Article of footwear having a heel cushioning unit and sides with stepped ridges

Abstract

An article of footwear has a sole structure including a heel cushioning unit. The heel cushioning unit has a top portion, a bottom portion, a body portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, a medial side support fin in a medial side recess at a medial side of the heel cushioning unit, and a lateral side support fin in a lateral side recess at a lateral side of the heel cushioning unit. Both the medial side support fin and the lateral side support fin extend laterally outward from the body portion and from the top portion to the bottom portion. The heel cushioning unit defines a through hole extending from the medial side to the lateral side and disposed rearward of the medial side support fin and the lateral side support fin. The article of footwear has an outsole having an arched portion defining a stepped ridge extending lengthwise in an anterior-posterior direction of the sole structure.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 030,955, filed May 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a footwear article that may include a heel cushioning unit with supporting fins and / or a side with a stepped ridge.

[0004] background

[0005] Footwear typically includes a sole structure that is designed to sit beneath the wearer's foot to separate it from the ground or floor surface. In particular, athletic footwear sometimes uses polyurethane foam, rubber, and / or other elastic materials in its sole structure to provide cushioning. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0007] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only, are schematic in nature, and are intended to be exemplary and not to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the medial side of a footwear item.

[0009] Figure 2 This is another perspective view showing the bottom and inside of the footwear item.

[0010] Figure 3 This is another perspective view showing the bottom and lateral side of the footwear.

[0011] Figure 4 This is an inner side view of the heel cushioning unit included in the sole structure of footwear articles.

[0012] Figure 5 This is an external view of the heel cushioning unit.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the heel cushioning unit.

[0014] Figure 7 Is Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the heel cushioning unit taken at line 7-7 in the image.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a bottom view of the heel cushioning unit.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a front view of the heel cushioning unit.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the heel guard included in the sole structure.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the heel protection component that is integrated into the midsole layer. Both the midsole layer and the heel protection component are included in the sole structure.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the heel protector, heel cushioning unit, and midsole.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a top view of the heel cushioning unit and heel protection components.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a perspective view of footwear, where the upper is not shown.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a side view of the outer side of the inner shield of footwear.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a side view of the inside of the inner side panel of footwear.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a partial side view of the inside of a footwear item.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a bottom view of footwear.

[0026] Figure 19 Is Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the footwear item taken at line 19-19 in the image.

[0027] Figure 20 It is a person wearing footwear during rope climbing, and a partial diagram of the rope is shown in dashed lines.

[0028] Figure 21 It is a partial illustration of a person wearing a pair of shoes, with the person's feet positioned in a weightlifting stance.

[0029] Figure 22 It is a partial illustration of a person wearing a pair of shoes, which are pressed against a wall during an inverted wall push-up.

[0030] describe

[0031] This disclosure generally relates to a footwear article that may have features beneficial to certain activities. For example, the footwear article may include a sole structure that provides greater support on the inner side of the sole structure to accommodate additional loads that may occur during activities such as weightlifting, the sole structure including features for facilitating inverted wall push-ups, and features for facilitating rope climbing.

[0032] More specifically, footwear articles may include a sole structure comprising a heel cushioning unit. The heel cushioning unit may have a top portion, a bottom portion, a body portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, an inner support fin located in an inner side recess defined by the heel cushioning unit on its inner side, and an outer support fin located in an outer side recess defined by the heel cushioning unit on its outer side. Both the inner and outer support fins extend laterally outward from the body portion and from the top portion to the bottom portion. The heel cushioning unit may define a through-hole extending from the inner side to the outer side and disposed behind the inner and outer support fins.

[0033] Because the inner and outer support fins extend outward from the main body, they provide greater resistance to compression (e.g., greater stiffness) than when they are separated from the main body. Conversely, the laterally extending perforations increase the compressibility of the heel cushioning unit in the vertical direction (e.g., under compressive loading from the top portion towards the bottom portion). The orientation and number of support fins are selected to adjust the compressibility of the heel cushioning unit.

[0034] Additionally, the rear wall of the heel cushioning unit can surround the through-hole behind it and can extend from the top portion of the heel cushioning unit to the bottom portion. As the compressive load decreases, the rear wall helps the heel cushioning unit elastically return to its initial state. Other features, such as the sloping upper edge of the heel cushioning unit and the heel guard, help reduce friction and facilitate sliding against the wall during inverted wall push-ups.

[0035] On the other hand, the upper can be attached to the sole structure, and the sole structure can also include an outsole located below the bottom surface of the heel cushioning unit. The outsole can have an arched portion that wraps upward along the side surface of the upper above the bite line between the sole structure and the upper, and is secured to the side surface of the upper. Side shields can extend upward along the side surface of the upper from the arched portion. The outer side shield and / or the outer side of the arched portion can include stepped ridges extending longitudinally in the tibial direction of the footwear. Each stepped ridge can be relatively thicker at its lower extension than at its upper extension, such that the stepped ridge is angled outward from the upper extension to the lower extension. This configuration allows the stepped ridges to provide grip in one direction of movement while facilitating sliding in the opposite direction of movement.

[0036] Additionally, each stepped ridge may include a series of linear segments along its length. These linear segments may include a central linear segment, a front linear segment extending forward and downward from the central linear segment at an obtuse angle, and a rear linear segment extending backward and downward from the central linear segment at an obtuse angle. This configuration of the linear segments helps increase friction against objects (such as ropes) held on the stepped ridge during rope climbing. The angle between the central linear segment and the front and rear linear segments allows the linear segments to function as wedges to resist movement of the arched sections and / or side guards relative to the rope.

[0037] Furthermore, the side shield can define perforations, through which tensioning cables can extend from the inside to the outside of the side shield. Laces or other components of the tensioning system can engage the tensioning cables to hold the side shield against the upper and tighten it towards the side of the foot. This conformation of the side shield to the shape of the foot via the tensioning cables increases the wearer's ability to perceive the location of objects against the side shield, such as during rope climbing.

[0038] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this teaching will become apparent when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in the following detailed description of the mode of implementing this teaching.

[0039] Referring to the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals in all views refer to similar parts. Figure 1 A footwear article 10 is shown, comprising a sole structure 12 and an upper 14 attached to the sole structure 12. The sole structure 12 includes a midsole 16, which may be, for example, an elastic foam. The upper 14 is attached to a top surface 17 of the midsole 16, such as... Figure 19 As best shown. For example, the upper 14 can be adhered to the top surface 17. Figure 1The interlocking line 24 shown represents the joint or junction of the midsole 16 and the upper 14, and coincides with the upper edge 26 of the midsole 16.

