SOLE STRUCTURE FOR A SHOE

Abstract

Articles of footwear with a sole comprising a forefoot portion, a heel portion, an outer rim that extends around a perimeter of the forefoot portion and the heel portion, and a wing extending away from the outer rim. The wing defines a space between the wing and an upper of the article of footwear, and comprises a traction element extending from a bottom surface of the wing. In some embodiments, the wing can bend from an initial position towards the upper when a force is imparted to the wing by a ground surface, such that a volume of the space decreases.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; and a sole coupled to the upper, the sole comprising: a forefoot portion, a heel portion, an outer rim that extends at least partially around a perimeter of the forefoot portion and the heel portion, and a wing extending away from the outer rim, defining a space between the wing and the upper, and comprising a traction element extending from a bottom surface of the wing.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer rim and the second end located further from the outer rim than the first end.

3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein the first end is positioned closer to a bottom surface of the sole than the second end.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the wing comprises a concave shape that curves away from a bottom surface of the sole.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the concave shape is concave about a longitudinal axis of the wing, a transverse axis of the wing, or a combination thereof.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the wing extends from the forefoot portion or the heel portion.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the wing is a first wing and the traction element is a first traction element, the sole further comprises a second wing extending away from the outer rim of the sole and comprising a second traction element extending from a bottom surface of the second wing, and the first wing extends from the forefoot portion and the second wing extends from the heel portion.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the wing comprises a first portion and a second portion that are separated by a gap.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the sole further comprises a cup extending away from a bottom surface of the sole and adjacent to the upper, and wherein the wing defines a space between the wing and the cup.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the cup is located in the forefoot portion.

11. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the cup is located in the heel portion.

12. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the wing comprises a first end and a second end, the first end extending from the outer rim and the second end located further from the outer rim than the first end, and wherein a longitudinal distance between a rearmost end of the cup and the second end is greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, further comprising a filler component disposed in the space.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the filler component comprises a resilient material.

15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the filler component is coupled to the upper.

16. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the filler component is coupled to the wing.

17. The article of footwear of claim 14, wherein the wing is made of a material that is more rigid than the resilient material.

18. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and the wing is configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper when a force is imparted to the wing by a ground surface, such that a volume of the space decreases.

19. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the traction element comprises a cleat.

20. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper; and a sole coupled to the upper, the sole comprising: a wing extending away from the sole, the wing comprising a bottom surface that is tangent to a bottom surface of the sole at an outer rim of the sole, the wing defining a space between the wing and the upper and comprising a traction element extending from the bottom surface of the wing; wherein the wing has an initial position relative to the upper, and the wing is configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper when a force is imparted to the wing by a ground surface, such that a volume of the space decreases.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The indefinite articles a, an, and the include plural referents unless clearly contradicted or the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] As used herein, unless specified otherwise, references to first, second, third, fourth, etc. are not intended to denote order, or that an earlier-numbered feature is required for a later-numbered feature. Also, unless specified otherwise, the use of first, second, third, fourth, etc. does not necessarily mean that the first, second, third, fourth, etc. features have different properties or values.

[0044] The term comprising is an open-ended transitional phrase. A list of elements following the transitional phrase comprising is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list can also be present. The phrase consisting essentially of limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the component. The phrase consisting of limits the composition of a component to the specified materials and excludes any material not specified.

[0045] Where a range of numerical values comprising upper and lower values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated in specific circumstances, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. It is not intended that the disclosure or claims be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range. Further, when an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as a range, one or more ranges, or as list of upper values and lower values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or value and any lower range limit or value, regardless of whether such pairs are separately disclosed.

[0046] Sole structures according to embodiments of the present application are designed to provide various advantageous effects for a wearer. The sole structures can facilitate optimal athletic performance for a wearer participating in a sport, for example football, in which the sole structures comprise traction elements. The sole structures are designed to provide the ability for a wearer to brake/slow down quickly and/or to change directions quickly. The ability to slow down quickly and/or change directions quickly can facilitate desired athletic performance characteristics. Sole structures according to embodiments of the present application are designed to address and/or pursue the following problems and/or objectives at least partially.

[0047] Sole structures for athletic shoes that have traction elements such as cleats, spikes, studs, etc., typically have the traction elements arranged in a vertical or near vertical orientation relative to the ground surface. Such arrangements of the traction elements require the sole to be parallel or near parallel to the ground surface for the traction elements to contact the ground surface. Thus, the foot of the wearer must be approximately flat relative to the ground surface to transmit a maximal force to the ground surface through the traction elements when changing directions.

[0048] Some sole structures for athletic shoes have attempted to solve this problem by arranging traction elements in an angled orientation relative to the ground surface. Such arrangements of the traction elements allow the foot of the wearer to be angled relative to the ground surface to transmit a maximal force to the ground surface through the traction elements. However, such arrangements of the traction elements limit the maximal force that can be transmitted to the ground surface by limiting the angle at which the traction elements can contact the ground surface.

[0049] Sole structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure can improve the angles at which traction elements can contact the ground surface, allowing for faster braking and faster changing of directions as compared to traction elements in typical arrangements. For example, sole structures of the present disclosure can comprise a wing extending from an outer rim of the sole. The wing can comprise one or more traction elements extending from a bottom surface of the wing. The position of the wing relative to the sole and the location of the traction element(s) relative to the wing allows for improvement of the angles at which the traction element(s) can contact the ground surface. The wing can extend outward from the sole such that, when the traction element(s) of the wing contact the ground surface, the wing can bend from an initial position to a deformed position to absorb and/or redirect energy to aid in slowing down and/or changing directions.

[0050] FIGS. 1A-1B show a side view and a rear view, respectively, of a shoe 100 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe 100 can be used in athletic competitions such as football, American football, baseball, track and field, etc. The shoe 100 comprises an upper 102 coupled to a sole 104. The upper 102 can cover the top and/or sides of the foot of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the upper 102 can comprise laces 106 to secure the shoe 100 to the foot of the wearer. In some embodiments, the laces 106 can be omitted and can be replaced with a different structure (for example, an elastic band) to secure the shoe 100 to the foot of the wearer.

