A method of forming a plate for an article of footwear is disclosed. The method includes applying a first strand portion to a base layer including positioning adjacent segments of the first strand portion to form a first layer on the base layer. The adjacent segments of the first strand portion having a greater density across a width of the plate between a medial side and a lateral side at a midfoot region of the plate than at a forefoot region of the plate and at a heel region of the plate. The method also includes applying at least one of heat and pressure to the first strand portion and to the base layer to conform the first strand portion and the base layer to a predetermined shape.

A plate for an article of footwear includes a substrate, a first strand portion attached to the substrate via first stitching, and a second strand portion disposed on the first layer. The first strand portion includes first segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a first layer on the substrate. The second strand portion includes second segments that each extend between two different locations along the substrate to form a second layer on the first layer.

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.

A system for protecting the toes comprises a pair of shoes with certain adaptations so that a removable portable element with a casing can be fitted thereto and removed therefrom easily and quickly, by means of three lower tabstwo side tabs and one front tabwhich fit to the sole of the shoe, and two strapsan inner strap and an outer strapwhich fasten to the shoe. The characteristics the shoe and removable element mean that when the removable element is fitted, it does not extend beyond the limits of the footprint, and therefore comfort and aesthetics are not compromised when the shoes are worn. The system also has the flexibility of being able to have a wide range of standardized designs per model and size, which can then be interchanged with each other in order to increase the design options for the user.

An article of footwear includes a sole structure and an upper that is attached to the sole structure. The upper defines a cavity that is configured to receive a foot of a wearer. The upper is at least partially defined by a textile. The textile includes a first area that is substantially smooth. The first area defines a reference boundary that conforms to the cavity. The textile includes a second area. The second area includes a plurality of projection structures that project away from the reference boundary and outwardly from the cavity at varying heights. The second area includes a plurality of recess structures that recess away from the reference boundary and inwardly toward the cavity. The plurality of projection structures and the plurality of recess structures are in an alternating arrangement across the textile.

A method is provided for making footwear utilizing a spray-on material. The method can include spraying a spray-on fabric onto surfaces of a three dimensional last. The last can be produced using additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, based on data corresponding to dimensions and contours of a consumer's foot, and/or preselected aesthetic footwear designs. The spray-on fabric is sprayed onto the surfaces of the last and allowed to cure to form a flexible, non-woven fabric upper. The upper can be removed from the last and turned inside out. With the upper turned inside out, a sole can be joined to the fabric upper to form the footwear.

Shoe hole prevention inserts and methods for making same are described. A shoe insert may include a sole pad, a toe guard attached to a first position on the sole pad, and a sidewall guard attached to a second location on the sole pad. The toe guard may be connected to the sole pad such that the toe guard can be moved into a first insertion position. Similarly, the sidewall guard may be movably connected to the sole pad such that the sidewall guard can be moved into a second insertion position. Each of the sole pad, toe guard, and sidewall guard may include an adhesion area for adhering at least a portion of the shoe insert to at least a portion of the inside of a shoe. Thus, when inserted, the insert may prevent holes from forming due to rubbing against the inside of the shoe.

The invention relates to a protective device for attaching to a shoe, the shoe comprising a shoe sole and a front cap. The protective device includes a protective sole element and a protective cap element. The protective sole element can be placed on the shoe sole and has a sole shape which is adapted to the shape of the shoe sole, and the protective cap element can be placed against the front cap and has a cap shape which is adapted to the shape of the front cap. The protective sole element and the protective cap element are connected together via a joint, by which the front regions of the protective sole element and of the protective cap element are rotatably connected relative to each other and by which the protective device can be moved from a folded-out position into a folded-in position.

A microcellular shoe stiffener has at least one adhesive layer coextruded with and carried on a stiffener core. A liquid, such as liquid nitrogen, is introduced into the extruder for the stiffener core to produce a closed cell foam with a gaseous component. The gas reduces the weight and cost of the stiffener without significantly reducing stiffness and resiliency.

A high ankle combat boot has multilayered constructions in upper and sole and has a protective function against toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents. An outer layer in the multilayered upper, away from the foot when the boot is worn, and an inner layer, faces towards the boot. An adsorption layer based on adsorbent material, especially activated carbon spheres, which absorbs toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents is arranged between the outer layer and the inner layer of the upper. An outsole in the multilayered sole, away from the foot, and an insock, faces towards the foot. An insole based on multilayered aramid cloth, which resists the puncture through the sole when stepping over sharp objects, to prevent infiltration of toxic chemical agents, especially chemical warfare agents, is arranged between the insock and outsole. Efficient protection and a high degree of comfort are achieved.