Patent Description:
Articles of footwear include an upper and a sole structure.

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

The metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint of the foot is known to absorb energy as it flexes through dorsiflexion during running movements. As the foot does not move through plantarflexion until the foot is pushing off of a ground surface, the MTP joint returns little of the energy it absorbs to the running movement and, thus, is the source of an energy drain during running movements. Embedding flat and rigid plates having longitudinal stiffness within a sole structure increases the overall stiffness thereof.

Document <CIT> describes an athletic shoe including an interior member in contact with a surface of a foot and a loop-shaped wrap covering a portion of the interior member and formed by a material less stretchable than the interior member. The wrap includes: a heel portion continuously covering a medial side, a back surface and a lateral side of a calcaneal bone, a twisted portion having a band-shaped and/or cord-shaped configuration continuous with a front-end portion of the heel portion on the medial side of the heel portion the twisted portion toward under a foot sole extending while being twisted on the medial side of the foot. A medial bottom portion extends along a medial side portion of the foot sole to a ball of a big toe under the foot sole. A diagonal transverse portion having a band-shaped and/or cord-shaped configuration is provided to be continuous with a front-end portion of the heel portion on the lateral side of the heel portion. The diagonal trans-verse portion covers at least a portion of a cuboid bone and/or at least a portion of a fifth metatarsal bone, and further extends across an upper surface of an instep in a diagonally forward direction to cover a portion of an upper surface of the big toe and at least a portion of a side surface of the ball of the big toe.

Document <CIT> describes a shoe comprising a pair of right and left auxiliary tightening members the base end of which is connected to the shoe sole inside the right and left vamp flaps and the free end of which is provided with a ring for putting through the shoelace. Respective ring passing openings of the right and the left vamp flaps are provided for inserting the ring of the right and left auxiliary tightening members. The shoelace is put through the shoelace eyelets and the respective rings and is stretched, so that the instep part of the foot is partly tightened by the right and left auxiliary tightening members in addition to the tightening by the shoelace.

Document <CIT> describes a boot including a boot shell having first and second side portions each including eyelets defined in an instep region thereof and a respective opening through at least one the first side portion in proximity of the eyelets. The boot also includes a band having a first end portion received in the boot shell and attached to the boot shell at or adjacent the second side portion. The band extends across an interior of the boot shell and is slidingly received through the opening defined in the first side portion to have an opposed second end portion extending outside of the boot shell. The second end portion the band defines an aperture for receiving a lace. An opposed second band may be provided, with the bands crossing each other. The boot may be a skate boot. A method of manufacturing a boot is also discussed.

Document <CIT> describes a shoe upper comprising an instep cover that covers a portion on an instep side of a wearer includes a slit extending from a foot insertion opening for the wearer to insert a foot toward a toe, and a shoelace holding section that holds a shoelace for adjusting a spacing of the slit. The shoe-lace holding section includes a holding unit configured by a hole formed in a slit edge region that shapes the slit, and an annular strap being formed to an annular shape by connecting one end and the other end of a lace-like body to the slit edge region and having a length that can be pulled out from the hole when an intermediate portion of the lace-like body is brought to a position of the hole.

Embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description.

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

The present disclosure describes an article of footwear, and, in particular, a unique closure system for an article of footwear. This closure system provides dynamic supports and/or straps that aid in securing the article of footwear to the foot of the user. While the present figures illustrate a cleated article of footwear, e.g. a shoe that may be used in the sport of baseball or football, in other embodiments, the present closure system may similarly be used with basketball shoes, running shoes, or any other type of footwear where dynamic or more regionally controlled support is desired.

In some aspects of the present disclosure, the article of footwear includes an upper with one or more dynamic supports that are anchored or rigidly secured to the article of footwear on opposite medial and/or lateral sides of the throat/wearer's foot. During use, the wearer inserts his foot into the void of the upper. The dynamic supports then extend from their respective anchor point across the throat and are drawn back toward their anchor point using a tension applied to the support by a lace. The dynamic support passes through an opening in the upper on the opposite side, such that tensioning the lace applies a corresponding tension to the dynamic support on the anchored side, and further applies a tension to the upper opposite of the anchored side. Providing the dynamic support separate from the upper enables a more customized and/or regional fit that may adapt to different foot shapes/structures. Furthermore, because each of the dynamic supports is connected across the throat of the upper, tightening the lace causes the throat to partially close, thereby drawing together opposite sides of the upper.

