Patent Description:
Conventional articles of athletic footwear include two primary elements, an upper and a sole structure. The upper may provide a covering for the foot that securely receives and positions the foot with respect to the sole structure. In addition, the upper may have a configuration that protects the foot and provides ventilation, thereby cooling the foot and removing perspiration. The sole structure may be secured to a lower surface of the upper and generally is positioned between the foot and any contact surface. In addition to attenuating ground reaction forces and absorbing energy, the sole structure may provide traction and control potentially harmful foot motion, such as over pronation.

The upper forms a void on the interior of the footwear for receiving the foot. The void has the general shape of the foot, and access to the void is provided at an ankle opening. Accordingly, the upper extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. A lacing system often is incorporated into the upper to allow users to selectively change the size of the ankle opening and to permit the user to modify certain dimensions of the upper, particularly girth, to accommodate feet with varying proportions. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance the comfort of the footwear (e.g., to modulate pressure applied to the foot by the laces), and the upper also may include a heel counter to limit or control movement of the heel.

Document <CIT> describes a sole structure and an upper for articles of footwear including features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

Document <CIT> describes a support structure for footwear including a contacting member (e.g., an outsole) that includes at least two recessed segments extending in a longitudinal direction in the forefoot portion. The recessed segments provide lines of flex such that various regions of the contacting member independently move about the lines of flex and separately engage/disengage from a contact surface when a wearer shifts his/her weight. The contacting member may include a set of traction members in the forefoot portion that inhibit forefoot movement in a lateral direction while optionally allowing forefoot movement in a medial direction and a set of traction members in a heel portion that inhibit heel movement in the medial direction while optionally allowing heel movement in the lateral direction.

<CIT> discloses a sole structure having multiple hardnesses.

The following Detailed Description will be better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.

In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the technology may be practiced.

"Footwear," as that term is used herein, means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, dance shoes, urban dance shoes, etc.), and the like.

Various structures and parameters of articles of footwear and sole structures thereof are described based on a "sole length" parameter L. The sole length L can be found with the article of footwear and/or sole structure oriented on a horizontal support surface S on its ground-facing surface in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to it other than weight of other components of the article of footwear and/or sole structure). Once so oriented, parallel vertical planes VP that are perpendicular to the horizontal support surface S are oriented to contact the rearmost heel (RH) location(s) and forwardmost toe (FT) location(s) of the article of footwear and/or sole structure. The parallel vertical planes VP should be oriented facing one another, e.g., extending into and out of the pages of <FIG>, and as far away from one another as possible while still in contact with the rearmost heel RH and forwardmost toe FT locations. The direct distance between these vertical planes VPs corresponds to the length (e.g., a longitudinal length) L of the article of footwear and/or sole structure. The locations of various footwear components are described in this specification based on their respective locations along the length L as measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The rearmost heel location(s) is (are) located at position <NUM> and the forwardmost toe location(s) is (are) located at position <NUM> along the sole length L. Intermediate locations along the sole length L are referred to by fractional locations (e.g., <NUM>) along the sole length L measured forward from the rear heel vertical plane VP. The term "parallel planes" as used herein are planes oriented parallel to the vertical planes VP. These parallel planes may intersect the longitudinal length or longitudinal direction somewhere between P = <NUM> and P = <NUM>. Note <FIG>, including parallel plane location designator <NUM>.

The claimed invention is defined by the features set forth in the appended independent claims.

Referring to the figures and following discussion, various examples of foot support components, sole structures, and articles of footwear in accordance with aspects of this technology are described.

<FIG> provide various views of an article of footwear <NUM> containing sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology. <FIG> provides a medial side view; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 1F-1F in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 1I-1I in <FIG>; and <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 1J-1J in <FIG>. <FIG> provide various views of outsole components <NUM>/<NUM> of this example sole structure <NUM> as follows: <FIG> provides a medial side view of outsole components <NUM>/<NUM>; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 2F-2F in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 2I-2I in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 2J-2J in <FIG>. <FIG> provide various views of midsole component 140A of this example sole structure <NUM> as follows: <FIG> provides a medial side view of midsole component 140A; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 3F-3F in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 3I-3I in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 3J-3J in <FIG>. <FIG> provide various views of midsole component 140B of this example sole structure <NUM> as follows: <FIG> provides a medial side view of midsole component 140B; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 4E-4E in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 4F-4F in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> provides a view of a fluid-filled bladder <NUM> that may be provided in sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of this technology.

The term "sole structure" as used herein may include any one or more foot support parts, e.g., forming the entirety and/or a portion of an overall sole for an article of footwear <NUM>. Such "foot support parts" may include, for example, any individual part and/or combination of two or more foot support parts described in the examples below and shown in the figures. Various features, characteristics, and/or parts of example articles of footwear <NUM> and sole structures <NUM> thereof are described in more detail below.

The article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> engaged with the upper <NUM>. The upper <NUM> and sole structure <NUM> may be engaged together in any desired manner, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (such as by one or more of adhesives or cements, stitching or sewing, mechanical connectors, etc.).

The upper <NUM> (which may be formed from one or more parts), potentially together with the sole structure <NUM>, defines a foot-receiving interior chamber <NUM> for containing a wearer's foot. The bottom of the upper <NUM> may include a strobel or other component engaged with or integrally formed with another portion of the upper <NUM>. The upper <NUM> may include other components as well. For example, the upper <NUM> may include a tongue member located across the foot instep area and positioned to moderate the feel of the footwear's closure system on the wearer's foot; a closure system (e.g., including one or more of a lace type closure system, a zippered closure system, a buckle type closure system, elastic stretch elements, etc.); a heel counter; a toe cap; securing straps; etc. Additionally or alternatively, the upper <NUM> may include a "sock-like" upper component, e.g., made from fabric and configured to closely fit the wearer's foot like a conventional sock.

The upper <NUM> may be made from any desired material(s) and/or in any desired constructions and/or manners without departing from this technology. As some more specific examples, all or at least a portion of the upper <NUM> (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper <NUM>) may be formed as a woven textile component, a knitted textile component, another textile component, a natural leather component, a synthetic leather component, a polymeric component (e.g., a TPU, etc.), etc. The components for upper <NUM> may have structures and/or constructions like those used in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, OR and/or other manufacturers, including conventional structures and constructions as are known and used in the art.

Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper <NUM> construction may include uppers having foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., "dynamic" and/or "adaptive fit" structures), e.g., of the types described in U. Patent Appln. No. <NUM>/<NUM>. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers <NUM> and articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with this technology may include foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit structures may at least partially wrap around and securely hold the wearer's foot.

As yet another alternative or additional feature, if desired, uppers <NUM> and articles of footwear <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include fused layers of upper materials, e.g., uppers of the types that include upper materials bonded by hot melt or other adhesive materials, such as in footwear products commercially available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. As still additional examples, uppers of the types described in <CIT> and/or <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> may be used without departing from this technology.

Example articles of footwear <NUM>, sole structures <NUM>, and components thereof now will be described in more detail. The sole structure <NUM> of this illustrated example includes multiple parts, including: (a) a first outsole component <NUM> (e.g., having conventional hardness and/or coefficient of friction properties), (b) a second outsole component <NUM> (e.g., having harder and/or reduced coefficient of friction properties as compared to the first outsole component <NUM>); and (c) a midsole component <NUM> (e.g., made from one or more parts, such as parts 140A and 140B). In some examples, such sole structures <NUM> may include additional components, e.g., such as one or more decorative components <NUM>, one or more fluid-filled bladders <NUM>, etc..

As shown in <FIG>, in this illustrated example sole structure <NUM>, the outsole comprises two different components, portions, and/or materials having different properties, namely: first outsole component <NUM> and second outsole component <NUM>. The first outsole component <NUM> may be formed from a first material having a first hardness, and this first material (and/or first outsole component <NUM>) may form at least a majority of a ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. In some more specific examples, this first material (and/or this first outsole component <NUM>) may form at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of a ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., measured based on overall surface area of the ground-facing surface <NUM>).

The outsole of this example further includes a second outsole component <NUM>, e.g., formed from a second material having a second hardness. This second hardness (e.g., of the second outsole component <NUM>) forms at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. This second outsole component <NUM> has a hardness at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher than a hardness of the material forming a majority of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the first outsole component <NUM>. As some additional or alternative examples, the second outsole component <NUM>, the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>, and/or a material forming at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> may have hardness (the "second hardness" mentioned above) at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher, at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher, at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher, or even at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher than the hardness of the first outsole component <NUM>, the ground-facing surface <NUM>, and/or a material forming at least a majority of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> (the "first hardness" mentioned above). In any of the sole structures <NUM> and/or aspects of this technology, the first outsole component <NUM>, the ground-facing surface <NUM>, and/or a material of at least a majority of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> may be made from a material having a hardness (the "first hardness") between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A and/or a hardness below <NUM> Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, the second sole component <NUM>, the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>, and/or a material of at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> may be made from a material having a hardness (the "second hardness") between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A and/or a hardness above <NUM> Shore A.

