A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a midsole system with a plurality of cushioning units, each having multiple cushioning layers configured to work together as a system to absorb a compressive load, such as a dynamic compressive load due to impact with the ground, in stages of progressive cushioning according to the relative stiffness values of the layers. Various midsole systems disclosed include isolated cushioning units, linked cushioning units, sole layers having stanchions interfacing with the midsole system, midsole systems with sole layers having keyed and unkeyed portions overlying a bladder, and midsole systems with vertically-stacked cushioning units disposed in inverted relationship to one another.

Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper having a bottom surface and a length and a sole secured to the bottom surface of the upper and including a midsole and an outsole, the outsole including a peripheral stabilizing member extending outwardly from the upper along a periphery of the upper from a medial side to a lateral side of the upper, the peripheral stabilizing member having a width and a length that are each at least 20% of the length of the upper.

An article of footwear is provided and includes an upper and a sole secured to the upper and including a stabilizing member extending outwardly from the upper. The stabilizing member includes a groove that separates the stabilizing member into a medial balancing member and a lateral balancing member, and where the medial balancing member and the lateral balancing member move independently of each other to provide balance and stability on different terrains.

A sole assembly is provided including multiple compression units entrapped in a midsole and adjacent an outsole to efficiently distribute forces and to assist in correct foot motion during a gait cycle. The multiple compression units can be linked to one another to assist the foot in moving through an appropriate foot motion during a gait cycle. A heel compression unit can be linked to an arch compression unit, which can be linked to one or more forefoot compression units, which can be linked to a toe compression unit. The linking of the heel compression unit, the arch compression unit, and the forefoot compression unit to one another can resist torsional movement of the units between one another, thereby providing a more stable foot support, while still providing impact-attenuation and force distribution through the sole assembly.

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a foam molded body, including: a setting step of inputting a foam matrix material into a mold that is not affected by microwaves, wherein the foam matrix material includes a plurality of half-foamed granules of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and at least an embedded component, and the embedded component is of a material or its product that is not affected by microwaves; and a foaming step of heating the mold by microwaves, wherein the half-foamed granules in the mold are affected by microwaves such that the temperature thereof are raised to effect foaming and the granules are squeezed with each other, and the embedded component is therefore squeezed and fixed, so as to form a foam molded body embedded with an embedded component after cooling and demolding.

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole connected to the upper. The sole includes a plurality of cleat mounts. A plurality of cleats is releasably connected to the cleat mounts of the sole. Each of the plurality of cleats includes a mount coupling and a plurality of legs connected to the mount coupling. The mount coupling is configured to engage one of the plurality of cleat mounts and releasably connect the cleat to the sole. The plurality of legs includes at least one lateral leg having a first hardness and at least one medial leg having a second hardness, the first hardness greater than the second hardness.

A shoe with a rotatable cleat, comprising a shoe and rotating cleats. The shoe has a sole and the sole has engagement portions, which engage with the rotating cleats. The rotating cleats comprise a cleat, a rotating portion, and a bearing portion. The cleat and the shoe are freely rotatable with respect to each other.

Improved cushioning elements for sports apparel, in particular for soles for sports shoes, are described. A cushioning element for sports apparel with a first deformation element is provided. The deformation element includes a plurality of randomly arranged particles of an expanded material, wherein there are first voids within the particles and/or between the particles.

A sole assembly is provided including multiple compression units entrapped in a midsole and adjacent an outsole to efficiently distribute forces and to assist in correct foot motion during a gait cycle. The multiple compression units can be linked to one another to assist the foot in moving through an appropriate foot motion during a gait cycle. A heel compression unit can be linked to an arch compression unit, which can be linked to one or more forefoot compression units, which can be linked to a toe compression unit. The linking of the heel compression unit, the arch compression unit, and the forefoot compression unit to one another can resist torsional movement of the units between one another, thereby providing a more stable foot support, while still providing impact-attenuation and force distribution through the sole assembly.