The features and advantages of the present teachings are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the modes for carrying out the present teachings when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Further, it should be appreciated that the present technology may employ only a single dynamic support anchored on a single side of the article of footwear, it may employ a pair of dynamic supports, with each support being anchored on an opposite side of the article of footwear, and/or it may include a plurality of dynamic supports on one or both sides of the article of footwear.

The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any one and all combinations of the associated listed items.

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending along a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of an article of footwear extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the article of footwear. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to refer to the general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., the direction from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified with a longitudinal axis as well as a forward and rearward longitudinal direction along that axis. The longitudinal direction or axis may also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

The term "transverse" refers to a direction extending along a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of an article of footwear extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the article of footwear. The transverse direction or axis may also be referred to as a lateral direction or axis or a mediolateral direction or axis.

The term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in cases where a sole structure is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of a sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing towards a top of the component, which may include an instep, a fastening region and/or a throat of an upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to the vertical direction pointing opposite the upwards direction, toward the bottom of a component and may generally point towards the bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

The "interior" of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to portions at the space that is occupied by a wearer's foot when the article of footwear is worn. The "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented toward the interior of the component or article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. The "outer side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is (or will be) oriented away from the interior of the article of footwear in an assembled article of footwear. In some cases, other components may be between the inner side of a component and the interior in the assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components may be between an outer side of a component and the space external to the assembled article of footwear. Further, the terms "inward" and "inwardly" refer to the direction toward the interior of the component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms "outward" and "outwardly" refer to the direction toward the exterior of the component or article of footwear, such as the shoe. In addition, the term "proximal" refers to a direction that is nearer a center of a footwear component, or is closer toward a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Likewise, the term "distal" refers to a relative position that is further away from a center of the footwear component or is further from a foot when the foot is inserted in the article of footwear as it is worn by a user. Thus, the terms proximal and distal may be understood to provide generally opposing terms to describe relative spatial positions.

With reference to <FIG>, an article of footwear <NUM> includes an upper <NUM> and a sole structure <NUM> coupled to the upper <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> may include, for example, an outsole <NUM> that is configured to come into contact with a ground surface. In cases where sole structure <NUM> comprises the outsole <NUM>, the sole structure <NUM> may be attached to any other component of a sole structure (such as a midsole or insole). In other cases, sole structure <NUM> may be attached directly to the upper <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to enhance the structural integrity of the article of footwear <NUM>. The outsole <NUM> may include a sole plate <NUM> and one or more traction elements <NUM>, such as cleats, protruding from the sole plate <NUM> to enhance traction. One or more of the traction elements <NUM> may directly protrude from the sole plate <NUM> to enhance the structural integrity of the sole structure <NUM>. The article of footwear <NUM> has a bite line <NUM> at an interface of the sole structure <NUM> and the upper <NUM>. Thus, the sole structure <NUM> is coupled to the upper <NUM> along the bite line <NUM>. The bite line <NUM> may extend along the entire outer periphery of the article of footwear <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> may include the midsole <NUM> connected to the outsole <NUM> to enhance shock absorbing properties of the sole structure <NUM>. The sole structure <NUM> may additionally include an insole disposed over the midsole <NUM> to provide cushioning for the wearer of the article of footwear <NUM>. The midsole <NUM> may be coupled to the upper <NUM> with stitching <NUM> or another suitable coupling.

Returning to <FIG>, components of the upper <NUM> may be divided into a forefoot portion <NUM>, a midfoot portion <NUM>, and a heel portion <NUM>. The forefoot portion <NUM> may be generally associated with the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. The midfoot portion <NUM> is disposed between the forefoot portion <NUM> and the heel portion <NUM> and may be generally associated with the arch of a foot. The heel portion <NUM> may be generally associated with the heel of a foot, including the calcaneus bone. In addition, the upper <NUM> may include a lateral side <NUM> and a medial side <NUM>. In particular, the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> may be opposing sides of the upper <NUM>. Furthermore, both the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> may extend through the forefoot portion <NUM>, the midfoot portion <NUM> and the heel portion <NUM>. The upper <NUM> defines a void <NUM> configured and sized to receive a foot of a footwear wearer.