[0040] The upper 14 forms a foot receiving cavity 18 configured to receive the foot. The footwear article 10 may be referred to as footwear 10 and, as illustrated herein, is depicted as footwear specifically constructed for activities such as weightlifting, rope climbing, running, and handstand wall push-ups, or for various other activities that may be performed during crossfit training or competition, or during other athletic efforts. Although the footwear article 10, including the sole structure 12, may be athletic footwear, alternatively, it may be worn and used as casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or as footwear in any other footwear category.

[0041] like Figure 1 As indicated, footwear 10 can be divided into a forefoot region 32, a midfoot region 34, and a heel region 36, which are also the forefoot region, midfoot region, and heel region of the sole structure 12 and the upper 14, respectively. The forefoot region 32 generally includes the portion of footwear 10 corresponding to the metatarsophalangeal joint (which may be referred to as the MPT joint or MPJ ​​joint) connecting the toes and the metatarsals and proximal phalanges of the toes. The midfoot region 34 generally includes the portion of footwear 10 corresponding to the arch and instep of the foot, and the heel region 36 generally corresponds to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneus. The forefoot region 32, midfoot region 34, and heel region 36 are not intended to delineate precise areas of footwear 10, but rather to represent general areas of footwear 10 to facilitate the discussion below.

[0042] Footwear item 10 has an inner side 38 ( Figure 1 shown in ) and the lateral side 40 ( Figure 3 (As shown in the diagram). The inner side 38 and the outer side 40 extend through each of the forefoot region 32, the midfoot region 34, and the heel region 36, and correspond to the opposite sides of the footwear article 10, each side falling on the opposite side of the longitudinal center line LM of the footwear article 10 (in the diagram). Figure 2 (As indicated in the middle). Therefore, the inner surface 38 is considered to be opposite the outer surface 40.

[0043] The upper 14 can be made of various materials, such as leather, textiles, polymers, cotton, foam, composites, etc. For example, the upper 14 can be a polymer material that provides elasticity and can have a braided, knitted (e.g., warp-knitted) or woven construction. The lower extension of the upper 14 is fixed to the periphery of the sole structure 12, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The top surface 17 of the middle layer 16 ( Figure 14 and Figure 19 The insole (not shown) can be covered by a strobel (midsole fabric) fixed to the lower extension of the upper 14. Alternatively, the upper 14 can be a 360-degree sock-like or boot-like upper that extends below the foot and above the top surface 17. The insole (not shown) can rest on the top surface 17 in the foot receiving cavity 18.

[0044] The middle layer 16 may be at least partially polyurethane foam or polyurethane ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, and may comprise thermally expanded and molded EVA foam particles. The middle layer 16 may substantially comprise phylon (ethylene vinyl acetate or “EVA”) and / or polyurethane (“PU”) based resin. For example, in one example, the middle layer 16 may be compression-molded phylon. If EVA is used, it may have a vinyl acetate (VA) level between about 9% and about 40%. Suitable EVA resins, for example, include those supplied by EIdu Pont de Nemours and Company. and Engage provided by Dow Chemical Company TMIn some embodiments, EVA can be formed from a combination of high melt index and low melt index materials. For example, EVA can have a melt index from about 1 to about 50. EVA resin can be compounded to include multiple components, including a blowing agent and a curing / crosslinking agent. The blowing agent can have a weight percentage between about 10% and about 20%. The blowing agent can be thermally decomposable and can be selected from common organic and inorganic chemical blowing agents. The properties of the blowing agent are not particularly limited, as long as it decomposes under the temperature conditions used to bind the foam to the original resin. Suitable blowing agents include, for example, azodicarbonamide. In some embodiments, peroxide-based curing agents, such as dicumyl peroxide, can be used. The amount of curing agent can be between about 0.6% and about 1.5%. EVA can also include homogenizers, processing aids, and waxes. For example, a mixture of light aliphatic hydrocarbons (such as those available from Schill + Seilacher "Struktol" GmbH) can be included. (60NS) to allow other materials or waste EVA to be more easily incorporated into the resin. EVA may also include other components such as release agents (e.g., stearic acid), activators (e.g., zinc oxide), fillers (e.g., magnesium carbonate), pigments, and clay. In embodiments incorporating multiple materials, each material may be formed from a material compatible with and readily incorporated with other materials. For example, the materials may each be formed from an EVA resin having suitable foaming agents, crosslinking agents, and other auxiliary components, pigments, fillers, etc. Other suitable materials will become apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure.

[0045] In addition to the midsole 16, the sole structure 12 also includes a heel cushioning unit 42, a heel protector 46, an outsole 48, and a side shield 58. The heel cushioning unit 42 is located below the midsole 16 in the heel region 36, and the heel protector 46 extends along the rear surface 52 of the midsole 16. The outsole 48 is located on the bottom surface 53 of the midsole 16. Figure 11 Below, and having a bottom portion 48A ( Figure 2 ), inner arched part 48B ( Figure 1 ) and the outer arched part 48C ( Figure 3The inner arched portion 48B extends upward along the inner surface 54 of the midsole 16 in the midfoot region 34 and along the inner surface 38 of the upper 14. The inner arched portion 48B is secured to the inner surface 38 above the engagement line 24. The sole structure 12 also includes a side shield 58 that extends further upward from the inner arched portion 48B along the inner surface 38 of the upper 14 and is secured to the inner surface 38 of the upper 14. The outer arched portion 48C extends upward along the outer surface 56 of the midsole 16 in the midfoot region 34. The outer arched portion 48C is secured to the outer surface 40 of the upper 14 above the engagement line 24. The characteristics of each of these components are discussed in more detail herein.

[0046] Figures 4-9 The heel cushioning unit 42 is shown separately. The heel cushioning unit 42 has a main body portion 42A, also referred to as the central main body portion, which... Figure 7 and Figure 9 The best view is shown in the image. Although the heel cushioning unit 42 is shown as a single integral component, the heel cushioning unit does not necessarily have to be a single component, but can instead be multiple interconnected components. The heel cushioning unit 42 defines an inner side recess 60 at the inner side 38A of the heel cushioning unit 42, which is located at the inner side 38 of the footwear article 10 when assembled in the sole structure 12. The heel cushioning unit 42 defines an outer side recess 62 at the outer side 40A of the heel cushioning unit 42, which is located at the outer side 40 of the footwear article 10 when assembled in the sole structure 12. Both the inner side recess 60 and the outer side recess 62 extend laterally inward to the central body portion 42A. The inner side recess 60 and the outer side recess 62 separate the top portion 42B of the heel cushioning unit 42 from the bottom portion 42C of the heel cushioning unit 42. The top portion 42B is disposed above the inner side recess 60 and the outer side recess 62, and the bottom portion 42C is disposed below the inner side recess 60 and the outer side recess 62. In other words, the top portion 42B opens upward from the main body portion 42A, and the bottom portion 42C opens downward from the main body portion 42A.