[0051] The sole 104 can be coupled to the upper 102 in various ways. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be coupled to the upper 102 by, for example, an adhesive, stitching, a connector (for example, a threaded connector), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be coupled to the upper 102 by injecting the sole 104 directly on to the upper 102 (for example, by injection molding). In some embodiments, the sole 104 and the upper 102 can be additively manufactured such that the upper 102 can be printed directly on the sole. In some embodiments, the sole 104 and the upper 102 can be additively manufactured separately and later joined together (for example, by an adhesive). In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise materials such as rubber (natural or synthetic), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA), a composite, or any other material that can provide the functions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise one material. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise a combination of two or more materials. In some embodiments, the sole 104 can be manufactured by, for example, injection molding, machining, additive manufacturing (3-D printing), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the upper 102 can be manufactured by, for example, injection molding, machining (for example, milling, turning, drilling, etc.), additive manufacturing, or a combination thereof. In embodiments where the upper 102 and the sole 104 are manufactured with an additive manufacturing process, the sole 104 and the upper 102 can be manufactured together during the same additive manufacturing process or the sole 104 and the upper 102 can be manufactured separately and then joined together.

[0052] The sole 104 can comprise a forefoot portion 108. The forefoot portion 108 is located underneath a forefoot of the wearer (for example, the portion of the foot of the wearer that comprises the toes). The sole 104 can comprise a heel portion 110, which is located underneath a heel of the wearer. The sole 104 can comprise a midfoot portion 116. The midfoot portion 116 is located underneath all or a portion of a midfoot of the wearer (for example, the portion of the foot of the wearer that comprises the arch of the foot).

[0053] In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise traction elements 112 extending from a bottom surface 114 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can be located on the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can be located on the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can be located on both the forefoot portion 108 and the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can be located on the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can extend past a boundary of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can extend past a boundary of the heel portion 110, the forefoot portion 108, the midfoot portion 116, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the traction elements 112 can comprise traction elements 128 located on a wing 122, a wing 322, or an arm 1062 as described herein.

[0054] In some embodiments, the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116 can comprise two or more separate components that are joined together. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 can be coupled to the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 116 can be coupled to the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116 can have a unitary construction. For example, the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116 can be manufactured using an injection molding process, a machining process, an additive manufacturing process, etc., that can result in the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116 being a single, integrally formed structure. In some embodiments, two or more of the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, or the midfoot portion 116 can comprise the same or different materials.

[0055] In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise an outer rim 118 that extends around all or at least a part of a perimeter of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the outer rim 118 can comprise an outer surface 119 and an inner surface 121 (shown, for example, in FIG. 2A). In some embodiments, the upper 102 can extend from the inner surface 121. In some embodiments, the outer rim 118 can extend around a perimeter of the forefoot portion 108 and the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the outer rim 118 can extend around a perimeter of the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116. In some embodiments, the outer rim 118 can be located between the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 and a top surface 120 of the sole 104.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise a wing 122 that extends away from the outer rim 118 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 1A-6, the wing 122 can extend from the heel portion 110 in a rearward direction relative to the sole 104. In such embodiments, the rearward direction is a direction defined by a vector 124 extending from the forefoot portion 108 toward the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A-8C, the wing 122 can extend outward from the forefoot portion 108 or the midfoot portion 116 in a medial or lateral direction.

[0057] In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 can comprise the same material. In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 can be a unitary component (for example, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 can be molded, machined, or additively manufactured as a single integral piece). In some embodiments, the wing 122 can be integrally formed with the heel portion 110 by an injection molding process. Alternatively, the wing 122 can be overmolded on to the heel portion 110. In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 can be separate components. In such embodiments, the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 can comprise the same material or different materials. In embodiments where the wing 122 and the heel portion 110 are separate components, the wing 122 can be coupled to the heel portion 110 by, for example, an adhesive, welding, a threaded connector, or a combination thereof.

[0058] In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise a traction element 128 extending from a bottom surface 130 of the wing 122. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise a plurality of traction elements 128 extending from a bottom surface 130 of the wing 122. In some embodiments, the traction element(s) 128 can comprise a cleat, a spike, a stud, or any other type of traction element that can engage a ground surface when in contact with the ground surface. In some embodiments, the traction element(s) 128 and the wing 122 can be a unitary component (for example, the wing 122 and the traction element(s) 128 can be molded, machined, or additively manufactured as a single integral piece). In some embodiments, the wing 122 and the traction element(s) 128 can be separate components. In such embodiments, the wing 122 and the traction element(s) 128 can comprise the same material or different materials. In embodiments where the wing 122 and the traction element(s) 128 are separate components, the traction element(s) 128 can be coupled to the wing 122 by, for example, a threaded connector.

[0059] In some embodiments, the wing 122 defines a space 126 between the wing 122 and the upper 102. In some embodiments, the space 126 can be dynamic. For example, when the wing 122 is not in contact with a ground surface, the space 126 can have a first volume. When the wing 122 is in contact with a ground surface, the wing 122 can flex relative to the sole 104 such that the space 126 can have a second volume that is smaller than the first volume. Movement of the wing 122 relative to the space 126 is further described with reference to FIGS. 5-6.

[0060] In some embodiments, space 126 can be an empty volume. In some embodiments, all or a portion of space 126 can be occupied by a filler component as described herein.

[0061] In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise a medial portion 132 and a lateral portion 134 separated by a gap 136. In some embodiments, the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 are approximately similar in size (for example, the dimensions of the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can be within twenty percent of each other, a surface area of the medial portion 132 and a surface area of the lateral portion 134 can be within twenty percent of each other, etc.). In some embodiments, the medial portion 132 is larger than the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the lateral portion 134 is larger than the medial portion 132. In some embodiments, the gap 136 can extend the entire length between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 such that the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 are separate components. In some embodiments, the gap 136 can extend for less than the entire length between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 such that the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 are connected at a bridge 138.

[0062] In some embodiments, the bridge 138, the medial portion 132, and the lateral portion 134 can be a single, integrally formed structure (for example, the bridge 138, the medial portion 132, and the lateral portion 134 can be formed together during a manufacturing process). In some embodiments, the bridge 138 can be a separate component that connects the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 (which can also be separate components). In embodiments where the bridge 138 is a separate component, the bridge 138 can comprise properties that can control how the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can move independently of each other. For example, the bridge 138 can comprise a compliant material that limits motion transfer between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 such that movement of the medial portion 132 causes little to no movement of the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the bridge 138 can comprise a rigid material that allows motion transfer between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 such that movement of the medial portion 132 causes movement of the lateral portion 134.

[0063] In some embodiments, the gap 136 can be at least partially filled by a material to control how the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can move relative to each other. In some embodiments, the material can be a compliant material to limit motion transfer between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the material can be a rigid material to allow motion transfer between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134.

