An improved article of footwear with a molded polymeric sole, the improvement comprising a layer of cork covering at least 51% of the surface of the outsole. The layer of cork is in direct contact with the molded polymer that forms the sole, without any intervening layer

An article of footwear has a midsole assembly that includes a fluid-filled bladder element having a substantially arc-shaped heel portion and having a lateral arm portion and a medial arm portion spaced from the lateral arm portion. Each of the arm portions extend from the heel portion. The bladder element is configured to be positioned with the heel portion in the heel region of midsole assembly, and the arm portions extending from the heel region to a forefoot region along a peripheral region. A method of manufacturing and a mold assembly for such an article of footwear are provided.

Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.

Methods for manufacturing articles, including articles of footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment are provided. The methods comprise decorating a plurality of foam particles. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles, or embossing or debossing the foam particles, or both. The decorating can comprise applying a coating on the foam particles by printing, painting, dyeing, applying a film, or any combination thereof. The plurality of foam particles are affixed utilizing aspects of additive manufacturing methods. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

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.

The present invention relates to an outsole for a shoe, in particular for a soccer shoe, and it further relates to a shoe with such an outsole, and to a method for the manufacture of such items.

Provided is an outsole for a shoe, in particular for a soccer shoe, which comprises: a first main stud disposed on a bottom surface of the outsole, and a first peripheral stud disposed on a peripheral surface of the outsole, wherein a tip of the first main stud and a tip of the first peripheral stud are linked by a first bridge portion.

Also provided is an outsole for a shoe, in particular for a soccer shoe, comprising: a first main stud disposed on a bottom surface of the outsole, and a first peripheral stud disposed on a peripheral surface of the outsole, wherein the first peripheral stud has a generally triangular shape, preferably wherein two corners are pointing outwards and one corner is pointing inwards.

Additionally provided is an outsole for a shoe, in particular for a soccer shoe, comprising: at least one peripheral lateral stud disposed on a lateral peripheral surface of the outsole, wherein the at least one peripheral lateral stud is disposed in a region of the lateral peripheral surface that lies in a forefoot part of the outsole, and wherein the region of the lateral peripheral surface in which the at least one peripheral lateral stud is disposed is spaced apart from a front tip of the outsole such that the region of the lateral peripheral surface in which the at least one peripheral lateral stud is disposed is arranged further rearwards than a first row of studs of the outsole, counted from the front tip of the outsole.

A stud for an outsole includes: an outer tubular portion located on an outsole body and having a tubular shape; and a core portion located inside the outer tubular portion. The outer tubular portion is integral with the outsole body with no seam between the outer tubular portion and the outsole body. An inner wall surface of the outer tubular portion surrounds, and is in contact with, a side surface of the core portion. This configuration reduces separation of the stud from the outsole and firmly holds the stud on the outsole.

The invention concerns a method of producing an article of footwear comprising: providing an upper; providing a mold and opening the mold; inserting the upper into the open mold; closing the mold; and injecting a pressurized molten resin, wherein, after the injecting, there is a gap filled with the resin between a side wall of the mold and an outer surface of at least a first portion of the upper, wherein the gap is essentially zero at a contacting point, wherein the gap increases gradually from the contacting point in at least a first region of the mold.

A molding system and a method for forming a sole structure are provided. The method includes flowing a molten polymeric material into a mold from an upstream device, receiving the molten polymeric material in a cavity of the mold, and maintaining a repeatable, uniform pressure profile as the molten polymeric material is delivered into the mold.

Methods and systems are provided for forming an article of footwear. In one example, forming the article of footwear includes using a perforated last during molding of a midsole of the article of footwear. The midsole may be attached to a seam of the upper of the article footwear to secure the midsole to the upper.