Footwear systems include an article of footwear and a data transmission system engaged with the article of footwear. The transmission system transmits data to a remote system, such as a display system, another data transmission system, a processing system, etc. Such footwear systems further may include activation systems for activating the transmission and/or display systems. The transmitted data may be used for various purposes, such as: (a) identifying a user of the article of footwear; (b) activating targeted advertising or product information; (c) confirming the user's presence at a specific location and/or at a specific time; (d) determining start, finish, and/or intermediate split times for specific user; (e) confirming athletic equipment usage; (f) providing data for a game or reward program; (g) registering the user for an event or competition; or the like.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.

Presented are intelligent electronic footwear and apparel with controller-automated features, methods for making/operating such footwear and apparel, and control systems for executing automated features of such footwear and apparel. A method for operating an intelligent electronic shoe (IES) includes receiving, e.g., via a controller through a wireless communications device from a GPS satellite service, location data of a user. The controller also receives, e.g., from a backend server-class computer or other remote computing node, location data for a target object or site, such as a virtual shoe hidden at a virtual spot. The controller retrieves or predicts path plan data including a derived route for traversing from the user's location to the target's location within a geographic area. The controller then transmits command signals to a navigation alert system mounted to the IES's shoe structure to output visual, audio, and/or tactile cues that guide the user along the derived route.

Stitching is applied to a shoe or shoe component and then printed. The stitching may be formed from a continuous thread. After printing, a portion of the continuous thread may have a different color or appearance from other portion(s) of the continuous thread.

Sole structures and uppers for articles of footwear are described that includes features to enhance footwear flexibility, dexterity, natural motion feel, and/or tackiness. Such articles of footwear may provide enhanced properties and feel for use in skateboarding and other activities.

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly includes a unitary, open-celled structure. Specifically, the sole assembly includes a lattice structure having an interconnected network of struts and nodes that cooperate to define voids. The struts and nodes are configured to generate predetermined support and flexure properties within the network. The lattice may be configured as a conformal lattice, being contoured to receive accessories or complementary support structures. The sole assembly may further include an insert formed of compression material (e.g., foam). In operation, the lattice and foam insert cooperate to provide stability and cushioning to the article of footwear.

The present invention relates to footwear with flexible display means, comprising: a) at least one strap that is comprised of a flexible thin display panel, b) a sole comprising attachment latches adapted to attach the at least one strap to the sole; and an electrical circuitry configured to enable the flexible thin display panel to display digital content.

A footwear article is provided having an upper and a wear guard arranged across a vamp of the upper. In one embodiment, the wear guard is configured with a grid pattern of raised articulations extends entirely across a width of the vamp. In another embodiment, the footwear article also include a heel guard positioned above a heel region of the upper. In yet another embodiment, a tab may be coupled to the heel guard.

A footwear article is provided having an upper and a wear guard arranged across a vamp of the upper. In one embodiment, the wear guard is configured with a grid pattern of raised articulations extends entirely across a width of the vamp. In another embodiment, the footwear article also include a heel guard positioned above a heel region of the upper. In yet another embodiment, a tab may be coupled to the heel guard.

An athletic shoe with a legging sleeve connected thereto. The athletic shoe may take any of a variety of high-performance shoes known in the art, such as tennis shoes, basketball shoes, and the like. The legging sleeve component is integrally connected as part of the shoe and is extensible over the calf, knees and thigh of the wearer and operative to form a compressive fit thereabout. Integrated as part of such legging sleeve may include pockets, channels and pouches for receiving brace structures, support devices, protective coverings and a variety of other implements to facilitate movement, support and promote proper form when playing sports. Such device may further include integration with sensors so as to monitor physical activity, or measurement of a variety of other physiological parameters for use in a variety of applications.