[0047] Reference Figure 7 The top surface 64 of the heel cushioning unit 42 is recessed to conform to the shape of the wearer's foot and extends to the upper extension 66. The bottom surface 68 of the heel cushioning unit 42 is recessed below the central body portion 42A, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As best shown in the diagram. The top surface of the bottom portion 48A of the outsole 48 lies below and opposite a portion of the bottom surface 68 of the heel cushioning unit 42, as considered together. Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is obvious in the middle.

[0048] like Figure 4 As best shown, the heel cushioning unit 42 includes inner support fins 70 disposed in an inner side recess 60. The inner support fins 70 extend laterally outward from the main body portion 42A and extend from the top portion 42B to the bottom portion 42C. There are three inner support fins 70, but fewer or more than three inner support fins 70 may be present. Similarly, as... Figure 5 As shown, the heel cushioning unit 42 includes outer support fins 72 disposed in an outer side recess 62 and extending laterally outward from the main body portion 42A, and also extending from the top portion 42B to the bottom portion 42C. The main body portion 42A extends continuously from the inner support fins 70 to the outer support fins 72 in the lateral direction. There are two outer support fins 72, but there may be fewer or more than two outer support fins 72. As shown, the number of inner support fins 70 is greater than the number of outer support fins 72. The support fins 70 and 72 provide resistance to compression from the top portion 42B to the bottom portion 42C. Assuming that each support fin 70, 72 provides relatively equal resistance to compression, such as by having equal thickness in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the front-to-back direction), then by having a greater number of inner support fins 70 than the outer support fins 72, greater support and resistance to compression (e.g., greater compressive stiffness) is provided at the inner side 38A than at the outer side 40A. Therefore, during activities where the inner side 38A tends to be loaded more than the outer side 40A, such as during some weightlifting movements, a greater number of inner support fins 70 will provide greater compressive strength to the inner side 38A to offset the larger inner side load, as per [the relevant information]. Figure 20 The subject of discussion. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, both the inner support fin 70 and the outer support fin 72 extend forward and upward at an angle from the bottom portion 42C of the heel cushioning unit 42 to the top portion 42B of the heel cushioning unit 42. This forward angle reduces compression resistance compared to a completely vertical fin.

[0049] In addition to the inner side recess 60 and the outer side recess 62, the heel cushioning unit 42 defines a through hole 74 extending from the inner side 38A to the outer side 40A and disposed behind the inner side support fin 70 and the outer side support fin 72. The through hole 74 communicates with and connects to the inner side recess 60 and the outer side recess 62, as shown below. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As best shown. The heel cushioning unit 42 has a rear wall 42D that extends from the bottom portion 42C to the top portion 42B and surrounds the through-hole 74 behind it. Figure 6As shown in the optimal configuration, the rear wall 42D is wider in the lateral direction at the bottom portion 42C than at the top portion 42B. More specifically, the rear wall 42D has a first width W1 at the bottom portion 42C and tapers to a smaller second width W2 at the top portion 42B. The wider first width W1 provides stability, while the taper to the smaller second width W2 allows the top portion 42B of the heel cushioning unit 42 to more easily deflect elastically towards the bottom portion 42C, such as under dynamic loading.

[0050] For example Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the heel cushioning unit 42 includes a rib 42E extending from the inner side 38A to the outer side 40A above the through-hole 74 along the lower surface 77 of the top portion 42B. Therefore, the rib 42E extends into the through-hole 74. The rib 42E helps to reinforce the top portion 42B. Figure 7 As shown in the optimal configuration, the top surface 64 of the main body portion 42A is concave, and the bottom surface 68 of the main body portion 42A is also concave. When the heel cushioning unit 42 partially flattens under dynamic loading, the concavity at the bottom surface 68 can decrease. Once the dynamic external stress is removed, the heel cushioning unit 42 returns to its concave shape at the bottom surface 68. Therefore, the concavity at the bottom surface 68 allows the main body portion 42A to elastically deflect under dynamic compressive loading.

[0051] Refer again Figures 4-7 The heel cushioning unit 42 includes an inclined upper edge 76 at the upper extension 66, and this inclined upper edge 76 extends from the inner side 38A to the outer side 40A around the rear portion 78 of the heel cushioning unit 42. The inclined upper edge 76 includes an upper inclined surface 76A and a lower inclined surface 76B where edges 76C intersect. Edge 76C is the rearmost extension of the heel cushioning unit 42, and also the rearmost extension of the footwear article 10 when the heel cushioning unit 42 is assembled in the sole structure 12. (See also: Regarding...) Figure 22 As discussed, such as when used to perform inverted wall push-ups, edge 76C serves as a contact area of ​​footwear article 10 with relatively low friction and low surface area.

[0052] Typically, the heel cushioning unit 42 can be a relatively rigid material or combination of materials. For example, the heel cushioning unit 42 may include a thermoplastic elastomer. In other examples, in one or more embodiments, the heel cushioning unit 42 may include carbon fiber, carbon fiber composites (such as carbon fiber-filled nylon), glass fiber reinforced nylon (which may be injection-reinforced fiber reinforced nylon), fiber strand-lain composites, thermoplastic polyurethane, wood, steel, or other materials or combinations thereof, but not limited to these materials. In addition to their geometry, the materials selected for the heel cushioning unit 42 can produce desired performance characteristics. In one example, the heel cushioning unit 42 may be a polyether block amide obtained from Arkema Corporation, King Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA.

[0053] The heel cushioning unit 42 may be referred to as a plate. As used herein, the term "plate" refers to a component of a sole structure having a width greater than its thickness and being positioned generally horizontally when assembled in a footwear article while the sole structure rests on a horizontal surface, such that its thickness is generally vertical and its width is generally horizontal. A plate may be a single integral component consisting of multiple interconnected parts. Parts of the plate may be flat, and when molded or otherwise formed, the parts may have a certain amount of curvature and thickness variation, for example, to provide a shaped footbed and / or to provide increased thickness for reinforcement in desired areas.

