Patent Description:
Footwear sole structures are often composed of multiple components of different materials in order to meet durability, stability, and cushioning goals. For example, some components may have high energy return and elastic resiliency under compressive loading, while other components may have less elastic resiliency but greater abrasion resistance. Footwear manufacturers strive to design and assemble the various components to enable each to achieve its functionality.

<CIT> describes a shoe product. The shoe product includes a midsole, an outsole provided below the midsole, and a reinforcing member provided between the midsole and the outsole, for resiliently supporting the midsole and the outsole apart from one another.

The present disclosure generally relates to a sole structure for an article of footwear. The sole structure has a foam core with relatively high energy return and cushioning ability and is configured and constructed to protect the foam core from wear while minimizing constraint of the foam core so that its cushioning advantages may be more fully realized.

For example, the second portion of the side surface may be free from any attachment within the space. With this configuration, the foam core is sufficiently secured to the sole component to ensure stability of the sole structure while still allowing a portion of the foam core to resiliently deform at least under an initial stage of loading without interference from or constraint by the sole component.

In an implementation, the foam core may have a first stiffness and the sole component may have a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. Accordingly, the relatively compliant foam core may be protected by the stiffer sole component by nesting the foam core within the space defined by the sole component. As used herein, "stiffness" is the rate of change of load to displacement in compression of a component such as when the component is under a dynamic compressive load due to impact with the ground. A component may have a constant stiffness (i.e., linear rate of change of load to displacement), a non-linear stiffness, such as an exponentially increasing rate of change of load to displacement in compression, or may have a rate that is initially linear and changes to non-linear or vice versa. The stiffness of the sole structure described herein may have an effective stiffness in a portion of the displacement range that is based on the stiffness values of more than one of the components of the sole structure when, for example, one of the components (e.g., the sole component) physically restrains another one of the components (e.g., the foam core) from resiliently deforming under compression.

In an aspect, the sole structure may further comprise an adhesive layer disposed on the first portion of the side surface of the foam core and adhering the sole component to the first portion of the side surface of the foam core. The second portion may be free of adhesive as the second portion may be free from securement to the sole component or any other component of the sole structure.

The foam core may expand without constraint within the gap under compressive loading, allowing its desirable cushioning properties to be achieved. For example, the second portion of the side surface of the foam core may compress outward freely under dynamic compressive loading until it contacts and compresses against the inner side of the peripheral wall of the sole component, filling or substantially filling the gap. Because the second portion may be between the first portion and the bottom wall, e.g., below the first portion, more of the dynamic movement of the foam core is closer to the ground during wear, increasing stability of the sole structure.

In an aspect, the side surface of the foam core may extend along a medial side, a lateral side, and a rear of the sole structure. The peripheral wall of the sole component may extend adjacent to and outward of the side surface of the foam core at the medial side, the lateral side, and the rear of the sole structure. Accordingly, the peripheral wall effectively cages in and protects the foam core at the medial side, the lateral side, and the rear of the foam core. In an implementation, the peripheral wall of the sole component may have a notch extending from an upper edge of the peripheral wall to the bottom wall of the sole component at the rear of the sole structure. The foam core may extend across the notch inward of the peripheral wall. The notch may provide increased flexibility in a transverse direction of the sole structure in comparison to an embodiment without a notch (e.g., the medial side of the sole structure may flex more readily relative to the lateral side of the sole structure in the vicinity of the notch).

The relative shapes and surface areas of the first portion and the second portion may be different in various implementations. For example, in an implementation, the first portion of the side surface of the foam core may include an elongated strip that has a first leg extending from a bottom surface of the foam core toward a top edge of the foam core, a second leg extending from the first leg around the foam core to a rear of the foam core, and a third leg at the rear of the foam core and extending from the second leg toward the bottom surface of the foam core. The second portion may extend from the first leg to the third leg between the second leg and the bottom surface of the foam core. For example, the second portion may extend in an uninterrupted span between the first leg and the third leg. In a configuration, a minimum height of the second portion may be greater than a maximum height (e.g., in a vertical direction) of the second leg.