It will be understood that the forefoot portion <NUM>, the midfoot portion <NUM> and the heel portion <NUM> are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of the upper <NUM>. The lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM> are intended to represent generally two sides of the upper <NUM>, rather than precisely demarcating the upper <NUM> into two halves. In addition, the forefoot portion <NUM>, the midfoot portion <NUM>, and the heel portion <NUM>, as well as the lateral side <NUM> and the medial side <NUM>, may also be applied to individual components of the upper <NUM> and the sole structure <NUM>, such as a sockliner, the midsole <NUM> (<FIG>) or another component of the sole structure <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> includes an upper body <NUM> having a layered configuration as discussed below. The upper <NUM> defines a throat <NUM> and an ankle opening <NUM> extending thought the upper body <NUM>. The ankle opening <NUM> allows a user to insert his foot into the article of footwear <NUM>. The throat <NUM> may partially receive a tongue <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The tongue <NUM> is coupled to the upper body <NUM>. The upper body <NUM> has a first side <NUM> (which corresponds with the lateral side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>) and a second side <NUM> (which corresponds to the medial side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>). The second side <NUM> is opposite the first side <NUM>. The throat <NUM> defined by the upper body <NUM> is disposed between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>.

The upper <NUM> includes at least one lace <NUM> extending across the throat <NUM> between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>. While the figures show a single lace <NUM> to minimize part count, it is envisioned that the upper <NUM> may include more than one lace <NUM>. The upper body <NUM> defines a first plurality of eyelets <NUM> and a second plurality of eyelets <NUM> each configured to receive the lace <NUM> The first plurality of eyelets <NUM> is disposed on the first side <NUM>. The second plurality of eyelets <NUM> is disposed on the second side <NUM>. The first plurality of eyelets <NUM> and the second plurality of eyelets <NUM> extend through the upper body <NUM> to receive the lace <NUM>. Accordingly, each of the first plurality of eyelets <NUM> and the second plurality of eyelets <NUM> are sized to receive the lace <NUM>. The lace <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> and through the first plurality of eyelets <NUM> and the second plurality of eyelets <NUM>. For example, the lace <NUM> may be arranged in a zig-zag configuration while extending through the first plurality of eyelets <NUM> and the second plurality of eyelets <NUM>. The first plurality of eyelets <NUM> is aligned along a first eyelet axis EX1, and the second plurality of eyelets <NUM> is aligned along a second eyelet axis EX2. Accordingly, the first eyelet axis EX1 interests all of the first plurality of eyelets <NUM>, and the second eyelet axis EX2 intersects all of the second plurality of eyelets <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the upper <NUM> further includes a first dynamic support <NUM> and a second dynamic support <NUM> each coupled to the upper body <NUM>. The first dynamic support <NUM> is coupled to the upper body <NUM> at the first side <NUM>, whereas the second dynamic support <NUM> is coupled to the upper body <NUM> at the second side <NUM>. Specifically, each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the bite line <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM>, but on opposite sides (i.e., the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>, respectively) of the upper body <NUM>. The first dynamic support <NUM> and/or the second dynamic support <NUM> may be configured as dynamic straps fixed to the upper body <NUM> at the bite line <NUM>. Each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> to tighten the upper <NUM> when the lace <NUM> is tightened as described below. Specifically, the first dynamic support <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>, and the second dynamic support <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> from the second side <NUM> to the first side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>.

The upper body <NUM> defines a first opening <NUM> extending though the second side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Further, the upper <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM> extending through the first side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The first dynamic support <NUM> extends through the first opening <NUM> formed in the second side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>, and the second dynamic support <NUM> extends through the second opening <NUM> formed in the first side <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. The lace <NUM> is attached to the first dynamic support <NUM> at the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> to apply tension on the first dynamic support <NUM> when the lace <NUM> is tightened. Likewise, the lace <NUM> is attached to the second dynamic support <NUM> at the first side <NUM> to apply tension on the second dynamic support <NUM> when the lace <NUM> is tightened. Accordingly, tightening the lace <NUM> causes the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> to move toward each other, thereby tightening the upper <NUM> around the foot of the wearer. No portion of the lace <NUM> extends through the first opening <NUM> or the second opening <NUM>.

