Foot support systems include a fluid flow control system that facilitates movement of fluid into, out of, and/or within a sole structure and/or article of footwear, e.g., to change and/or control pressure in fluid filled bladder(s). Such systems may include: (a) a first solenoid including first, second, and third ports; (b) a valve in fluid communication with the first solenoid’s first port; and (c) a second solenoid including first, second, and third ports (the first port in fluid communication with the valve). Each of the first and second solenoids is switchable to: (a) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and second port and (b) a configuration where fluid flows through that solenoid between its first port and third port. The valve is switchable between open and closed configurations. The solenoid and valve configurations are used to selectively place the systems in plural operational states.

A sole structure includes a foam element extending from a forefoot region to a heel region. A lower surface of the foam element includes a recess formed in the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a posterior cushioning arrangement extending along a peripheral region of the sole structure from a heel region to a mid-foot region, and an anterior cushioning arrangement disposed in the recess of the foam element. The anterior cushioning arrangement has a proximal end adjacent to the lower surface of the foam element and a distal end formed on an opposite side of the anterior cushioning arrangement than the proximal end. The anterior cushioning arrangement includes at least one medial bladder proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and at least one lateral bladder proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure.

An article of footwear has a sole structure that includes a bladder having stacked polymeric sheet secured to one another at a peripheral bond and defining a first sealed chamber between the first and second polymeric sheets, a second sealed chamber between the second and third polymeric sheets, and a third sealed chamber between the third and fourth polymeric sheets, each of the first, second, and third sealed chambers retaining fluid in isolation from one another. Different patterns of bonds secure adjacent ones of the polymeric sheets to one another, resulting in different geometries of the sealed chambers. The sealed chambers are configured (e.g., by pressure, shape, position, and/or size) to elastically deform to provide a desirable cushioning experience.

A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.

A sole structure for an article of footwear having an upper includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a mid-foot region disposed between the heel region and the forefoot region. The sole structure also includes a fluid-filled chamber including a first barrier layer cooperating with a second barrier layer to define a segment extending along a medial side of the sole structure within the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side of the sole structure within the heel region, a third segment extending from one of the first segment and the second segment and terminating at a distal end intermediate the first segment and the second segment, and a web area disposed between and connecting the first segment and the second segment. The first barrier layer is attached to the second barrier layer within the web area.

A mid-sole for shoes includes a body on which there is a lower portion for joining to a tread and an upper portion for supporting an insole. The upper portion includes a plurality of elastically compressible protrusions that protrude toward the outside of the body from a bottom surface of the upper portion.

A sole structure includes a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the heel and forefoot regions. The sole structure also includes a first fluid-filled segment disposed within the forefoot region and includes a first portion extending continuously from a medial side of the sole structure to a lateral side of the sole structure. The sole structure also includes a second fluid-filled segment disposed between the heel region and the first fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending continuously between the medial side and the lateral side. The sole structure also includes a third fluid-filled segment disposed between the first fluid-filled segment and the second fluid-filled segment and includes a first portion extending along one of the medial side and the lateral side and a second portion extending from the first portion toward the other one of the medial side and the lateral side.

An article of footwear has a sole structure that includes a bladder having stacked polymeric sheet secured to one another at a peripheral bond and defining a first sealed chamber between the first and second polymeric sheets, a second sealed chamber between the second and third polymeric sheets, and a third sealed chamber between the third and fourth polymeric sheets, each of the first, second, and third sealed chambers retaining fluid in isolation from one another. Different patterns of bonds secure adjacent ones of the polymeric sheets to one another, resulting in different geometries of the sealed chambers. The sealed chambers are configured (e.g., by pressure, shape, position, and/or size) to elastically deform to provide a desirable cushioning experience.

A method of using a marriage mold includes providing an upper plate having a first wall and at least one second wall, and a lower plate having a marriage cavity and a top wall. At least two midsole components are provided, which are made of a first material, and each have a first region and a void structure. The at least two midsole components are positioned into the marriage cavity. The upper plate is secured to the lower plate such that the first wall and the top wall form a seal. The at least two midsole components are joined together to form a midsole having a second void structure.

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a forefoot region disposed adjacent an anterior end, a heel region disposed adjacent a posterior end, and a mid-foot region disposed intermediate the forefoot region and the heel region. The sole structure further includes fluid-filled bladder having a first segment extending along a medial side in the heel region, a second segment extending along a lateral side in the heel region, and a web area disposed between the first segment and the second segment. Additionally, the sole structure includes an outer sole member having an upper portion extending from a first end in the forefoot region to a second end in the heel region. The second end of the outer sole member is received on a first side of the web area. The outer sole member also includes a rib extending downwardly from the upper portion and defining a cavity.