In some implementations, the first portion may extend along the medial side, the lateral side, and the rear of the foam core. For example, the elongated strip may be a medial side elongated strip at a medial side of the foam core, and the first portion of the side surface of the foam core may further include a lateral side elongated strip at a lateral side of the foam core. The lateral side elongated strip may have a first leg at the lateral side of the foam core and extending from the bottom surface of the foam core toward the top edge of the foam core, a second leg extending from the first leg around the foam core to the rear of the foam core, and a third leg at the rear of the foam core and extending from the second leg toward the bottom surface of the foam core. In such an implementation, the second portion of the side surface of the foam core may further extend at the lateral side of the foam core from the first leg to the third leg between the second leg of the lateral side elongated strip and the bottom surface of the foam core.

In another aspect, the bottom wall of the sole component may have a through hole and the foam core may extend over the through hole. Accordingly, some freedom of movement of the foam core during compression is afforded at the bottom of the foam core as well.

In an implementation, the sole component may be an outsole that includes a ground contact surface of the sole structure. The outsole may be a durable material selected to withstand wear while protecting the foam core. For example, the outsole may be rubber and the foam core may be Pebax® thermoplastic elastomer foam and may be sold under the tradename ZoomX by Nike, Inc.

In a configuration, the sole structure may further comprise a midsole layer extending between a top surface of the sole component and a bottom surface of the foam core. The bottom surface of the foam core may be secured to a top surface of the midsole layer, and a bottom surface of the midsole layer may be secured to the top surface of the sole component. In an implementation, the foam core and the sole component may be disposed in a heel region of the sole structure, and the midsole layer may extend forward from between the foam core and the sole component in the heel region. For example, the midsole layer may extend to a midfoot region and a forefoot region of the sole structure in addition to the heel region.

In addition to being secured to the bottom surface of the foam core, the midsole layer may be secured to the side surface of the foam core. For example, the side surface of the foam core may have a third portion below the second portion. The third portion may be recessed inward relative to the second portion. The midsole layer may be bonded to the third portion of the foam core. The side surface of the foam core may define a waved edge between the second portion and the third portion. The midsole layer may have a waved upper edge that mates with the waved edge of the side surface of the foam core.

It should be understood that, even though in the following drawings, embodiments may be separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components throughout the views, <FIG> shows a sole structure <NUM> for an article of footwear, such as the article of footwear <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>. The sole structure <NUM> has a midsole <NUM> that includes a foam core <NUM> nested in a sole component <NUM> as described herein. In the embodiment shown, the midsole <NUM> also includes a midsole layer <NUM> that is disposed between the foam core <NUM> and the sole component <NUM> as described in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. The sole component <NUM> is configured as an outsole component with a ground-engaging surface <NUM>, and may be referred to herein as an outsole component <NUM>. An additional outsole component <NUM> shown in <FIG> may underlie the forefoot portion of the midsole layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outsole components <NUM>, <NUM> may be integrated as a one-piece outsole.

The foam core <NUM> may be a softer (less stiff) material than the outsole component <NUM>. For example, the foam core <NUM> may include a foamed polymeric material and may be at least partially a polyurethane (PU) foam, a polyurethane ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may include heat-expanded and molded EVA foam pellets. The foam core <NUM> may comprise Pebax® thermoplastic elastomer foam and may be sold under the tradename ZoomX by Nike, Inc. The midsole layer <NUM> may be any of these foamed polymeric materials, and may have a different compressive stiffness than the foam core <NUM>. The outsole component <NUM> may be a more durable material than the foam core <NUM>. For example, the outsole component <NUM> may include a rubber material than may be a natural rubber, or a synthetic rubber, or a combination of both. Examples of types of rubbers include butadiene rubber, styrenebutadiene (SBR) rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, urethane rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, ethylenepropylene rubber, urethane rubber, polynorbomene rubber, methyl methacrylate butadiene styrene (MBS) rubber, styrene ethylene butylene (SEBS) rubber, silicone rubber, and mixtures thereof. The rubber compound may be a virgin material, a regrind material, and mixtures thereof.

