends continuously around the heel region <NUM> from a first end on the medial side <NUM> to ta second end on the lateral side <NUM>. The relief <NUM> is configured to allow the peripheral region <NUM> and, particularly, the outer side surface <NUM>, to act as a spring or living hinge, thereby allowing the cushioning element <NUM> to compress in the heel region <NUM>.

The cushioning element <NUM> is formed of one or more resilient polymeric materials, such as foam or rubber, to impart properties of cushioning, responsiveness, and energy distribution to the foot of the wearer. In the illustrated example, the cushioning element <NUM> is formed as a composite, whereby different components of the cushioning element <NUM> are formed of different materials to impart different properties to the sole structure <NUM>. For example, the peripheral region <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> may be formed of a first polymeric material having a first durometer, while the ribs 138a-138b, or at least a top portion of the ribs 138a-138b, are formed of a second polymeric material having a lower durometer than the peripheral region <NUM>. Accordingly, the ribs 138a-138b can be more easily compressed, and will provide a softer feel along the footbed to minimize point loads along the plantar surface of the foot.

Example resilient polymeric materials for the cushioning element <NUM> may include those based on foaming or molding one or more polymers, such as one or more elastomers (e.g., thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)). The one or more polymers may include aliphatic polymers, aromatic polymers, or mixtures of both; and may include homopolymers, copolymers (including terpolymers), or mixtures of both.

In further aspects, the one or more polymers may include one or more polyamide copolymers (e.g., polyamide-polyether copolymers) and/or one or more polyurethanes (e.g., crosslinked polyurethanes and/or thermoplastic polyurethanes). Alternatively, the one or more polymers may include one or more natural and/or synthetic rubbers, such as butadiene and isoprene.

When the resilient polymeric material is a foamed polymeric material, the foamed material may be foamed using a physical blowing agent which phase transitions to a gas based on a change in temperature and/or pressure, or a chemical blowing agent which forms a gas when heated above its activation temperature. For example, the chemical blowing agent may be an azo compound such as adodicarbonamide, sodium bicarbonate, and/or an isocyanate.

The outsole <NUM> may include one or more discrete outsole elements 118a-118c that are separate from one another. The outsole elements 118a-118c may be formed from a transparent or translucent material. The outsole elements 118a-118c may be formed from a durable material such as, for example, rubber and may be attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> at the respective recesses 160a-160c. Accordingly, the outsole elements 118a-118c may be attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> proximate to the bottom openings 156a-156c respectively associated with the first pocket 152a, the second pocket 152b, and the third pocket 152c. Optionally, one or more of the outsole elements 118a-118c may include perforations formed therethrough, thereby allowing air to move into the channel <NUM> through the outsole <NUM> as the cushioning particles <NUM> within the sole structure <NUM> are compressed or decompressed.

The outsole elements 118a-118c may be separated from one another along a length of the sole structure <NUM> in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L<NUM>. While the outsole <NUM> is described and shown as including individual portions that are spaced apart from one another, the outsole <NUM> could alternatively have a unitary construction that extends generally across the entire bottom surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> such that the outsole <NUM> extends continuously between the anterior end <NUM> and the posterior end <NUM> and between the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>. Regardless of the particular construction of the outsole <NUM> (i.e., unitary or discrete portions), the outsole <NUM> may include treads that extend from the outsole <NUM> to provide increased traction with a ground surface during use of the article of footwear <NUM>.

Forming the outsole <NUM> from a transparent or translucent material allows the pockets 152a-152c to be viewed through the outsole <NUM> when the outsole <NUM> is attached to the cushioning element <NUM> at the bottom surface <NUM>. Further, because the cushioning particles <NUM> substantially fill the respective pockets 152a-152c, the interiors of the pockets 152a-152c and, thus, the cushioning particles <NUM> disposed therein are likewise visible at the bottom openings 156a-156c of the cushioning element <NUM> through the material of the outsole <NUM>. Accordingly, the cushioning particles <NUM> residing within the respective pockets 152a-152c of the cushioning element <NUM> are visible through the outsole <NUM> at the bottom openings 156a-156c.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> includes volumes of the cushioning particles <NUM> disposed directly within each of the pockets 152a-152c. In other words, the cushioning particles <NUM> are not contained within an intermediate chamber or container, but are loosely disposed within each of the pockets 152a-152c. As shown in <FIG>, each of the pockets 152a-152c is over-filled with a volume of the cushioning particles <NUM>, such that the volume of cushioning particles <NUM> in each of the pockets 152a-152c extends above the upper surfaces 144a, 144b of the respective ribs 138a, 138b. Accordingly, the cushioning particles <NUM> will cooperate with the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> to support the plantar surface of the foot.

