A last for forming an upper of an article of footwear includes an exterior surface, where the exterior surface includes a plurality of three dimensional structural surface components disposed over at least 50% of the exterior surface of the last.

A last for forming an upper of an article of footwear includes an exterior surface, where the exterior surface includes a plurality of three dimensional structural surface components disposed over at least 50% of the exterior surface of the last.

An algae-based thermoplastic foam is provided having a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moister content of less than or equal to 15% by weight having an average particle size of up to 200 microns. The composition includes a resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min. The foam includes a foaming ingredient selected from the group consisting of crosslinkers, compatibilizers, plasticizers, accelerants, catalysts, blowing agents, other ingredients, and combinations thereof.

The present disclosure is related to three-dimensionally printed articles for use in footwear and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a closed-cell foam. The closed-cell foam may have a gradient in and/or may be a single integrated material. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a sensor. The use of such arrangements can, according to certain embodiments, allow for the production of improved articles of footwear and/or customized articles of footwear.

The present disclosure is related to three-dimensionally printed articles for use in footwear and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a closed-cell foam. The closed-cell foam may have a gradient in and/or may be a single integrated material. In some embodiments, a three-dimensionally printed article may comprise a sensor. The use of such arrangements can, according to certain embodiments, allow for the production of improved articles of footwear and/or customized articles of footwear.

The present invention provides a method for making a sole structure with a knitted fabric and a sole structure. The method comprises steps of: placing a thermoplastic filling material in a knitted fabric, sealing an opening of the knitted fabric, placing the knitted fabric with the opening sealed in a mold, applying a heating temperature to melt the thermoplastic filling material of the knitted fabric, and restricting a shape of the knitted fabric via the mold to make a sole structure. The sole structure includes a compressible elastomer and a knitting texture wrapped around the compressible elastomer and fused with a surface of the compressible elastomer. The compressible elastomer is formed from the thermoplastic filling material after being melted and cooled. The knitting texture is formed from the knitted fabric and is capable of being directly observed from an appearance of the sole structure.

The present invention provides a method for making a sole structure with a knitted fabric and a sole structure. The method comprises steps of: placing a thermoplastic filling material in a knitted fabric, sealing an opening of the knitted fabric, placing the knitted fabric with the opening sealed in a mold, applying a heating temperature to melt the thermoplastic filling material of the knitted fabric, and restricting a shape of the knitted fabric via the mold to make a sole structure. The sole structure includes a compressible elastomer and a knitting texture wrapped around the compressible elastomer and fused with a surface of the compressible elastomer. The compressible elastomer is formed from the thermoplastic filling material after being melted and cooled. The knitting texture is formed from the knitted fabric and is capable of being directly observed from an appearance of the sole structure.

One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide articles of manufacture and components of articles that incorporate an optical element that imparts a structural color to the component or the article. The component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material, and can include or be made to have a textured surface.

One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide articles of manufacture and components of articles that incorporate an optical element that imparts a structural color to the component or the article. The component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material, and can include or be made to have a textured surface.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a unitary cushioning component comprising a plurality of scrap foam pieces configured as a plurality of different polyhedron shapes and a resin binder securing the scrap foam pieces to one another. The sole structure may comprise a midsole including an outer shell defining a central cavity. The cushioning component may be disposed in the central cavity as a core of the midsole. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear cutting the scrap foam body into pieces, mixing the pieces with a resin binder, and compression molding the mixed pieces and resin binder in a mold to form a cushioning component of a sole structure of the article of footwear.