This second material (and second outsole component <NUM>) extends from the first material and is engaged with the first material (and first outsole component <NUM>). In at least some examples of this technology, the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> will be fixedly joined together to form a unitary, one-piece construction, e.g., with the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> joined together by a melt bonded connection, a cross-linked connection, and/or in-molded connection. As more specific examples, the unitary, one-piece construction can be formed: (a) by placing one or more pre-forms of the second outsole component <NUM> in a mold (e.g., along at least the medial forefoot side perimeter edge and/or the forward toe sidewall edge), (b) by placing one or more pre-forms of the first outsole component <NUM> in the mold and in direct contact with the pre-form(s) of the second outsole component <NUM>, and (c) closing the mold (if needed) with application of heat and/or pressure. The pre-form parts are held in the mold for a sufficient time and under sufficient heat and pressure to: (a) shape the pre-forms into the desired shapes (e.g., based on the shape of the mold cavity surfaces), (b) physically join the pre-forms together (e.g., by at least partially melting and contacting the softened/melted materials at their interface, and thereafter solidifying the parts together into a single piece construction), and/or (c) chemically join the pre-forms together (e.g., by cross-linking or other chemical reaction to join (chemically link) atoms of the first outsole component <NUM> and atoms of the second outsole component <NUM> to one another across their interface). Note, for example, the processes described in <CIT>.

This type of permanent connection to form a unitary, one-piece outsole component from the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> can be particularly beneficial for use of the sole structure in various urban dance environments. Many urban dance moves produce substantial stress on soles and generate significant forces (including shear forces). Outsoles having multiple parts that are joined together only by adhesives and/or cements may have insufficient strength across the adhesive/cement bond to hold together for a significant time and/or for at least some of the desired dance moves. Thus, at least some example sole structures according to this technology will have melt-bonded and/or cross-linked engagement of components <NUM>, <NUM> to form a unitary, one-piece construction.

The two different hardness features (and therefore slickness features) may be provided in other ways as well. For example, if desired, an outsole component including different hardness in the forefoot ground-facing surface <NUM> and the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> may be formed as a single component (e.g., by molding a single composition) and then at least one of the two portions of the outsole component (e.g., a portion corresponding to first outsole component <NUM> and/or a portion corresponding to the second outsole component <NUM>) may be treated (e.g., coated with a material, sprayed with a material, irradiated (e.g., with laser or other radiation), etc.) to alter the hardness of one portion with respect to the other portion.

In this illustrated example, the second outsole component <NUM> and/or the second (harder) material thereof forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., from Point A at a forward toe location to point M at a medial forefoot/midfoot area in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> generally show an interface <NUM> location between the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> in accordance with some examples of this technology. <FIG>, and <FIG> show the second outsole component <NUM> and its (harder) material extending from the medial midfoot/forefoot location M at least to the forward toe FT region of the overall outsole component (designated at location A in <FIG>). Thus, the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall <NUM> formed by the second material comprises a forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> surface that includes at least a majority of a surface area of the exterior surface of the sidewall of the sole structure <NUM> extending from: (i) a first forward toe location of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., Point A) to (ii) a forefoot or midfoot medial side location of the sole structure <NUM> rearward of a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., rear edge M). In the example of these figures, the medial sidewall <NUM> of the outsole terminates at the rear edge M.

The second outsole component <NUM> (e.g., the harder material described above) may originate at rear edge M along the medial sidewall <NUM>. Thus, forward of rear edge M, at least a majority (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even <NUM>%) of the medial sidewall <NUM> surface area may be formed of the harder material described above. Rear edge M, the second outsole component <NUM>, and/or the medial sidewall <NUM> having the harder material properties described above may originate at a location forward of <NUM> (measured forward from the rear heel RH vertical plane VP location), and in some examples forward of <NUM> or forward of <NUM>. As some additional examples, rear edge M, the second outsole component <NUM>, and/or the medial sidewall <NUM> having the harder material properties described above may originate at a location between <NUM> and <NUM>, or even between <NUM> and <NUM>. In the illustrated example of <FIG>, rear edge M, the second outsole component <NUM>, and the medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> having the harder material properties described above is located at about <NUM>. Also, in this illustrated example, the second outsole component <NUM> and the medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> having the harder material properties described above extends to (and beyond) the forward toe location FT (at Point A). Alternatively, if desired, the second outsole component <NUM> and/or the medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> having the harder material properties described above may terminate on the medial side of the forward toe location FT, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples, between <NUM> and <NUM> or even between <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, the harder material of second outsole component <NUM> may form all or substantially all of the medial sidewall <NUM> in the forefoot region of the shoe and even all or substantially all of the medial sidewall of the overall sole structure <NUM> forward of <NUM>.

As some alternatives, however, <FIG> further shows that the second outsole component <NUM> and/or the second (harder) material thereof may extend around and form an exterior surface of at least a portion of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> along a forefoot portion of the lateral side of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., to locations B, C, and/or D in <FIG>). This is shown in <FIG> by the broken interface line <NUM> extending to Points B, C, and D (interface line <NUM> indicates the interface between outsole components <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g., melt-bonded and/or cross-linked together, as described above). When present on the lateral sidewall <NUM> side, the harder material may extend rearward to a location forward of <NUM> (measured forward from the rear heel RH vertical plane VP location), and in some examples forward of <NUM> or forward of <NUM>. As some additional examples, when present on the lateral sidewall <NUM> side, the harder material may extend rearward to a location between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, or even between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The harder material of at least the medial sidewall <NUM> may continue downward in a vertical direction with respect to the sole structure <NUM> from a top edge of the second outsole component <NUM> to locations along the bottom (i.e., at the ground contacting surface) of the sole structure <NUM>. As generally shown in <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> incudes: (a) a ground-facing surface (including <NUM> formed from the first outsole component <NUM>); (b) a forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> extending from a first forward toe location of the sole structure <NUM> at least to a medial side location M of the sole structure <NUM> rearward of a first metatarsal head support region of the sole structure <NUM>; and (c) a forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> extending from a second forward toe location to a lateral side location D of the sole structure <NUM> rearward of a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure <NUM>. A medial transition region 130T extends from the ground-facing surface to the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>, and this medial transition region 130T includes a first portion having a first curvature. Similarly, a lateral transition region 124T extends from the ground-facing surface to the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM>, and this lateral transition region 124T includes a corner (e.g., a square corner or a corner within <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees) or a second curvature. The second curvature of the lateral transition region 124T may extend continuously in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure <NUM> for a distance of at least <NUM>, and in some examples, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>. The first curvature of the medial transition region 130T extends continuously in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for a distance of at least <NUM>. The first curvature and second curvature features may be located within the various sole structure <NUM> length parameters for the medial sidewall <NUM> and the lateral sidewall <NUM> described above (e.g., at a location forward of <NUM> and/or any of the other ranges described above for the material of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the first outsole component <NUM> and/or for the harder material of the sidewall <NUM> of the second outsole component <NUM>).

Additionally, in at least some aspects of this technology, a forward toe sidewall 130F will extend: (a) from the first forward toe location to the second forward toe location and (b) from the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> (that includes the harder forefoot medial sidewall surface) to the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM>. Thus, the forward toe sidewall 130F connects sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. A forward toe transition region 132T extends from the ground-facing surface to the forward toe sidewall 130F.

The first curvature of the medial transition region 130T will extend over any of the length parameters and/or ranges described above with a curvature greater than a <NUM> radius (and/or in the other curvature ranges described above). If desired, the first curvature of the medial transition region 130T may vary over its length, e.g., get a larger (or less sharp) curvature in the anterior-to-posterior direction. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, in at least some examples of this technology, the second curvature of the lateral transition region 124T will extend over any of the length parameters and/or ranges described above with a corner or a curvature less than a <NUM> radius (and/or in the other angular or curvature ranges described above). When a forward toe sidewall 130F is present, curvature of the forward toe transition region 132T may vary, e.g., smoothly changing from the curvature of the forward end of the lateral transition region 124T to the curvature of the forward end of medial transition region 130T. Thus, in at least some examples of this technology, the curvature of the forward toe transition region 132T may increase (or get less sharp) in a direction from the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM>/lateral transition region 124T to the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>/medial transition region 130T.

The rounded first curvature of the medial transition region 130T and at least a portion of the forward toe transition region 132T may be useful in various urban dance moves, e.g., as a wearer transitions his/her body weight to concentrate it on the medial side and/or forward toe area(s) of the foot. The relatively large and rounded first curvature of the medial transition region 130T allows the weight to transition relatively smoothly and predictably from the ground-facing surface <NUM> to the medial sidewall <NUM> as the wearer rolls the foot inward to engage the medial sidewall <NUM> with the contact surface. The relatively large and rounded first curvature of the medial transition region 130T also helps prevent a sudden and abrupt weight transfer to the side of the feet (and sidewall <NUM> of the second outsole component <NUM>), e.g., to prevent an undesired sudden "tipping point" when transferring weight to the sides of the feet. The relatively large and rounded curvature of the forward toe transition region 132T, when present, allows the weight to transition relatively smoothly from the ground-facing surface <NUM> to the forward toe sidewall 130F (and, optionally, from there to the medial sidewall <NUM>) as the wearer shifts weight toward the forward toe area of the sole structure <NUM>.