[0054] Figure 10 A heel protector 46 with a generally arched shape extending from an inner edge 82 to an outer edge 84 is shown. The heel protector 46 includes an upper portion 86 and a lower portion 88, the lower portion 88 being recessed on the outer side relative to the upper portion 86, such that the upper portion 86 defines a lip 90. The inner surface 92 of the heel protector 46 is generally recessed in both the lateral and vertical directions, such that the heel protector 46 fits flush with and adheres to or otherwise secures to the midsole 16, as... Figure 11 As shown, the lower portion 88 extends below the bottom surface 53 of the midsole 16, and the upper portion 86 extends upward along the rear surface 52 of the midsole 16. The heel protector 46 extends forward along the inner surface 54 of the midsole 16 and forward along the outer surface 56 of the midsole 16 (see...). Figure 3 When the heel protector 46 is fixed to the mid-bottom layer 16, the lip 90 is the furthest outward extension of the heel protector 46.

[0055] The lower portion 88 of the heel protector 46 is configured such that the middle layer 16 is disposed on the top portion 42B of the heel cushioning unit 42, and the bottom surface 53 of the middle layer 16 is fixed to the top surface 64 of the heel cushioning unit 42, which is the inner surface 64A of the top portion 42B of the heel cushioning unit 42 (see...). Figure 9 The upper portion 88 is flush with and positioned on the inner surface 64A of the top portion 42B of the heel cushioning unit 42. Therefore, the lower portion 88 is positioned between the mid-base layer 16 and the heel cushioning unit 42, and the upper portion 86 extends upward above the inclined upper edge 76 and along the rear surface 52 of the mid-base layer 16. The lip 90 rests on the upper extension 66 of the top portion 42B above the inclined upper edge 76, as... Figure 14 The best result is shown in the middle.

[0056] like Figure 13 As shown in the best embodiment, the heel protector 46 is asymmetrical around the longitudinal centerline LM of the footwear article 10 because, when the sole structure 12 is assembled, the outer edge 84 of the heel protector 46 extends further forward than the inner edge 82 of the heel protector 46. This configuration is problematic during inverted wall push-ups (such as...). Figure 22 The illustrated version may be advantageous because the foot may tend to flare outwards, with the toes pointing outwards, causing the sole structure 12 to contact the wall 94 more on its outer side 40 than on its inner side 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the heel protector 46 is made of a harder material with a lower coefficient of friction than the relatively soft midsole 16. For example, the heel protector 46 can be any material described herein with respect to the heel cushioning unit 42. If the foot is tilted, the heel protector 46 can reduce any sliding friction against the wall 94, causing the heel protector 46 to contact the wall 94, rather than just the tilted upper edge 76 of the heel cushioning unit 42. Furthermore, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the outer surface of the upper portion 86 of the heel protector 46 has linear recesses 96 extending parallel to each other. At least along the rear portion of the heel protector 46, the linear recesses 96 slope upwards from their lowest extension to their highest extension and toward the outer surface of the heel protector 46, as... Figure 11 As best shown. During an inverted wall push-up, due to the opening and tilting of the feet, the linear recess 96 can be positioned vertically against the wall 94. In this orientation, the recess 96 will be in the direction of movement of the footwear 10 against the wall 94 (e.g., as shown). Figure 22 (As indicated by the bidirectional arrows A1 and A2 in the diagram, pointing vertically upwards and downwards). This reduces the contact area and friction between the heel guard 46 and the wall 94.

[0057] Figure 14The illustration shows a side guard 58 extending upward from the inner arched portion 48B. The lower flange 58A of the side guard 58 (as shown) Figure 15 As shown, it is fixed to (such as by adhesive and / or by heat bonding) the inner side of the inner arched portion 48B, as shown. Figure 19 As best shown. The side shield 58 can be made of a different material than the outsole 48 from which it extends. In this way, as discussed herein, the side shield 58 can be optimized for grip in one direction and slippage in the opposite direction during rope climbing, while the outsole 48 can be optimized for the same function, and further optimized for abrasion resistance and adhesion friction. Alternatively, the side shield 58 and the outsole 48 can be integral one-piece components, such that the inner arch portion 48B and the side shield 58 are part of the same component, rather than separate components attached to the lower flange 58A. If the side shield 58 and the outsole 48 are integral one-piece components, then the lower flange 58A will not be included, because the side shield 58 will extend integrally from the inner arch portion 48B without the need for any flange attachment between the two parts. In either embodiment, the side shield 58 can be made of the same material as the outsole 48. The outsole 48 can be formed of materials that may include, generally speaking, natural or synthetic rubber or other suitable durable materials. One or more materials used for the outsole 48 can be selected to provide an ideal combination of durability and flexibility. Synthetic rubbers that can be used include polybutadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) copolymer rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber.

[0058] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 The side shield 58 defines a venting opening 100 extending from the inner side 102 of the side shield 58 through the side shield 58 to the outer side 104 of the side shield 58. The outer side 104 is also referred to as the exterior of the side shield 58. The venting opening 100 allows the foot receiving cavity 18 (see...) Figure 1 Ventilation is achieved through the upper 14 and outward through the ventilation opening 100. Similarly, the inner arched portion 48B also has a ventilation opening 103 extending through the inner arched portion 48B, as... Figure 17 The best result is shown in the middle. Figure 17 Only some ventilation openings 103 are marked in the text.

[0059] Also Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the side shield 58 defines two elongated holes 106, which can be referred to as slits. Figure 1As shown, when the side shield 58 is attached to the footwear article 10, the elongated hole 106 extends upward from its rearmost extension to its frontmost extension relative to the longitudinal centerline LM of the footwear article 10 (and relative to the vertical axis). The side shield 58 also defines three holes 108 extending from the inner side 102 through the side shield 58 to the outer side 104. Two of the holes 108 are located above a corresponding elongated hole in the elongated hole 106 (e.g., above the rearmost hole 106).

[0060] Refer again Figure 1 The footwear article 10 includes tension cables 109, some of which extend from the inner side 102 through an elongated hole 106 to the outer side 104, such that the annular portion of the tension cable 109 extends to the outside of the outer side 104. The tension cables 109 may be secured to the upper 14 inside the side shield 58, and in some configurations, the tension cables 109 may be secured to the sole structure 12, extending upward from the sole structure 12 along or within the upper 14, and then through the elongated hole 106. The footwear article 10 may also include laces 113 or other tensioning members that extend through the annular portion of the tension cables 109 and can be tightened to help tension the side shield 58 and the inner arch portion 48B against the upper 14 and the foot therein. Additional loop cables 109 are shown in front of the side shield 58, and shoelaces 113 also extend through these loop cables and the loop cables 109 extending upward along the outer side 40 of the upper 14 (some of which are in...). Figure 3 (See in the middle).

