Patent ID: 12225981

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

In one configuration, an article of footwear having a medial side and a lateral side is provided and includes an upper, a first strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the medial side to a first distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the lateral side, and a second strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the lateral side to a second distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the medial side. A heel strap is also provided and includes a first portion fixed at a heel region and a second portion selectively attachable to the upper by a first fastener, the first fastener operable to attach one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap to the heel strap.

The one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap may be disposed between the heel strap and the upper when attached to the upper and the first fastener. Further, the other of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap may be operable to be attached to the first fastener. Further yet, the first distal end of the first strap may be attached to the first fastener at the lateral side and the second distal end of the second strap may be attached to the first fastener at the medial side.

The first distal end of the first strap may include a second fastener and a third fastener disposed on an opposite side of the first strap than the second fastener, the second fastener may be operable to attach the first strap to the upper and the third fastener may be operable to attach the first strap to the first fastener. The second distal end of the second strap may include a fourth fastener and a fifth fastener disposed on an opposite side of the second strap than the fourth fastener, the fourth fastener may be operable to attach the second strap to the upper and the fifth fastener may be operable to attach the second strap to the first fastener. At least one of the first fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, the fourth fastener, and the fifth fastener may be a hook-and-loop fastener.

In one configuration, the first strap may cross the second strap at an instep region of the upper when the first strap is attached to the lateral side of the upper and the second strap is attached to the medial side of the upper.

A support strap may be attached to the heel strap and may be operable to wrap around an ankle region of a wearer during use. The support strap may extend from the heel strap at an opposite end of the heel strap than the first portion.

In another configuration, an article of footwear having a medial side and a lateral side is provided and includes an upper, a first strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the medial side to a first distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the lateral side in an attached state, and a second strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the lateral side to a second distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the medial side in an attached state. A heel strap is also provided and includes a first portion fixed at a heel region and a second portion selectively attachable to the upper by a first fastener in an attached state, at least one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap disposed between the heel strap and the upper in the attached state of the heel strap and the attached state of the at least one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap.

The first fastener may be attached to the upper and a second fastener may be attached to the second portion of the heel strap and may oppose the first fastener when the heel strap is attached to the upper. The second fastener may be operable to attach the at least one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap to the heel strap. The other of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap may be operable to be attached to the first fastener. The first distal end of the first strap may be attached to the first fastener at the lateral side and the second distal end of the second strap may be attached to the first fastener at the medial side.

In one configuration, the first distal end of the first strap may include a third fastener and a fourth fastener disposed on an opposite side of the first strap than the third fastener, the third fastener may be operable to attach the first strap to the first fastener and the fourth fastener may be operable to attach the first strap to the second fastener. Further, the second distal end of the second strap may include a fifth fastener and a sixth fastener disposed on an opposite side of the second strap than the fifth fastener, the fifth fastener may be operable to attach the second strap to the first fastener and the sixth fastener may be operable to attach the second strap to the second fastener.

At least one of the first fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, the fourth fastener, the fifth fastener, and the sixth fastener may be a hook-and-loop fastener.

The first strap may cross the second strap at an instep region of the upper when the first strap is attached to the lateral side of the upper and the second strap is attached to the medial side of the upper. A support strap may be attached to the heel strap and may be operable to wrap around an ankle region of a wearer during use.

The support strap may extend from the heel strap at an opposite end of the heel strap than the first portion.

Referring toFIG.1, an article of footwear10is provided and includes an upper100, a sole structure200attached to the upper, and a strap system300configured to wrap around the upper100and the sole structure200to provide supplemental support to the article of footwear10. The article of footwear10may further include an anterior end12associated with a forward-most point of the footwear10, and a posterior end14corresponding to a rearward-most point of the article of footwear10. As shown inFIG.2, a longitudinal axis AFof the article of footwear10extends along a length of the article of footwear10from the anterior end12to the posterior end14parallel to a ground surface, and generally divides the article of footwear10into a medial side16and a lateral side18. Accordingly, the medial side16and the lateral side18respectively correspond with opposite sides of the article of footwear10and extend from the anterior end12to the posterior end14. As used herein, a longitudinal direction refers to the direction extending from the anterior end12to the posterior end14, while a lateral direction refers to the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction and extending from the medial side16to the lateral side18. As shown inFIG.3, the article of footwear10may be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region20, a midfoot region22, and a heel region24. While the article of footwear10described herein and shown in the figures refers generally to an article of footwear10corresponding to a right foot of a wearer, it should be understood that the article of footwear10may similarly correspond to a left foot of a wearer.

