Patent ID: 8631591

Claim:
A method of providing adjustable traction in an athletic shoe having a traction cleat comprising a dynamic traction element that resiliently flexes in response to forces applied thereto to determine a nature and amount of traction provided by the cleat, said method comprising a step of selectively adjusting an amount of flexure permitted for said dynamic traction element; wherein the step of selectively adjusting includes selectively moving an adjustment member attached to the cleat between at least first and second different positions relative to the dynamic traction element, wherein in said first position said adjustment member impedes flexure of said dynamic traction element; and wherein the adjustment member is a ring secured to the cleat having at least one flexure impeding projection, wherein said first and second positions are rotational positions of the ring relative to the cleat, and wherein in said first position said at least one flexure impeding projection is rotationally aligned with and restricts flexure of said dynamic traction element.