[0061] like Figure 17 As best shown, the outer side (e.g., outer side 104) of the side shield 58 and the outer side (e.g., outer side 105 of the inner arched portion 48B) include stepped ridges 110, wherein only some of the stepped ridges are present. Figure 17 The figures are denoted by reference numerals. Each stepped ridge 110 extends longitudinally in the tactile direction of the footwear article 10 (e.g., generally in the direction extending from the forefoot region 32 to the heel region 36, such as in the direction along the longitudinal center line LM). In other words, each stepped ridge 110 is longer in the tactile direction than in the vertical direction. Figure 19 As shown in the optimal configuration, each stepped ridge 110 is relatively thicker at its lower extension 110A than at its upper extension 110B, such that the stepped ridge 110 forms an outward angle from its upper extension 110B to its lower extension 110A. Figure 17As shown, the ventilation openings 100 extend in rows along the stepped ridges 110, with each row extending through one of the stepped ridges 110 between the upper extension 110B and the lower extension 110A. Figure 19 As shown, the outer arched portion 48C also has stepped ridges 110. Furthermore, at least some of the stepped ridges 110 are located below the middle and lower layers 16. In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, in Figure 17 The tension cable 109 and shoelace 113 are not shown in the figure, so as to concentrate the features of the inner arched portion 48B and the side shield 58.

[0062] Reference Figure 19 Each stepped ridge 110 has a height H greater than its width W, which is typically measured in the lateral direction of the footwear article 10. Utilizing this configuration, and by angled outwards from the upper extension 110B to the lower extension 110A, the stepped ridges 110 tend to grip objects contacting them and provide greater friction and resistance for movement of the object from the lower extension 110A toward the upper extension 110B, because the protruding lower edge 111 of each stepped ridge 110 acts like a hook or barb and tends to dig into the object and / or generate greater friction. Conversely, objects contacting the stepped ridges 110 encounter relatively low resistance in movement from the upper extension 110B toward the lower extension 110A, as the object can slide over the stepped ridges 110 and past the protruding lower edge 111. Therefore, referring to… Figure 20 When footwear 10 is worn during climbing on rope 112, it can move upward against rope 112 with little or no resistance from the stepped ridge 110, and then once the weight presses down on rope 112, footwear 10 grips rope 112 through the stepped ridge 110, as... Figure 20 As shown.

[0063] Refer again Figure 17 Each stepped ridge 110 includes a series of linear segments 110C, 110D, and 110E along its length. The linear segments include a central linear segment 110C, a front linear segment 110D extending forward and downward from the central linear segment 110C at a first obtuse angle B1, and a rear linear segment 110D extending backward and downward from the central linear segment 110C at a second obtuse angle B2. For clarity, in the figures, the linear segments 110C, 110D, 110E and angles B1, B2 are only relative to one of the stepped ridges 110. Figure 17The term "stepped ridge" is used, but applies to and describes each of the stepped ridges 110. By angulating the front linear segment 110D relative to the central linear segment 110C, the two segments 110C and 110D can better function as wedges against an object (such as the rope 112) positioned against the central linear segment 110C when the rope 112 moves relative to the footwear 10 toward the angled intersection of segments 110C and 110D. Furthermore, if the footwear 10 is positioned against the rope 112 and the heel region 36 is lower than the forefoot region 32, the front linear segments 110D can extend such that the front linear segments are perpendicular to the axis of the rope 112 along their length. This can improve the grip of the footwear 10 in this orientation. Similarly, by angling the rear linear segment 110E relative to the center linear segment 110C, when the footwear 10 moves relative to the cord 112 such that the cord 112 moves in the direction toward the angled intersection of segments 110C and 110E, the two segments 110C and 110E can better function as wedges against an object (such as the cord 112). Furthermore, if the footwear 10 is positioned against the cord 112 and the heel region 36 is higher than the forefoot region 32, the rear linear segment 110E can extend such that the rear linear segment is perpendicular to the axis of the cord 112 along its length. This can improve the grip of the footwear 10 in this orientation.

[0064] like Figure 18 As best shown, the outer side 105 of the inner arched portion 48B is concave in the front-to-back direction, as indicated by the example surface curvature C1, which represents the curve along the outer side 105 in a plane parallel to the horizontal ground plane when the bottom portion 48A of the outsole 48 rests on the ground plane. The outer side of the outer arched portion 48C is also concave in the front-to-back direction, as indicated by the example surface curvature C2. Furthermore... Figure 18 As indicated, the bottom portion 48A of the outsole 48 may have two separate sections, including a front section 48A1 and a rear section 48A2. The front section 48A1 has a hole 120 through which the midsole 16 is exposed. A gap 122 between the front section 48A1 and the rear section 48A2, separating the two sections, also exposes the midsole 16. Arched portions 48B and 48C are integral with the rear section 48A2. Alternatively, the front section 48A1 and the rear section 48A2 may be integrally attached as a single piece rather than separate parts. The rear section 48A2 also has a hole 121 through which the bottom surface 68 of the heel cushioning unit 42 is exposed.

[0065] like Figure 18As shown, the ground contact surface 124 of the outsole 48 (e.g., the surface of the bottom portion 48A) tapers inward from the heel region 36 to the midfoot region 34 of the outsole 48, and also tapers inward from the forefoot region 32 to the midfoot region 34. The lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 in the midfoot region 34 is represented by the lateral width W3, but can be cut off anywhere in the midfoot region 34. As used herein, the lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 is the width cut off perpendicularly to the longitudinal centerline LM from the inner edge 124A to the outer edge 124B of the ground contact surface 124. The inner edge 124A and the outer edge 124B also represent the outer edges of the bottom portion 48A. The lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 in the heel region 36 is... Figure 18 The width W4 is represented by the lateral width. The lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 at the forefoot area 32 is... Figure 18 The width is represented as W5. The lateral width W3 of the ground contact surface 124 in the mid-shoe region 34 is smaller than the lateral width W4 of the ground contact surface 124 in the heel region 36, and smaller than the lateral width W5 of the ground contact surface 124 in the forefoot region 32. It can be seen that, whether measured precisely at the location with a width of W3 or at other locations in the mid-shoe region 34, the lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 in the mid-shoe region 34 is approximately one-third to one-half of the maximum lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 in the heel region 36, and one-third to one-half of the maximum lateral width of the ground contact surface 124 in the forefoot region 32.