[0064] In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise more portions than the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134. For example, the medial portion 132 can be the outermost portion on a medial side of the shoe 100, and the lateral portion 134 can be the outermost portion on a lateral side of the shoe 100. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise one or more additional portions in located between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134, where each portion is separated from an adjacent portion by a gap similar to the gap 136. In some embodiments, the gaps can extend the entire length between the portions such that each portion is a separate component. In some embodiments, the gaps can extend for less than the entire length between the portions such that the portions are connected at bridges similar to the bridge 138. In some embodiments, some of the portions can be connected at bridges similar to the bridge 138, and some of the portions can be separate components.

[0065] In some embodiments, the sole 104 can comprise a cup 140 that extends away from the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the cup 140 and the sole 104 can be a single, integrally formed component such that the cup 140 and the sole 104 seamlessly merge together. For example, the cup 140 can seamlessly extend from the outer rim 118. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 (for example, the cup 140 can be in contact with the upper 102 or can be separated from the upper 102 by a distance of less than or equal to 10 millimeters (mm) and greater than or equal to 0.1 mm). In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for less than half a vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for less than a third of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for less than one fourth of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for less than one eighth of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper for greater than or equal to one eighth of the vertical height of the upper 102 and less than or equal to half of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for more than half of the vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for the entire vertical height of the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be adjacent to the upper 102 for the entire vertical height of the upper 102 and extend vertically beyond the boundary of the upper 102.

[0066] In some embodiments, the wing 122 defines a space 142 between the wing 122 and the cup 140. In some embodiments, the space 142 can be dynamic. For example, when the wing 122 is not in contact with a ground surface, the space 142 can have a first volume. When the wing 122 is in contact with a ground surface, the wing 122 can flex relative to the sole 104 such that the space 142 can have a second volume that is smaller than the first volume. Movement of the wing 122 relative to the space 142 is further described with reference to FIGS. 5-6. In embodiments comprising the space 142, the wing 122 can extend underneath and rearward of cup 140 to form the space 142.

[0067] In some embodiments, space 142 can be an empty volume. In some embodiments, all or a portion of space 142 can be occupied by a filler component as described herein.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be located in the heel portion 110, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be located in the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be located in both the heel portion 110 and the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can extend continuously around the sole 104 and the upper 102 such that cup 140 extends from the heel portion 110 to the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, the cup 140 can extend continuously around the sole 104 and the upper 102 such that cup 140 extends around the entire perimeter of the sole 104 and the upper 102. In some embodiments, the cup 140 is discontinuous such that the cup 140 can be located in the heel portion 110 and the forefoot portion 108, but not in the midfoot portion 116. In such embodiments, the cup 140 can comprise multiple discontinuous portions, for example, a first portion located in the heel portion 110 and a second portion located in the forefoot portion 108. In some embodiments, cup 140 can be omitted from sole 104.

[0069] FIGS. 2A-2B show a side view and a bottom view, respectively, of the sole 104 of the shoe 100, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise a first end 244 and a second end 246. In some embodiments, the first end 244 can extend from the outer rim 118, and the second end can be located further from the outer rim 118 than the first end 244 in the rearward direction (for example, along the vector 124). In some embodiments, the second end 246 can be located further from a transverse axis 248 of the shoe 100 than the first end 244 in a direction perpendicular to the transverse axis 248.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first end 244 can be positioned closer to the bottom surface 114 than the second end 246. In some embodiments, the second end 246 can be positioned further from a ground surface than the first end 244 when the bottom surface 114 is in contact with the ground surface.

[0071] In some embodiments, a longitudinal distance D.sub.1 between a rearmost end 241 of the cup 140 and the second end 246 (for example, a distance between the rearmost end 241 of the cup 140 and the second end 246 along an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis 250 of the shoe 100) can be greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D.sub.1 between the rearmost end 241 of the cup 140 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal 45 mm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D.sub.1 between the rearmost end 241 of the cup 140 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance D.sub.1 between the rearmost end 241 of the cup 140 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm or greater than or equal to 20 mm.

[0072] In some embodiments, the cup 140 can be omitted. In such embodiments, a longitudinal distance D.sub.2 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 (for example, a distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 along the axis parallel to the longitudinal axis 250 of the shoe 100) can be greater than or equal to 50 mm and less than or equal to 100 mm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 40 mm and less than or equal to 110 mm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 120 mm. In some embodiments, the longitudinal distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 30 mm or greater than or equal to 50 mm.

[0073] In some embodiments, a vertical height H.sub.1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 (for example, a distance between the first end 244 and the second end 246 along an axis parallel to an axis that is orthogonal to the transverse axis 248 and the longitudinal axis 250) can be greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical height H.sub.1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical height H.sub.1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 35 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical height H.sub.1 between the first end 244 and the second end 246 can be greater than or equal to 5 mm or greater than or equal to 10 mm.

[0074] In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the wing 122 can comprise a concave shape that is concave about a transverse axis 249 of the wing 122. In some embodiments, the transverse axis 249 can extend between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the transverse axis can be parallel to the transverse axis 248. In some embodiments, the transverse axis 249 can be oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the transverse axis 248. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can comprise a concave shape that is concave about the longitudinal axis 250. In some embodiments, the medial portion 132 can comprise a concave shape about a longitudinal axis 251, and the lateral portion 134 can comprise a concave shape about a longitudinal axis 253. In some embodiments, one or more of the longitudinal axis 251 or the longitudinal axis 253 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis 250. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 251 and the longitudinal axis 253 can be oriented at non-zero angles relative to the longitudinal axis 250. In some embodiments the wing 122 can comprise a concave shape that is concave about both the longitudinal axis 250 and the transverse axis 249. In some embodiments, the medial portion 132 can comprise a concave shape that is concave about both the longitudinal axis 251 and the transverse axis 249. In some embodiments the lateral portion 134 can comprise a concave shape that is concave about both the longitudinal axis 253 and the transverse axis 249. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can extend linearly from the first end 244 to the second end 246. In some embodiments, the wing 122 can extend from the first end 244 to the second end 246 in an irregular shape.

[0075] In some embodiments, the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 can be tangent to the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 at the outer rim 118. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 can be a unitary component (for example, the wing 122 and the sole 104 can be injection molded together such that the bottom surface 130 and the bottom surface 114 are the same surface). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 can be separate components that are connected such that the bottom surface 130 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 114 of the sole 104 are tangent.