The sole structure <NUM> includes a heel region <NUM>, a midfoot region <NUM>, and a forefoot region <NUM>. The heel region <NUM> generally includes portions of the sole structure <NUM> corresponding with rear portions of a human foot <NUM>, including the calcaneus bone, when the human foot of a size corresponding with the sole structure <NUM> is disposed in a foot-receiving cavity <NUM> of the article of footwear <NUM> and is supported on the sole structure <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The forefoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> generally includes portions of the sole structure <NUM> corresponding with the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges of the human foot (interchangeably referred to herein as the "metatarsal-phalangeal joints" or "MPJ" joints). The midfoot region <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> is disposed between the heel region <NUM> and the forefoot region <NUM> and generally includes portions of the sole structure <NUM> corresponding with an arch area of the human foot, including the navicular joint. The sole structure <NUM> has a medial side <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and a lateral side <NUM> (partially shown in <FIG>) both of which extend from the heel region <NUM> to the forefoot region <NUM> and are generally on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis LM of the sole structure <NUM>, which may be a longitudinal midline. The medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and a rear <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM> described herein correspond with and may also be used to indicate the medial side, the lateral side, and the rear of individual components of the sole structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the outsole component <NUM> has a bottom wall <NUM> that includes the ground-engaging surface <NUM> at the bottom of the sole structure <NUM>. The outsole component <NUM> includes a peripheral wall <NUM> that extends upward from the bottom wall <NUM> and partially surrounds a space <NUM> above the bottom wall <NUM>. A bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> is disposed in the space <NUM> and bonded to or otherwise secured to a top surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> in the space <NUM>, such as with adhesive (adhesive layer <NUM> shown in <FIG>). A through hole <NUM> in the outsole component <NUM> is aligned with a through hole <NUM> in the midsole layer <NUM>. The midsole layer <NUM> has a waved upper edge <NUM> that may fit within a slight recess <NUM> having a waved edge <NUM> at an inner side <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> (best shown in <FIG>). The through hole <NUM> and the waved upper edge <NUM> thus serve as alignment features of the midsole layer <NUM> and the outsole component <NUM>.

The foam core <NUM> is disposed in the space <NUM> with a bottom surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> secured to a top surface <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM>. The midsole layer <NUM> thus extends between the outsole component <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>. A slight circular protrusion <NUM> in the bottom surface <NUM> may be aligned with the through holes <NUM> and <NUM>.

The foam core includes a side surface <NUM> that has a first portion 62A, a second portion 62B disposed between the first portion 62A and the bottom wall <NUM> (e.g., directly below the first portion 62A), and a third portion 62C disposed between the second portion 62B and the bottom wall <NUM> (e.g., below the second portion 62B). The third portion 62C is recessed inward relative to the second portion 62B to define a waved edge <NUM> between the second portion 62B and the third portion 62C (e.g., a waved lower edge of the second portion 62B). The waved upper edge <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> also mates to the waved edge <NUM> so that the inner side <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> interfaces with the third portion 62C and is adhered thereto by applying adhesive to the inner side <NUM> and/or to the third portion 62C.

An upper edge <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> mates to the foam core <NUM> at a slight recess <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> that defines the top edge <NUM> of the first portion 62A of the side surface <NUM>. The peripheral wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> has a notch <NUM> extending from the upper edge <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> to the bottom wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> as best shown in <FIG>. The notch <NUM> is disposed at a rear <NUM> of the assembled sole structure <NUM>. The peripheral wall <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> are a unitary (one-piece) structure comprised of the same material, and the peripheral wall <NUM> is a continuous expanse from a front medial edge <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the peripheral wall <NUM> to the notch <NUM> at the medial side <NUM> of the sole component <NUM> and from a front lateral edge <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the peripheral wall <NUM> to the notch <NUM> at the lateral side <NUM> of the sole component <NUM>. The side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> extends across the notch <NUM> inward of the peripheral wall <NUM> in the assembled sole structure <NUM>.