The upper body <NUM> may be partly or wholly made of a first material, and the each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> may be partly or wholly made of a second material. The tensile strength of the second material may be greater than the tensile strength of the first material in order to effectively pull the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> toward each other when the lace <NUM> is tightened. As a non-limiting example, the second material may be between ten percent (<NUM>%) and twenty-five percent (<NUM>%) greater than the tensile strength of the first material to effectively pull the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> toward each other when the lace <NUM> is tightened without damaging the upper body <NUM>.

Each of the first dynamic supports <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> includes a first support end <NUM> and a second support end <NUM> opposite to the first support end <NUM>. The first support end <NUM> of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the bite line <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> to enhance the structural integrity of the connection between the upper body <NUM> and each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM>. The second support end <NUM> of each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> defines a loop <NUM> (which is also shown in <FIG>) configured, sized, and shaped to receive the lace <NUM>. The lace <NUM> is sized to slide through the loop <NUM>, thereby allowing the lace <NUM> to apply tension of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> as the lace <NUM> is tightened. In particular, tightening the lace <NUM> causes the lace <NUM> to simultaneously apply tension: (a) on the first dynamic support <NUM> toward the second side <NUM>; and (b) on the second dynamic support <NUM> toward the first side <NUM>. As a consequence, the upper <NUM> is tightened and secured around a foot of the footwear wearer.

With reference to <FIG>, the upper body <NUM> may have a layered configuration. In particular, the upper body <NUM> may include an outer layer <NUM> and an inner layer <NUM> coupled to the outer layer <NUM>. The outer layer <NUM> is farther from the void <NUM> than the inner layer <NUM>. Each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> is disposed between the outer layer <NUM> and the inner layer <NUM> to securely couple the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> to the upper body <NUM>.

Each of the first plurality of eyelets <NUM>, the second plurality of eyelets <NUM>, the first opening <NUM>, and the second opening <NUM> extend solely through the outer layer <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to facilitate manufacturing of the upper body <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> is spaced apart from the second eyelet axis EX2 along a transverse direction LD, and the second opening <NUM> is spaced apart from the first eyelet axis EX1 along the transverse direction LD to facilitate at least partial closure of the throat <NUM> when the lace <NUM> is tightened. The first opening <NUM> is spaced apart from the second opening <NUM> along a longitudinal direction LG to facilitate at least partial closure of the throat <NUM> when the lace <NUM> is tightened. Each of the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM> is larger than each of the first plurality of eyelets <NUM> and the second plurality of eyelets <NUM> to allow the loops <NUM> to be inserted in the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>. Each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> has a substantially triangular shape to maximize the area of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> that is attached at the bite line <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> while allowing the loops <NUM> to be inserted into the first opening <NUM> and the second opening <NUM>.

During use, the wearer may insert his foot into the void <NUM> of the upper <NUM>. Then, the laces <NUM> are tightened. As a result, the lace <NUM> applies tension on the first dynamic support <NUM> toward the second side <NUM> and on the second dynamic support <NUM> toward the first side <NUM>. Because each of the first dynamic support <NUM> and the second dynamic support <NUM> is connected across the throats <NUM> between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>, tightening the lace <NUM> causes the throat <NUM> to partially close, thereby moving the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM> toward each other. As a consequence, the upper <NUM> is tightened around the wearer's foot.

