A wearable article such as an article of athletic gear (e.g., a skate, an article of protective athletic equipment such as a helmet, etc.) wearable by a user and comprising an expandable user-engaging structure that is configured to be expanded (e.g., by heat or another stimulus) after manufacturing of the wearable article to conform it to the user or otherwise improve a fit of the wearable article on the user.

A wearable article such as an article of athletic gear (e.g., a skate, an article of protective athletic equipment such as a helmet, etc.) wearable by a user and comprising an expandable user-engaging structure that is configured to be expanded (e.g., by heat or another stimulus) after manufacturing of the wearable article to conform it to the user or otherwise improve a fit of the wearable article on the user.

A system may use a sensor device affixed to the user or an article of clothing of the user to provide information on performance of an activity. For example, a sensor device may be affixed to a portion of the laces on footwear of the user. Acquired data from the sensor device may be processed to provide analysis information to the user about the performance.

An article of footwear (100), apparel (500, 600), and/or sporting equipment (300, 400), and methods of manufacturing thereof, having a hydrogel present on at least a portion of an externally-facing side of the article. The hydrogel is effective in reducing soil accumulation on the article, and/or for reducing soil adhesion to the article.

An article of footwear (100), apparel (500, 600), and/or sporting equipment (300, 400), and methods of manufacturing thereof, having a hydrogel present on at least a portion of an externally-facing side of the article. The hydrogel is effective in reducing soil accumulation on the article, and/or for reducing soil adhesion to the article.

A flexible member includes a reinforced area reinforced by first and second reinforcement portions, wherein: the area is defined by the posterior edge of a first reinforcement portion and the anterior edge of a second reinforcement portion; the first and second reinforcement portions are smoothly continuous with each other without gaps; the perimeter of the area is completely surrounded by the first and second reinforcement portions; the virtual first center line of the area extends obliquely forward and upward; and the angle formed between the first center line and the tread surface of the sole is about 40° to 55°.

Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim at least partially defining an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component and an open space at least at a forefoot support area, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and an opposite ground-facing surface; and (b) a forefoot edge support extending along and defining at least a portion of a first forefoot edge of the ground-engaging component. A bottom surface of the forefoot edge support (which may engage the ground) slants in an outward and downward direction from a location adjacent the open space toward the first forefoot edge. In some shoe pairs, the forefoot edge supports may be provided on a lateral forefoot side edge of one shoe, e.g., the right shoe, and on a medial forefoot side edge of the other shoe, e.g., the left shoe. The ground-engaging component(s) further may have “directional traction” features designed to support plant and rotation of the different feet when running a curve (e.g., on a curved or banked track).

An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer

An article with a color change portion and a method of changing color. The article includes at least one color change portion capable of changing colors. The color change portion includes composite material including a photonic lattice. The color change portion can change colors according to one or more performance parameters. The article can be connected to a computer and the color change portion can be controlled using the computer

A messaging apparatus for wearable items. The messaging apparatus may comprise a light source, at least one sensor to detect an event, and a controller to control the flashing of the light source in response to the detection of the event. The controlling of the flashing of the light source may generate at least one visible element that is visible to a viewer. Further, the light source may not be adapted in the form of the at least one visible element, but rather, the controlled flashing of the light source may be in the form of the at least one visible element.