Sole structures for articles of footwear (e.g., outsole components) have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

Sole structures for articles of footwear (e.g., outsole components) have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

A beach shoe system including a beach shoe and a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member, when attached to the beach shoe, being below the beach shoe and being removably attached to the beach shoe. The stabilizing member includes a porous, substantially planar section underlying a sole of the beach shoe and extending transversely beyond peripheral sides of the beach shoe. The stabilizing member preferably includes a peripheral rim attached to the planar section and extending downwardly and upwardly therefrom.

A beach shoe system including a beach shoe and a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member, when attached to the beach shoe, being below the beach shoe and being removably attached to the beach shoe. The stabilizing member includes a porous, substantially planar section underlying a sole of the beach shoe and extending transversely beyond peripheral sides of the beach shoe. The stabilizing member preferably includes a peripheral rim attached to the planar section and extending downwardly and upwardly therefrom.

A set of footwear includes a left foot piece configured to hold a left foot of a first person; a right foot piece configured to hold a right foot of the first person; a first attachment member attached to a top surface of the left foot piece, wherein the first attachment member is configured to hold a left foot of a second person; and a second attachment member attached to a top surface of the right foot piece, wherein the second attachment member is configured to hold a right foot of the second person.

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 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 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.

An athletic shoe assembly for inhibiting knee and ankle injuries during athletic activities includes a shoe that may be worn during athletic activities. A front cleat unit and a back cleat unit are each positioned on the sole for engaging ground during the athletic activities to enhance traction. Each of the front and back cleat units are rotatably coupled to the sole and the shoe is rotatable about a vertical axis extending through the sole and each of the front and back cleat units. Thus, the front cleat unit and back cleat units inhibit knee and ankle injuries during the athletic activities resulting from a stationary foot and a twisting leg.