A modular article of footwear comprises a sole structure having a foot-facing surface, a ground-engaging surface, and a peripheral side surface extending between the foot-facing surface and the ground-engaging surface. The peripheral side surface has at least one recess. The modular article of footwear includes an upper component, and a flange secured to the upper component and projecting therefrom. An inner surface of the flange fits against and is securable to the peripheral side surface of the sole structure with the flange in the at least one recess, and the upper component at least partially defining a foot-receiving cavity over the foot-facing surface. A method of manufacturing a customized article of footwear comprises receiving a request for an upper with a specified characteristic, and assembling the modular article of footwear having an upper in accordance with the request.

An uncured or partially cured foxing tape (10) comprises: a two-layer structure of a base foxing tape (11) and an uncrosslinked or partially crosslinked adhesive (12), wherein the base foxing tape (11) comprises an uncured or partially cured rubber, wherein the base foxing tape (11) has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the uncrosslinked or partially crosslinked adhesive (12) is in contact with the uncured or partially cured rubber on the second side of the base foxing tape (11), wherein the uncrosslinked or partially crosslinked adhesive (12) comprises: an uncured or partially cured rubber; a tackifying resin; and a filler.

An uncured or partially cured foxing tape (10) comprises: a two-layer structure of a base foxing tape (11) and an uncrosslinked or partially crosslinked adhesive (12), wherein the base foxing tape (11) comprises an uncured or partially cured rubber, wherein the base foxing tape (11) has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the uncrosslinked or partially crosslinked adhesive (12) is in contact with the uncured or partially cured rubber on the second side of the base foxing tape (11), wherein the uncrosslinked or partially crosslinked adhesive (12) comprises: an uncured or partially cured rubber; a tackifying resin; and a filler.

The utilization of heat in the manufacturing of footwear may be accomplished through microwave energy. The microwave energy is conveyed to the footwear components through a microwave transparent window of a tool. The microwave transparent tool window forms as least a portion of a part-contacting surface of the tool. Another surface of the tool is formed from a microwave reflecting material, such as aluminum. The footwear component(s) are exposed to microwave energy while within the tool such that the microwave energy passes through the tool window to cause a dielectric heating of one or more materials within a tool cavity of the tool.

The utilization of heat in the manufacturing of footwear may be accomplished through microwave energy. The microwave energy is conveyed to the footwear components through a microwave transparent window of a tool. The microwave transparent tool window forms as least a portion of a part-contacting surface of the tool. Another surface of the tool is formed from a microwave reflecting material, such as aluminum. The footwear component(s) are exposed to microwave energy while within the tool such that the microwave energy passes through the tool window to cause a dielectric heating of one or more materials within a tool cavity of the tool.

A breathable shoe, including an outsole arranged below a structural insert that is at least partially breathable, and below an upper. The outsole is at least partially breathable, including at least one sheet-like breathable element defined by a plurality of granules made of expanded material and having a uniform size, arranged in a substantially ordered manner and between which there are voids that form one or more channels through the breathable element that are permeable to air and/or vapor.

A breathable shoe, including an outsole arranged below a structural insert that is at least partially breathable, and below an upper. The outsole is at least partially breathable, including at least one sheet-like breathable element defined by a plurality of granules made of expanded material and having a uniform size, arranged in a substantially ordered manner and between which there are voids that form one or more channels through the breathable element that are permeable to air and/or vapor.

A protective covering device for the bottom of an athletic shoe having cleats, spikes, studs, or other traction and stability-enhancing protrusions is disclosed. The covering protects against damage—to both cleats and hard surfaces underfoot—while at the same time being aesthetically pleasing and durable, fitting the profile of the shoe, and being easy to use. The protective covering also helps to avoid grass, dirt, mud and other foreign objects becoming stuck in the cleats. The protective covering may attach to the shoe in a variety of manners, including by cage or teeth-like gripping mechanisms, by side grips, by elastic band, by drawstring, adhesion, vacuum, or another mechanism.

A sole structure for an article of footwear is provided. The sole structure includes an outsole having a ground-engaging surface and an upper surface formed on an opposite side of the outsole than the ground-engaging surface. A first cushion is disposed proximate to a medial side of the sole structure and includes a first fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a second fluid-filled chamber attached to the first fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the first fluid-filled chamber and the upper. A second cushion is disposed proximate to a lateral side of the sole structure and includes a third fluid-filled chamber attached to the upper surface of the outsole and a fourth fluid-filled chamber attached to the third fluid-filled chamber and disposed between the third fluid-filled chamber and the upper. The second cushion is fluidly isolated from the first cushion.

An article of footwear may have a knitted component with an overfoot portion and an underfoot portion. At least one sole structure may be secured to the underfoot portion of the knitted component. A first surface of the underfoot portion, facing away from the at least one sole structure, may be formed as a first knit layer of the knitted component. A second layer of the knitted component, located between the first knit layer and the sole structure, may include a first thermoplastic material having a first melting temperature. A third layer, located between the second layer and the sole structure, may include a second thermoplastic material having a second melting temperature, where the second thermoplastic material is different than the first thermoplastic material. A transition region may be located between the second layer and the third layer.