[0076] FIGS. 3A-3B show a side view and a bottom view, respectively, of a sole 304 of a shoe according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the sole 304 can be coupled to the shoe 100 instead of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the sole 304 can be identical to the sole 104 aside from the differences noted herein.

[0077] In some embodiments, the sole 304 can comprise a wing 322. The wing 322 can be similar to the wing 122, however the wing 322 does not have a gap such as the gap 136 defined by portions of the wing 122. For example, wing 322 can comprise first and second ends separated by the longitudinal distance D.sub.1 and/or the vertical height H.sub.1 as described herein.

[0078] In some embodiments, the shoe 100 that comprises a wing such as the wing 122 or the wing 322 can provide the wearer the ability to slow down (i.e., brake) faster than if the wearer was wearing a shoe that does not comprise a wing. The wing 122 and the wing 322 each allow the wearer to orient the shoe 100 at a higher angle relative to the ground surface when attempting to slow down as compared to a shoe that does not comprise the wing 122 or the wing 322.

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a foot strike angle A of a shoe according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe can be the shoe 100. As shown, the shoe 100 can comprise the wing 322. In some embodiments, the shoe 100 can comprise the wing 122, thus the wing 122 can be substituted for the wing 322 in the following description. It should be appreciated that wing 122 can be substituted for wing 322, or vice versa, in any embodiment describe herein.

[0080] The angle A, which can be referred to as the angle of attack, can be the angle between the shoe 100 and a ground surface 452. When a wearer is attempting to slow down during an athletic activity, the wearer can increase the angle A in an attempt to engage traction elements (for example, the traction elements 112 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B) with the ground surface 452 to slow down. When wearing a conventional shoe (for example, a shoe that does not comprise the wing 122 or the wing 322), if the angle A is greater than a first threshold angle T.sub.1 (for example, a first maximum angle of attack) the traction elements will not engage the ground surface 452, and the wearer can slip or fall instead of slowing down as intended.

[0081] When wearing the shoe 100, the wing 322 allows the wearer to increase the angle A to a second threshold angle T.sub.2 (for example, a second maximum angle of attack) that is greater than the first threshold angle T.sub.1. Because the wing 322 can comprise a traction element 128, the traction element 128 can engage the ground surface 452 at a larger angle of attack than a traction element of a conventional shoe, thereby allowing the wearer to slow down faster than if the wearer were wearing a conventional shoe. Furthermore, the shape of the wing 322 can allow the traction element 128 to stay engaged with the ground surface 452 for a longer time during braking than the traction elements of a conventional shoe. For example, in embodiments where the wing 322 has a concave shape, the wearer can continue to increase the angle of attack after the traction element 128 engage the ground surface 452, thereby engaging the traction element 128 with the ground surface 452 to slow down even faster. Additionally, in embodiments where the wing 322 has a concave shape, the concave shape of the wing 322 can allow for a smoother transition contacting the ground surface 452 as compared to a shoe that does not comprise the wing 322. For example, when the wing 322 comprises a concave shape that is concave about the transverse axis 249, the wing 322 can allow for a smoother transition when the shoe 100 is angled relative to the ground surface 452 about the transverse axis 249. As another example, when the wing 322 comprises a concave shape that is concave about the longitudinal axis 250, the wing 322 can allow for a smoother transition when the shoe 100 is angled relative to the ground surface 452 about the longitudinal axis 250. As yet another example, when the wing 322 comprises a concave shape that is concave about both the transverse axis 249 and the longitudinal axis 250, the wing 322 can allow for a smoother transition when the shoe 100 is angled relative to the ground surface 452 about both the transverse axis 249 and the longitudinal axis 250.

[0082] In some embodiments, during braking, the wing 322 can bend relative to the sole 104. For example, and as shown in FIG. 5, the wing 322 can have an initial position relative to the upper 102 (indicated by the solid line). When the traction element(s) 128 of the wing 322 engage the ground surface 452, a force F is imparted to the wing 322 by the ground surface 452. In response to the force F, the wing 322 can be configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper 102 to a deformed position (indicated by the dotted line). In the deformed position, the wing 322 is closer to the upper 102 (and in embodiments comprising cup 140, closer to the cup 140) than when the wing 322 is in the initial position. Thus, when the force F is imparted to the wing 322 by the ground surface 452, a volume of the space 126 (and in embodiments comprising cup 140, a volume of the space 142) decreases. When the force F is removed from the wing 322 (for example, when the traction element(s) 128 are disengaged from the ground surface 452), the wing 322 is configured to return to the initial position. In some embodiments, moving from the initial position to the deformed position can absorb at least some of the energy associated with contact between the wing 322 and the ground surface 452, thereby aiding the ability of the wearer to slow down.

[0083] As described with reference to FIGS. 1A-2B, the wing 322 can comprise a medial portion 132 and a lateral portion 134. Because the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can be separated by the gap 136, the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can bend separately and independently of each other when the wing 322 contacts the ground surface 452. In some embodiments, the wearer can angle the shoe 100 when attempting to slow down such that a first portion of the force F can be imparted to, for example, the medial portion 132, and a second portion of the force F can be imparted to the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the first portion of the force F and the second portion of the force F can be the same. In some embodiments, the first portion of the force F and the second portion of the force F can be different. In embodiments where the first portion of the force F is larger than the second portion of the force F, the medial portion 132 can bend toward the upper 102 more that the lateral portion 134 such that the medial portion 132 is closer to the upper 102 than the lateral portion 134. In embodiments where the first portion of the force F is smaller than the second portion of the force F, the lateral portion 134 can bend toward the upper 102 more than the medial portion 132 such that the lateral portion 134 is closer to the upper 102 than the medial portion 132.

[0084] In some embodiments the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can have the same shape. In some embodiments, the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can have different shapes. For example, the lateral portion 134 can have a shape that corresponds to lateral movements and the medial portion 132 can have a shape that corresponds to medial movements. In some embodiments, the shapes of the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can be chosen by the wearer based on the desired performance of the shoe 100.

[0085] In some embodiments, the bending stiffnesses of the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can be the same. In some embodiments, the bending stiffnesses of the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can be different. For example, relative thicknesses of the material of the medial portion 132 or the lateral portion 134 can be different to impart different bending stiffnesses to the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the lateral portion 134 can be thicker than the medial portion 132 such that the bending stiffness of the lateral portion 134 is larger than the bending stiffness of the medial portion 132. In some embodiments, the medial portion 132 can be thicker than the lateral portion 134 such that the bending stiffness of the medial portion 132 is larger than the bending stiffness of the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the bending stiffnesses of the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134 can be chosen by the wearer based on the desired performance of the shoe.

