Footwear that includes a closure system that enables a wearer to quickly and easily fasten the closure system is disclosed. The closure system may include a primary strap and a secondary strap arranged on opposite sides of the footwear where the secondary strap releasably attaches at one end to the primary strap and the primary strap releasably attaches at one end to the upper. The closure system allows for the secondary strap to be selectively attached to the primary strap prior to a wearer inserting a foot into the article of footwear such that the article of footwear is configured to be secured to the foot by simultaneously securing the primary strap and the secondary strap when releasable attachment region of the primary strap is attached to a releasable attachment region of located on the upper.

Footwear that includes a closure system that enables a wearer to quickly and easily fasten the closure system is disclosed. The closure system may include a primary strap and a secondary strap arranged on opposite sides of the footwear where the secondary strap releasably attaches at one end to the primary strap and the primary strap releasably attaches at one end to the upper. The closure system allows for the secondary strap to be selectively attached to the primary strap prior to a wearer inserting a foot into the article of footwear such that the article of footwear is configured to be secured to the foot by simultaneously securing the primary strap and the secondary strap when releasable attachment region of the primary strap is attached to a releasable attachment region of located on the upper.

A restraining device configured to inhibit the removal of an article of footwear to which the restraining device is attached is provided. The restraining device will prevent footwear from being removed regardless of the type of fastening means used to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer and whether the fastening means are fastened. In some embodiments, the restraining device is configured to be permanently attached to an article of footwear. In other embodiments, the restraining device is configured to be removably attached to an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the restraining device generally includes a ring-shaped member, a tightening means, and a locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the restraining device generally includes a restraining strap and a unique locking mechanism.

A restraining device configured to inhibit the removal of an article of footwear to which the restraining device is attached is provided. The restraining device will prevent footwear from being removed regardless of the type of fastening means used to secure the footwear to the foot of a wearer and whether the fastening means are fastened. In some embodiments, the restraining device is configured to be permanently attached to an article of footwear. In other embodiments, the restraining device is configured to be removably attached to an article of footwear. In some embodiments, the restraining device generally includes a ring-shaped member, a tightening means, and a locking mechanism. In other embodiments, the restraining device generally includes a restraining strap and a unique locking mechanism.

A method of manufacturing an article may include loading a soluble bobbin thread into an embroidery machine and then driving a needle thread through a base sheet with a needle of the embroidery machine according to a programmed first pattern that provides a series of loops of the needle thread extending outward from a bobbin side of the base sheet. The method may further include bonding the needle thread to a needle side of the base sheet opposite from the bobbin side. A spacer layer may be disposed at the bobbin side of the base sheet, and may be removed after the needle thread is bonded to the base sheet. The loops may be loops of a hook-and-loop fastener or ball control features in various articles manufactured according to the method.

A cable lock includes a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The cable lock also includes a locking member slideably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and including a first lock element opposing the first engagement surface and a second lock element opposing the second engagement surface. The first lock element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth. The first lock element is operable to engage a first portion of a cable. The second lock element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth of the second lock element. The second lock element is operable to engage a second portion of the cable.

A cable lock includes a housing having a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface. The cable lock also includes a locking member slideably disposed between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface and including a first lock element opposing the first engagement surface and a second lock element opposing the second engagement surface. The first lock element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth. The first lock element is operable to engage a first portion of a cable. The second lock element includes a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth arranged in parallel with the first series of teeth of the second lock element. The second lock element is operable to engage a second portion of the cable.

An article of footwear has a footwear upper that includes a base layer defining a throat opening, a tongue having a forward end fixed to the base layer forward of the throat opening, and a strap having an anchored end fixed at the base layer and a securing end selectively securable at the base layer. The tongue is pivotable about the forward end between an access position and a use position, extends over and covers the throat opening in the use position, and rests against an exterior of the base layer at a medial side of the base layer and at a lateral side of the base layer in the use position. The strap crosses over an exterior of the tongue with the securing end secured at the base layer and the tongue in the use position.

Footwear uppers include a footwear upper base formed from one or more component parts and including: (i) an instep region including at least one of a tongue base region or instep base region and (ii) a heel-containing region. A bladder is engaged with the footwear upper. The bladder includes: (i) at least a first instep chamber engaged with the instep region, (ii) at least a first heel and/or ankle support chamber engaged with the heel-containing region, and (iii) a first fluid line connecting the first instep chamber and the first heel and/or ankle support chamber and placing the first instep chamber in fluid communication with the first heel and/or ankle support chamber. Fluid moving from the first instep chamber to the first heel and/or ankle support chamber (e.g., under force applied by a footwear securing strap) provides further support for the wearer's heel and/or ankle.

The invention relates to a closure buckle for closing a ski boot, which buckle comprises a main lever (2) hinged to a base (1) and having a longitudinal notch (20) in which a tie rod (3) is mounted that is connected to a fastener hook and that has an end carrying an auxiliary lever (4), said buckle being characterized in that the main lever (2) is provided with a protective plate (21) laterally defining a housing (24) for receiving the auxiliary lever (4), and the invention also relates to a downhill ski boot equipped with such buckles.