A retractable piston cleat system which includes at least one inverted ramp in contact with and positioned to transition at least one piston cleat between a retracted and an extended position when a lever arm, or similar device, is moved between a first and a second position. In another embodiment, multiple inverted ramps are used to simultaneously transition multiple piston cleats between retracted and extended positions.

A retractable piston cleat system which includes at least one inverted ramp in contact with and positioned to transition at least one piston cleat between a retracted and an extended position when a lever arm, or similar device, is moved between a first and a second position. In another embodiment, multiple inverted ramps are used to simultaneously transition multiple piston cleats between retracted and extended positions.

An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity.

An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity.

A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, having a sole connected to a shoe upper. The sole includes: a first sole part having a bottom plate arranged with a number of first damping elements; a second sole part having a cover plate arranged with a number of second damping elements; a connecting part having a number of interconnected plug connections. Each plug connection has a first plug directed downward and a second plug directed upward. The first plug engages in a section of the first damping element, and the second plug engages in a section of the second damping element. At least a number of the first plugs extends through an opening in the bottom plate so that, when the sole is deformed by the weight of the wearer, the first plug protrudes from the lower surface of the sole further than without application of the weight of the wearer.

A shoe, in particular a sports shoe, having a sole connected to a shoe upper. The sole includes: a first sole part having a bottom plate arranged with a number of first damping elements; a second sole part having a cover plate arranged with a number of second damping elements; a connecting part having a number of interconnected plug connections. Each plug connection has a first plug directed downward and a second plug directed upward. The first plug engages in a section of the first damping element, and the second plug engages in a section of the second damping element. At least a number of the first plugs extends through an opening in the bottom plate so that, when the sole is deformed by the weight of the wearer, the first plug protrudes from the lower surface of the sole further than without application of the weight of the wearer.

Describes are support elements for a sole of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, a sole and a shoe with such a support element, as well as a method for the manufacture of a support element. As examples, the support element includes a first partial member formed of a first material, and a second partial member formed of a second material. The first partial member is mechanically joined to the second partial member in a connection region, wherein the connection region is configured to allow the first partial member to rotate or slide relative to the second partial member. The first partial member, the second partial member, and the connection region can be co-molded and joined together in a single fabricating step.

An article of footwear may include a sole structure fixedly attached to an upper defining an internal cavity configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The sole structure may include an exposed outer member configured to contact the ground, the exposed outer member including a first aperture, and a sensory feedback member disposed at least partially within the first aperture in the outer member, the sensory feedback member including a first end and a second end. The first end of the sensory feedback member may include a projection extending through the first aperture and configured to contact the ground. In addition, the second end of the sensory feedback member may include a plurality of flexible bristles extending through a portion of the sole structure and exposed to the internal cavity.

An apparatus for selectively extending and retracting spikes includes spike actuating assemblies mounted to, and cooperating between, a first plate and a first slider frame, and a second plate and a second slider frame, pivotally mounted to the first plate and first slider frame respectively. Each spike actuating assembly contains a spike. The first slider frame is translatable to actuate the spike actuating assemblies to thereby extend and retract the spikes from the spike actuating assemblies. A cyclically alternating positioner is mounted on the first plate for moving the first and second slider frames relative to the first and second plates. The positioner has only a single actuating button adjacent the heel. Depressing the actuating button a first time causes the positioner to move the slider frames to extend the spikes. Depressing the actuating button a second time causes the positioner to move the slider frames to retract the spikes.

An apparatus for selectively extending and retracting spikes includes spike actuating assemblies mounted to, and cooperating between, a first plate and a first slider frame, and a second plate and a second slider frame, pivotally mounted to the first plate and first slider frame respectively. Each spike actuating assembly contains a spike. The first slider frame is translatable to actuate the spike actuating assemblies to thereby extend and retract the spikes from the spike actuating assemblies. A cyclically alternating positioner is mounted on the first plate for moving the first and second slider frames relative to the first and second plates. The positioner has only a single actuating button adjacent the heel. Depressing the actuating button a first time causes the positioner to move the slider frames to extend the spikes. Depressing the actuating button a second time causes the positioner to move the slider frames to retract the spikes.