In some examples of this technology, the medial transition region 130T may be formed from the harder rubber composition and/or component described above. Thus, a portion of the forefoot medial peripheral edge of the ground-facing surface of the outsole may be formed of the harder rubber composition/component, e.g., shown by the broken interface line <NUM> in <FIG>. This peripheral edge of the ground-facing surface of the outsole formed of the harder rubber composition and/or component may be at least <NUM> wide, and in some examples, at least <NUM> wide, or even at least <NUM> wide. In some sole structures <NUM>, it may be advantageous if this harder rubber composition/component does not extend too far into the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the outsole. As some more specific examples, the peripheral edge of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the outsole formed of the harder rubber composition/component may be less than <NUM> wide, and in some examples, less than <NUM> wide, or even less than <NUM> wide. These ranges may provide the desired hardness properties at the forefoot side edge(s) of the sole structure <NUM> for various urban dance moves without making the overall ground facing surface <NUM> overly (or unnecessarily) hard (and therefore slick).

<FIG> further show that the sole structure <NUM> includes a midsole <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> may include any number of parts or components without departing from this technology. This illustrated example midsole <NUM> includes three midsole components: (a) a first (e.g., medial side) midsole component 140A (see also <FIG>), (b) a second (e.g., lateral side) midsole component 140B (see also <FIG>), and (c) a fluid-filled bladder <NUM> (e.g., as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts; see also <FIG>). The midsole <NUM> provides support for the wearer's foot, absorbs impact forces, and generally improves the comfort and stability of the footwear <NUM>.

While other structures and combinations are possible, in the illustrated example midsole <NUM>, the first midsole component 140A constitutes the largest midsole component, supporting at least <NUM>% (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>%) of the plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The first midsole component 140A may be made from a polymeric foam material, e.g., as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., ethylvinylacetate ("EVA") foams, polyurethane foams, etc.).

First midsole component 140A includes an upper-facing surface 142U, a ground-facing surface <NUM>, a medial sidewall <NUM>, a lateral side edge <NUM>, and a rear wall 142R. The upper-facing surface 142U may be contoured, e.g., to better support and conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. Additionally, in this illustrated example, the upper-facing surface 142U defines a receptacle 160R for receiving a heel based fluid-filled bladder <NUM>. Further, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of this example includes four relatively deep flexion grooves 142W, 142X, 142Y, and 142Z that extend across the first midsole component 140A in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction. The flexion grooves 142W to 142Z may extend completely from the medial sidewall <NUM> to the lateral edge <NUM> of first midsole component 140A. Although four flexion grooves 142W-142Z are shown in this illustrated example, more or fewer such flexion grooves (optionally oriented in the lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction) may be included, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> such grooves, and optionally, from <NUM> to <NUM> such grooves. The deep flexion grooves may be, for example, from <NUM> to <NUM> deep over at least a majority of their lengths (or even at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of their lengths) and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> deep (over any of those length ranges). The deep flexion grooves 142W-142Z may be formed in the first midsole component 140A in any desired manner, such as during a molding process (e.g., when the first midsole component 140A is formed by molding), by cutting (e.g., using a blade, laser, etc.), directly formed via a rapid manufacturing process (e.g., a rapid manufacturing additive fabrication technique, a rapid manufacturing subtractive fabrication technique, etc.), etc. In the illustrated example, grooves 142W to 142Z are well positioned to provide flexibility and support for some desired urban dance moves.

The second midsole component 140B of this illustrated example provides at least a portion of a lateral sidewall <NUM> and lateral edge support for the sole structure <NUM> and article of footwear <NUM>. While other proportions are possible, in some examples of this technology, the second midsole component 140B supports less than <NUM>% (and in some examples, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, less than <NUM>%, or even less than <NUM>%) of the plantar surface of a wearer's foot. The second midsole component 140B may be made from a polymeric foam material, e.g., as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (e.g., ethylvinylacetate ("EVA") foams, polyurethane foams, etc.). The material of the second midsole component 140B may differ from the material of the first midsole component 140A, e.g., in hardness, resilience, other performance properties, composition, etc., although this is not a requirement in all examples of this technology.

Second midsole component 140B of this example includes an upper-facing surface 144U, a ground-facing surface <NUM>, the lateral sidewall <NUM>, and a medial side edge <NUM>. The upper-facing surface 144U may be contoured, e.g., to better support and conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. Additionally, in this illustrated example, the upper-facing surface 144U and/or the medial side edge <NUM> define a portion of a receptacle 162R (e.g., cooperating with the receptacle 160R formed in the first midsole component 140A) for receiving the heel based fluid-filled bladder <NUM>. If multiple fluid-filled bladders are present, multiple receptacles and/or portions thereof may be defined in first midsole component 140A and/or second midsole component 140R (or other sole structure <NUM> component). <FIG> further show that the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the second midsole component 140B of this example includes structures 144X and 144Y (e.g., recesses or the like) for receiving surfaces of the outsole (e.g., the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> of first outsole component <NUM>). <FIG> shows the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> engaged with surfaces of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the second midsole component 140B that include the structures 144X and 144Y.

Further, although not required in all examples of this technology, outer surfaces of first midsole component 140A and second midsole component 140B include grooves 142D and 144D, respectively, for receiving the optional decorative element <NUM>. In this illustrated example, the decorative element <NUM> includes an elongated bead of TPU having a different color from the first midsole component 140A and second midsole component 140B. Other or different decorative structures and elements may be provided, if desired.

Some further features of this example sole structure <NUM> and article of footwear <NUM> now will be described in conjunction with <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The first feature relates to the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> of first outsole component <NUM>. With the sole structure <NUM> (and article of footwear <NUM>) supported on the ground-facing surface <NUM> in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to it other than the weight of other sole structure <NUM> and/or other footwear <NUM> components), this example forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> comprises: (a) a rear top edge 124RT, (b) a rear side edge 124RS extending downward from the rear top edge 124RT, (c) a forward top edge 124FT, (d) a forward side edge 124FS extending downward from the forward top edge 124FT, and (e) an intermediate top edge <NUM> extending from the rear side edge 124RS to the forward side edge 124FS. The intermediate top edge 124I may extend for any desired distance in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure <NUM>. As some more specific examples, this intermediate top edge 124I will extend for a longitudinal (or anterior-to-posterior) distance of at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, this intermediate top edge <NUM> may be spaced vertically downward with respect to the rear top edge 124RT and/or the forward top edge 124FT by any desired distance. These distances constitute the height dimensions of the rear side edge <NUM> and/or the forward side edge 124FS, respectively. These vertical spacings and height dimensions may be a distance of at least <NUM>, and in some examples, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>.

As some additional potential features, the rearmost edge 124E of the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> may be located within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, between <NUM> and <NUM>. The rear side edge 124RS of the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> may be located within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, between <NUM> and <NUM>. The forward side edge 124FS may be located within a range of <NUM> and <NUM>, and in some examples, between <NUM> and <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, top edge 124RT, 124FT, 124I features and side edge 124RS, 124FS features of forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM> in this illustrated example form a gap in the lateral sidewall <NUM> between the rear side edge 124RS and the forward side edge 124FS. The midsole component <NUM> (and in this illustrated example, second midsole component 140B) is exposed in this gap. More specifically, as shown in <FIG>, an exterior surface of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> (second midsole component 140B) is exposed at an exterior surface of the sole structure <NUM>, e.g., extending above the intermediate top edge <NUM> and from the rear side edge 124RS to the forward side edge 124FS. The lateral sidewall <NUM> of midsole <NUM> (midsole component 140B in this example) also is exposed rearward of rearmost edge 124E in this illustrated example sole structure <NUM>.

The lateral sidewall <NUM> of the midsole component <NUM> (e.g., second midsole component 140B) in this example includes further features to assist in providing desired levels of flexibility and support, e.g., for urban dance uses. For example, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, at this lateral sidewall <NUM>, one or more cutouts 144C (or other recesses) are defined in the top edge 144T of the midsole <NUM> (e.g., second midsole component 140B). While four such cutouts 144C are shown in these figures, any desired number of cutouts 144C may be provided, including from <NUM> to <NUM> cutouts 144C, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> such cutouts 144C. The individual cutouts 144C may be at least <NUM> wide (in the anterior-to-posterior direction), and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> wide, from <NUM> to <NUM> wide, or even from <NUM> to <NUM> wide. The individual cutouts 144C may be at least <NUM> tall (in the top-to-bottom direction), and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> tall, from <NUM> to <NUM> tall, or even from <NUM> to <NUM> tall. When multiple cutouts 144C are provided in a lateral sidewall <NUM> of a midsole component <NUM>, the cutouts may have the same or different sizes, shapes, etc. A sole structure <NUM> according to some examples of this technology may include any one or more of the above noted cutouts 144C, and/or the cutout(s) may be provided in any one or more of the positions and/or ranges of positions described in more detail below.

In the example of <FIG>: (a) at least a portion of the rearmost lateral sidewall cutout 144C in the lateral sidewall <NUM> of midsole <NUM> is located at about <NUM>, (b) at least a portion of the next forward or rear intermediate lateral sidewall cutout 144C is located at about <NUM>, (c) at least a portion of the next forward or forward intermediate lateral sidewall cutout 144C is located at about <NUM>, and (d) at least a portion of the forwardmost lateral sidewall cutout 144C is located at about <NUM>. Other longitudinal arrangements and/or spacings of cutouts 144C are possible without departing from this technology. As some examples, at least some portions of one or more lateral sidewall <NUM> cutouts 144C may be located within the various ranges shown in Table <NUM> below.