[0086] In some embodiments, one or more traction elements 128 on the medial portion 132 can be the same as one or more traction elements 128 on the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, the traction element(s) 128 on the medial portion 132 can be different from the traction element(s) 128 on the lateral portion 134. For example, one or more traction elements 128 on the medial portion 132 can have a different length, size, shape, relative position, etc., as compared with one or more traction elements 128 on the lateral portion 134. In some embodiments, one or more traction elements 128 on the medial portion 132 and one or more traction elements 128 on the lateral portion 134 can be chosen by the wearer based on the desired performance of the shoe.

[0087] In embodiments where the wing 322 comprises additional portions between the medial portion 132 and the lateral portion 134, each of the portions can have different properties based on the desired performance. Thus, in some embodiments, the shoe 100 can comprise a wing with more than two portions, where each portion can have different properties based on the desired performance characteristics.

[0088] In some embodiments, it can be desirable to absorb additional energy from contact between the ground surface 452 and the wing 322. In such embodiments, additional material disposed between wing 322 and upper 102 can be used to absorb the energy.

[0089] For example, and as shown in FIG. 6, the shoe 100 can comprise a filler component 554 disposed in the space 142. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can be disposed in the space 126 and in the space 142. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can be disposed in the space 126 and not in the space 142.

[0090] In some embodiments, filler component 554 can fill at least a portion of space 142. In some embodiments, filler component 554 can fill the entirety of space 142. In some embodiments, filler component 554 can fill at least a portion of space 126. In some embodiments, filler component 554 can fill the entirety of space 126. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can cover the entirety of an upper surface 656 of the wing 322. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can cover a portion of the upper surface 656. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can be coupled to the upper 102, the wing 322, the cup 140, or a combination thereof.

[0091] In embodiments where the filler component 554 can fill the entirety of a space (for example, the space 142, the space 126, etc.), the filler component 554 can absorb energy imparted to the wing 322 by the ground surface 452 upon contact between the ground surface 452 and the wing 322. In embodiments where the filler component 554 can fill a portion of a space (for example, the space 142, the space 126, etc.), a gap 555 can be defined between the filler component 554 and one or more of the wing 322, the cup 140, or the upper 102. In some embodiments, the presence of the gap 555 can allow the wing 322 to bend in stages. In a first stage, the wing 322 can bend freely during contact between the wing 322 and the ground surface 452 until the gap 555 is closed and the filler component contacts the wing 322 and one or more of the cup 140 or the upper 102. In a second stage, the filler component absorbs energy during contact between the wing 322 and the ground surface 452, thereby limiting bending of the wing 322.

[0092] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a resilient material. For example, the filler component 554 can be formed from a material that allows the filler component 554 to be deformed under a load and return to its original configuration (for example, its configuration prior to the load being applied) after the load is removed (for example, elastic deformation). In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise natural rubber, synthetic rubber, foam, gel, or any other type of material that exhibits the properties described herein. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a lattice structure of interconnected unit cells. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can be rate-dependent material (for example, a non-Newtonian material) that can have different properties based on a rate at which it is compressed.

[0093] In embodiments where the filler component 554 can comprise a foam material, the filler component 554 can comprise a polymeric foam such as a polyurethane (PU) foam. More specifically, in some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam, a polyamide (PA) foam, a polyester-block-amide (PEBA) foam, a thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (TPEE) foam, or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a particle foam material. More specifically, in some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise an expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (eTPU), an expanded polyamide (ePA), and expanded polyether-block-amide (ePEBA), an expanded polylactide (ePLA), and expanded polyethylene terephthalate (ePET), an expanded polybutylene terephthalate (ePBT), or an expanded thermoplastic polyester ether elastomer (eTPEE). In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a supercritical foam. In some embodiments, a supercritical foam can be formed when a polymer is combined with a supercritical fluid, such as, but not limited to CO.sub.2 or N.sub.2. The polymer is placed in a high-pressure chamber or autoclave along with a supercritical fluid. This fluid reaches its supercritical point under specific temperature and pressure conditions, behaving then as both, a gas and a liquid. Polymers that can be used for a supercritical foam can comprise but are not limited to, for example, EVA and/or TPU.

[0094] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a lattice structure that can be made by an additive manufacturing process. Examples of an additive manufacturing process that can be used to make the filler component 554 can comprise at least one of the following methods: 3-D printing, a micro-melt-drop based method, a powder-bed based method, stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), continuous liquid interface production (CLIP), fused deposition modeling (FDM), digital light processing (DLP), multi jet modeling (MJM), a polyjet method, a film transfer imaging method (FTI), electron beam melting (EBM), electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM), or subtractive rapid prototyping (SRP).

[0095] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a shape that approximately matches a shape of the wing 322. For example, the filler component 554 can comprise a surface 556 adjacent to the wing 322, and the surface 556 can comprise a contour that follows a corresponding contour of the wing 322. More specifically, one or more dimensions of the surface 556 (for example, a length, width, height, etc.) can be within twenty percent of a corresponding dimension of the wing 322.

[0096] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a shape that approximately matches a shape of the cup 140. For example, the filler component 554 can comprise a surface 558 adjacent to the cup 140, and the surface 558 can comprise a contour that follows a corresponding contour of the cup 140. More specifically, one or more dimensions of the surface 558 (for example, a length, width, height, etc.) can be within twenty percent of a corresponding dimension of the cup 140.

[0097] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a shape that approximately matches a shape of the upper 102. For example, the filler component 554 can comprise a surface adjacent to the upper 102, and the surface can comprise a contour that follows a corresponding contour of the upper 102. In a particular example, one or more dimensions of the surface (for example, a length, width, height, etc.) can be within twenty percent of a corresponding dimension of the upper 102.

[0098] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a shape that approximately matches shapes of each of the upper 102, the cup 140, and the wing 322. For example, the filler component 554 can comprise surfaces adjacent to the upper 102, the cup 140, and the wing 322, and the surfaces can comprise a contour that follows a corresponding contour of the upper 102, the cup 140, and the wing 322. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a shape that approximately matches shapes of at least two of the upper 102, the cup 140, or the wing 322. For example, the filler component 554 can comprise surfaces adjacent to at least two of the upper 102, the cup 140, and the wing 322, and the surfaces can comprise a contour that follows a corresponding contour of the at least two of the upper 102, the cup 140, and the wing 322.