With reference to <FIG>, the structure and function of the article of footwear <NUM> shown in <FIG> is substantially identical to the article of footwear <NUM> described above with respect to <FIG>, except for the features described below. In the depicted embodiment, the article of footwear <NUM> includes a plurality of first dynamic supports <NUM> and a plurality of second dynamic supports <NUM> coupled to the upper body <NUM>. Each of the plurality of first dynamic supports <NUM> is coupled to the upper body <NUM> at the first side <NUM>, whereas each of the plurality of second dynamic supports <NUM> is coupled to the upper body <NUM> at the second side <NUM>. Each of the plurality of first dynamic supports <NUM> and the plurality of the second dynamic supports <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> to tighten the upper <NUM> when the lace <NUM> is tightened. Specifically, each of the plurality first dynamic supports <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>, and each of the plurality of second dynamic supports <NUM> extends across the throat <NUM> from the second side <NUM> to the first side <NUM> of the upper body <NUM>.

The plurality of first dynamic supports <NUM> may include a first forefoot dynamic support 130a, a first midfoot dynamic support 130b, and a first heel dynamic support 130c. The first forefoot dynamic support 130a is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the forefoot portion <NUM>. The second midfoot dynamic support 130b is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the midfoot portion <NUM>. The first heel dynamic support 130c is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the heel portion <NUM>. While each of the plurality of first dynamic supports <NUM> has a substantially triangular shape, it is contemplated that the first dynamic supports <NUM> do not necessarily have a substantially triangular shape. As a non-limiting example, one or more of the plurality of first dynamic supports <NUM> may have a center void portion <NUM>. Further, one or more of the first dynamic supports <NUM> may overlap each other to minimize the space occupied by the first dynamic supports <NUM>.

The plurality of second dynamic supports <NUM> may include a second forefoot dynamic support 132a, a second midfoot dynamic support 132b, and a second heel dynamic support 132c. The second forefoot dynamic support 130a is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the forefoot portion <NUM>. The second midfoot dynamic support 130a is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the midfoot portion <NUM>. The second heel dynamic support 130c is attached to the upper body <NUM> at the heel portion <NUM>. Although each of the plurality of second dynamic supports <NUM> has a substantially triangular shape, it is envisioned that the second dynamic supports <NUM> do not necessarily have a triangular shape. As a non-limiting example, one or more of the plurality of second dynamic supports <NUM> may have a center void portion <NUM>. Further, one or more of the second dynamic supports <NUM> may overlap each other to minimize the space occupied by the second dynamic supports <NUM>.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

Claim 1:
An upper (<NUM>) for an article of footwear, comprising:
an upper body (<NUM>) having a first side (<NUM>) and a second side (<NUM>) opposite the first side (<NUM>), the upper body (<NUM>) defining a throat (<NUM>) between the first side (<NUM>) and the second side (<NUM>), and the upper body (<NUM>) defining an opening (<NUM>) extending through the second side (<NUM>);
wherein the upper body (<NUM>) includes an outer layer (<NUM>) and an inner layer (<NUM>) coupled to the outer layer (<NUM>);
a lace (<NUM>) extending across the throat (<NUM>) between the first side (<NUM>) and the second side (<NUM>);
wherein the upper body (<NUM>) defines a first plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) and a second plurality of eyelets (<NUM>), the first plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) is disposed on the first side (<NUM>), the second plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) is disposed on the second side (<NUM>), the first plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) and the second plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) extend through the outer layer (<NUM>), the first plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) and the second plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) are sized to receive the lace (<NUM>), the lace (<NUM>) extends across the throat (<NUM>) and through the first plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) and the second plurality of eyelets (<NUM>), wherein the first plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) is aligned along a first eyelet axis (EX1), and the second plurality of eyelets (<NUM>) is aligned along a second eyelet axis (EX2);
a dynamic support (<NUM>) coupled to the upper body (<NUM>) at the first side (<NUM>), the dynamic support (<NUM>) extending across the throat (<NUM>) from the first side (<NUM>) to the second side (<NUM>), and the dynamic support (<NUM>) extending through the opening (<NUM>) formed in the second side (<NUM>), and wherein the dynamic support (<NUM>, <NUM>) is disposed between the inner layer (<NUM>) and the outer layer (<NUM>);
wherein the opening (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the second eyelet axis (EX2) along a transverse direction; and
wherein the lace (<NUM>) is attached to the dynamic support (<NUM>) at the second side (<NUM>) to apply tension on the dynamic support (<NUM>) toward the second side (<NUM>) when the lace (<NUM>) is tightened.