Regardless of the volume of the cushioning particles <NUM> disposed within the respective pockets 152a-152c, the cushioning particles <NUM> may be used to enhance the functionality and cushioning characteristics of the sole structure <NUM>. The cushioning particles <NUM> contained within the pockets 152a-152c may include polymeric beads. For example, the cushioning particles <NUM> may be formed of any one of the resilient polymeric materials discussed above with respect to the cushioning element <NUM>. In some examples, the cushioning particles <NUM> are formed of a foamed polyurethane (TPU) material, and have a substantially spherical shape. The foam beads defining the cushioning particles <NUM> may have approximately the same size and shape or, alternatively, may have at least one of a different size and shape. Regardless of the particular size and shape of the cushioning particles <NUM>, the cushioning particles <NUM> cooperate with the cushioning element <NUM> and the outsole <NUM> to provide the article of footwear <NUM> with a cushioned and responsive performance during use.

With reference to <FIG>, the upper barrier layer <NUM> is received within the top recess <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> to enclose the cushioning particles <NUM> within each of the respective pockets 152a-152c. Accordingly, the upper barrier layer <NUM> cooperates with the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> to form a support surface of the sole structure <NUM>. The upper barrier layer <NUM> is formed of an air-permeable material, thereby allowing air to move in and out of the respective pockets 152a-152c as the cushioning particles <NUM> move between compressed and relaxed states. In some examples, the upper barrier layer <NUM> is formed of a knitted fabric material having a relatively high modulus of elasticity to allow the upper barrier layer <NUM> to stretch into the pockets 152a-152c when the sole structure <NUM> is compressed by a foot during use.

Incorporation of the cushioning particles <NUM> into the article of footwear <NUM> provides a degree of comfort and cushioning to a foot of a user during use. For example, when a force is applied on the upper barrier layer during use of the article footwear by a foot of a wearer, the force causes the upper barrier layer <NUM> to flex and stretch, thereby allowing the foot of the wearer to engage and displace the cushioning particles <NUM> disposed within the pockets 152a-152c. Such movement of the upper barrier layer <NUM> also compresses a material of the cushioning element <NUM> generally surrounding the pockets 152a-152c which, in turn, absorbs forces associated with a walking or running movement.

The toe cap <NUM>, the saddle <NUM>, and the heel clip <NUM> are each formed of a polymeric material having a greater rigidity than the cushioning element <NUM>, and extend upwardly from the outer side surface <NUM> to provide areas of additional support to the bootie <NUM>. As shown, the toe cap <NUM> is attached at the anterior end <NUM> and extends around the toe portion <NUM>T from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM>. The saddle <NUM> is attached at the lateral side <NUM> in the midfoot region <NUM>. The heel clip <NUM> is attached at the posterior end <NUM> and extends around the heel region <NUM> from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a bootie <NUM> for the article of footwear <NUM> is shown. As described in greater detail below, the bootie <NUM> may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void configured to receive and secure a foot for support on the sole structure <NUM>. Suitable materials of the bootie <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

In some examples, the bootie <NUM> includes a strobel <NUM> and an upper <NUM> attached to an outer periphery of the strobel <NUM> along a peripheral seam <NUM> to define the interior void. For example, stitching or adhesives may secure the strobel <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. An ankle opening is formed the heel region <NUM> and may provide access to the interior void. For example, the ankle opening may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void and facilitate entry and removal of the foot to and from the interior void. In some examples, one or more fasteners extend along the upper <NUM> to adjust a fit of the interior void around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The fasteners may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener.

