A sole structure for an article of footwear that includes an upper. The sole structure can include an outsole having a ground-engaging surface. The midsole member can be disposed between the outsole and the upper, and can include a pocket extending from a heel region to a forefoot region. A sole plate can be disposed within the pocket. The sole plate can have a uniform thickness and can extend from the heel region into the forefoot region. A cutout portion can be formed in each of the midsole member and the outsole in an arched section of the sole structure. A cushion layer can be disposed over the sole plate and within the pocket.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole defining a ground-contacting surface, a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper, and a plate attached to the midsole and defining a recess extending in a direction away from the outsole and toward the upper, the recess including a first retainer. The sole structure further includes a first cushion having a first portion received within the recess, the first portion engaging the first retainer to maintain a desired position of the first cushion relative to the plate.

An article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole attached to the upper, and a midsole. The outsole is attached to the upper and includes a ground-engaging surface and an inner surface disposed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. The midsole includes a footbed and a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the midsole than the footbed and opposing the inner surface of the outsole to define a cavity therebetween. The article of footwear also includes a casing received within the casing and defining an interior void. The interior void contains a first quantity of particulate matter movable relative to the casing and a second quantity of particulate matter attached to the casing.

A customizable therapeutic or occupational shoe sole and methods of producing the shoe sole are provided. The shoe sole includes an outsole, a midsole made from a shock absorptive material and an energy returner integrated with the midsole via an opening in the midsole. The energy returner includes a front lever arm secured to a front bottom recess of the midsole and includes a rear lever arm secured to a rear top recess of the midsole. The rear lever arm includes a lever arm joint for coupling the rear lever arm to the front lever arm. In some embodiments, shoe sole includes an adjustable base to enhance body mass control of the subject via a plantar flexor tendon, thereby customizing for unique biomechanics by relocating the adjustable base relative to the rear lever arm.

An article of footwear includes an upper extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region. The article of footwear also includes a sole structure attached to the upper and including a posterior end extending beyond the second end of the upper. The sole structure includes a bladder having a portion disposed between the second end of the upper and the posterior end of the sole structure.

A shoe sole includes a body portion and a heel holding portion. The heel holding portion is located opposite to a ground contact surface of the body portion and holds a heel portion of a foot at least from a medial foot side. The body portion includes a low hardness portion and a high hardness portion. The high hardness portion is a foam material harder than a foam material of the low hardness portion. The heel holding portion is a resin harder than the foam material of the low hardness portion and the foam material of the high hardness portion. On the medial foot side in a rear foot portion, the low hardness portion is located between the heel holding portion and the high hardness portion in an up-down direction.

A shoe includes a first plate, a second plate, a third plate, filler material, springs, an insole, and a midsole. The first plate and the second plate are hingedly connected to each other. The filler material is located between the first plate and the second plate. The springs are located within openings in the filler material. The third plate is affixed to a top surface of the first plate. The insole is located above the third plate. The first plate is made of a thermoplastic elastomer, and the third plate is made of carbon fiber. Another shoe includes a midsole, a plate located above the midsole, springs located at least partially within openings in the midsole, and a spring holding unit located below the midsole for holding the springs. The spring holding unit includes spring holding members and branches connecting corresponding spring holding members.

An article of footwear includes an upper and a midsole coupled with the upper. The midsole includes at least a portion of a solid resilin material comprising a cross-linked recombinant resilin and a polar nonaqueous solvent.

A bladder for an article of footwear includes a plate, a first tensile layer disposed adjacent to a first side of the plate, and a second tensile layer disposed on an opposite side of the plate from the first tensile layer, the second tensile layer joined to the first tensile layer through the plate by a plurality of inner bonds. The bladder additionally includes a first barrier layer disposed adjacent to the first tensile layer and joined to the first tensile layer by a plurality of first outer bonds to form a first chamber, one or more of the first outer bonds interposed between adjacent ones of the inner bonds.

The present invention generally relates to shock absorbing systems. These can be employed in such diverse objects as footwear apparel, mattresses, chair pillows, and seat covers. The present invention revolutionizes the field of shock absorbing systems. It utilizes a mass of flexible objects, such as air-filled balls, within a flexible container. The present invention utilizes a more comfortable mix than the mix of rubber and plastic sold in commercial footwear. The present invention utilizes layering and lubrication to increase flexibility and comfort.