Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

An article of footwear is provided that includes a sole structure and an upper attached to the sole structure. The upper includes an exterior layer and a base layer, and the exterior layer includes a biodegradable layer and a biologically active agent capable of biodegrading the biodegradable layer.

A bonded mesh composite panel can be used to form a three-dimensional upper shell that includes extensions used for double-lasting and/or to otherwise provide a shelf to support foam padding. The foam padding may be, e.g., a foam midsole. The extensions of the upper shell may be located in a lower portion of the shell and may be bonded to the foam midsole in a heel, midfoot and/or forefoot regions.

A bonded mesh composite panel can be used to form a three-dimensional upper shell that includes extensions used for double-lasting and/or to otherwise provide a shelf to support foam padding. The foam padding may be, e.g., a foam midsole. The extensions of the upper shell may be located in a lower portion of the shell and may be bonded to the foam midsole in a heel, midfoot and/or forefoot regions.

An insert for vapor-permeable and waterproof soles, which has a stratified and cohesive monolithic sheet-like structure, which includes a plurality of functional layers made of a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor. At least one functional portion of the insert for soles has such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance of more than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.

An insert for vapor-permeable and waterproof soles, which has a stratified and cohesive monolithic sheet-like structure, which includes a plurality of functional layers made of a polymeric material that is impermeable to water in the liquid state and permeable to water vapor. At least one functional portion of the insert for soles has such a thickness as to give it a penetration resistance of more than approximately 10 N, assessed according to the method presented in chapter 5.8.2 of the ISO 20344-2004 standard.

An insole which generates an air flow during use, which assists in cooling or warming the foot of a user is disclosed. In a first embodiment, air flow facilitated by said insole provides for convective heat transfer away from the plantar surface of the foot. The insole is intended for insertion into a shoe which is ventilated, preferably an athletic shoe with a ventilated upper. The bottom layer defines a plurality of ridges and channel lining portions which together define a plurality of air channels. The bottom layer defines a heel recess in which a heel pad is situated. In a second embodiment, an insole which collects, retains, and heats a user's foot is disclosed. Said insole further comprises a middle layer of thermal reflective material secured to and coextensive with a top layer and a bottom layer secured to said middle layer.

An insole which generates an air flow during use, which assists in cooling or warming the foot of a user is disclosed. In a first embodiment, air flow facilitated by said insole provides for convective heat transfer away from the plantar surface of the foot. The insole is intended for insertion into a shoe which is ventilated, preferably an athletic shoe with a ventilated upper. The bottom layer defines a plurality of ridges and channel lining portions which together define a plurality of air channels. The bottom layer defines a heel recess in which a heel pad is situated. In a second embodiment, an insole which collects, retains, and heats a user's foot is disclosed. Said insole further comprises a middle layer of thermal reflective material secured to and coextensive with a top layer and a bottom layer secured to said middle layer.

Substrates with transparency to infrared body radiation and opacity in the visible light spectrum are provided and systems and methods for creation thereof are provided. The IR radiation transparent substrate is IR radiation transparent and visible light opaque with enough breathability and softness to make it suitable for use in garments for body thermal regulation. Further, the IR radiation transparent substrate is created utilizing nanofiber technology to form specific sized micro pores between the nanofibers.