The present disclosure provides a footwear technology system including a multilayer shoe sole system. The multilayer shoe sole insert can include a lower outsole layer, a midsole layer, and an upper insole layer, wherein the midsole layer includes a plurality of pins extending from the bottom surface of the midsole layer, wherein the pins engage with the pin holes in the outsole layer. The system can include a dynamic upper foot retention system that moves in harmony with the foot's optimal natural movement. The dynamic upper foot retention system can include a top component connecting the lace area to the sole system, and back component that connects the upper heel area to the sole system, wherein when the laces are tightened, the force is directed towards the heel securing the foot to the shoe without forcing the arch down or constricting the raising of the foot arch.

An orthopedic insole may include at least one strength layer and at least one shock absorbing layer. In one embodiment, the strength layer may be relatively rigid and includes a heel portion and an arch portion, contoured to fit the plantar or bottom surface of the foot to provide arch support. The shock absorbing layer may include a plurality of shock absorbing cells such as recoverable honeycombs or any other negative stiffness structure with the capability to recover. A gait analysis that may include an individual's weight transfer trajectory may have to be conducted to determine the structure of the shock absorbing layer. The orthopedic insole may further include an adjusting layer to supplement the strength layer and the shock absorbing layer to make adjustment to the orthopedic insole if needed.

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.

A footwear sole structure having a fluid-filled chamber including a tensile member is provided. The fluid-filled chamber includes a first barrier sheet, a second barrier sheet and the tensile member. The first barrier sheet is formed from a first thermoplastic material. The second barrier sheet is attached to the first barrier sheet and is formed from a second thermoplastic material. The first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet cooperate to define an internal cavity. The tensile member is disposed within the internal cavity and is formed from a third thermoplastic material. A first weld attaches the first barrier sheet, the second barrier sheet, and the tensile member together by melding the first thermoplastic material of the first barrier sheet, the second thermoplastic material of second barrier sheet, and the third thermoplastic material of the tensile member.

An article of apparel includes a composite material. The composite material includes a pliable first layer and a resilient second layer, where the first and second layers are secured to each other via a patterned strand network. In forming the composite material, the second layer is stretched and maintained under tension while the first layer is secured to the second layer via the patterned strand network. The tension on the second layer is then released, resulting in contraction of the second layer in relation to the first layer and an outward buckling or protrusion of the first layer in relation to the second layer to form protruding cells along the composite material that are bounded by portions of the patterned strand network. The patterned strand network can be formed using embroidery with one or more auxetic patterns in the stitching.

Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim is shaped such that the outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component tapers or curves inward moving from a forefoot support area to an arch support area, and wherein a narrowest dimension from a lateral side edge to a medial side edge of the outer perimeter boundary rim is located in a heel support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a support structure extending into or at least partially across the open space. The ground-engaging component may have a narrower width dimension in a central heel or rear heel support area than in the arch support area.

A system and method for bonding a first layer of material to a second layer of material includes a first electrically conductive plate, a second electrically conductive plate spaced apart from the first electrically conductive plate. The second electrically conductive plate is electrically grounded. A high frequency generator in electrical communication with the first electrically conductive plate supplies high frequency electrical signals to the first electrically conductive plate. An adhesive applied to one of the first and second layers of material has an electromagnetic susceptor material that when subjected to the electric field heats the adhesive to an adhesive curing temperature to bond the first layer of material to the second layer of material. A clamping mechanism applies pressure to one of the first and second layers of material to maintain contact between the first and second layers until an adhesive cure time has lapsed.

A shock absorber includes a shock absorbing portion having a three-dimensional shape formed by a wall in which an outer shape is defined by a pair of parallel curved surfaces. The shock absorbing portion includes at least one three-dimensional structure body obtained by changing a shape of a unit structure body thickened based on a unit structure of a Schwartz P structure. The shape of the three-dimensional structure body in an unloaded state is a shape obtained by changing the shape of the unit structure so as to follow the shape change of the unit structure body, which is the regular hexahedron shaped space occupied by the unit structure body, into the trapezoidal space.

A shoe sole includes a sole body including a midsole and a shock absorber. The shock absorber is disposed adjacent to the midsole in a direction intersecting a thickness direction of the sole body. The midsole includes a first opposing surface that is opposed to the shock absorber and inclined with respect to the thickness direction, and the shock absorber includes a shock absorbing portion having a three-dimensional shape formed by a wall in which an outer shape is defined by a pair of parallel curved surfaces and a plate-shaped fixing wall including a second opposing surface opposed to the first opposing surface. The fixing wall is inclined with respect to the thickness direction such that the second opposing surface is parallel to the first opposing surface. The shock absorber is fixed to the midsole by bonding the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface through an adhesive layer.

Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending from the outer perimeter boundary rim (e.g., the ground-facing surface and/or the upper-facing surface) and across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells across the open space at least at the forefoot support area, wherein a plurality (e.g., at least a majority) of the open cells have curved perimeters with no distinct corners.