The side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> extends along the medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and the rear <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. The peripheral wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> extends adjacent to and outward of the side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and the rear <NUM> of the sole structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the peripheral wall <NUM> effectively cups and protects the foam core <NUM> at the medial side <NUM>, the lateral side <NUM>, and the rear <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second portion 62B may have a textured surface as indicated by a plurality of rounded protrusions <NUM> (some indicated with reference numbers in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). In other embodiments, a different texture may be present, or the second portion 62B may be smooth. The texture may be rounded protrusions <NUM> extending into a gap <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The texture may be imparted to the foam core <NUM> by a mold into which the foam used to form the foam core <NUM> is injected or otherwise disposed during forming of the foam core <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, even with the rounded protrusions <NUM> of the second portion 62B, the foam core <NUM> has a recess <NUM> at the second portion 62B. The recess <NUM> defines a top edge <NUM> of the second portion 62B of the side surface <NUM> and extends downward to the waved edge <NUM>. As best shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> of the second portion 62B relative to the first portion 62A causes a gap <NUM> to exist between the inner side <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> and the second portion 62B of the side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>. Because the foam core <NUM> is resiliently deformable, under a sufficiently large compressive load, the foam core <NUM> may deform transversely outward into the gap <NUM> (e.g., outward at the medial side <NUM> and the lateral side <NUM>) to fill or substantially fill the gap <NUM> such as by crossing the gap <NUM> into contact with the inner side <NUM> of the outsole <NUM>. However, the sole structure <NUM> is configured so that during a steady state load of less than a predetermined amount, the gap <NUM> exists (e.g., is not traversed or filled by the deformed foam core <NUM>). Steady state loading of the sole structure <NUM> occurs, for example, when a wearer (represented by foot <NUM> shown in phantom) is standing on the sole structure <NUM>, but is not dynamically impacting the sole structure <NUM> against the ground G with at least a predetermined load.

In <FIG>, the sole structure <NUM> is shown secured to a footwear upper <NUM> in the article of footwear <NUM>. The footwear upper <NUM> may be a sock upper with sidewalls and a bottom, or may be secured to a strobel <NUM> at a lower periphery of the footwear upper <NUM>. The footwear upper <NUM> and strobel <NUM> are secured to an inner side <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> such as with an adhesive layer <NUM>. The inner side <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> is secured to the first portion 62A, such as with an adhesive layer <NUM>. In other embodiments, the peripheral wall <NUM> may be heat bonded or otherwise secured to the first portion 62A. An adhesive layer <NUM> may also be disposed at the interface of the bottom surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> and the top surface <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> as well as at the interface between the top surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> to secure these respective surfaces to one another. No adhesive is disposed on the second portion 62B of the side surface <NUM>, and no components are in contact with the second portion 62B during steady state loading (e.g., the second portion 62B is spaced apart from the peripheral wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the dynamic compressive loading of the wearer's foot <NUM> on the sole structure <NUM> is represented by load forces L. Under such loading, the foam core <NUM> may resiliently compress to provide cushioning and energy return. The first and third portions 62A, 62C are adhered and therefore fixed to the outsole component <NUM> during dynamic compression, but the second portion 62B is free to deform outward into the gap <NUM> without constraint at least until it interfaces with the inner side <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. After interfacing with the peripheral wall <NUM>, the foam core <NUM> may continue to compress under the dynamic loading. However, compression of the foam core <NUM> at the second portion 62B is now influenced by the stiffness of the peripheral wall <NUM> which creates compressive reaction forces acting on the foam core <NUM> at the second portion 62B. The foam core <NUM> may have a first stiffness and the outsole component <NUM> may have a second stiffness greater than the first stiffness. Accordingly, the relatively compliant foam core <NUM> is protected from wear by the stiffer outsole component <NUM> by nesting the foam core <NUM> within the outsole component <NUM>, and is allowed to resiliently deform transversely outward free from constraint of the peripheral wall <NUM> at the second portion 62B during a first stage of compressive loading prior to interfacing with the peripheral wall <NUM>, and then may be influenced by reaction forces against the outsole component <NUM> during a second stage of compressive loading when it contacts the inner side <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM>.