As some further potential features to enhance support and/or flexibility and to support the desired urban dance moves, the medial sidewall <NUM> (e.g., of second outsole component <NUM>, and particularly the portion of the outsole sidewall <NUM> made from the harder outsole material) may include cutouts 130C (or other recesses). These medial side cutouts 130C may be similar in size, shape, and/or location to the cutouts 144C provided in the lateral sidewall <NUM>. As more specific examples, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, at this medial sidewall <NUM>, one or more cutouts 130C are defined in the top edge 130E of the second outsole component <NUM>. While four such cutouts 130C are shown in these figures, any desired number of cutouts 130C may be provided, including from <NUM> to <NUM> cutouts 130C, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> such cutouts 130C. The individual cutouts 130C may be at least <NUM> wide (in the anterior-to-posterior direction), and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> wide, from <NUM> to <NUM> wide, or even from <NUM> to <NUM> wide. The individual cutouts 130C may be at least <NUM> tall (in the top-to-bottom direction), and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM> tall, from <NUM> to <NUM> tall, or even from <NUM> to <NUM> tall. When multiple cutouts 130C are provided in a medial sidewall <NUM> of a second outsole component <NUM>, the cutouts 130C may have the same or different sizes, shapes, etc. A sole structure <NUM> according to some examples of this technology may include any one or more of the above noted cutouts 130C, and/or the cutout(s) 130C may be provided in any one or more of the positions and/or ranges of positions described in more detail below.

In the example of <FIG>: (a) at least a portion of the rearmost medial sidewall cutout 130C in the medial sidewall <NUM> of second outsole component <NUM> is located at about <NUM>, (b) at least a portion of the next forward or rear intermediate medial sidewall cutout 130C is located at about <NUM>, (c) at least a portion of the next forward or forward intermediate medial sidewall cutout 130C is located at about <NUM>, and (d) at least a portion of the forwardmost medial sidewall cutout 130C is located at about <NUM>. Other longitudinal arrangements and/or spacings of cutouts 130C are possible without departing from this technology. As some examples, at least some portions of one or more medial sidewall <NUM> cutouts 130C may be located within the various ranges shown in Table <NUM> below.

As noted above, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> (and first midsole component 140A in the illustrated example) includes one or more relatively deep flexion grooves 142W, 142X, 142Y, and 142Z that extend across (e.g., completely across) the first midsole component 140A in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction. Additional features of the sole structure <NUM> may combine with these flexion grooves 142W-142Z to enhance desired flexibility and support various urban dance moves. For example, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> (and others), the outsole component (e.g., either or both of outsole components <NUM>, <NUM>) may have at least one slit defined completely through it (from its upper-facing surface to its ground-facing surface <NUM>) that extends from an outermost lateral perimeter side edge of the outsole component (e.g., first outsole component <NUM>) toward but not completely to the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> outer surface. In the illustrated example, the first outsole component <NUM> includes two slits 126A and 126B (with slit 126A forward of slit 126B). Because the slits 126A and 126B do not extend to and through the sidewall <NUM> in this example, the overall outsole includes a forward outsole component part <NUM> (formed as a single piece including first outsole component <NUM> and second outsole component <NUM> fixed together) that extends from the forwardmost toe FT location to a rearmost end 128E or rear edge located generally in the midfoot region of the overall sole structure <NUM>. The slit(s) 126A and/or 126B may extend in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction for any desired distance. As some more specific examples, either or both of the slit(s) 126A and/or 126B may have a length dimension of at least <NUM> inward from the lateral perimeter edge of the outsole to their closed ends 126E, and in some examples, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>. In some structures, the closed end(s) 126E will be located less than <NUM> (and in some examples, less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or even less than <NUM>) from the medial sidewall <NUM>).

As further shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the outsole of this example further includes: (a) an intermediate outsole component part 128B, e.g., located rearward and spaced from the forward outsole component part <NUM> by a first gap 128G1 and (b) a rearward outsole component part 128C, e.g., located rearward and spaced from the intermediate outsole component part 128B by a second gap 128G2. More or fewer outsole component parts may be included in an overall sole structure <NUM>, if desired (e.g., two or more of parts <NUM>, 128B, and/or 128C may be formed or joined together as a single part (e.g., joined at either or both perimeter edges, etc.)).

When the sole structure <NUM> is oriented on a horizontal surface on its ground-facing surface <NUM> in an unloaded condition, the slits 126A, 126B, and gaps 128G1 and 128G2 of the outsole are located to vertically align with the grooves 142Z, 142Y, 142X, and 142W, respectively, of the midsole <NUM> (first midsole component 140A, in this illustrated example). Thus, in this manner, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> is visible and exposed at the bottom of the sole structure <NUM> in the slits 126A, 126B, and the gaps 128G1, 128G2, as shown in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the ground facing surface <NUM> of the second midsole component 140B (when present) also may be visible and exposed at the bottom of the sole structure in at least some of the slits 126A, 126B, and/or the gaps 128G1, 128G2.

In the specific structure shown in <FIG>, the midsole grooves (e.g., 142W to 142Z) have the following features: (a) rearmost flexion groove's lateral edge (e.g., shown by star I) is located at <NUM>, (b) rearmost flexion groove's medial edge (e.g., shown by star J) is located at <NUM>, (c) rear intermediate flexion groove's lateral edge (e.g., shown by star K) is located at <NUM>, (d) rear intermediate flexion groove's medial edge (e.g., shown by star L) is located at <NUM>, (e) forward intermediate flexion groove's lateral edge (e.g., shown by star M) is located at <NUM>, (f) forward intermediate flexion groove's medial edge (e.g., shown by star N) is located at <NUM>, (g) forwardmost flexion groove's lateral edge (e.g., shown by star O) is located at <NUM>, and (h) forwardmost flexion groove's medial edge (e.g., shown by star P) is located at <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, when made from a multi-part construction, the outsole may have the following features: (a) rear outsole component part 128C's forward lateral edge (e.g., shown by star I) is located at <NUM>, (b) rear outsole component part 128C's forward medial edge (e.g., shown by star J) is located at <NUM>, (c) middle outsole component part 128B's forward lateral edge (e.g., shown by star K) is located at <NUM>, (d) middle outsole component part 128B's forward medial edge (e.g., shown by star L) is located at <NUM>, (e) rear outsole slit 126B's lateral edge (e.g., shown by star M) is located at <NUM>, (f) rear outsole slit 126B's medial edge at closed end 126E (e.g., shown by star N) is located at <NUM>, (g) forward outsole slit 126A's lateral edge (e.g., shown by star O) is located at <NUM>, and (h) forward outsole slit 126A's medial edge at closed edge 126E (e.g., shown by star P) is located at <NUM>. As some additional examples, however, these groove edge locations, outsole edge locations, slit edge locations, and/or closed end locations may be located within the various ranges shown in Table <NUM> below.

As evident from the description above and <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the midsole grooves 142W to 142Z, slits 126A, 126B, and outsole gaps 128G1, 128G2 generally are angled with respect to the sole length dimension L (which is oriented perpendicular to and extending directly between the vertical planes VP located at the rear heel RH and forward toe FT locations). In the specifically illustrated example of <FIG>: (a) groove 142W and/or gap 128G2 is/are oriented at an angle of about <NUM> degrees from the L direction (angle A1), (b) groove 142X and/or gap 128G1 is/are oriented at an angle of about <NUM> degrees from the L direction (angle A2), (c) groove 142Y and/or slit 126B is/are oriented at an angle of about <NUM> degrees from the L direction (angle A3), and (d) groove 142Z and/or slit 126A is/are oriented at an angle of about <NUM> degrees from the L direction (angle A4). As some additional examples, however, these angles may be within the various ranges shown in Table <NUM> below. These angles, slits, gaps, and discrete parts help provide desired flexibility and foot support for the overall sole structure <NUM>, e.g., for various urban dance moves and uses.

Still additional or alternative flex and foot support features may be incorporated into sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some examples of this technology. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the midsole component <NUM> (and in the illustrated example, the second (or lateral side) midsole component 140B) includes a plurality of relatively deep, inwardly extending slits in the lateral wall <NUM>. A first forefoot slit 148F1 is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and a first rear slit 148R1 is shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, as shown in these figures, a second forefoot slit 148F2 and a second rear slit 148R2 may be provided in the lateral wall <NUM>. While the second slits 148F2 and/or 148R2 may be defined completely in the material of the midsole component <NUM> (like slits 148F1 and 148R1 are defined in midsole component 140B), in the illustrated example, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the second midsole component 140B includes recessed surfaces 148FR and 148RR, and the slits 148F2 and/or 148R2 are defined between the recessed surfaces 148FR and 148RR and the upper-facing surface 142U of the first midsole component 140A or another sole component, such as first outsole component <NUM> (e.g., <FIG> show that the slit 148F2 is defined in part between the recessed surface 148FR of the second midsole component 140B and the upper-facing surface of the first outsole component <NUM> along the extreme lateral edge of the sole structure <NUM>). Any number of these relatively deep, inwardly extending slits may be included in a sole structure <NUM> and/or midsole <NUM> without departing from this technology. In the illustrated example, slits 148F2 and 148R2 are spaced vertically below slits 148F1 and 148R1, respectively.

