Non-parallel wave footwear sole with varying thickness

Abstract

This application relates to a footwear sole plate with non-parallel waves of varying thickness. A sole structure for footwear articles includes a sole plate that may include a midfoot region and may also include a forefoot region or a heel region. The sole plate may have a foot-facing surface having ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and in the forefoot or heel region. The sole plate may have a ground-facing surface having grooves corresponding to the longitudinally extending ridges. The thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface may vary at a transverse cross-section through the ridges, or along the length of at least one of the ridges, or both at the transverse cross-section and along the length of at least one of the ridges. The ridges may have crests, at least some of which may extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on April 26, 2019, with application number 201980034546.X, entitled "Shoe sole plate with variable thickness and non-parallel wave".

[0002] Cross-reference of related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 678,503, filed May 31, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This instruction generally covers the sole plates used for footwear. background

[0005] Footwear typically includes a sole structure that is configured to sit beneath the wearer's foot to separate the foot from the ground. The sole structure can generally be configured to provide one or more of cushioning, motion control, and rebound. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a plan view of the surface of the sole facing the foot.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a plan view of the ground-facing surface of a shoe sole.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic illustration of the outer side view of the shoe sole.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the inner side view of the sole of a shoe.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic illustration of the front view of the shoe sole.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the rear view of the shoe sole.

[0012] Figure 7 Is Figure 1 The line 7-7 was cut off. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0013] Figure 8 Is Figure 1 The line 8-8 was cut off. Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0014] Figure 9 Is Figure 1 The line 9-9 was cut off Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0015] Figure 10 Is Figure 1 The line 10-10 was cut off Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0016] Figure 11 Is Figure 1 The line 11-11 was cut off. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional diagram of the shoe sole.

[0017] Figure 12 This is a schematic illustration of the inner side view of a footwear article having a sole structure, which includes... Figure 1 The sole plate, which is shown with hidden lines.

[0018] Figure 13 It is in the first stage of motion. Figure 12 A schematic illustration of the inner side view of footwear.

[0019] Figure 14 It is in the second stage of motion. Figure 12 A schematic illustration of the inner side view of footwear.

[0020] Figure 15 It is in the third stage of movement. Figure 12 A schematic illustration of the inner side view of footwear.

[0021] Figure 16 Is Figure 1 The line 16-16 was cut off Figure 12 A schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of footwear.

[0022] Figure 17 Is when in Figure 14 During the second phase of motion Figure 16 A schematic partial cross-sectional diagram of the forefoot section of a footwear item.

[0023] Figure 18 It is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a footwear article having an alternative sole interlayer system.

[0024] describe

[0025] A sole plate is provided that can be adjusted for stiffness, energy absorption, and energy return orientation using any or all of the varying thicknesses, non-parallel, longitudinally extending ridges, and a generally spoon-shaped forefoot portion. More specifically, the sole structure for footwear articles includes a sole plate that may include a midfoot region and at least one of a forefoot region or a heel region. The sole plate may have a foot-facing surface having ridges extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and in at least one of the forefoot or heel regions. The sole plate may have a ground-facing surface having grooves corresponding to the longitudinally extending ridges. The ridges and grooves may be configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section through the ridges, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section and along the length of at least one of the ridges. The described ridges, grooves, and varying thicknesses allow for adjustments to the stiffness and energy absorption of the sole plate in different areas, while also enabling a one-piece construction of homogeneous material. The plate can function as a stiffness modulator within the sole structure.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the ridge may have crests, and at least some of the crests may extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate. The groove may also have crests, and at least some of the crests of the groove may extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate may include both a forefoot region and a heel region. Ridges and grooves may extend only in the midfoot and forefoot regions, and the sole plate may have a wavy profile at any lateral cross-section passing through the ridges. In one or more such embodiments, the lateral cross-section may be a first lateral cross-section of the sole plate in the midfoot region, and the wavy profile of the sole plate at the first lateral cross-section may include a first set of multiple waves having crests at the ridges and troughs between respective adjacent ridges. The wavy profile of the sole plate at a second lateral cross-section in the forefoot region may include a second set of multiple waves having crests at the ridges and troughs between respectively adjacent ridges. Waves in the first set may each have a first wavelength, and waves in the second set may each have a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the outermost ridge may bend longitudinally to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate, and the innermost ridge may bend longitudinally to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate. Because the ridges may be non-parallel, the wavelengths at different transverse cross-sections may be different. Generally, ridges with shorter wavelengths are stiffer under compression than ridges with longer wavelengths.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the amplitude of the crests of the ridges can be larger in areas of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in areas of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads. For example, at least some of the crests can have a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region and larger than in the midfoot region. The rear portion can be configured to lie below the wearer's metatarsophalangeal joint, thus increasing stiffness and energy absorption capacity in areas of highest load.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate can be an elastic material such that the crests of the ridges can decrease in height from the steady-state height to the load height under dynamic compressive load, and return to the steady-state height upon removal of the dynamic compressive load. For example, the sole plate can be one of fiber-strand-lain composite, carbon fiber composite, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood, or steel. The sole plate can elastically deform to absorb and return energy. Larger areas can absorb more energy than smaller areas. When sandwiched between layers of foam with lower compressive stiffness (such as layers covering the sole plate and an elastic foam midsole layer beneath it), the foam layers can act against the sole plate during elastic deformation, causing the sole plate to act as a modulator of both flexural and compressive stiffness of the sole structure.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface in the forefoot region of the sole plate may be concave in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, and the ground-facing surface in the forefoot region of the sole plate may be convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, thereby forming a spoon-shaped forefoot region. In one or more embodiments, the sole plate may also have a heel region, and the sole plate may be inclined longitudinally from the heel region to the forefoot region in the midfoot region. The sole plate may be biased into this spoon shape in the forefoot region. During dorsiflexion, the longitudinal bending of the sole plate can store the energy released after toe-off, while the sole plate extends at least partially in the direction of forward movement to its initially biased spoon shape.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface may have a wavy profile in its transverse cross-section, the wavy profile comprising multiple waves having crests at ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges. The crests at the ridges may align with the crests of the grooves. The thickness of the sole plate in its transverse cross-section may be smaller at the crests of the ridges than between the crests and troughs of the ridges.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the ground-facing surface may be flat in the lateral cross-section between the grooves.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the sole plate may include both a forefoot area and a heel area, and may be an integral, one-piece component.