The upper100includes interior surfaces that define an interior void102configured to receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure200. The upper100may be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void102. Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

With reference toFIG.4, in some examples, the upper100includes a bottom surface104or a strobel opposing the sole structure200and an opposing top surface106defining a footbed106of the interior void102. Stitching or adhesives may secure the bottom surface104to the upper100. The footbed106may be contoured to conform to a profile of a bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the upper100may also incorporate additional layers such as an insole108or sockliner that may be disposed upon the footbed106and reside within the interior void102of the upper100to receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear10.

The upper100includes a collar110formed in the heel region24, which defines an ankle opening112for providing access to the interior void102. For example, the ankle opening112may receive a foot to secure the foot within the void102and to facilitate entry and removal of the foot to and from the interior void102. As shown, a length L110of the collar110is selected depending on a desired configuration of the strap system300. For example, in some configurations the collar110may be a mid-cut collar, where the length L110of the collar110extends to or just above the ankle. Here, the strap system300may be configured to wrap above the collar110, and directly around the leg of the wearer. In other examples, the collar110may be a high-cut collar (shown in phantom line), where the length L110of the collar extends beyond the ankle to a lower portion of the leg. In this example, the strap system300may wrap around an exterior surface of the collar110. Where a high-cut collar110is used, the exterior surface of the collar may be formed of or coated with a material having a relatively high-coefficient of friction to prevent slippage of the strap system300relative to the collar110.

In some examples, one or more fasteners (not shown) extend along the upper100to adjust a fit of the interior void102around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The upper100may include apertures, such as eyelets and/or other engagement features such as fabric or mesh loops that receive the fasteners. The fasteners may include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. The upper100may include a tongue portion (not shown) that extends between the interior void102and the fasteners.

In some configurations, the sole structure200is configured to provide traction for the article of footwear10. In addition to providing traction, the sole structure200may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. The sole structure200extends between the upper100and the ground when the article of footwear10is worn. In different configurations, the sole structure200may include different components. For example, the sole structure200may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or the insole108. In some implementations, one or more of these components are optional.

The sole structure200may be constructed of a lightweight and flexible material. In some configurations, the sole structure200may be constructed of a plastic material. For example, the sole structure200may be constructed of a plastic molding, including, but not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or carbon fiber.

In some implementations, the sole structure200is configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which the sole structure200may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to, natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, natural grass, as well as other surfaces. In some configurations, the sole structure200is provided with a plurality of traction elements204disposed on and extending from the bottom surface202of the sole structure200. The traction elements204may include, cleats, studs, projections, treads, or any combination thereof depending on the particular use of the article of footwear10and the ground surface on which the traction elements204will engage. Typically, traction elements204may be configured for American football, soccer, baseball, or any type of activity that requires traction with a ground surface.

Referring to the figures, generally, the article of footwear10includes a strap system300, which may also be referred to as a spatting system. The strap system300includes a medial strap302, a lateral strap304, and a heel strap306. The medial strap302and the lateral strap304may also be referred to as a first strap and a second strap, respectively. The medial strap302extends from a proximal end314fixed at the medial side16to a distal end316selectively attachable to the upper100at the lateral side18. The lateral strap304extends from a proximal end318fixed at the lateral side18to a distal end320selectively attachable to the upper100at the medial side16. The heel strap306has a proximal portion322fixed at the heel region24and a distal portion324selectively attachable to the upper100by a heel strap fastener352. The proximal portion322of the heel strap306and the distal portion324of the heel strap306may also be referred to as a first portion and a second portion, respectively. The strap fastener352is operable to attach one of the distal end316of the medial strap302and the distal end320of the lateral strap304to the heel strap306.

The strap system300may be attached to at least one of the upper100and the sole structure200, or the strap system300may be integrally formed with at least one of the upper100and the sole structure200. The strap system300may provide support for an ankle of a wearer during use of the article of footwear10. Specifically, the medial strap302, the lateral strap304, and the heel strap306may cooperate to wrap around portions of a foot and an ankle and provide compression and support to the foot and the ankle, thereby limiting excessive transverse and/or rotational movement of the ankle relative to a ground surface during use.