[0066] The inner arched portion 48B extends upward from the inner edge 124A of the ground contact surface 124, and the outer arched portion 48C extends upward from the outer edge 124B of the ground contact surface 124. The narrower lateral width W3 of the ground contact surface 124 from the forefoot region 32 and heel region 36 to the midfoot region 34 allows the arched portions 48B, 48C to be partially located below the midsole 16 before extending upward along the side surfaces 54, 56 of the midsole 16 and the inner and outer surfaces 38 and 40 of the upper 14. Therefore, as Figure 18 and Figure 19 (as well as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, at least some of the stepped ridges 110 are located below the midsole 16 in the midfoot region 34. This provides an even larger surface area for the footwear 10 to grip the rope 112 (as shown). Figure 22 (as shown in the diagram), and allows gripping when footwear 10 comes into contact with rope 112 from many different directions and positions.

[0067] like Figure 20 As shown, during cross-roping climbing, rope 112 can be clamped between the wearer's feet, with one foot (e.g., Figure 20 The left foot (LF) is supported on and rests against rope 112, and rope 112 rests on the other foot (e.g., Figure 20 The right foot RF extends from the right foot. Footwear item 10 is shown on the right foot RF, and a mirror-image footwear item 10A having the same features as the right foot footwear 10 is constructed for the left foot LF and shown on the left foot LF. Due to the concavity of the footwear items 10, 10A at the inner arch portion 48B, when the footwear items 10, 10A are wrapped together around the rope 112, the rope 112 is captured in a tunnel defined by two opposing inner arch portions 48B and between the two opposing inner arch portions 48B. Because the outer arch portion 48C is also concave in the front-to-back direction, other rope climbing techniques can be used, wherein the rope 112 is caught between the inner arch portion 48B of one of the right footwear 10 and the left footwear 10A and the outer arch portion 48C of the other footwear 10 and the left footwear 10A, wherein portions 48B, 48C form a tunnel around the rope 112 (such as when the legs are crossed), so that the outer arch portion 48C of one of the footwear items 10 or 10A faces the inner arch portion 48B of the other footwear item 10 or 10A.

[0068] Figure 21 The foot's RF and LF are shown separated in a stance that might be taken, for example, during weightlifting. In this position, the weight borne on the inner side 38A of the footwear articles 10, 10A can be greater than the weight borne on the outer side 40. A greater number of support fins 70 on the inner side 38A of the heel cushioning unit 42 (see...) Figure 2 Greater compression resistance is provided at the inner side 38A of the heel cushioning unit 42, thereby helping to regulate the response to uneven load distribution on footwear articles 10, 10A.

[0069] Figure 22 The illustration depicts a wearer in an inverted position (such as when performing an inverted push-up), where footwear items 10, 10A move against a wall 94 as discussed herein, causing the inclined upper edge 76 and heel guard 46 to reduce friction, for example, as per [reference to...]. Figure 12 and Figure 13 The subject of discussion.

[0070] Therefore, footwear article 10 provides multiple components and features that facilitate the effective performance of various sports activities, such as during cross-training or competition, including heel cushioning unit 42, heel protection 46, outsole 48 with arched portions 48B, 48C and stepped ridge 110, and side shields 58.

[0071] The following terms provide example configurations of footwear items disclosed in this article.

[0072] Clause 1. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including a heel cushioning unit; wherein the heel cushioning unit has a top portion, a bottom portion, a body portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, an inner support wing located in an inner side recess defined by the heel cushioning unit on an inner side of the heel cushioning unit, and an outer support wing located in an outer side recess defined by the heel cushioning unit on an outer side of the heel cushioning unit, both the inner support wing and the outer support wing extending laterally outward from the body portion and extending from the top portion to the bottom portion; and wherein the heel cushioning unit defines a through-hole extending from the inner side to the outer side and disposed behind the inner support wing and the outer support wing.

[0073] Clause 2. Footwear articles according to Clause 1, wherein the number of inner support fins is greater than that of outer support fins.

[0074] Clause 3. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the inner support wing is angled forward and upward from the bottom portion of the heel cushioning unit to the top portion of the heel cushioning unit.

[0075] Clause 4. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the outer support wing is angled forward and upward from the bottom portion of the heel cushioning unit to the top portion of the heel cushioning unit.

[0076] Clause 5. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the heel cushioning unit defines a rear wall that surrounds the through-hole behind the through-hole and extends from the top portion of the heel cushioning unit to the bottom portion of the heel cushioning unit.

[0077] Clause 6. Footwear articles as described in Clause 5, wherein the rear wall is wider in the lateral direction at the bottom portion than at the top portion.

[0078] Clause 7. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein the heel cushioning unit has an inclined upper edge extending from the inner side to the outer side around the rear portion of the heel cushioning unit.

[0079] Clause 8. The footwear article according to Clause 7, wherein the sole structure further comprises: a midsole disposed on the top portion of the heel cushioning unit; and a heel protector having a lower portion disposed between the midsole and the heel cushioning unit on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit, and the heel protector having an upper portion extending upward above the inclined upper edge and along the rear surface of the midsole.

[0080] Clause 9. The footwear article according to Clause 8, wherein the heel protector extends from the inner side of the heel cushioning unit to the outer side of the heel cushioning unit around the rear surface of the midsole, and extends further forward along the midsole on the outer side than on the inner side.

[0081] Clause 10. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-9 further comprises: an upper, said upper being coupled to said sole structure; wherein said sole structure further comprises an outsole located below the bottom surface of said heel cushioning unit, said outsole having an arched portion that wraps upward along the side surface of said upper above the interlocking line between said sole structure and said upper and is secured to said side surface of said upper.

[0082] Clause 11. The footwear article according to Clause 10 further includes: a side shield extending upward from the arched portion along the side surface of the upper.

[0083] Clause 12. The footwear article according to Clause 11 further includes: a tension cable; wherein the side shield defines a hole; and wherein the tension cable extends from the inner side of the side shield through the hole to the outer side of the side shield.

[0084] Clause 13. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 11-12, wherein: the exterior of the side shield and / or the exterior of the arched portion includes stepped ridges extending longitudinally in the trail direction of the footwear article; and each stepped ridge is relatively thicker at its lower extension than at its upper extension, such that the stepped ridge is angled outward from the upper extension to the lower extension.

[0085] Clause 14. The footwear article according to Clause 13, wherein each stepped ridge comprises a series of linear segments, the linear segments including a central linear segment, a front linear segment extending forward and downward from the central linear segment at a first obtuse angle, and a rear linear segment extending backward and downward from the central linear segment at a second obtuse angle.