[0099] In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can comprise a cup shape. For example, and as shown in FIG. 12, the filler component 554 can comprise a first portion 1268 and a second portion 1270. In such embodiments, the first portion 1268 can be located between a bottom surface of the upper 102 and the top surface 120 of the sole 104 in the a heel portion 110 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can be formed as part of the upper 102 such that the upper 102 and the filler component 554 are a single, integrally formed component. The first portion 1268 can act as a cushion and/or can absorb energy transferred between the sole 104 and the upper 102. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 can additionally extend over at least a portion of the midfoot portion 116 of the sole 104. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 can additionally extend over at least a portion of the forefoot portion 108 of the sole 104.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 can extend over a wing (for example, the first portion 1268 can extend over the upper surface 656 of the wing 122 or wing 322). In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 can extend continuously over the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 116, the forefoot portion 108, and the wing 122. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 can extend discontinuously over one or more of the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 116, the forefoot portion 108, and the wing 122 (for example, the first portion 1268 can comprise multiple, discontinuous parts that extend over one or more of the heel portion 110, the midfoot portion 116, the forefoot portion 108, and the wing 122).

[0101] The second portion 1270 can extend from the first portion 1268 in a direction away from the top surface 120 and/or away from the upper surface 656 and form a cup-shaped cavity 1272 with first portion 1268. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 and the second portion 1270 can comprise a single, integrally formed structure. In some embodiments, the first portion 1268 and the second portion 1270 can comprise separate structures that are coupled by, for example, an adhesive.

[0102] The second portion 1270 can at least partially cover part of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a part of the second portion 1270 can cover up to the entire vertical height of a heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a part of the second portion 1270 can cover up to three-fourths of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a part of the second portion 1270 can cover up to half of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a part of the second portion 1270 can cover up to one-fourth of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102. In some embodiments, a part of the second portion 1270 can cover greater than or equal to one-fourth of the vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102 and less than or equal to the entire vertical height of the heel end 174 of the upper 102.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cup-shaped filler component 554 can be present in the absence of the cup 140 on sole 104. In some embodiments, the cup-shaped filler component 554 can be present in addition to the cup 140 on sole 104. For example, in some embodiments the cup 140 can be located between the upper 102 and the filler component 554. In some embodiments, the filler component 554 can be located between the cup 140 and the upper 102.

[0104] In embodiments comprising the filler component 554, the filler component 554 can absorb at least some of the energy imparted to the wing 322 by the ground surface 452. For example, the filler component 554 can be configured to be compressed between the wing 322 and one or both of the cup 140 and the upper 102. In such embodiments, the filler component 554 can limit bending of the wing 322 from the initial position when the force F is imparted by the ground surface 452.

[0105] In some embodiments, the wing 322 can comprise a material that is more rigid than the resilient material used to make the filler component 554. In some embodiments, the wing 322 can comprise a material that has the same rigidity as the resilient material used to make the filler component 554. In some embodiments, the wing 322 can comprise a material that is less rigid than the resilient material used to make the filler component 554.

[0106] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a shoe 700 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe 700 can be used in athletic competitions such as football, American football, baseball, track and field, etc. The shoe 700 comprises an upper 702 coupled to a sole 704. The upper 702 can cover the top and/or sides of the foot of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the shoe 700. In some embodiments, the upper 702 can comprise laces to secure the shoe 700 to the foot of the wearer. In some embodiments, the laces can be omitted and can be replaced with a different structure (for example, an elastic band) to secure the shoe 700 to the foot of the wearer. The sole 704 can be coupled to the upper 702 in any of the ways described with reference to the sole 104 being coupled to the upper 102. The sole 704 can also comprise any of the materials and/or components described above with reference to the sole 104. For example, sole 704 can comprise traction elements 112. The sole 704 can also comprise a forefoot portion 708, a heel portion 710, and a midfoot portion 716 like the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116, respectively, aside from the differences described herein. The sole 704 can comprise an outer rim 718 that can extend around all or at least part of a perimeter of the sole 704 in the same manner described with reference to the outer rim 118 of the sole 104.

[0107] In some embodiments, the sole 704 can comprise a wing 722 that extends away from an outer rim 718 of the sole 704 on a lateral side or a medial side of sole 704. In some embodiments, the wing 722 can be coupled to the forefoot portion 708 and extend from the forefoot portion 708 in an outward direction relative to the sole 704. In some embodiments, the outward direction can be a direction defined by a vector 758 extending away from a longitudinal axis 760 (shown for example in FIGS. 8A-8C). The vector 758 can be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 760. In some embodiments, the angle between the vector 758 and the longitudinal axis 760 can be greater than or equal to negative 90 degrees and less than or equal to positive 90 degrees. Thus, the wing 722 can extend in a medial direction relative to the sole 704 (for example, when the vector 758 is oriented at negative 90 degrees relative to the sole 704), a lateral direction relative to the sole (for example, when the vector 758 is oriented at positive 90 degrees relative to the sole 704), or any direction in between.

[0108] In some embodiments, the sole 704 can comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, sole 704 can comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from a lateral side of the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, sole 704 can comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from a medial side of the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, sole 704 can comprise a plurality of wings 722 extending from the lateral side of the forefoot portion 708 and a plurality of wings 722 extending from the medial side of the forefoot portion 708.

[0109] In some embodiments, the sole 704 can additionally or alternatively comprise one or more wings 722 extending from the heel portion 710 of sole 704. In some embodiments, sole 704 can additionally or alternatively comprise one or more wings 722 extending from the midfoot portion 716 of sole 704.

[0110] In some embodiments, the wing 722 can comprise a traction element 128. In some embodiments, the wing 722 can comprise a plurality of traction elements 128. The description above of the relationship between the wing 122 and the traction element(s) 128 also applies to the wing 722 and the traction element(s) 128.

[0111] FIGS. 8A-8C show cross-sectional front views of the sole 704 of the shoe 700 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the sole 704 can comprise a cup 740, as shown for example in FIG. 8A. The cup 740 is similar to the cup 140 previously described with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 5, and 6 such that the description of the cup 140 applies to the cup 740. In some embodiments, the cup 740 can extend around the sole 704 such that the cup 740 is located in the forefoot portion 708. In some embodiments, the cup 740 can extend around the sole 704 such that the cup 740 is located in the forefoot portion 708 and the midfoot portion 716. In some embodiments, cup 740 can be a portion of cup 140.