As described in greater detail below and shown in <FIG>, the bootie <NUM> further includes an interior reinforcement member <NUM> configured to be attached to an interior surface of the strobel <NUM>, within the interior void. An exterior reinforcement member <NUM> is disposed on an opposite side of the strobel <NUM> from the interior reinforcement member <NUM>, such that the exterior reinforcement member <NUM> opposes the sole structure <NUM> when the article of footwear <NUM> is assembled.

As shown in <FIG>, the strobel <NUM> includes a footbed <NUM> and a peripheral wall <NUM> extending transversely (i.e., not parallel) from the footbed <NUM>. The footbed <NUM> is substantially flat, but may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. The footbed <NUM> includes an interior surface <NUM> and an exterior surface <NUM> formed on an opposite side of the footbed <NUM> from the interior surface <NUM>. The interior surface <NUM> is configured to enclose a bottom portion of the interior void and to support a plantar surface of the foot when the foot is disposed within the interior void. The exterior surface <NUM> is configured to oppose the sole structure <NUM>, and may be attached to the top surface <NUM> of the cushioning element <NUM> and the upper barrier layer <NUM> when the bootie <NUM> is assembled to the sole structure <NUM>. An outer periphery of the footbed <NUM> is defined by a peripheral edge <NUM>, which corresponds to a peripheral profile of a plantar surface of a foot.

The peripheral wall <NUM> of the strobel <NUM> extends upwardly from a first end <NUM> attached to the peripheral edge <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> to a distal, upper terminal edge <NUM> spaced apart from the footbed <NUM>. The peripheral edge <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> may cooperate to provide an arcuate or concave transition between a substantially flat portion of footbed <NUM> and a substantially upright portion of the peripheral wall <NUM>. As shown, the footbed <NUM> and the peripheral wall <NUM> cooperate to define a cavity <NUM> for receiving the foot. In some examples, the peripheral wall <NUM> may extend only partially around the peripheral edge <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> such that at least a portion of the peripheral edge <NUM> is exposed.

In the illustrated example, the peripheral edge <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> and the first end <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> are integral, such that the footbed <NUM> and the peripheral wall <NUM> are formed as a substantially continuous piece having no pronounced seams. In some examples, the strobel <NUM> is formed of a single piece of flexible or elastic material. In other examples, the strobel <NUM> may be constructed of different materials having different properties, where the materials are joined to each other in a seamless manner to provide a substantially continuous and flush piece of material. By forming the strobel <NUM> with a substantially continuous and seamless structure, an underfoot feel of the article of footwear <NUM> is improved, as the plantar surface of the foot will not be exposed to pronounced, stiff regions associated with traditional stitched seams.

A distance from the first end <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> to the upper terminal edge <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> defines a height H<NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> around the footbed <NUM>. In some examples, the height H<NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> may be variable along the outer perimeter of the strobel <NUM>. For example, the peripheral wall <NUM> may include one or more portions having a greater height H<NUM> than other portions. In the illustrated example, the peripheral wall <NUM> is formed with a pair of wings <NUM> extending from opposite sides of the footbed <NUM>. A first one of the wings <NUM> extends from the medial side <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> and a second one of the wings <NUM> extends from the lateral side <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>. Each of the wings <NUM> extends from a first end <NUM> in the midfoot region <NUM> to a second end <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a height H<NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> along the wings <NUM> is selected so that when the article of footwear <NUM> is assembled, the wings <NUM> extend above a top edge of the sole structure <NUM>. Accordingly, portions of the peripheral seam <NUM> extending along the wings <NUM> are exposed above the sole structure <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM> configured to surround a dorsal region of the foot when the article of footwear <NUM> is donned by the wearer. The sidewall <NUM> extends from a lower terminal edge <NUM> along the bottom of the upper <NUM> to a collar <NUM> defining the ankle opening at the top of the upper <NUM>. As shown, a shape of the lower terminal edge <NUM> corresponds to the shape of the upper terminal edge <NUM> of the strobel <NUM>, such that the lower terminal edge <NUM> can be mated with the upper terminal edge <NUM> to form the peripheral seam <NUM> when the bootie <NUM> is assembled.