[0086] Clause 15. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 13-14, wherein: the sole structure further comprises a midsole layer disposed on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit; the ground contact surface of the outsole tapers inward from the heel region of the outsole to the mid-shoe region of the outsole and from the forefoot region of the outsole to the mid-shoe region of the outsole, such that the lateral width of the ground contact surface from the inner edge to the outer edge of the ground contact surface in the mid-shoe region is smaller than that in the heel region and smaller than that in the forefoot region; the arched portion extends from the inner edge of the ground contact surface; and at least some of the stepped ridges are located below the midsole layer.

[0087] Clause 16. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 13-15, wherein the outer side of the arched portion is recessed in the front-back direction.

[0088] Clause 17. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 11-16, wherein the side shield defines a ventilation opening extending from the inner side of the side shield through the side shield to the outer side of the side shield.

[0089] Clause 18. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 10-17, wherein: the sole structure further comprises: a midsole disposed on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit and disposed on the outsole in front of the heel cushioning unit; and the upper is fixed to the top surface of the midsole, and the stitching line is located between the midsole and the upper.

[0090] Clause 19. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 10-18, wherein: the arched portion is an inner arched portion, and the side surface of the upper is the inner side surface of the upper; and the outsole further includes an outer arched portion, the outer arched portion wrapping upward along the outer side surface of the upper above the interlocking line between the sole structure and the upper and securing it to the outer side surface of the upper.

[0091] Clause 20. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 1-19, wherein the heel cushioning unit defines a rib extending from the inner side to the outer side and into the through-hole.

[0092] Clause 21. A footwear article comprising: an upper; a sole structure attached to the upper and including an outsole having an arched portion that wraps upward along a side surface of the upper; the arched portion defining stepped ridges extending longitudinally in a truncate direction of the sole structure, each stepped ridge angled outward from an upper extension to a lower extension such that the stepped ridge is relatively thicker at the lower extension than at the upper extension; and wherein each stepped ridge includes a series of linear segments, the linear segments including a central linear segment, a front linear segment extending forward and downward from the central linear segment at an obtuse angle, and a rear linear segment extending backward and downward from the central linear segment at an obtuse angle.

[0093] Clause 22. Footwear articles according to Clause 21, wherein the outer side of the arched portion is recessed in the front-to-back direction.

[0094] Clause 23. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21-22, wherein the sole structure further comprises a midsole covering the outsole; wherein the ground contact surface of the outsole tapers inward from the heel region of the outsole to the midfoot region of the outsole and from the forefoot region of the outsole to the midfoot region of the outsole, such that the lateral width of the ground contact surface from the inner edge to the outer edge of the ground contact surface in the midfoot region is smaller than that in the heel region and smaller than that in the forefoot region; and wherein the arched portion extends upward from the inner edge of the ground contact surface, and at least some of the stepped ridges are located below the midsole.

[0095] Clause 24. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21-23, wherein the arched portion is an inner arched portion, and the side surface of the upper is the inner side surface of the upper, and the outsole further includes an outer arched portion that wraps upward along the outer side surface of the upper and is secured to the outer side surface of the upper.

[0096] Clause 25. The footwear article according to any one of Clauses 21-24 further comprises: a side shield extending upward from the arched portion along the side surface of the upper.

[0097] Clause 26. The footwear article according to Clause 25, wherein the side shield is further defined as a stepped ridge extending longitudinally in the twentieth direction of the sole structure, each stepped ridge being angled outward from an upper extension of the stepped ridge to a lower extension of the stepped ridge, such that the stepped ridge is relatively thicker at the lower extension than at the upper extension.

[0098] Clause 27. Footwear articles according to Clause 26, wherein each stepped ridge comprises a series of linear segments, the linear segments including a central linear segment, a front linear segment extending forward and downward from the central linear segment at a first obtuse angle, and a rear linear segment extending backward and downward from the central linear segment at a second obtuse angle.

[0099] Clause 28. Footwear article according to any one of Clauses 25-27, wherein the side shield defines a ventilation opening extending from the inner side of the side shield through the side shield to the outer side of the side shield.

[0100] Clause 29. A footwear article comprising: a sole structure including a heel cushioning unit; wherein the heel cushioning unit includes a central body portion and defines an inner side recess at an inner side of the sole structure and an outer side recess at an outer side of the sole structure, both the inner side recess and the outer side recess extending laterally inward to the central body portion, the inner side recess and the outer side recess separating the heel cushioning unit into a top portion disposed above the inner side recess and the outer side recess and a top portion disposed above the inner side recess and the outer side recess. The heel cushioning unit includes an inner support wing extending from the top portion to the bottom portion in the inner side recess and an outer support wing extending from the top portion to the bottom portion in the outer side recess, both the inner and outer support wings extending laterally outward from the central body portion; and wherein the heel cushioning unit defines a through hole extending from the inner side recess to the outer side recess and disposed behind the inner and outer support wings.

[0101] To aid in and clarify the description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims). Furthermore, all references mentioned are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0102] "Footwear articles," "footwear products," and "footwear" can be considered as both machines and manufactured goods. Assembled footwear articles ready for wear (e.g., shoes, sandals, boots, etc.) and their individual components (e.g., midsoles, outsoles, upper components, etc.) are considered and may be referred to herein, either in the singular or plural, as "footwear articles" before being finally assembled into wearable footwear articles.

[0103] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate at least one of the items present. Multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless the context explicitly or clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification (including the appended claims) should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term “about,” regardless of whether “about” actually precedes the numerical value. “About” indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some slight imprecision (somewhat close to the accuracy of the value; about or moderately close to the value; almost). If the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in this ordinary sense in the art, then “about” as used herein at least indicates variations that may arise from common methods of measuring and using these parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a range should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that range and further subdivisions of the range.

[0104] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations may be changed where possible, and alternative or optional steps may be used. As used in this specification, the term “or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced items, including “any one” of the referenced items. The term “any” is understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims in the appended claims, including “any one” of the referenced claims.

[0105] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives may be used throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., may be used descriptively with respect to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0106] The term "longitudinal" refers to the direction extending along the length of a component. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot and heel areas. The terms "forward" or "anterior" are used to refer to the general direction from the heel area toward the forefoot area, and the terms "rearward" or "posterior" are used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot area toward the heel area. In some cases, a component can be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and rearward longitudinal directions along that axis. The longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis can also be referred to as the front-rear direction or front-rear axis.

