A footwear component that includes a sole including a recessed area and a support member positioned in the recessed area. The support member includes a main support, a front support that extends at least partially over a front end of the main support, and a rear support that extends at least partially below a rear end of the main support. The front support of the support member moves toward the main support when pressure is applied to the front support and moves away from the main support when pressure is released from the front support. Similarly, the rear support of the support member moves toward the main support when pressure is applied to the rear support and moves away from the main support when pressure is released from the rear support.

A sole structure can include provisions for improving the cushioning characteristics and stability of an article of footwear. The sole structure may include multiple layers with specialized structural properties designed to integrate regions of stiffness with cushioning layers. In some cases, the sole structure can include at least two independent stability layers that differ in stiffness.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate, a fluid-filled bladder supported on the first plate, and a second plate supported on the fluid-filled bladder with the fluid-filled bladder disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The first plate ascends rearward of the fluid-filled bladder and the second plate descends rearward of the fluid-filled bladder with a posterior portion of the first plate above a posterior portion of the second plate rearward of the fluid-filled bladder. A method of manufacturing footwear sole structures includes assembling sole structures for plural ranges of footwear sizes, each of the sole structures including a fluid-filled bladder with a predetermined inflation pressure that is different for at least two of the plural ranges.

A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer; and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.

A shoe includes an upper and a sole each with a forward region with a forward center of loading and a rear region with a rear center of loading. The sole includes an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. Two integrated suspension elements include an upper suspension arm and a lower suspension arm that are joined at respective ends. The integrated suspension elements are disposed between at least a portion of the midsole and the outsole. The integrated suspension elements each have a center of compression generally aligned with the forward center of loading and the rear center of loading. The integrated suspension elements extend substantially laterally across a width of the midsole and the outsole.

A sole structure for an article of footwear with an upper and a top portion attached to the upper. The sole structure can include an outsole with a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion. The front portion and the middle portion of the outsole can be attached to the top portion. A front spacing can be defined between the front portion of the outsole and the top portion, and a rear spacing can be defined between the rear portion of the outsole and the top portion. Further, the sole structure can include at least one of a spike, a tooth, or a barb extending from a bottom surface of the outsole.

A sole structure can include provisions for improving the cushioning characteristics and stability of an article of footwear. The sole structure may include multiple layers with specialized structural properties designed to integrate regions of stiffness with cushioning layers. In some cases, the sole structure can include at least two independent stability layers that differ in stiffness.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a first plate having a first surface. The first plate includes a forefoot region at an anterior end, a heel region at a posterior end, and a mid-foot region. The sole structure further includes a second plate having a second surface opposing the first surface of the first plate. The second plate has a first end attached to the forefoot region of the first plate and a second end that is spaced apart from the first surface of the first plate. A cushion is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and has a first side attached to the first surface of the first plate and a second side attached to the second surface of second plate. The cushion extends continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure.

Improved soles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. A sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, is provided that includes a midsole with randomly arranged particles of an expanded material. The sole further includes an element having a higher deformation stiffness in at least one direction than the expanded material. The material of the midsole at least partially surrounds the element.

Disclosed is a midsole assembly of footwear providing a cushioning function to the footwear having an upper. The midsole assembly includes a coupling member coupled to the upper to support the upper, and a cushioning member coupled to a side surface of the coupling member, bent to be convexly curved outward, and extending in a direction away from the upper to form an empty space under the coupling member.