With reference toFIGS.5-7, the strap system300additionally includes a heel region fastener308that is in selective engagement with the medial strap302, the lateral strap304, and the heel strap306, as will be described in more detail below. In some implementations, the heel region fastener308is fixed to the upper100via stitching, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable means. In other implementations, the heel region fastener308is integrally formed with the upper100. The heel region fastener308may generally be disposed on the heel region24of the upper100and may extend into and be disposed on both the medial side16and the lateral side18. As such, the heel region fastener308may wrap around the heel region24and extend from the medial side16to the lateral side18.

With reference toFIGS.5and6, the medial strap302is operable between an unattached state (FIG.5) and an attached state (FIG.6) relative to the upper100. The medial strap302includes an inner surface326facing the upper100in the attached state and an outer surface328facing away from the upper100in the attached state. The medial strap302extends from the proximal end314to the distal end316. In some implementations, the proximal end314is fixed to the upper100at the medial side16. In other implementations, the proximal end314is fixed to the sole structure200at the medial side16. In other implementations, the proximal end314is fixed to both the upper100and the sole structure200at the medial side16. The proximal end314may be fixed to one of the upper100and the sole structure200at or near the midfoot region22, (e.g., along a peripheral region26at or near the midfoot region22). The proximal end314may be fixed to one of the upper100and the sole structure200via stitching, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable means. The medial strap302additionally includes an inner fastener330and an outer fastener332disposed on an opposite side of the medial strap302than the inner fastener330and located proximate to or at the distal end316. That is, the inner fastener330may be disposed on or adjacent to the inner surface326of the medial strap302and the outer fastener332may be disposed on or adjacent to the outer surface328of the medial strap302. As will become apparent, the inner fastener330may selectively attach the medial strap302to the upper100(i.e., at the heel region fastener308at the lateral side18) and the outer fastener332may selectively attach the medial strap302to the heel strap306.

With reference toFIGS.6and7, the lateral strap304is operable between an unattached state (FIG.6) and an attached state (FIG.7) relative to the upper100. The lateral strap304includes an inner surface334facing the upper100in the attached state and an outer surface336facing away from the upper100in the attached state. The lateral strap304extends from the proximal end318to the distal end320. In some implementations, the proximal end318is fixed to the upper100at the lateral side18. In other implementations, the proximal end318is fixed to the sole structure200at the lateral side18. In other implementations, the proximal end318is fixed to both the upper100and the sole structure200at the lateral side18. The proximal end318may be fixed to one of the upper100and the sole structure200at or near the midfoot region22(e.g., along the peripheral region26at or near the midfoot region22). The proximal end318may be fixed to one of the upper100and the sole structure200via stitching, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable means. The lateral strap304additionally includes an inner fastener338and an outer fastener340disposed on an opposite side of the lateral strap304than the inner fastener338and located proximate to or at the distal end320. That is, the inner fastener338may be disposed on or adjacent to the inner surface334of the lateral strap304and the outer fastener340may be disposed on or adjacent to the outer surface336of the lateral strap304. As will become apparent, the inner fastener338may selectively attach the lateral strap304to the upper100(i.e., at the heel region fastener308at the medial side16) and the outer fastener340may selectively attach the lateral strap304to the heel strap306.

The medial strap302and the lateral strap304may be formed of the same material(s), different material(s), or any suitable combination. In some implementations, the medial strap302and the lateral strap304may be at least partially formed of a material having generally elastic properties, such as, for example, elastane, rubber, etc. In other implementations, the medial strap302and the lateral strap304may be at least partially formed of a material having generally inelastic properties, such as, for example, leather, synthetic leather, nylon, etc. The outer surface328of the medial strap302and/or the outer surface336of the lateral strap304may be coated with a material to provide the strap(s)302,304with a desired characteristic. For example, one or both of the medial strap302and the lateral strap304may include a coating that provides the strap(s)302,304with increased durability, friction, rigidity, resistance to wear, hydrophobicity, etc.

