Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.

A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a forefoot region of the plate than at a midfoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a forefoot region of the plate than at a midfoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

A running shoe comprises an upper and a midsole attached to the upper, the midsole having a front portion corresponding to a forefoot and a rear portion corresponding to a heel. The front portion of the midsole may define a toe spring of at least 40 mm and a plurality of flex grooves, the plurality of flex grooves including one or more horizontal flex grooves and one or more longitudinal flex grooves, the horizontal flex groove(s) extending in a lateral to medial direction of the running shoe and allowing the front portion of the midsole to lie flat in response to application of less than 15 pounds of force against the toe spring, the longitudinal flex groove(s) extending in a front to back direction of the running shoe. The rear portion of the midsole may have a flat bottom that is narrower than the upper.

A running shoe comprises an upper and a midsole attached to the upper, the midsole having a front portion corresponding to a forefoot and a rear portion corresponding to a heel. The front portion of the midsole may define a toe spring of at least 40 mm and a plurality of flex grooves, the plurality of flex grooves including one or more horizontal flex grooves and one or more longitudinal flex grooves, the horizontal flex groove(s) extending in a lateral to medial direction of the running shoe and allowing the front portion of the midsole to lie flat in response to application of less than 15 pounds of force against the toe spring, the longitudinal flex groove(s) extending in a front to back direction of the running shoe. The rear portion of the midsole may have a flat bottom that is narrower than the upper.

Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.

Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.

Components for articles of footwear and athletic equipment are provided including a high energy return foam having improved abrasion resistance. A variety of foams and foam components and compositions for forming the foams are provided. In some aspects, the foams and components including the foams can have exceptionally high energy return while also having improved durability and softness and an improved abrasion resistance. In particular, midsoles including the foams are provided for use in an article of footwear. Methods of making the compositions and foams are provided, as well as methods of making an article of footwear including one of the foam components. In some aspects, the foams and foam components can be made by injection molding or injection molding followed by compression molding.

Various embodiments of a system and associated method for a micro-adjustable traction element are disclosed herein. The micro-adjustable traction element system includes an outsole for positioning along a substrate of a shoe. The outsole secures a traction element to the outsole while enabling positional micro-adjustment of the traction element along the outsole. In one embodiment of the micro-adjustable traction element system, for each traction element positioned along the outsole, the outsole includes a receiver element configured for variable positioning within a pocket of the outsole to receive the traction element.

A sole for a shoe is provided comprising at least two reinforcing members extending at least in a front half of the sole, and at least two blade members extending at least in the front half of the sole. The reinforcing members define a first layer within the sole, and the blade members define a second layer in the sole, wherein the first layer and the second layer are at least partially displaced from one another in a vertical direction.