In this illustrated example, the lateral sidewall <NUM> extends at least from a heel region to a midfoot region of the sole structure <NUM>, and the inwardly extending slit 148R1 and/or inwardly extending slit 148R2 is/are defined in the lateral sidewall <NUM> (or between surfaces of sole structure components <NUM>) extending continuously from the heel region to the midfoot region. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral sidewall <NUM> extends at least in a forefoot region of the sole structure <NUM>, and the inwardly extending slit 148F1 and/or inwardly extending slit 148F2 is/are defined in the lateral sidewall <NUM> (or between surfaces of sole structure components <NUM>) extending continuously in the forefoot region. The forefoot inwardly extending slits 148F1 and/or 148F2 (and the lateral sidewall <NUM> containing/defining them) may be formed as part of the same individual sole structure <NUM> component(s) as the rear inwardly extending slits 148R1 and/or 148R2 (and the lateral sidewall <NUM> containing/defining them), or they may be formed in or defined by different sole structure <NUM> components or parts.

As mentioned above, the slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 are relatively deep. In at least some examples of this technology, one or more of the slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 may extend inward (dimension W in <FIG>) for at least <NUM>, and in some examples, at least <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, etc.). The height dimension may be less than the width dimension, e.g., less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or even less than <NUM>. The width dimension W and the height dimension may vary over an overall length of the individual slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2. In some examples, the W/H ratio at a specific location along the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 may be within a range of: <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, and/or even <NUM> to <NUM>. This W/H ratio may be applicable over at least a majority of the length of the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2, and in some examples, over at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even over <NUM>% of the length of the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>: (a) rear slit(s) 148R1 and/or 148R2 rear origin point is/are shown at line <NUM> located at <NUM>, (b) rear slit(s) 148R1 and/or 148R2 forward origin point is/are shown at line <NUM> located at <NUM>, (c) forefoot slit(s) 148F1 and/or 148F2 rear origin point is/are shown at line <NUM> located at <NUM>, and (d) forefoot slit(s) 148F1 and/or 148F2 forward origin point is/are shown at line <NUM> located at <NUM>. As some additional examples, however, these slit origin points may be located within the various ranges shown in Table <NUM> below.

The slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2, when present, provide an initial soft feel when force is applied to collapse the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 in their height dimension over the lateral edge of the wearer's foot. The width dimension W controls the proportion of the lateral edge of the foot that benefits from the presence of the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2. The vertical height of the slit(s) 148F1, 148F2, 148R1, and/or 148R2 control the extent of vertical displacement and/or impact force attenuation (e.g., when the slit fully collapses, impact force is attenuated due to the interfacing surfaces of the midsole <NUM> at the top and bottom of the slit(s)). While not shown, the medial side may include one or more similar relatively deep inwardly extending slits of this type, e.g., having any of the dimensional and/or locational features described for slits 148F1, 148F2, 148R1 and/or 148R2.

Additional aspects of this technology relate to sole structures for articles of footwear that include one or more sole components having a plurality of flexure promoting structures having with any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in in Table <NUM> below:.

Such sole structures including one or more sole components with a plurality of flexure promoting structures having any one or more of the properties and/or parameter values set forth in in Table <NUM> above further may include outsole component(s) having the combination of two different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features described above and/or any of the structures described above providing these different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features.

As described above and illustrated in more detail in conjunction with <FIG> and <FIG>, the "first curvature" of the medial transition region 130T in sole structures <NUM> extends in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure <NUM> for at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>. These first curvature features may be provided, for example, within ranges of parallel planes located at P = <NUM> and P = <NUM>, or even between planes located at P = <NUM> and P = <NUM>, or between planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>. Similarly, the "corner" or "second curvature" of the lateral transition region 124T in sole structures <NUM> in accordance with at least some aspects of this technology may extend continuously in the anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for a distance of at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, or even at least <NUM>. These corner or second curvature features may be provided, for example, within ranges of parallel planes located at P = <NUM> and P = <NUM>, or even between planes located at P = <NUM> and P = <NUM>, or between planes located at <NUM> and <NUM>. Further: (a) the first curvature of the medial transition region 130T is greater than a <NUM> radius (and in some examples, greater than a radii of at least <NUM>, at least <NUM>, and/or even at least <NUM>) over any of the above noted distance ranges and/or between any of the noted sets of parallel planes, optionally (b) the corner or the second curvature of the lateral transition region 124T may be less than a <NUM> radius (and in some examples, less than a radii of <NUM>, <NUM>, or even <NUM>) over any of the above noted distance ranges and/or between any of the noted sets of parallel planes.

The following describes how a "transition region" can be located and/or how it can be determined whether the "curvature" of that transition region is greater than or less than a predetermined radii. A "transition region" may be considered the region of a sole around its edge from the bottom surface to the sidewall surface of sole component <NUM> (e.g., from surface <NUM> to the sidewall surface(s) <NUM> and/or <NUM> of the sole component <NUM>). The "transition region" may be determined as the region between the location of the sole structure <NUM> where: (a) a first tangent to the sidewall surface becomes more horizontal than vertical (moving downward from the top of the sidewall surface) and (b) a second tangent to the sidewall surface (at the same transverse cross sectional location) becomes more vertical than horizontal (moving upward from the bottom of the sole surface). If a specific sole structure design has a designed in, determinable, and/or measurable radius for a given cross sectional location on the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., from a CAD file design), that radius will correspond to the sole structure <NUM>'s radius at that transition region location. In that event, the designed in, determined, and/or measured radius can be compared to the predetermined radius of interest to see if the designed in, determined, and/or measured radius is greater than or less than the predetermined radius of interest.

<FIG> illustrates how a "transition region" can be located (e.g., if needed for a specific sole structure) and/or how it can be determined whether the "curvature" of that transition region is greater than or less than a predetermined radii (e.g., if needed for a specific sole structure transition region). First, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of a sole structure <NUM> is oriented on a horizontal base surface S with the transverse cross sectional location of the sole structure <NUM> at the plane location where measurement is desired. A circle with the radius of interest R (e.g., corresponding to the radius of curvature limitation being considered) is defined having a downward vertical radius point RD and a horizontally sideways radius point RS. A central <NUM> degree arc is located between the downward radius point RD and the sideways radius point RS, shown as the arc between points Y and Z in <FIG>. This <NUM> degree arc represents a "transition area" between the locations on the circle where an upper tangent to the arc becomes more horizontal than vertical (at point Y) and a lower tangent to the arc becomes more vertical than horizontal (at point Z). If the center of the central <NUM> degree arc (Point X) can be located on the outer surface of the sole structure and the entire surface of the sole structure lies on the central <NUM> degree arc between points Y and Z, then the transition region of that sole structure has the predetermined radius R. If the center of the central <NUM> degree arc (Point X) can be located on the outer surface of the sole structure in the sole structure's transition region and the entire surface of the sole structure lies on or inside the central <NUM> degree arc between points Y and Z, then the transition region of that sole structure has a curvature that is less than the predetermined radius R. If the sole structure surface extends outside the central <NUM> degree arc within the transition region of the sole structure, then that sole structure has a curvature greater than the predetermined radius. For sole structure surfaces including small nubs or ridges, the surface of the sole structure may be considered as a smoothed surface joining the outer surfaces of the raised nubs or ridges.

<FIG> illustrates some more specific example radii provided along the medial transition region 130T and the lateral transition region 124T in sole structures <NUM> in accordance with one example of this technology. The transition region 124T, 130T radii at the various parallel plane locations A-D of this example are as shown in Table <NUM>:.

As shown in <FIG> and Table <NUM>, the transition region curvature may vary in the posterior-to-anterior direction. Also, the forward toe transition region 132T may vary, e.g., bridging the differences in curvature between the medial sidewall <NUM> and the lateral sidewall <NUM>.

While these specific examples of transition region radii and parallel plane locations are described for the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG>, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this technology may include one or more of the curvature properties described in Table <NUM> below:.

Sole structures may include one or more sole components having any one or more of the medial transition region and/or lateral transition region properties and/or parameter values set forth in in Table <NUM> above. Such sole structures further may include outsole component(s) having the combination of two different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features described above, any of the structures described above providing these different outsole hardness (and therefore slickness) features, and/or any one or more of the properties described above in conjunction with Table <NUM>.

<FIG> show various views of an alternative sole structure <NUM> and component parts thereof in accordance with some examples of this technology. More specifically, <FIG> show various views of an overall sole structure <NUM>, while <FIG> provide various views of the outsole structure (e.g., including outsole component parts <NUM> and <NUM>) and <FIG> provide various views of a midsole structure (e.g., including component part <NUM>). When the same reference number is used in <FIG> as those used in <FIG>, the same or similar parts are being referred to, and much of the overlapping and/or redundant disclosure is omitted from the discussion of <FIG>. Further, the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> may have any of the component parts, features, options, properties, materials, alternatives, additions, and/or the like as described above for the similar sole structure <NUM> and/or component parts (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the sole structure <NUM> and/or the component parts (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) thereof shown in <FIG> may have any one or more and/or any combination of the features described above in Tables <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> also may be engaged with a footwear upper, e.g., having any of the various materials, structures, properties, parts, features, options, alternatives, additions, etc., as described above for the upper <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Various differences between the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> and that of <FIG> now will be described in more detail. In these figures: <FIG> provides a medial side view of sole structure <NUM>; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 7F-7F in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 7I-7I in <FIG>; and <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 7J-7J in <FIG>. <FIG> provides a medial side view of outsole component (including first and second outsole components <NUM> and <NUM>); <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 8F-8F in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 8I-8I in <FIG>; and <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 8J-8J in <FIG>. Similarly: <FIG> provides a medial side view of midsole component <NUM>; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 9F-9F in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 9I-9I in <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 9J-9J in <FIG>.