[0112] In some embodiments, the wing 722 defines a space 726 between the wing 722 and the upper 702. The space 726 is similar to the space 126 such that the description of the space 126 also applies to the space 726. In some embodiments, the wing 722 defines a space 742 between the wing 722 and the cup 740. The space 742 is similar to the space 142 such that the description of the space 142 also applies to the space 742.

[0113] In some embodiments, the wing 722 can comprise a first end 744 and a second end 746. In some embodiments, the first end 744 can extend from the outer rim 718 and the second end 746 can be located further from the outer rim 718 than the first end 744 in, for example, the lateral direction or the medial direction (shown as being along the vector 758).

[0114] In some embodiments, the first end 744 can be positioned closer to a bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 than the second end 746. In some embodiments, the second end 746 can be positioned further from a ground surface than the first end 744 when the bottom surface 114, the traction element(s) 128, the traction element(s) 112, or a combination thereof, are in contact with a ground surface.

[0115] In some embodiments, a lateral distance D.sub.3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 (for example, a distance between the first end 744 and the second end 746 along an axis parallel to the vector 758) can be greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the lateral distance D.sub.3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the lateral distance D.sub.3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 35 mm. In some embodiments, the lateral distance D.sub.3 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be greater than or equal to 5 mm or greater than or equal to 10 mm.

[0116] In some embodiments, a vertical height H.sub.2 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 (for example, a distance between the first end 744 and the second end 746 along an axis parallel to an axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 760 and to the vector 758) can be greater than or equal to 15 mm and less than or equal to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical height H.sub.2 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be greater than or equal to 10 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical height H.sub.2 between the first end 744 and the second end 746 can be greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 35 mm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the wing 722 can comprise a concave shape that curves away from the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704. In some embodiments, the wing 722 can extend linearly away from the first end 744 to the second end 746. In some embodiments, the wing 722 can extend from the first end 744 to the second end 746 in an irregular shape.

[0118] In some embodiments, a bottom surface 730 of the wing 722 can be tangent to the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 at the outer rim 718. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 730 of the wing 122 and the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 can be a unitary component (for example, the wing 722 and the sole 704 can be injection molded together such that the bottom surface 730 and the bottom surface 714 are the same surface). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 730 of the wing 722 and the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 can be separate components that are connected such that the bottom surface 730 of the wing 722 and the bottom surface 714 of the sole 704 are tangent.

[0119] In some embodiments, the shoe 700 that comprises one or more wings such as the wing 722 can provide the wearer the ability to change directions faster than if the wearer was wearing a shoe that did not have a wing. The wing 722 allows the wearer to orient the shoe 700 at a higher angle relative to the ground surface when attempting to change directions as compared to a shoe that does not have the wing 722.

[0120] FIG. 9 shows a foot strike angle B of a shoe, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe can be the shoe 700. The angle B, which can be referred to as the angle of attack, can be the angle between the shoe 700 and the ground surface 452. When a wearer is attempting to change directions during an athletic activity, the wearer can increase the angle B in attempts to engage a traction element 128 (shown in FIGS. 8A-8C) with the ground surface 452. When wearing a conventional shoe (for example, a shoe that does not comprise the wing 722), if the angle B is greater than a third threshold angle T.sub.3 (for example, a third maximum angle of attack), traction elements will not engage the ground surface 452, and the wearer can slip or fall instead of changing directions as intended.

[0121] When wearing the shoe 700, the wing 722 allows the wearer to increase the angle B to a fourth threshold angle T.sub.4 (for example, a fourth maximum angle of attack) that is greater than the third threshold angle T.sub.3. Because the wing 722 can comprise one or more traction elements 128, the traction element(s) 128 can engage the ground surface 452 at a larger angle of attack than the traction elements of a conventional shoe.

[0122] Returning to FIG. 8C, the wing 722 can have an initial position relative to the upper 702 and/or the cup 740 (indicated by the dotted line). When the traction element(s) 128 of the wing 722 engage the ground surface 452, a force F is imparted to the wing 722 by the ground surface 452. In response to the force F, the wing 722 can be configured to bend from the initial position toward the upper 702 and/or the cup 740 to a deformed position (indicated by the solid line).

[0123] In the deformed position, the wing 722 can be closer to the upper 702 and/or the cup 740 than when the wing 722 is in the initial position. Thus, when the force F is imparted to the wing 722 by the ground surface 452, a volume of the space 726 (and a volume of the space 742 for embodiments including cup 740) decreases. When the force F is removed from the wing 722 (for example, when the traction element(s) 128 are disengaged from the ground surface 452), the wing 722 can be configured to return to its initial position. In some embodiments, the wing 722 can absorb and/or store at least some of the energy associated with moving from the initial position to the deformed position. In some embodiments, as the wing 722 moves from the deformed position to the initial position, the stored energy can be transferred from the wing 722 to the ground surface 452 to help propel the wearer in the desired direction. In such embodiments, the wing 722 can act as a spring to support movement of the wearer in the desired direction.

[0124] In some embodiments, the wearer can prefer to either reduce or increase the effect of the spring action of the wing 722. In such embodiments, additional material can be disposed between the wing 722 and the upper 702 to either absorb or amplify the spring action of the wing 722.

[0125] For example, and as shown in FIGS. 8B-8C, the shoe 700 can comprise a filler component 754 disposed in the space 742. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can be disposed in the space 742 and the space 726. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can be disposed in the space 726 and not in the space 742.

[0126] In some embodiments, filler component 754 can fill at least a portion of space 742. In some embodiments, filler component 754 can fill the entirety of space 742. In some embodiments, filler component 554 can fill at least a portion of space 726. In some embodiments, filler component 554 can fill the entirety of space 726. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can cover a portion of an upper surface 866 of the wing 722. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can cover the entirety of the upper surface 866 of the wing 722. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can be coupled to the upper 702, the wing 722, the cup 740, or a combination thereof.

[0127] In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can be similar to the filler component 554. For example, the filler component 754 can comprise a resilient material similar to those described with reference to the filler component 554. As another example, the filler component 754 can comprise a lattice structure similar to the filler component 554. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can comprise a resilient material configured to absorb at least some of the energy imparted to the wing 722 by the ground surface 452 such that movement of the wing 722 between the deformed position and the initial position can be dampened. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can be configured to absorb a majority (for example, greater than 50%) of the energy imparted to the wing 722 by the ground surface 452. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can be configured to absorb approximately all (for example, greater than or equal to 80%) of the energy imparted to the wing 722 by the ground surface 452. In such embodiments, the spring action of the wing 722 can decrease as compared to embodiments in which no filler component is used. In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can comprise a resilient material configured to store at least some of the energy imparted to the wing 722 by the ground surface 452 such that movement of the wing between the deformed position and the initial position is amplified. In such embodiments, the spring action of the wing 722 can increase as compared to embodiments in which no filler component is used.