[0035] In one aspect of this disclosure, the sole structure for footwear articles may include a sole plate comprising a midfoot region, a forefoot region, and a heel region. The sole plate may have a foot-facing surface having longitudinally extending ridges, such that the foot-facing surface may have a wavy profile in a transverse cross-section passing through the ridges. The sole plate may have a ground-facing surface having longitudinally extending grooves. At least some of the ridges on the foot-facing surface may extend non-parallel to each other, and at least some of the grooves on the ground-facing surface may correspond to the ridges extending non-parallel to each other. The ridges and grooves may be configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies in transverse cross-section, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both in transverse cross-section and along the length of the at least one of the ridges. At least some of the ridges may vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the amplitude of at least some of the ridges may be greater in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region, and greater in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the midfoot region.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the ridge may have crests, and the sole plate may be an elastic material, such that the crests of the ridge can decrease in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and can return to a steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the lateral cross-section may be a first lateral cross-section of the sole plate in the midfoot region, and the wavy profile of the sole plate at the first lateral cross-section may include a first set of multiple waves having crests at ridges and troughs between respective adjacent ridges within the ridges. The wavy profile of the sole plate at a second lateral cross-section in the forefoot region may include a second set of multiple waves having crests at ridges and troughs between respective adjacent ridges within the ridges. The waves in the first set may each have a first wavelength. The waves in the second set may each have a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength. The outermost ridge may be curved in the longitudinal direction to follow a curved outer edge of the sole plate. The innermost ridge may be curved in the longitudinal direction to follow a curved inner edge of the sole plate.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the foot-facing surface may be recessed in the longitudinal direction in the forefoot region. The ground-facing surface may be convex in the longitudinal direction in the forefoot region. The sole plate may slope longitudinally from the heel region to the forefoot region in the midfoot region, and the ground-facing surface may be flat between the grooves in the transverse cross-section.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals in all views refer to the same parts. Figure 1 It shows items for footwear 12 (such as...) Figure 10 An embodiment of the sole plate 10 of the footwear article 12. More specifically, the sole plate 10 is included in the sole structure 14 of the footwear article 12. The sole plate 10 described herein is configured to adjust flexural stiffness during dorsiflexion and to guide return energy to the foot, at least partially in the forward direction, when the dynamic compressive load is removed after dorsiflexion during stride. More specifically, the sole plate 10 has varying non-parallel ridges and grooves, and is generally spoon-shaped, and elastically deforms under dynamic load to store elastic energy, and elastically returns to the unloaded state when the dynamic load is removed, thereby releasing the stored elastic energy.