[0107] The term "transverse" refers to the direction that extends along the width of a component. For example, the transverse direction of a shoe extends between the outer and inner sides of the shoe. The transverse direction or transverse axis can also be referred to as the lateral direction or lateral axis, or the mid-lateral direction or mid-lateral axis.

[0108] The term "vertical" refers to a direction that is generally perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, when a shoe sole is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It should be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various parts of the sole. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a part, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to a vertical direction opposite to the upward direction, pointing towards the bottom of the part, and may generally point towards the bottom of the sole structure of the footwear article.

[0109] The “interior” of footwear (such as a shoe) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer’s foot when the shoe is worn. The “inner side” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component in an assembled footwear article that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of the component or footwear article. The “outer side” or “exterior” of a component refers to the side or surface of the component in an assembled shoe that is oriented away from (or will be away from) the interior of the shoe. In some cases, other components may be located between the inner side of a component and the interior of the assembled footwear article. Similarly, other components may be located between the outer side of a component and the space outside the assembled footwear article. Furthermore, the terms “inward” and “inner” refer to a direction toward the interior of a component or footwear article (e.g., a shoe), and the terms “outward” and “outer” refer to a direction toward the exterior of a component or footwear article (e.g., a shoe). Furthermore, the term "proximal" refers to the direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot when the foot is inserted into the footwear. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing largely opposite terms to describe relative spatial positions.

[0110] While several embodiments have been described, this description is intended to be exemplary and not restrictive, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of these embodiments. Any feature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or in lieu of any other feature or element in any other embodiment, unless specifically limited thereto. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited except as provided in the appended claims and their equivalents. Moreover, various modifications and variations may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0111] While several modes of implementing many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching relates will recognize a variety of alternative aspects of implementing this teaching within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that all content contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings be construed as an illustration and example of the overall scope of alternative embodiments that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill, such alternative implementations being implied by, structurally and / or functionally equivalent to, or otherwise apparent based on the contained content, and not limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A type of footwear, comprising: A sole structure including a heel cushioning unit; wherein the heel cushioning unit has a top portion, a bottom portion, a main portion connecting the top portion to the bottom portion, an inner support wing located in an inner side recess defined by the heel cushioning unit on an inner side of the heel cushioning unit, and an outer support wing located in an outer side recess defined by the heel cushioning unit on an outer side of the heel cushioning unit, both the inner support wing and the outer support wing extending laterally outward from the main portion and extending from the top portion to the bottom portion; The heel cushioning unit defines a through hole, which communicates with and is connected to the inner side recess and the outer side recess, and is located behind the inner side support fin and the outer side support fin. An upper, the upper being connected to the sole structure; wherein the sole structure further includes an outsole located below the bottom surface of the heel cushioning unit, the outsole having an arched portion, the arched portion wrapping upwards along the side surface of the upper above the interlocking line between the sole structure and the upper and fixing to the side surface of the upper; and Side shields, the side shields extending upward from the arched portion along the side surface of the upper; Wherein, the exterior of the side shield and / or the exterior of the arched portion includes a stepped ridge extending longitudinally in the front-rear direction of the footwear; and Each stepped ridge includes a series of linear segments, which include a central linear segment, an anterior linear segment extending forward and downward from the central linear segment at a first obtuse angle, and a posterior linear segment extending backward and downward from the central linear segment at a second obtuse angle.

2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein, The number of inner support fins is greater than that of outer support fins.

3. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The inner support fins extend forward and upward at an angle from the bottom portion of the heel cushioning unit to the top portion of the heel cushioning unit.

4. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The outer support fins extend forward and upward at an angle from the bottom portion of the heel cushioning unit to the top portion of the heel cushioning unit.

5. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The heel cushioning unit defines a rear wall that surrounds the through-hole behind it and extends from the top portion of the heel cushioning unit to the bottom portion of the heel cushioning unit.

6. The footwear article according to claim 5, wherein, The rear wall is wider in the lateral direction at the bottom portion than at the top portion.

7. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2 and 6, wherein, The heel cushioning unit has an inclined upper edge extending from the inner side to the outer side around the rear portion of the heel cushioning unit.

8. The footwear article according to claim 7, wherein the sole structure further comprises: The middle and bottom layers are disposed on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit; as well as A heel protector having a lower portion disposed between the mid-bottom layer and the heel cushioning unit on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit, and an upper portion extending upward above the inclined upper edge and along the rear surface of the mid-bottom layer.

9. The footwear article according to claim 8, wherein, The heel protector extends from the inner side of the heel cushioning unit to the outer side of the heel cushioning unit around the rear surface of the midsole, and extends further forward along the midsole on the outer side than on the inner side.

10. The footwear article according to claim 1, further comprising: Tensioning cables; Wherein, the side shield defines the hole; and The tension cable extends from the inside of the side cover through the hole to the outside of the side cover.

11. The footwear article according to claim 1 or 10, wherein: Each stepped ridge is relatively thicker at its lower extension than at its upper extension, such that the stepped ridge forms an outward angle from the upper extension to the lower extension.

12. The footwear article according to claim 11, wherein: The sole structure also includes a middle and bottom layer disposed on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit; The ground contact surface of the outsole tapers inward from the heel area to the mid-shoe area and from the forefoot area to the mid-shoe area, such that the lateral width of the ground contact surface from the inner edge to the outer edge in the mid-shoe area is smaller than that in the heel area and smaller than that in the forefoot area. The arched portion extends from the inner edge of the ground contact surface; and At least some of the stepped ridges are located below the middle and bottom layers.

13. The footwear article according to claim 1 or 12, wherein, The outer side of the arched portion is recessed in the front-back direction.

14. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1, 10, and 12, wherein, The side shield defines a ventilation opening that extends from the inside of the side shield through the side shield to the outside of the side shield.

15. Footwear according to any one of claims 1, 10, and 12, wherein: The sole structure further includes: a midsole layer, which is disposed on the top surface of the heel cushioning unit and positioned in front of the heel cushioning unit on the outsole; and The upper is fixed to the top surface of the midsole, and the interlocking line is located between the midsole and the upper.

16. Footwear according to any one of claims 1, 10, and 12, wherein: The arched portion is the inner arched portion, and the side surface of the shoe upper is the inner side surface of the shoe upper; and The outsole also includes an outer arched portion, which wraps upward along the outer surface of the upper above the interlocking line between the sole structure and the upper and is fixed to the outer surface of the upper.

17. Footwear according to any one of claims 1-2, 6, 8-10, and 12, wherein, The heel cushioning unit defines a rib that extends from the inner side to the outer side and into the through-hole.

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