With reference toFIGS.5-8, the heel strap306is operable between an unattached state (FIGS.5-7) and an attached state (FIG.8) relative to the upper100. The heel strap306includes an inner surface342facing the upper100in the attached state and an outer surface344facing away from the upper100in the attached state. The heel strap306extends from the proximal portion322to the distal portion324. In some implementations, the proximal portion322is fixed to the upper100at or near the posterior end14. In other implementations, the proximal portion322is fixed to the sole structure200at or near the posterior end14. In other implementations, the proximal portion322is fixed to both the upper100and the sole structure200at or near the posterior end14. The proximal end318may be fixed to one of the upper100and the sole structure200at or near the heel region24(e.g., along the peripheral region26at or near the heel region24). The proximal portion322may be fixed to one of the upper100and the sole structure200via stitching, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable means. At or near the distal portion324, the heel strap306includes the heel strap fastener352disposed on or adjacent to the inner surface342of the heel strap306. As will become apparent, the heel strap fastener352may selectively attach the heel strap306to (i) the outer fastener332of the medial strap302, (ii) the outer fastener340of the lateral strap304, and/or (iii) the upper100(i.e., the heel region fastener308).

In the attached state, the heel strap306may extend into and be disposed on both the medial side16and the lateral side18such that the heel strap306wraps around the heel region24. For example, the heel strap306may include a medial portion346, a lateral portion348, and a central portion350extending from the medial portion346to the lateral portion348. In the attached state, the medial portion346may be disposed on the medial side16, the lateral portion348may be disposed on the lateral side18, and the central portion350may wrap around the heel region24from the medial side16to the lateral side18. As shown inFIGS.5-7, in some implementations, the heel strap306and the heel region fastener308have similar corresponding shapes. In other implementations, the heel strap306and the heel region fastener308have different shapes.

In some implementations, the heel strap306may be at least partially formed of a material having generally elastic properties, such as, for example, elastane, rubber, etc. In other implementations, the heel strap306may be at least partially formed of a material having generally inelastic properties, such as, for example, leather, synthetic leather, nylon, etc. The outer surface344of the heel strap306may be coated with a material to impart certain characteristics to the heel strap306such as, for example, increased durability, rigidity, resistance to wear, hydrophobicity, etc.

With reference toFIGS.5-8, the strap system300may include an Achilles strap310and a support strap312. The support strap312may be operable between an unattached state (FIG.5) and an attached state (FIG.8). The Achilles strap310includes an inner surface354facing the upper100when the support strap312is in the attached state and an outer surface356facing away from the upper100when the support strap312is in the attached state. The Achilles strap310extends from a proximal portion358attached to the upper100distal portion359, which may be described as including a medial portion360, a lateral portion362, and a central portion364extending between the medial portion360and the lateral portion362. For example, the Achilles strap310may have a generally Y-shaped configuration. In some implementations, the proximal portion358is fixed to the heel strap306(e.g., the distal portion324of the heel strap306) at or near the posterior end14. In other implementations, the proximal portion358is fixed to at least one of the upper100and the sole structure200at or near the posterior end14. In other implementations, the Achilles strap310is integrally formed with the heel strap306. The proximal portion358may be fixed to one of the heel strap306, the upper100, and the sole structure200via stitching, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable means. The Achilles strap310additionally includes a first ankle fastener366(FIGS.3and8) disposed on or adjacent to the outer surface356of the Achilles strap310. In other implementations, the first ankle fastener366is disposed at or near the medial portion360and extends into the central portion364. As set forth above, the support strap312may be operable between the unattached state and the attached state. In the attached state, the support strap312may wrap around an ankle region400of a wearer during use. The support strap312includes an inner surface368facing the ankle region400or lower leg of the wearer in the attached state and an outer surface370facing away from the ankle region400or the lower leg of the wearer in the attached state. The support strap312extends from a proximal end372to a distal end374. In some implementations, the proximal end372is fixed to the Achilles strap310at or near the lateral portion362. In other implementations, the support strap312is disposed at or near the medial portion360and the first ankle fastener366is disposed at or near the lateral portion362. Regardless of the particular location of the support strap312relative to the Achilles strap310, the support strap312may be integrally formed with the Achilles strap310. Further, the Achilles strap310may be integrally formed with both the heel strap306and the support strap312. The proximal end372may be fixed to the Achilles strap310via stitching, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable means. The support strap312may include a second ankle fastener376disposed on or adjacent to the inner surface368of the support strap312at or near the distal end374. As will become apparent, the second ankle fastener376may selectively attach the support strap312to the Achilles strap310(i.e., at the first ankle fastener366).