In embodiments that include a midsole layer <NUM> disposed between the bottom of the foam core <NUM> and the bottom wall <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM>, the midsole layer <NUM> may have a greater stiffness than the foam core. Accordingly, the stiffness of the sole structure <NUM> under compressive loading may vary in that a lower stiffness may occur during the first stage of loading, and a greater stiffness may occur during the second stage of loading both transversely outward (due to the constraint of the peripheral wall <NUM>) and in the vertical direction (due to the stiffer midsole layer <NUM>).

With this configuration, foam core <NUM> is sufficiently secured to the outsole component <NUM> to ensure stability of the sole structure <NUM> while still allowing the foam core <NUM> to resiliently deform at the second portion 62B under loading without interference or constraint of the outsole component <NUM>. Because the second portion 62B is below the first portion 62A which is restrained by the peripheral wall <NUM> even during the first stage of deformation, more of the dynamic movement of the foam core <NUM> (e.g., transversely outward resilient deformation of the foam core <NUM> into the gap <NUM>) is closer to the ground G during wear, increasing stability of the sole structure <NUM>.

The relative shapes and surface areas of the first portion 62A, the second portion 62B, and the third portion 62C may be different in various implementations. In the embodiment shown, the first portion 62A of the side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> is configured as two elongated strips: a medial side elongated strip 62A1 on the medial side <NUM> from a front <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> and extending to the rear <NUM>, and a lateral side elongated strip 62A2 on the lateral side <NUM> and extending from the front <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> to the rear <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> together show the lateral side elongated strip 62A2 includes a first leg 86A extending upward in a direction from the bottom surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> toward the top edge <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>, a second leg 86B extending from the first leg 86A around the foam core <NUM> to the rear <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>, and a third leg 86C extending from the second leg 86B downward toward the bottom surface <NUM> along the rear <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>. The second portion 62B at the medial side <NUM> extends from the first leg 86A to the third leg 86C below the second leg 86B. The second portion 62B extends in an uninterrupted span between the first leg 86A and the third leg 86C below the second leg 86B. Additionally, a minimum height H1 of the second portion 62B below the second leg 86B (e.g., a distance to a peak of the waved edge <NUM> and in a direction perpendicular to a length of the second leg 86B of the first portion 62A) may be greater than a maximum height H2 of the second leg 86B (e.g., a distance across the second leg 86B in a direction perpendicular to the length of the second leg 86B), as shown in <FIG>.

The medial side elongated strip 62A1 shown in <FIG> and <FIG> also has a first leg 90A extending upward in the direction from the bottom surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> toward the top edge <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>, a second leg 90B extending from the first leg 90A at the front <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> and around the foam core <NUM> to the rear <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>, and a third leg 90C extending from the second leg 90B downward toward the bottom surface <NUM> along the rear <NUM> of the foam core <NUM>. The second portion 62B at the lateral side <NUM> extends from the first leg 90A to the third leg 90C below the second leg 90B. The second portion 62B extends in an uninterrupted span between the first leg 90A and the third leg 90C. Additionally, a minimum height H1 of the second portion 62B below the second leg 90B (e.g., a distance to a peak of the waved edge <NUM> and in a direction perpendicular to a length of the second leg 90B of the first portion 62A) may be greater than a maximum height H2 of the second leg 90B (e.g., a distance across the second leg 90B in a direction perpendicular to the length of the second leg 90B), as shown in <FIG>. The portion 62D of the side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> that extends across the notch <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) inward of the peripheral wall <NUM> in the assembled sole structure <NUM> is between the third legs 86C, 90C, as shown in <FIG>.