One difference relates to the midsole structure <NUM>. The example of <FIG> includes two separate midsole components 140A (e.g., <FIG>) and 140B (e.g., Figs. 4A-4J) that are joined together along generally longitudinally extending sides <NUM> and <NUM>. One potential advantage of this multi-piece 140A, 140B midsole <NUM> construction relates to removing the midsole components from their mold(s). Because of the relatively deep, molded slits 148R1 and/or 148F1 provided in midsole component 140B (e.g., see <FIG>), the two part 140A, 140B midsole component <NUM> allows the midsole components 140A and/or 140B to be formed as separate parts, which may allow the parts 140A, 140B to be more easily removed from a mold in which it/they are formed.

In the example sole structure <NUM> of <FIG>, on the other hand, a single midsole component <NUM> is provided. Compare <FIG> with <FIG>. Thus, the one-piece midsole component <NUM> of the example of <FIG> extends from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole structure <NUM> and/or extends to support an entire plantar surface of a wearer's foot. If desired, in this one midsole component <NUM> structure shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the side slits 148F1 and/or 148R1 may extend a shorter distance into the sidewall of the midsole component <NUM>. As some more specific examples, while dimension W in <FIG> is described as being at least <NUM>, and in some examples, at least <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, between <NUM> and <NUM>, etc., in the example of <FIG> and <FIG>, the corresponding dimension W of side slits 148F1 and/or 148R1, if present at all, may be within a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some examples, from <NUM> to <NUM>, or even within a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. The height dimension of side slits 148F1 and/or 148R1 of the example of <FIG> may be less than the width dimension, e.g., less than <NUM>, less than <NUM>, or even less than <NUM>. The width dimension W and the height dimension may vary over an overall length of the individual slits 148F1 and/or 148R1 of the example of <FIG>. As some more specific examples, the W/H ratio at a specific location along the slit(s) 148F1 and/or 148R1 of <FIG> be within a range of: <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, and/or even <NUM> to <NUM>. This W/H ratio may be applicable over at least a majority of the length of the slit(s) 148F1 and/or 148R1, and in some examples, over at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even over <NUM>% of the length of the slit(s) 148F1 and/or 148R1. While not a requirement, in the specific example illustrated in <FIG>, the side slits 148F2 and 148R2 defined between the midsole <NUM> and first outsole component <NUM> are omitted (compare <FIG> with <FIG>).

The example sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> also differs from those described above by eliminating the rearwardly spaced portion of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the outsole located in the midfoot area of the sole structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lateral sidewall <NUM> segment between rearmost edge 124E and rear side edge 124RS in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) is omitted in this alternative sole structure <NUM>. As a result of this change, the forefoot side slit 148F1 and rearfoot side slit 148R1 in the example of <FIG> connect together to form a single, continuous, side slit that extends almost an entire exposed length of the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. As shown, this slit 148F1/148R1 extends from a rear location-e.g., between perpendicular planes located at P = <NUM> to P = <NUM>-to a forward location-e.g., between perpendicular planes located at P = <NUM> to P = <NUM>-with the plane locations based on an overall length L of the sole structure <NUM> and/or a shoe containing it and measured forward from the rearmost heel location RH. The elimination of the midfoot portion of the lateral sidewall <NUM> as shown in this example may impact the flexion characteristics of the outsole (including first and second outsole components <NUM> and <NUM>), the sole structure <NUM>, and/or any shoe containing these parts.

As another difference, the outsole (including first and second outsole components <NUM> and <NUM>) of <FIG> includes three medial sidewall <NUM> cutouts 130C in the forefoot region rather than the four cutouts 130C shown in <FIG>. These cutouts 130C may be located within any of the positional ranges and/or have any of the structural characteristics described above for the similar cutouts 130C of the example of <FIG>. The elimination of one or more cutouts 130C also may impact the flexion characteristics of the outsole (including first and second outsole components <NUM> and <NUM>), the sole structure <NUM>, and/or any shoe containing these parts.

<FIG> show various views of another alternative sole structure <NUM> and component parts thereof in accordance with some examples of this technology. More specifically, <FIG> show various views of an overall sole structure <NUM>, while <FIG> provide various views of the outsole structure (e.g., including component parts <NUM> and <NUM>) and <FIG> provide various views of a midsole structure (e.g., including component part <NUM>). When the same reference number is used in <FIG> as those used in <FIG>, the same or similar parts are being referred to, and much of the overlapping and/or redundant disclosure is omitted from the discussion of <FIG>. Further, the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> may have any of the component parts, features, options, properties, materials, alternatives, additions, and/or the like as described above for the similar sole structure <NUM> and/or component parts (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) in <FIG>. Additionally or alternatively, the sole structure <NUM> and/or the component parts (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) thereof shown in <FIG> may have any one or more and/or any combination of the features described above in Tables <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> also may be engaged with a footwear upper, e.g., having any of the various materials, structures, properties, parts, features, options, alternatives, additions, etc., as described above for the upper <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Various features of sole structure 10A-12J, including differences between the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> and that of <FIG>, now will be described in more detail. In these figures: <FIG> provides a medial side view of sole structure <NUM>; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a front view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 10I-10I in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 10J-10J in <FIG>; and <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>. <FIG> provides a medial side view of outsole component (including first and second outsole components <NUM> and <NUM>); <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG> provides a top view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 11F-11F in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 11J-11J in <FIG>; and <FIG> provides a view explaining additional features of some examples of this technology. Similarly: <FIG> provides a medial side view of midsole component <NUM>; <FIG> provides a lateral side view; <FIG> provides a rear view; <FIG> provides a bottom view; <FIG>provides a top view; <FIG> provides a longitudinal cross sectional view along line 12F-12F in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>; <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 12I-12I in <FIG>; and <FIG> provides a transverse cross sectional view along line 12J-12J in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> in this illustrated example sole structure <NUM>, the outsole comprises two different components, portions, and/or materials having different properties, namely: first outsole component <NUM> and second outsole component <NUM>. The first outsole component <NUM> may be formed from a first material having a first hardness, and this first material (and/or first outsole component <NUM>) may form at least a portion (e.g., at least a majority) of a ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. In some more specific examples, this first material (and/or this first outsole component <NUM>) may form at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even at least <NUM>% of a ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., measured based on overall surface area of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the total outsole). First outsole component <NUM> may have any of the features, options, and/or alternatives described above for first outsole components <NUM> of <FIG>.

The outsole of this example further includes a second outsole component <NUM>, e.g., formed from a second material having a second hardness. This second hardness (e.g., of the second outsole component <NUM>) forms at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. This second outsole component <NUM> has a hardness at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher than a hardness of the material forming a majority of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the first outsole component <NUM>. As some additional or alternative examples, the second outsole component <NUM>, at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>, and/or a material forming at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> may have hardness (the "second hardness" mentioned above) at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher, at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher, at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher, or even at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher than the hardness of the first outsole component <NUM>, the ground-facing surface <NUM>, and/or a material forming at least a majority of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> (the "first hardness" mentioned above). Second outsole component <NUM> may have any of the features, options, and/or alternatives described above for second outsole components <NUM> of <FIG>.

In any of the sole structures <NUM> and/or aspects of this technology, the first outsole component <NUM>, the ground-facing surface <NUM>, and/or a material of at least a majority of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> may be made from a material having a hardness (the "first hardness") between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A and/or a hardness below <NUM> Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, the second sole component <NUM>, at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>, and/or a material of at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> may be made from a material having a hardness (the "second hardness") between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A, and in some examples, a hardness between <NUM> Shore A and <NUM> Shore A and/or a hardness above <NUM> Shore A. Additionally or alternatively, as noted above, the two different hardness features (and therefore slickness features) may be provided in various ways as well. For example, if desired, an outsole component including different hardness in the forefoot ground-contacting surface <NUM> and at least a portion of the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM> may be formed as a single component (e.g., by molding a single composition) and then at least one of the two portions of the outsole component (e.g., a portion corresponding to first outsole component <NUM> and/or a portion corresponding to the second outsole component <NUM>) may be treated (e.g., coated with a material, sprayed with a material, irradiated (e.g., with laser or other radiation), mechanically altered (e.g., formed with blind holes, sipes, etc.) etc.) to alter the hardness of one portion with respect to the other portion.