Each of the fasteners (i.e., the inner fastener330and the outer fastener332of the medial strap302, the inner fastener338and the outer fastener340of the lateral strap304, the heel strap fastener352, the heel region fastener308, the first ankle fastener366of the Achilles strap310, and the second ankle fastener376of the support strap312) may be a hook-and-loop fastener. That is, each of the fasteners may attach to a corresponding other of the fasteners via a hook-and-loop arrangement. As one example, the inner fastener330of the medial strap302may include a hook fastener arrangement and the heel region fastener308may include a loop fastener arrangement that engages the hook fastener arrangement of the inner fastener330. As another example, the heel region fastener308may include a hook fastener arrangement and the inner fastener330of the medial strap302may include a loop fastener arrangement that engages the hook fastener arrangement of the heel region fastener308. The foregoing examples may generally apply to each of the other fasteners (i.e., the outer fastener332of the medial strap302and the heel strap fastener352, the inner fastener338of the lateral strap304and the heel region fastener308, the outer fastener340of the lateral strap304and the heel strap fastener352, the heel strap fastener352and the heel region fastener308, and the first ankle fastener366and the second ankle fastener376). Alternatively, the fasteners may be attached to each other by any suitable selectively releasable fastener, such as, for example, snaps, buttons, magnets, etc.

With reference toFIGS.5-8, the strap system300is operable between an unattached state (FIG.5), a partially attached state (FIGS.6and7), and an attached state (FIGS.1-3and8). To move the strap system300from the unattached state to the attached state, a wearer may first move the medial strap302toward the heel region24over an instep region30, crossing the longitudinal axis AF, and attach the medial strap302to the upper100by attaching the inner fastener330of the medial strap302to the heel region fastener308at the lateral side18, as shown inFIG.6. Next, the wearer may first move the lateral strap304toward the heel region24over the instep region30, crossing the longitudinal axis AF, and attach the lateral strap304to the upper100by attaching the inner fastener338of the lateral strap304to the heel region fastener308at the medial side16, as shown inFIG.7. In other implementations, the wearer first moves the lateral strap304and then moves the medial strap302. When the medial strap302and the lateral strap304are both in the attached state, the medial strap302crosses the lateral strap304at the instep region30of the upper100. For example, a portion of the medial strap302between the proximal end314and the distal end316may contact a portion of the lateral strap304between the proximal end318and the distal end320proximate to or at the instep region30of the upper100.

Next, the wearer moves the heel strap306toward the upper100by rotating the heel strap306about the proximal portion322fixed to the upper100. The heel strap306is attached to the upper100by attaching the heel strap fastener352to the heel region fastener308. The heel strap306is also attached to the medial strap302and the lateral strap304by the heel strap fastener352attaching to the outer fastener332of the medial strap302and the outer fastener340of the lateral strap304. As shown inFIG.4, the medial strap302(e.g., the distal end316of the medial strap302) may be disposed between the heel strap306and the upper100and the lateral strap304(e.g., the distal end320of the lateral strap304) may be disposed between the heel strap306and the upper100. Finally, the Achilles strap310is moved toward the ankle region400of the wearer by rotating the Achilles strap310about the proximal portion358fixed to the heel strap306. The medial portion360and the lateral portion362may be partially wrapped around the ankle region400or the lower leg of the wearer. The support strap312may then be wrapped around the remaining portion of the ankle region400and attached to the Achilles strap310by attaching the second ankle fastener376to the first ankle fastener366.

As discussed above, the length L110of the collar110may be selected depending on a desired configuration of the strap300. For example, a mid-cut length L110of the collar110may be selected so that the Achilles strap310and the support strap312wrap directly around an ankle region400of the wearer, or a high-cut length L110(phantom) may be selected so that the Achilles strap310and the support strap312wrap around the collar110. Additionally or alternatively, a length of the Achilles strap310may be selected based on a desired configuration of the strap system300. Particularly, a length L358of the proximal portion of the Achilles strap310may be selected depending on whether the support strap312will wrap directly around the ankle region400or around the collar110.

One or more of the straps302,304,306,308,310may be provided with non-slip surfaces to prevent slipping of the straps302,304,306,308,310relative to each other and the article of footwear. For example, the inner surfaces and/or the outer surfaces may be formed of or coated with a high-friction material. In some examples, the high-friction material is applied to the straps using a screen-printing process, and may be localized along the surfaces of the straps302,304,306,308,310. For example, a strip of the high-friction material may extend continuously from one end of a strap to another, and may have a width that is less than a width of the strap. In other examples, the high-friction material may be provided in patches or zones on the surfaces of the straps302,304,306,308,310.