Accordingly, by configuring the first portion 62A as relatively narrow elongated strips 62A1, 62A2, the second portion 62B may have a relatively greater surface area than the first portion 62A to maximize that part of the foam core <NUM> able to resiliently deform unconstrained by the peripheral wall <NUM> during an initial phase of dynamic loading prior to contact with the peripheral wall <NUM>, after which an effective stiffness at the second portion 62B will be greater due to the peripheral wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of the foam core <NUM> showing the circular protrusion <NUM> at the bottom surface <NUM> that can be aligned with the through holes <NUM>, <NUM> in the assembled sole structure <NUM>, partially extending into the through hole <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of the outsole component <NUM> showing a plurality of tread elements <NUM> at the ground-engaging surface <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of another outsole component <NUM> that can be included in the sole structure <NUM>. More specifically, the outsole component <NUM> is configured as a forefoot outsole component, and an inner surface <NUM> of the outsole component <NUM> may be adhered to the bottom surface <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> in the forefoot region <NUM> (see <FIG>). The forefoot outsole component <NUM> is disposed forward of the outsole component <NUM>, which may be referred to as a heel outsole component <NUM>. Alternatively, a single (one-piece) outsole may be used, such as if the outsole components <NUM>, <NUM> were formed together with the forward edge of the outsole component <NUM> extended forward to and integrated with the outsole component <NUM> at a rear extent of the outsole component <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the outsole component <NUM> and best shows the space <NUM> within which the foam core <NUM> (as well as the portion of the midsole layer <NUM> in the heel region <NUM>) is nested in the assembled sole structure <NUM>. <FIG> best shows the slight recess <NUM> having a waved edge <NUM> at an inner side <NUM> of the peripheral wall <NUM> to which the waved upper edge <NUM> of the midsole layer <NUM> (shown in bottom perspective view in <FIG>) fits in the assembled sole structure <NUM>.

Accordingly, the foam core <NUM> is protected from wear and abrasion in the space <NUM> formed by the outsole component <NUM> but the second portion 62B of the side surface <NUM> of the foam core <NUM> is allowed to resiliently deform transversely outward initially in an unrestrained manner due to the lack of attachment to any components and the gap <NUM>. The attachment at the first portion 62A sufficiently secures the foam core <NUM> to the outsole component <NUM> for stability. The foam core may have a first stage of compression prior to the second portion 62B contacting the peripheral wall <NUM>, and a second stage of compression after the second portion 62B contacts and is restrained by the peripheral wall <NUM>. Additionally, if the midsole layer <NUM> is disposed between the foam core <NUM> and the outsole component <NUM>, it may have a different compressive stiffness than the foam core <NUM>, providing another stage of compression in the vertical direction.

The term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending a length of a component. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between a forefoot region and a heel region of the shoe. 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 a width of a component. For example, a transverse direction of a shoe extends between a lateral side and a medial side of the shoe. 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 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. 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 shoe 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 shoe in an assembled shoe. 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.

While various embodiments have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. 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:
A sole structure (<NUM>) for an article of footwear (<NUM>), the sole structure (<NUM>) comprising:
a sole component (<NUM>) having a bottom wall (<NUM>) and a peripheral wall (<NUM>) extending upward from the bottom wall (<NUM>) and partially surrounding a space (<NUM>) above the bottom wall (<NUM>); and
a midsole (<NUM>) including a foam core (<NUM>) nested in the space (<NUM>);
wherein
the peripheral wall (<NUM>) of the sole component (<NUM>) is disposed outward of a side surface (<NUM>) of the foam core (<NUM>); and wherein the sole component (<NUM>) is attached to a first portion (62A) of the side surface (<NUM>) and is detached from a second portion (62B) of the side surface (<NUM>), the second portion (62B) of the side surface (<NUM>) disposed between the first portion (62A) and the bottom wall (<NUM>),
the second portion (62B) of the side surface (<NUM>) of the foam core (<NUM>) is recessed inward from the first portion (62A), defining a gap (<NUM>) between an inner side (<NUM>) of the peripheral wall (<NUM>) of the sole component (<NUM>) and the second portion (62B) of the side surface (<NUM>) of the foam core (<NUM>), and characterised in that
the second portion (62B) of the side surface (<NUM>) of the foam core (<NUM>) resiliently deforms outward into the gap (<NUM>) toward the inner side (<NUM>) of the peripheral wall (<NUM>) of the sole component (<NUM>) under compressive loading.