A variable ankle supporting shoe assembly includes a shoe including a perimeter wall having a lining comprising a foamed material. A magnetorheological fluid impregnates the foamed material and is alternated between a first state wherein the foamed material is bendable and a second state wherein the magnetorheological fluid forms a rigid structure within the foamed material such that the foamed material is not bendable. The lining forms a rigid and supportive shell when the magnetorheological fluid is in the second state. An actuating system alters the magnetorheological fluid from the first state to the second state when a condition has been met. The condition is met when the actuating system detects a combination of a threshold angle and a threshold pressure has been surpassed by the sole.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

An article of footwear includes an upper having a bladder that defines an interior void. The bladder is movable from an expanded state to a constricted state when fluid is removed from the interior void. A sole structure includes at least one flex groove. The at least one flex groove is movable from a relaxed state to an expanded state in response to movement of the bladder from the expanded state to the constricted state.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

A heel pad for placement within a shoe and a method of use. The heel pad includes a pliable body, a filler element contained within the pliable body, and a malleable member fastened within the pliable body and extending along at least part of a length of the pliable body. In use, the heel pad is positioned in a heel section of the shoe. A longitudinal end of the heel pad is folded along an upper edge of the heel section of the shoe. The folded longitudinal end of the heel pad is affixed to an outer surface of the heel section of the shoe.

An article of footwear may include an upper with an outer layer, an inner layer, and a chamber element positioned at least partially between the outer layer and the upper layer. The chamber element may be formed of two layers of a transparent colored polymer material and may be sealed to enclose a fluid. The chamber element may also have a plurality of subchambers. The outer layer may have a plurality of apertures. Each subchamber may protrude at least partially through a corresponding one of the apertures.

Devices with internal flexibility sipes, such as slits, provide improved flexibility, improved cushioning to absorb shock and/or shear forces, and improved stability of support. Siped devices can be used in any existing product that provides or utilizes cushioning and stability. These products include human and other footwear, both soles and uppers, as well as orthotics; athletic, occupational and medical equipment and apparel; padding or cushioning, such as for equipment or tool handles, as well as furniture; balls; tires; and any other structural or support elements in a mechanical, architectural, or any other product.

A helmet and/or helmet liner including at least one compartment, chamber, bladder, or internal sipe. The at least one compartment, chamber, bladder or internal sipe includes a media with at least one magnetorheological liquid for use to absorb shock or change sliding resistance by changing an alignment of metal particles of the magnetorheological fluid to alter a flow resistant structure. The helmet and/or helmet liner also includes an electronic control system that controls the flow resistance of the magnetorheological liquid of the at least one chamber compartment or bladder by changing an alignment of metal particles of the magnetorheological liquid to alter a flow resistant structure included in the at least one inner compartment, chamber or bladder. The helmet and/or helmet liner may also include a second compartment, chamber or bladder surrounding another compartment, chamber or bladder, with an internal sipe located between surfaces thereof.

A shoe upper comprising a knitted fabric has tubular portions having axial directions parallel to a tongue of the shoe upper, being knitted tubularly, and having shoelace holes. The tubular portions are filled with a filler so that the knitted fabric of the tubular portions is reinforced. The knitted fabric around the shoelace holes may be easily reinforced.

A cushioning element for an article of footwear includes a bladder having a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer joined together along a seam to define a chamber and a support element disposed within the chamber and having a support member and a plurality of flexible support legs each extending from a first end attached to the support member to a second end disposed between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer within the seam.