A sole for an article of footwear includes an outsole that has longitudinal ribs and a midsole that is disposed above the outsole and that defines notches. The longitudinal ribs are disposed in the notches.

The present invention generally relates to methods of printing articles using three-dimensional printing and other printing techniques, and to articles formed from such techniques, including the printing of articles of footwear containing particles. Certain embodiments are generally directed to composites comprising particles (e.g., reinforcing particles), for example, rubber particles. The particles may be used, for example, to increase slip or abrasion resistance. The composites may also contain polyurethanes or other compounds, e.g., to facilitate fabrication, e.g., using three-dimensional printing and other printing techniques. Other embodiments are directed to methods of making or using such articles. For example, in some embodiments, a composite may be prepared by mixing particles (e.g., reinforcing particles) with at least a first fluid and a second fluid within a nozzle, such as a microfluidic printing nozzle, which may be used to direct the resulting product onto a substrate.

An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper coupled to the sole structure. The upper includes a base layer and a plurality of support members. The base layer has a peripheral portion. The support members have end portions and an intermediate portion extending between the end portions. The end portions of the support members are coupled to the peripheral portion of the base layer. Each of the intermediate portions of the support members intersect with one or more other ones of the support members and is independently movable between a relaxed state and an engaged state relative to the one or more other ones of the support members.

The disclosure provides an electricity generating insert for a piece of footwear, the insert can be removably placed in the heel portion, e.g. under the insole. The insert comprises a multilayer piezoelectric stack that alternatively flexes under the compression-decompression that occurs during locomotion, which flexing causes friction in the stack to generate electricity capable of charging electronic devices and the like, e.g. via a port on the footwear.

Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction. In another embodiment, a heel step region without traction members may be provided on the outsole. Additionally, spike receptacles may be provided on the outsole in addition to the traction members.

Golf shoes having improved outsole constructions are provided. The golf shoes include upper, midsole, and outsole sections. The outsole includes a first set of arc pathways extending along the outsole in one direction. A second set of arc pathways extend along the outsole in a second direction. When the first and second arc pathways are superposed over each other, four-sided tile pieces are formed, and these tiles contain protruding traction members. In one embodiment, the tiles comprise a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. Different traction zones containing different traction members are provided on the outsole. These zones provide improved multi-surface traction. In one embodiment of the outsole, there is no channeling and no trenching of the golf course turf. There is less damage to the golf course for a given amount of traction. In another embodiment, a heel step region without traction members may be provided on the outsole. Additionally, spike receptacles may be provided on the outsole in addition to the traction members.

A footwear upper and a sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The footwear sole can include a forefoot region having a first bottom portion extending between a lateral side and a medial side of the footwear, a heel region having a second bottom portion extending between the lateral side and the medial side of the footwear, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The second bottom portion can be disposed along an inclined plane defined between the lateral side and the medial side, and the inclined plane rises from the medial side to the lateral side. The first bottom portion is disposed along a reference plane, and the inclined plane is disposed at an angle with respect to the reference plane.

A footwear upper and a sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The footwear sole can include a forefoot region having a first bottom portion extending between a lateral side and a medial side of the footwear, a heel region having a second bottom portion extending between the lateral side and the medial side of the footwear, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The second bottom portion can be disposed along an inclined plane defined between the lateral side and the medial side, and the inclined plane rises from the medial side to the lateral side. The first bottom portion is disposed along a reference plane, and the inclined plane is disposed at an angle with respect to the reference plane.

Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including a button assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, the button assembly can include a bushing and an actuator. The bushing can include an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange. The actuator housing can include an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform. The actuator can include a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing. Each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies can include a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine.

Systems and apparatus related to an automated footwear platform including a button assembly for controlling a footwear lacing apparatus are discussed. In an example, the button assembly can include a bushing and an actuator. The bushing can include an actuator housing surrounded by an outer flange. The actuator housing can include an exterior side and an interior side relative to the footwear platform. The actuator can include a plurality of actuator bodies disposed within the actuator housing. Each actuator body of the plurality of actuator bodies can include a switch interface adapted to interact with a switch on a lacing engine.