When the strap system300is in the attached state (FIGS.1-3and8), the strap system300provides the article of footwear10and, thus, an ankle of a wearer, with increased support. Further, the strap system300allows a wearer to easily adjust a fit of the footwear10around the foot by adjusting a position of the strap system300relative to the upper100. Finally, the strap system300is reusable and may be used each time the footwear10is worn by the wearer without having to remove or replace any of the components associated with the strap system300.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for an article of footwear described above.

Clause 1: An article of footwear having a medial side and a lateral side, the article of footwear including: an upper; a first strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the medial side to a first distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the lateral side; a second strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the lateral side to a second distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the medial side; and a heel strap having a first portion fixed at a heel region and a second portion selectively attachable to the upper by a first fastener, the first fastener operable to attach one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap to the heel strap.

Clause 2: The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap is disposed between the heel strap and the upper when attached to the upper and the first fastener.

Clause 3: The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the other of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap is operable to be attached to the first fastener.

Clause 4: The article of footwear of Clause 3, wherein the first distal end of the first strap is attached to the first fastener at the lateral side and the second distal end of the second strap is attached to the first fastener at the medial side.

Clause 5: The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the first distal end of the first strap includes a second fastener and a third fastener disposed on an opposite side of the first strap than the second fastener, the second fastener operable to attach the first strap to the upper and the third fastener operable to attach the first strap to the first fastener.

Clause 6: The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the second distal end of the second strap includes a fourth fastener and a fifth fastener disposed on an opposite side of the second strap than the fourth fastener, the fourth fastener operable to attach the second strap to the upper and the fifth fastener operable to attach the second strap to the first fastener.

Clause 7: The article of footwear of Clause 6, wherein at least one of the first fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, the fourth fastener, and the fifth fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener.

Clause 8: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first strap crosses the second strap at an instep region of the upper when the first strap is attached to the lateral side of the upper and the second strap is attached to the medial side of the upper.

Clause 9: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a support strap attached to the heel strap and operable to wrap around an ankle region of a wearer during use.

Clause 10: The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the support strap extends from the heel strap at an opposite end of the heel strap than the first portion.

Clause 11: An article of footwear having a medial side and a lateral side, the article of footwear including: an upper; a first strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the medial side to a first distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the lateral side in an attached state; a second strap extending from a proximal end fixed at the lateral side to a second distal end selectively attachable to the upper at the medial side in an attached state; and a heel strap having a first portion fixed at a heel region and a second portion selectively attachable to the upper by a first fastener in an attached state, at least one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap disposed between the heel strap and the upper in the attached state of the heel strap and the attached state of the at least one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap.

Clause 12: The article of footwear of Clause 11, wherein the first fastener is attached to the upper and a second fastener is attached to the second portion of the heel strap and opposes the first fastener when the heel strap is attached to the upper, the second fastener operable to attach the at least one of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap to the heel strap.

Clause 13: The article of footwear of Clause 12, wherein the other of the first distal end of the first strap and the second distal end of the second strap is operable to be attached to the first fastener.

Clause 14: The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein the first distal end of the first strap is attached to the first fastener at the lateral side and the second distal end of the second strap is attached to the first fastener at the medial side.

Clause 15: The article of footwear of Clause 14, wherein the first distal end of the first strap includes a third fastener and a fourth fastener disposed on an opposite side of the first strap than the third fastener, the third fastener operable to attach the first strap to the first fastener and the fourth fastener operable to attach the first strap to the second fastener.

Clause 16: The article of footwear of Clause 15, wherein the second distal end of the second strap includes a fifth fastener and a sixth fastener disposed on an opposite side of the second strap than the fifth fastener, the fifth fastener operable to attach the second strap to the first fastener and the sixth fastener operable to attach the second strap to the second fastener.

Clause 17: The article of footwear of Clause 16, wherein at least one of the first fastener, the second fastener, the third fastener, the fourth fastener, the fifth fastener, and the sixth fastener is a hook-and-loop fastener.

Clause 18: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, wherein the first strap crosses the second strap at an instep region of the upper when the first strap is attached to the lateral side of the upper and the second strap is attached to the medial side of the upper.

Clause 19: The article of footwear of any of the preceding Clauses, further comprising a support strap attached to the heel strap and operable to wrap around an ankle region of a wearer during use.

Clause 20: The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein the support strap extends from the heel strap at an opposite end of the heel strap than the first portion.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.