A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

A high-heeled shoe includes a heel component which significantly elevates a rear portion of the shoe, a sole having a layer of material disposed above the heel component, and an upper extending above the sole. The top surface of the layer of material is inclined upwardly from the front or middle portion of the shoe to the rear of the shoe. The layer of material increases in thickness at the rear portion of the shoe, providing substantially more cushioning at such rear portion.

A high-heeled shoe includes a heel component which significantly elevates a rear portion of the shoe, a sole having a layer of material disposed above the heel component, and an upper extending above the sole. The top surface of the layer of material is inclined upwardly from the front or middle portion of the shoe to the rear of the shoe. The layer of material increases in thickness at the rear portion of the shoe, providing substantially more cushioning at such rear portion.

A footwear construction unit for receiving a decorative component is provided along with an embellished shoe that incorporates the construction unit. The construction unit comprises an upper body and a weight-bearing peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper body, which together define an interior upraised area that accommodates at least a portion of the decorative component. Thus, the decorative component is elevated above the walking surface and protected from dirt and abrasion. The decorative component may optionally extend across the arch and/or down the inner heel and/or onto other surfaces herein disclosed.

A footwear construction unit for receiving a decorative component is provided along with an embellished shoe that incorporates the construction unit. The construction unit comprises an upper body and a weight-bearing peripheral wall extending downwardly from the upper body, which together define an interior upraised area that accommodates at least a portion of the decorative component. Thus, the decorative component is elevated above the walking surface and protected from dirt and abrasion. The decorative component may optionally extend across the arch and/or down the inner heel and/or onto other surfaces herein disclosed.

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 heel structure for an article of footwear protrudes rearward from a heel region of an article of footwear in a direction generally aligned with the longitudinal orientation of the footwear article.