The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear that effectively reduces rotation the article of footwear during a golf swing. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure is comprised of a midsole, a first outsole, and a second outsole. The article of footwear includes a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a hindfoot region. The first outsole is coupled to both the midsole and the second outsole, while the second outsole is disposed between the midsole and the first outsole. The second outsole includes a first series of lugs disposed along a lateral edge of the second outsole and extending through the first outsole in the forefoot region, and a second series of lugs disposed along a medial edge of the second outsole and extending through the first outsole in the hindfoot region.

A composite cleat includes a first component and a second component. The first component is made of a first material and is formed a first connecting portion extended along a longitudinal axis and a ground contact surface disposed at one end thereof. The second component is made of a second material different from the first material and is formed a second connecting portion fixedly connected with the first connecting portion and a threaded stud disposed at one end thereof.

A composite cleat includes a first component and a second component. The first component is made of a first material and is formed a first connecting portion extended along a longitudinal axis and a ground contact surface disposed at one end thereof. The second component is made of a second material different from the first material and is formed a second connecting portion fixedly connected with the first connecting portion and a threaded stud disposed at one end thereof.

An outsole for an article of footwear includes a plantar surface and a peripheral surface surrounding the plantar surface. The outsole for an article of footwear also includes an annular cleat set including a first plurality of traction elements arranged in series about a central axis on the plantar surface. The outsole for an article of footwear further includes one or more radial cleat sets each including a second plurality of the traction elements aligned along a respective radial axis intersecting the central axis. At least one of the second plurality of the traction elements includes a peripheral cleat formed on the peripheral surface.

A heel traction device for attachment to a heel of a shoe or a boot comprises a traction platform formed of a flexible rubber material. The traction platform has a first face for contacting a ground surface and a second face for attachment to the heel of the shoe or boot. The traction platform defines a plurality of openings formed therethrough for receiving a traction element in each of said openings. A support band is connected to the traction platform for securing the traction platform to the shoe or a boot. The support band has a rear portion for attachment to a rear portion of the shoe or the boot and two opposing side portions for attachment to side portions of the shoe or the boot. Each of the side portions define a slot formed therethrough for receiving a strap.

A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.

A traction element arrangement for a sole structure of an article of footwear is described. Traction elements include cut step features. Cut step features provide a traction element with a stepped height. Cut step features on medial rotational traction elements that have a plurality of stud elements arranged in a circular grouping include arc-shaped or straight cuts. Cut step features on traction elements disposed in a heel region are aligned laterally across the sole structure. Traction elements also include raised platform members. Cut step features can be combined with raised platform members.

An outsole for an athletic shoe that includes a heel section and a forefoot section. The heel and forefoot sections are on the outer surface of the outsole. The forefoot section includes a tread pattern that provides first and second ground friction forces. The first ground friction force promotes rotation in a first rotational direction about a rotation point of the forefoot section. The second ground friction force restricts rotation in a second rotational direction about the rotation point. The second rotational direction is opposite of the first rotational direction and the second ground friction force is greater than the first ground friction force.

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 sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole having an upper surface and a ground-facing surface and a ground engaging sole component affixed to the ground-facing surface of the midsole. The ground engaging sole component includes a substrate layer, a support layer, and a plurality of cleats, each cleat coupled to the support layer and held apart from the midsole by a distance that is greater than 0.0 mm.