This second material (and second outsole component <NUM>) extends from the first material of first outsole component <NUM> and is engaged with the first material (and first outsole component <NUM>). In at least some examples of this technology, the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> will be fixedly joined together to form a unitary, one-piece construction, e.g., in any of the manners described above for the example of <FIG>. As noted above, this type of permanent connection to form a unitary, one-piece outsole component from the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> can be particularly beneficial for use of the sole structure in various urban dance environments, e.g., to maintain structural integrity under the forces experienced in some urban dance environments. In the illustrated example of <FIG>, the outsole component formed by joined outsole components <NUM> and <NUM> constitutes a single component part having a heel supporting region, a forefoot supporting region, and a central region connecting the heel supporting region and the forefoot supporting region.

In this illustrated example, the second outsole component <NUM> and/or the second (harder) material thereof forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> show an interface <NUM> location between the first outsole component <NUM> and the second outsole component <NUM> in accordance with some examples of this technology. More specifically, these figures show the second outsole component <NUM> and its (harder) material extending from: (i) a forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure <NUM>, (ii) around the forward toe area of the sole structure <NUM>, and to (iii) a forefoot medial side location of the sole structure <NUM>. The harder material of the second outsole component <NUM> may form a perimeter rim of harder material at the ground-facing surface <NUM>. This harder perimeter rim, when present, may be less than <NUM> wide, less than <NUM> wide, less than <NUM> wide, or even less than <NUM> wide over at least a majority of its extent from the lateral origination point to the medial origination point around the forward toe area. Any of these width range features may be provided over at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even over <NUM>% of the perimeter extent of the second material from the lateral origination point to the medial origination point around the forward toe area. These same harder material perimeter rim features, sizes, and/or extents also may be provided in the outsole components shown in any of <FIG> above (e.g., at the perimeter defined by interface line <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>).

The second outsole component <NUM> (e.g., the harder material described above) may originate at a lateral side of the sole structure <NUM> at or forward of a fifth metatarsal head support region of the sole structure <NUM>. See <FIG> and <FIG>. As some more specific examples, at the lateral side of the sole structure <NUM>, the second outsole component <NUM> may originate at or forward of a location <NUM> of the sole length L forward of the rearmost heel RH location, and in some examples, at or forward of a location <NUM>, <NUM>, or even <NUM>. At the medial side (e.g., see <FIG> and <FIG>), the second outsole component <NUM> may originate at or forward of a first metatarsal head or first toe support region of the sole structure <NUM>. As some more specific examples, at the lateral side of the sole structure <NUM>, the second outsole component <NUM> may originate at or forward of a location <NUM> of the sole length L forward of the rearmost heel RH location, and in some examples, at or forward of a location <NUM>, <NUM>, or even <NUM>. Forward of these lateral and/or medial side origination points, at least a majority (and in some examples, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or even <NUM>%) of the lateral sidewall <NUM> and/or the medial sidewall <NUM> surface area may be formed of the harder material described above.

The harder material forming at least part of the lateral sidewall <NUM> and/or the medial sidewall <NUM> may continue downward in a vertical direction with respect to the sole structure <NUM> from a top edge of the second outsole component <NUM> to locations along the bottom (e.g., at the ground-facing surface) of the sole structure <NUM>. As generally shown in <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> incudes: (a) a ground-facing surface <NUM> (including part formed from the first outsole component <NUM>); (b) forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>; and (c) forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM>. A medial transition region 130T extends from the ground-facing surface <NUM> to the forefoot medial sidewall <NUM>, and this medial transition region 130T may include any of the curvature features described above for the example of <FIG>. Similarly, a lateral transition region 124T extends from the ground-facing surface <NUM> to the forefoot lateral sidewall <NUM>, and this lateral transition region 124T may include the "corner" or any of the curvature features described above for the example of <FIG>. Additionally, in at least some aspects of this technology, a forward toe sidewall 130F may be provided around the forward toe area connecting the medial sidewall <NUM> and the lateral sidewall <NUM>. This forward toe sidewall 130F may include a forward toe transition region 132T that extends from the ground-facing surface <NUM> to the forward toe sidewall 130F. This forward toe transition region 132T may have any of the features described above with respect to the example of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the transition regions 130T, 132T, and 124T may be formed, at least in part, from the harder second outsole component <NUM> (made from the harder material) and may extend to provide at least a portion of the overall ground-facing surface <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. The portion of the ground-facing surface <NUM> formed of the harder material of second outsole component <NUM> may have any of the size and/or extent features described above for the example of <FIG> and/or may begin at the lateral and/or medial sidewall origination points for second outsole component <NUM> described above.

The example sole structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> includes a forefoot flex groove 326A (e.g., formed in the first outsole component <NUM>). In the illustrated example, forefoot flex groove 326A extends in a transverse direction across the sole structure <NUM> from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole structure <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the forefoot flex groove 326A comprises an elongated slot. Further, while not required in all examples of this technology, at least a portion of the forefoot flex groove 326A includes a through-hole that extends completely through the first outsole component <NUM> (e.g., within the elongated slot), e.g., to expose the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>. In at least some examples of this technology, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, all of the second outsole component <NUM> (the outsole component formed from the harder, second material) may be located forward of the forefoot flex groove 326A. Further, when the forefoot flex groove 326A is a forwardmost flex groove defined in the sole structure that is formed as an elongated slot and extends continuously from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole structure, all of the second outsole component <NUM> (the outsole component formed from the harder, second material) may be located forward of that forwardmost forefoot flex groove 326A. In the example shown in <FIG>, the first outsole component <NUM> also forms a portion of the ground-facing surface <NUM> forward of flex groove 326A (e.g., the portion behind interface line <NUM>).

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> further show that sole structure <NUM> of this example includes a forefoot and/or midfoot flex groove 326B (e.g., formed in the first outsole component <NUM>) located rearward of forefoot flex groove 326A. Forefoot and/or midfoot flex groove 326B extends in a transverse direction across the sole structure <NUM> from the lateral side to the medial side of the sole structure <NUM>. In this illustrated example, the forefoot and/or midfoot flex groove 326B comprises an elongated slot. While not required in all examples of this technology, at least a portion of the forefoot and/or midfoot flex groove 326B includes a through-hole that extends completely through the first outsole component <NUM> (e.g., within the elongated slot), e.g., to expose the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM>.

Forefoot flex groove 326A may have any of the size, angular, orientation, and/or positional features described above with respect to slot 126A. Additionally or alternatively, forefoot and/or midfoot flex groove 326B may have any of the size, angular, orientation, and/or positional features described above with respect to slot 126B.

<FIG> illustrate additional features present in the outsole of this example (and particularly first outsole component <NUM> in this example). As shown <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a central region of first outsole component <NUM> (e.g., a midfoot supporting region located between a forefoot supporting region and a heel supporting region) includes plural transverse waves extending across the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge). The plural transverse waves include plural wave peaks 330P and plural wave troughs 330T (e.g., at least two upwardly extending wave peaks 330P and at least two downwardly extending wave troughs 330T when the sole structure <NUM> is oriented on a horizontal base surface on its ground-facing surface <NUM>). While the illustrated example shows five wave peaks 330P separated by four wave troughs 330T each extending from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge, any desired numbers of peaks and troughs may be provided (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>) that extend any desired portion of the distance between the side edges. This type of plural wave configuration may assist in shock absorption and/or provide anterior-to-posterior compression or expansion, e.g., that can be useful in footwear targeted for urban dance uses. The plural waves 330P and troughs 330T may have any of the size, angular, orientation, and/or positional features described above with respect to gaps 128G1, and/or 128G2.

If desired, one or more of the plural waves (including all of the plural waves, if desired) may include a groove <NUM> extending completely through the first outsole component <NUM>. When present, this type of through hole groove <NUM> can provide additional flexibility. The example sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> includes one (and only one) wave peak 330P (the rearmost wave peak, in this illustrated example) that includes through groove <NUM>. As shown, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> is exposed through groove <NUM>. See <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Further, while <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> show the plural wave features on both the upper-facing surface 120U and ground-facing surface <NUM> of first outsole component <NUM>, in some examples of this technology, such plural wave surface could be provided on just one of these surfaces 120U or <NUM>.

<FIG> shows some additional features that may be present in outsole structures in accordance with some aspects of this technology (including any of the outsole structures described above in conjunction with <FIG>). As shown, the outsole (and in this example, first outsole component <NUM>) forms a forefoot supporting region and a heel supporting region (which are joined as a one piece construction by central supporting region in this example). The ground-facing surface <NUM> at the forefoot supporting region of this example includes a traction element pattern, e.g., that may assist in providing desired traction for various urban dance moves. This traction element pattern includes: (a) a central traction element 300C, (b) a first plurality of traction elements (in ring 300R1) arranged around and located immediately adjacent the central traction element 300C, and (c) a second plurality of traction elements (in ring 300R2) arranged around the first plurality of traction elements (300R1). <FIG> further shows at least one more plurality of traction elements (in ring 300R3) arranged around the second plurality of traction elements (300R2). The rings 300R2, 300R3,. may be arranged such that each of a majority of traction elements of a ring (e.g., the second plurality of traction elements in ring 300R2) is located immediately adjacent at least one of the traction elements of the ring located inward of that ring (e.g., the first plurality of traction elements 300R1). Two traction elements are considered to be "immediately adjacent" one another as that term is used herein in this context to mean that a straight line can be drawn between the two traction elements without that line passing through another traction element. In the example shown in <FIG>, the central traction element 300C of the forefoot traction element pattern is located closer to a medial side edge of the sole structure <NUM> than to a lateral side edge of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., in a general first or second metatarsal head support region of the first outsole component <NUM>).