The peripheral seam <NUM> extends continuously around the outer periphery of the bootie <NUM> to connect the strobel <NUM> to the upper <NUM>. As discussed above, because the strobel <NUM> includes the peripheral wall <NUM>, the peripheral seam <NUM> is positioned above the footbed <NUM>, away from the plantar surface of the foot. More particularly, the peripheral seam <NUM> is arranged along sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the bootie <NUM> in the midfoot region <NUM> so that vertical and lateral forces imparted on the sole structure <NUM> during movement are not applied to the peripheral seam <NUM> and the foot. Accordingly, the underfoot feel of the bootie <NUM> is improved.

The peripheral seam <NUM> may include a first stitching 240a in a first portion and a second stitching 240b in a second portion. For example, in the illustrated configuration, the peripheral seam <NUM> includes the first stitching 240a extending through the midfoot region <NUM> and around the heel region <NUM> and includes the second stitching extending from the midfoot region <NUM> and around the forefoot region <NUM>. The first stitching may be an overlock stitching (e.g., surge stitching) and the second stitching may be a lock stitching (e.g., straight stitching).

With reference to <FIG>, the bootie <NUM> includes the interior reinforcement member <NUM> and the exterior reinforcement member <NUM> attached to opposite sides of the footbed <NUM> from each other. The reinforcement members <NUM>, <NUM> are each formed of a material having a greater stiffness than the material forming the footbed <NUM> of the strobel <NUM>. Accordingly, the reinforcement members <NUM>, <NUM> provide a desired degree of support and stability to the footbed <NUM>. Each of the reinforcement members <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the strobel <NUM> by adhesively bonding the reinforcement members <NUM>, <NUM> to respective ones of the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the strobel <NUM>.

The interior reinforcement member <NUM> is disposed on the interior surface <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> and extends continuously from a first end <NUM> disposed in the midfoot region <NUM> to a second end <NUM> disposed at the posterior end <NUM>. Likewise, the interior reinforcement member <NUM> extends continuously from the medial side <NUM> to the lateral side <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>. Accordingly, the interior reinforcement member <NUM> is formed as a substantially continuous element covering the midfoot region <NUM> and the heel region <NUM> of the interior surface <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>.

The exterior reinforcement member <NUM> is disposed on the exterior surface <NUM> of the footbed <NUM> and extends continuously from the forefoot region <NUM> to the posterior end <NUM>. However, unlike the interior reinforcement member <NUM>, which covers the peripheral region <NUM> and the interior region <NUM> of the footbed <NUM>, the exterior reinforcement member <NUM> extends only along the peripheral region <NUM> of the exterior surface <NUM>. Here, the exterior reinforcement member <NUM> is U-shaped or horseshoe shaped and extends along the peripheral region <NUM> from a first end 245a disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> on the medial side <NUM> to a second end 245b disposed in the forefoot region <NUM> on the lateral side <NUM>. Accordingly, the exterior reinforcement member <NUM> includes a medial segment <NUM> extending along the peripheral region <NUM> on the medial side <NUM>, a lateral segment <NUM> extending along the peripheral region on the lateral side <NUM>, and a posterior segment <NUM> extending around the posterior end <NUM> and connecting the medial segment <NUM> and the lateral segment <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An article of footwear (<NUM>) comprising:
a strobel (<NUM>) having an interior surface and an exterior surface formed on an opposite side from the interior surface, the strobel (<NUM>) defining a footbed (<NUM>) and a peripheral wall (<NUM>) extending transversely from the footbed (<NUM>) to a terminal edge (<NUM>);
an upper (<NUM>) attached to the terminal edge (<NUM>) of the strobel (<NUM>) along a peripheral seam (<NUM>) to define an interior void for receiving a foot, the peripheral seam (<NUM>) configured to extend along a side of the interior void; and
a sole structure (<NUM>) attached to the exterior surface of the footbed (<NUM>) and having a sidewall extending partially over the peripheral wall (<NUM>) of the strobel (<NUM>),
wherein the peripheral seam (<NUM>) is exposed above the sidewall.