Described is a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, wherein the shoe upper is laceless and comprises: (a.) a lateral portion; (b.) a medial portion; and (c.) at least an elastic intermediate portion between the lateral portion and the medial portion, wherein the stiffness of at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion is at least 2 times higher than the stiffness of the elastic intermediate portion.

Described is a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, wherein the shoe upper is laceless and comprises: (a.) a lateral portion; (b.) a medial portion; and (c.) at least an elastic intermediate portion between the lateral portion and the medial portion, wherein the stiffness of at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion is at least 2 times higher than the stiffness of the elastic intermediate portion.

An article of footwear may be constructed of a matrix of beads. For example, by preconfiguring the row length and the number of beads in a given row, the bead matrix may be configured to form a three dimensional shape that pulls towards a centerline or is concave.

An article of footwear may be constructed of a matrix of beads. For example, by preconfiguring the row length and the number of beads in a given row, the bead matrix may be configured to form a three dimensional shape that pulls towards a centerline or is concave.

A sole for an article of footwear includes a continuous dispensed component forming a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is disposed directly on top of the second layer. The continuous dispensed component forms a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall. The first layer includes a starting point where the continuous dispensed component is first dispensed. The continuous dispensed component continuously transitions from the first layer to the second layer at the starting point.

A sole for an article of footwear includes a continuous dispensed component forming a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is disposed directly on top of the second layer. The continuous dispensed component forms a medial sidewall and a lateral sidewall. The first layer includes a starting point where the continuous dispensed component is first dispensed. The continuous dispensed component continuously transitions from the first layer to the second layer at the starting point.

An article of footwear comprising: a sole; an upper, attached to the sole; and a full length footbed located inside the upper; wherein a portion of an underside of the full length footbed is attached relative to the sole with an underside of a forward portion of the full length footbed being unattached for placement of a forefoot cushion thereunder and/or an underside of a rearward portion of the full length footbed being unattached for placement of a heel raise thereunder.

An article of footwear comprising: a sole; an upper, attached to the sole; and a full length footbed located inside the upper; wherein a portion of an underside of the full length footbed is attached relative to the sole with an underside of a forward portion of the full length footbed being unattached for placement of a forefoot cushion thereunder and/or an underside of a rearward portion of the full length footbed being unattached for placement of a heel raise thereunder.

An orthotic footwear system including a removable outsole, a removable reinforced hollow midsole attached to the top of the outsole, and a removable insole attached to the top of the midsole. A removable metatarsal pad can be attached to the top of the insole, and removable support inserts can be attached around the insole for additional support of problematic areas. Support inserts can be used to support the arch area, the heel area, or both. Each of the removable parts can be interchanged with parts of the same type having different ergonomic characteristics. The user can change the parts of the orthotic to suit their needs. Further, the support inserts can be used apart from the rest of the system, with any insole configured to receive them.

A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request.