[0128] In some embodiments, the filler component 754 can comprise a shape that approximately matches a shape of one or more of the wing 722, the upper 702, or the cup 740, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the filler component 554 and the shoe 100.

[0129] FIG. 10 shows a side view of a shoe 1000 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shoe 1000 can be used in athletic competitions such as football, American football, baseball, track and field, etc. The shoe 1000 comprises an upper 1002 coupled to a sole 1004. The upper 1002 can cover the top and/or sides of the foot of the wearer when the wearer is wearing the shoe 1000. In some embodiments, the upper 1002 can comprise laces 1006 to secure the shoe 1000 to the foot of the wearer. In some embodiments, the laces 1006 can be omitted and can be replaced with a different structure (for example, an elastic band) to secure the shoe 1000 to the foot of the wearer. The sole 1004 can be coupled to the upper 1002 in any of the ways described with reference to the sole 104 being coupled to the upper 102. In some embodiments, the sole 1004 and the upper 1002 can be a single, integrally formed component. The sole 1004 can also comprise any of the components and/or materials described above with reference to the sole 104. The sole 1004 can also comprise a forefoot portion 1008, a heel portion 1010, and a midfoot portion 1016 like the forefoot portion 108, the heel portion 110, and the midfoot portion 116, respectively, aside from the differences described herein. The sole 1004 can comprise an outer rim 1018 that can extend around all or at least part of a perimeter of the sole 1004 in the same manner described with reference to the outer rim 118 of the sole 104.

[0130] In some embodiments, the sole 1004 can comprise an arm 1062 that extends from the heel portion 1010 and is coupled to the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for less than (three-fourths) of a vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for less than half of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for less than one fourth of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for less than one eighth of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for greater than or equal to one eighth of the vertical height of the upper 1002 and less than or equal to (three-fourths) of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper for more than half of the vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for the entire vertical height of the upper 1002. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can be coupled to the upper 1002 for the entire vertical height of the upper 1002 and extend vertically beyond the boundary of the upper 1002.

[0131] In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can comprise at least two portions in a manner similar to that described with respect to the wing 322. For example, in some embodiments, the arm 1062 can comprise a medial portion and a lateral portion that are at least partially separated by a gap. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can comprise a medial portion, a lateral portion, and at least one intermediate portion disposed between the medial portion and the lateral portion, where adjacent portions are at least partially separated by a gap.

[0132] In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can comprise a traction element 128 extending from a bottom surface 1064 of the arm 1062. In some embodiments, the arm 1062 can comprise a plurality of traction element 128 extending from a bottom surface 1064 of the arm 1062. In some embodiments, the traction element(s) 128 can be oriented normal to the bottom surface 1064. In some embodiments, one or more of the traction elements 128 can be oriented at an angle of greater than or equal to zero degrees relative to a longitudinal axis 1060 of the shoe 1000 and less than or equal to ninety degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 1060.

[0133] In some embodiments, the arm 1062 allows the wearer to increase an angle of attack when slowing down as compared to a conventional shoe that does not comprise the arm 1062. In a manner similar to that described with reference to the wing 122 and the wing 322, the traction elements 128 can engage the ground surface 452 at a larger angle of attack than the traction elements 112 of a conventional shoe, thereby allowing the wearer to slow down faster than if the wearer was wearing a conventional shoe.

[0134] FIG. 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the sole 1004 of the shoe 1000 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, a bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 can be tangent to a bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 at the outer rim 1018. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 and the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 can be a unitary component (for example, the arm 1062 and the sole 1004 can be injection molded together such that the bottom surface 1130 and the bottom surface 1014 are the same surface). In some embodiments, the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 and the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 can be separate components that are connected such that the bottom surface 1130 of the arm 1062 and the bottom surface 1014 of the sole 1004 are tangent.

[0135] In some embodiments, different features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined on a sole for a shoe. For example, in some embodiments, a shoe can comprise a sole comprising a wing 322 and one or more wings 722. As another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the wing 322 and one or more wings 722 located on a medial side of a forefoot portion of the sole. As another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the wing 322 and one or more wings 722 located on a lateral side of the forefoot portion of the sole. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the wing 322, one or more wings 722 located on the medial side of the forefoot portion of the sole, and one or more wings 722 located on the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the sole. In some embodiments, the one or more wings 722 can each comprise a traction element 128 and the wing 322 can comprise a traction element 128. In such embodiments, one of the wings 722 can be a first wing and the traction element 128 associated with the wing 722 can be a first traction element, and the wing 322 can be a second wing and the traction element 128 associated with the wing 322 can be a second traction element.

[0136] In some embodiments, a shoe can comprise a sole comprising the wing 122 and one or more of the wings 722. As another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the wing 122 and at one or more wings 722 located on a medial side of a forefoot portion of the sole. As another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the wing 122 and one or more wings 722 located on a lateral side of the forefoot portion of the sole. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the wing 122 and one or more wings 722 located on the medial side of the forefoot portion of the sole, and one or more wings 722 located on the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the sole. In some embodiments, the one or more wings 722 can each comprise a traction element 128 and the wing 122 can comprise a traction element 128. In such embodiments, one of the wings 722 can be a first wing and the traction element 128 associated with the wing 722 can be a first traction element, and the wing 122 can be a second wing and the traction element 128 associated with the wing 122 can be a second traction element.

[0137] In some embodiments, a shoe can comprise a sole comprising the arm 1062 and one or more wings 722. As another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the arm 1062 and one or more wings 722 located on a medial side of a forefoot portion of the sole. As another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the arm 1062 and one or more wings 722 located on a lateral side of the forefoot portion of the sole. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the sole can comprise the arm 1062, one or more wings 722 located on the medial side of the forefoot portion of the sole, and one or more wings 722 located on the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the sole.

[0138] While various embodiments have been described herein, they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It should be apparent that adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It therefore will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The elements of the embodiments presented herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, but can be interchanged to meet various situations as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

[0139] The examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present disclosure. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0140] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.