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 wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.

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 wherein a rearmost extent of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located within one of: an arch support area or a forward heel support area of the ground-engaging component (and/or at these areas of an overall sole structure); and (b) a support structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim and into or at least partially across the open space.

An article of footwear includes a dynamic support member that provides support to a foot. The support member is external to the article. The support member provides dynamic support by tightening around the foot when a user applies a strong enough force against a base portion of the support member. The support member includes several lateral gaps that facilitate increased flexibility for some portions of the support member.

In one aspect, a textile component including bulking yarn is disclosed. In embodiments, the textile component is a knitted component. In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a knitted component arch support configured to reduce the rate of pronation. A support structure may include a fusible yarn adjacent to an external surface of the arch support, a bulking yarn, and a nonfusible yarn. In certain embodiments, an arch support includes compartments and flex lines. In another aspect, an article having a knitted component includes a rigid material, a bulking yarn, and a flexible material. The rigid material may be fusible yarn. Methods for forming a textile component are provided. One embodiment involves knitting a first section comprising a fusible yarn, a second section comprising a bulking yarn, and a third section comprising a nonfusible yarn, and heating.

In one aspect, a textile component including bulking yarn is disclosed. In embodiments, the textile component is a knitted component. In one embodiment, an article of footwear includes a knitted component arch support configured to reduce the rate of pronation. A support structure may include a fusible yarn adjacent to an external surface of the arch support, a bulking yarn, and a nonfusible yarn. In certain embodiments, an arch support includes compartments and flex lines. In another aspect, an article having a knitted component includes a rigid material, a bulking yarn, and a flexible material. The rigid material may be fusible yarn. Methods for forming a textile component are provided. One embodiment involves knitting a first section comprising a fusible yarn, a second section comprising a bulking yarn, and a third section comprising a nonfusible yarn, and heating.

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.

An article of footwear (10) that includes a liner (30), an upper (14), and an insert (50). The liner has an inward surface (31) that encloses an inner void (18) for accommodating a foot, and an outward surface (32) that defines a rear shaft portion (38), a heel portion (36), and a sole portion (35). The upper has a midsole portion (42), and surrounds the rear shaft portion, the sole portion, and the heel portion of the liner. The insert is formed as a single body of material with increased hardness and stiffness relative to the upper. This insert is arranged between the liner and the upper, and includes a protruding portion (54), a heel counter (56), and a shank (58). The protruding portion extends upwards from the heel counter and along the rear shaft portion, and provides a guiding trajectory for a heel during insertion into the inner void.

An article of footwear (10) that includes a liner (30), an upper (14), and an insert (50). The liner has an inward surface (31) that encloses an inner void (18) for accommodating a foot, and an outward surface (32) that defines a rear shaft portion (38), a heel portion (36), and a sole portion (35). The upper has a midsole portion (42), and surrounds the rear shaft portion, the sole portion, and the heel portion of the liner. The insert is formed as a single body of material with increased hardness and stiffness relative to the upper. This insert is arranged between the liner and the upper, and includes a protruding portion (54), a heel counter (56), and a shank (58). The protruding portion extends upwards from the heel counter and along the rear shaft portion, and provides a guiding trajectory for a heel during insertion into the inner void.

A method for manufacturing an article of footwear includes arranging a three-dimensional upper on a last and placing a plurality of elongated support structures on the three-dimensional upper arranged on the last using an automated placement assembly. The method further includes heating the plurality of elongated support structures to secure the plurality of elongated support structures to the upper.

A method for manufacturing an article of footwear includes arranging a three-dimensional upper on a last and placing a plurality of elongated support structures on the three-dimensional upper arranged on the last using an automated placement assembly. The method further includes heating the plurality of elongated support structures to secure the plurality of elongated support structures to the upper.