A sole structure includes an outsole having an outsole body defining an inner body surface and an outer body surface opposite the inner body surface. The outsole has a plurality of traction elements each extending from the outsole body away from the inner body surface. Each of the traction elements includes a base coupled to the outsole body surface. Each of the traction elements includes a tip spaced apart from the outer body surface and has a pitch defined by a vector. The pitch of each of the plurality of traction elements varies as a function of a distance from the central axis to a respective traction element.

A sole structure includes an outsole having an outsole body defining an inner body surface and an outer body surface opposite the inner body surface. The outsole has a plurality of traction elements each extending from the outsole body away from the inner body surface. Each of the traction elements includes a base coupled to the outsole body surface. Each of the traction elements includes a tip spaced apart from the outer body surface and has a pitch defined by a vector. The pitch of each of the plurality of traction elements varies as a function of a distance from the central axis to a respective traction element.

A shoe outsole structure includes: a first outsole component made of a deformable soft resin material and configured to entirely support a plantar surface spreading from a forefoot to a hindfoot; and a second outsole component integrally formed on top of the first outsole component, made of a hard resin material which has a higher rigidity than the first outsole component, and configured to support a region, of the plantar surface, which is continuous from a rear portion, of the forefoot, located rearward of metatarsophalangeal joints to the hindfoot.

A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear 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 midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot 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 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 midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot 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.

The present invention discloses a weight-bearing structure of high-heel footwear that is coupled to an outsole of high-heeled footwear, or in which a sole cover part becomes an outsole of the high-heeled footwear to linearly contact the ground during a loading response.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a weight-bearing structure of high-heeled footwear, including: a heel part linearly contacting the ground; a strut part extending from the heel part; and a sole cover part extending from the strut part.

The present invention discloses a weight-bearing structure of high-heel footwear that is coupled to an outsole of high-heeled footwear, or in which a sole cover part becomes an outsole of the high-heeled footwear to linearly contact the ground during a loading response.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a weight-bearing structure of high-heeled footwear, including: a heel part linearly contacting the ground; a strut part extending from the heel part; and a sole cover part extending from the strut part.

The present invention includes a sole that can be used as a dance or a general shoe. The protruding platforms of the sole are arranged, oriented, and dimensioned to permit ruggedness, dancing, and substantial grippiness for both dance moves as well as general wear.

The present invention relates to a shank adapted for being integrated into a shoe sole and for mounting a heel element, wherein said shank at its heel portion is adapted to be connected to the heel element and wherein said shank comprises an upper surface pointing towards the inner shoe. At least a part of the upper surface at the heel portion is cup-shaped and adapted for receiving sole material inside the cup when integrating said shank in said sole during moulding of said shoe sole. Thereby, due to the amount of sole material present in the heel portion, the sole material covers the means used for connecting the shank to the heel element. Thereby, based on the properties of the sole material, the heeled shoe becomes comfortable and flexible at the heel portion. The invention further relates to a sole for a shoe with a cup-shaped shank and more specifically to a shoe with a cup-shaped shank.

The present invention relates to a shank adapted for being integrated into a shoe sole and for mounting a heel element, wherein said shank at its heel portion is adapted to be connected to the heel element and wherein said shank comprises an upper surface pointing towards the inner shoe. At least a part of the upper surface at the heel portion is cup-shaped and adapted for receiving sole material inside the cup when integrating said shank in said sole during moulding of said shoe sole. Thereby, due to the amount of sole material present in the heel portion, the sole material covers the means used for connecting the shank to the heel element. Thereby, based on the properties of the sole material, the heeled shoe becomes comfortable and flexible at the heel portion. The invention further relates to a sole for a shoe with a cup-shaped shank and more specifically to a shoe with a cup-shaped shank.