Additionally or alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the ground-facing surface <NUM> at the heel supporting region of this example includes a traction element pattern, e.g., that may assist in providing desired traction for various urban dance moves. This traction element pattern includes: (a) a central traction element 302C, (b) a first plurality of traction elements (in ring 302R1) arranged around and located immediately adjacent the central traction element 302C, and (c) a second plurality of traction elements (in ring 302R2) arranged around the first plurality of traction elements (302R1). <FIG> further shows at least one more plurality of traction elements (in ring 302R3) arranged around the second plurality of traction elements (302R2). The rings 302R2, 302R3,. may be arranged such that each of a majority of traction elements of a ring (e.g., the second plurality of traction elements in ring 302R2) is located immediately adjacent (having the same meaning described above) at least one of the traction elements of the ring located inward of that ring (e.g., the first plurality of traction elements 302R1). In the example shown in <FIG>, the central traction element 302C of this heel traction element pattern is located at a central heel location of the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., in a calcaneus support region of the first outsole component <NUM>).

While not a requirement, when arranged in a ring, the rings 300R1, 300R2, 300R3, and/or 302R1, 302R2, 302R3, may be concentric. Additionally or alternatively, the rings 300R1, 300R2, 300R3, and/or 302R1, 302R2, 302R3, may be circular, oval, elliptical, and/or other shapes. Further, as shown in <FIG>, a "ring" may be interrupted by other sole structures, such as molded in logos or other features, provided the general "ring like" orientation of the traction elements present can be ascertained.

<FIG> show additional features that may be provided in outsoles (e.g., outsole component <NUM> and/or <NUM>) in accordance with some aspects of this technology. More specifically, <FIG>, <FIG> show that the medial sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> in the forefoot area includes a medial sidewall top edge 130E that has a plurality of medial recesses 130C spaced apart in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure <NUM>. While <FIG> shows the recesses 130C formed in a portion of the sidewall <NUM> made from the first outsole component <NUM> (rearward of interface line <NUM>), if desired, some or all of the recesses 130C could be formed in a portion of the sidewall <NUM> made from the second outsole component <NUM>.

While <FIG>, <FIG> show these recesses 130C as generally wave shaped (e.g., a wave shaped portion including at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys), other recess shapes are possible, including the cutout shapes of the types described above in conjunction with <FIG>. The individual wave valleys 130C of this example sole structure <NUM> may have any of the size, location, and/or other features of any of the cutouts 130C described above in conjunction with the example of <FIG>. While the example of <FIG>, <FIG> shows two wave peaks and three wave valleys, any desired number of wave peaks and adjacent wave valleys may be provided without departing from this technology including from <NUM>-<NUM> wave peaks and/or valleys. These recesses 130C may assist in providing a desired amount of forefoot flexibility, e.g., for urban dance moves and/or other uses.

<FIG> and <FIG> further show that the sole structure <NUM> includes a midsole <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> may include any number of parts or components without departing from this technology including any of the parts and/or components described above in the examples of <FIG>. Like the example of <FIG>, the midsole <NUM> of this example includes a single polymeric foam component having its ground-facing surface <NUM> engaged with the outsole component <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., with the upper-facing surface 120U). The midsole <NUM> of this example includes a forefoot support region, a central support region, and a heel support region. Further, like the other examples described above, this illustrated example midsole <NUM> includes a fluid-filled bladder <NUM> (e.g., as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts; see also <FIG>), e.g., in a bladder receptacle 160R formed in the upper-facing surface 142U in the heel support area. Additionally or alternatively, one or more fluid-filled bladders could be provided in other location(s) and/or may be sized differently to support a larger, smaller, and/or different portion or proportion of a wearer's foot.

The midsole <NUM> in the sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> forms a lateral sidewall <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> rearward of a lateral side end 124FS of the outsole lateral sidewall <NUM> located at the forefoot lateral side location of the sole structure <NUM>. See particularly <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The midsole <NUM> lateral sidewall <NUM> forms an exposed exterior surface of this example sole structure <NUM>. In this illustrated example, the lateral sidewall <NUM> of the midsole <NUM> includes a lateral sidewall top edge 144T, and this lateral sidewall top edge 144T includes a plurality of lateral recesses 140C extending toward the ground-facing surface <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the plurality of lateral recesses 140C as generally wave shaped (e.g., a wave shaped portion including at least two wave peaks and at least two wave valleys). Other recess shapes are possible, including the cutout shapes of the types described above in conjunction with <FIG>. The individual wave valleys 140C of this example sole structure <NUM> may have any of the size, location, and/or other features of any of the cutouts 140C described above in conjunction with the example of <FIG>. While the example sole structure <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> includes two wave peaks and three wave valleys, any desired number of wave peaks and adjacent wave valleys may be provided without departing from this technology including from <NUM>-<NUM> wave peaks and/or valleys. These recesses 140C may assist in providing a desired amount of forefoot flexibility, e.g., for urban dance moves and/or other uses. In at least some examples of this technology, the plurality of lateral recesses 140C and the plurality of medial recesses 130C may correspond to one another. For example, in at least some examples of this technology, recesses 140C may be provided at approximately the same longitudinal distance forward in the sole length L direction as a corresponding recess 130C. If desired, each of the plurality of lateral recesses 140C may pair with and/or substantially align in a transverse direction across the sole structure <NUM> with a corresponding medial recess 130C in outsole component <NUM> and/or <NUM>.

The midsole <NUM> in this illustrated example sole structure <NUM> includes an upper-facing surface 142U, a ground-facing surface <NUM>, a medial sidewall <NUM>, a lateral sidewall <NUM>, and a rear wall 142R. The upper-facing surface 142U may be contoured, e.g., to better support and conform to the shape of a wearer's foot. The upper-facing surface 142U of this example further includes one or more flex grooves 142A, 142B, 142C, e.g., in the forefoot area, to enhance flexibility.

Further, the ground-facing surface <NUM> of this example sole structure <NUM> includes two relatively deep flexion grooves 142Y and 142Z that extend across the midsole <NUM> in a generally lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction. The flexion grooves 142Y and 142Z may extend completely from the medial sidewall <NUM> to the lateral sidewall <NUM>, although the illustrated grooves 142Y and 142Z terminate near the edges by not at the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. Although two flexion grooves 142Y, 142Z are shown in this illustrated example, more or fewer such flexion grooves (optionally oriented in the lateral heel-to-medial forefoot direction) may be included, such as from <NUM> to <NUM> such grooves, and optionally, from <NUM> to <NUM> such grooves. These flexion grooves 142Y and 142Z may have any of the features, properties, orientations, positions, angles, etc. as described above for flexion grooves 142W-142Z in conjunction with the examples of <FIG>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the upper-facing surface 142U grooves 142A-142C are vertically staggered from the grooves 142Y and 142Z in the ground-facing surface <NUM> when the sole structure <NUM> is supported on a horizontal support surface on its ground-facing surface <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> further illustrate that a central region of the ground-facing surface <NUM> of midsole component <NUM> of this example (e.g., a midfoot supporting region located between a forefoot supporting region and a heel supporting region) includes plural transverse waves extending across the sole structure <NUM> (e.g., from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge). The plural transverse waves include plural wave peaks 340P and plural wave troughs 340T (e.g., at least two upwardly extending wave peaks 340P and at least two downwardly extending wave troughs 340T when the sole structure <NUM> is oriented on a horizontal base surface on its ground-facing surface <NUM>). While the illustrated example shows five wave peaks 340P separated by four wave troughs 340T, any desired numbers of peaks and troughs may be provided (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>). Further, these wave peaks 340P and wave troughs 340T align with (e.g., vertically stack) with corresponding wave peaks 330P and wave troughs 330T formed in the first outsole component <NUM>. Thus, the plural transverse waves of the midsole <NUM> may have any of the variations, features, etc. as described above with respect to the plural transverse waves of the first outsole component <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A sole structure (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), comprising:
a first material having a first hardness, wherein the first material forms at least a majority of a ground-facing surface (<NUM>) of the sole structure (<NUM>); and
a second material having a second hardness, wherein the second material extends from the first material and forms at least a first portion of an exterior surface of a sidewall (<NUM>) of the sole structure (<NUM>), wherein the first portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall (<NUM>) formed by the second material comprises a forefoot sidewall surface that includes at least a portion of a surface area of the exterior surface extending from: (i) a first forward toe location of the sole structure (<NUM>) to (ii) a forefoot medial side location of the sole structure (<NUM>), wherein a transition region (124T, 130T) extends between the ground-facing surface of the sole structure (<NUM>) and the sidewall (<NUM>) of the sole structure (<NUM>), wherein the transition region (130T) is formed by the second material at least at the forefoot medial side location of the sole structure (<NUM>), wherein the transition region (130T) includes a medial transition region (130T) extending from the ground-facing surface (<NUM>) to a forefoot medial sidewall (<NUM>), the medial transition region (130T) having a first curvature, the first curvature extending continuously in an anterior-to-posterior direction of the sole structure for a distance of at least <NUM>, wherein the first curvature is greater than a <NUM> radius, and
wherein the second hardness is at least <NUM> Shore A hardness points higher than the first hardness.