[0042] As used herein, the term "plate" (such as sole plate 10) 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 resting on a sole structure on a horizontal ground surface, such that its thickness is generally vertical and its width is generally horizontal. The plate need not be a single component, but can instead be multiple interconnected components. Portions of the plate may be flat, and when molded or otherwise formed, the portions may have a certain amount of curvature and thickness variation to provide a shaped footbed and / or to provide increased thickness for reinforcement in desired areas.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 The sole plate 10 has a forefoot region 16, a midfoot region 18, and a heel region 20, and is therefore referred to as a full-length sole plate 10, and is a single, integral component. Alternatively, in other embodiments within the scope of this teaching, the sole plate 10 may include only the forefoot region 16 and the midfoot region 18, or only the midfoot region 18 and the heel region 20.

[0044] When the size corresponds to the human foot 26 of the sole structure 14 (see...) Figure 13 When supported on the sole structure, the forefoot region 16 generally includes the portion of the sole plate 10 corresponding to the toes and the joints (which may be interchangeably referred to herein as "metatarsopsomia" or "MPJ" joints) connecting the metatarsals and phalanges of the foot 26. The midfoot region 18 generally includes the portion of the sole plate 10 corresponding to the arch region of the human foot (including the navicular joint). The heel region 20 generally includes the portion of the sole plate corresponding to the posterior portion of the foot 26 (including the calcaneus). The forefoot region 16, midfoot region 18, and heel region 20 may also be referred to as the forefoot portion, midfoot portion, and heel portion, respectively, and may also be used to refer to... Figure 12 The corresponding areas of the upper 23 and other parts of the footwear article 12 are shown in the figure. The midfoot region 18 is disposed between the forefoot region 16 and the heel region 20, such that the forefoot region 16 is in front of the midfoot region 18 (i.e., the front side), and the heel region is behind the midfoot region 18 (i.e., the rear side).

[0045] The sole plate 10 has Figure 1 The first side 22 shown, also called the foot-facing side 22, includes a foot-facing surface 24. (See figure) Figure 2 As shown, the sole plate 10 also has a second side 28 referred to as the ground-facing side 28, which includes a ground-facing surface 30. When the sole plate 10 is assembled into the footwear article 12 and worn on the foot 26, the foot-facing side 22 is closer to the foot 26 than the ground-facing side 28 (in... Figure 16(Seen in dashed lines). When the sole plate 10 is assembled into the footwear article 12 and worn on the foot 26, the foot-facing side 22 is above the ground-facing side 28. The sole plate 10 also has a curved outer edge 34 and a curved inner edge 32. The sole plate 10 is for the right foot. It should be understood that the sole plate for the left foot is a mirror image of the sole plate 10.

[0046] refer to Figure 1 The foot-facing surface 24 has ridges 40 extending longitudinally in the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16. The ridges 40 do not extend into the heel region 20. The foot-facing surface 24 is generally flat in the heel region 20, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As best shown in the diagram, the ground-facing surface 30 has grooves 42 extending longitudinally corresponding to the ridges 40. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four ridges 40 and four grooves 42. More specifically, as... Figures 7-9 As best shown, four ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D are sequentially arranged between the inner edge 32 and the outer edge 34. Ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D each have crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D extending along the length of the respective ridge. The outermost ridge 40D curves longitudinally to follow the curved outer edge 34, and the innermost ridge 40A curves longitudinally to follow the curved inner edge 32. In other words, ridge 40D curves relative to the longitudinal midline LM to substantially follow the outer edge 34, and ridge 40A curves relative to the longitudinal midline LM to substantially follow the inner edge 32. The longitudinal direction is generally along the longitudinal center line LM of the sole plate 10, and can be a forward direction (i.e., from the mid-shoe region 18 toward the fore-shoe region 16) or a backward direction (i.e., from the fore-shoe region 16 toward the mid-shoe region 18).

[0047] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The foot-facing surface 24 is concave in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16, and the ground-facing surface 30 is convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16. The concave surface of the foot-facing surface 24 and the convex surface of the ground-facing surface 30 extend into the midfoot region 18, such that the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16 together form a spoon shape. Furthermore, the sole plate 10 slopes longitudinally from the heel region 20 to the forefoot region 16 in the midfoot region 18. More specifically, as... Figure 12 As shown, when the sole plate 10 is assembled in the sole structure 14 and the sole structure 14 is placed on a horizontal ground surface G, the midfoot region 18 slopes downward from the heel region 20 to the forefoot region 16. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustration also shows the concave surface of the surface 24 facing the foot and the convex surface of the surface 30 facing the ground in the forefoot region 16 of the shoe. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The image shows a sole plate 10, with its lowest point resting on a horizontal ground surface G (i.e., before being installed in the sole structure 14). The sole plate 10 slopes downwards from its front edge 36 in the forefoot region 16. In the midfoot region 18, the sole plate 10 slopes downwards relative to the heel region 20, which is flush with the rear edge 38. In this position, the front edge 36 is higher than the rear edge 38.

[0048] As used herein, the transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridge portion 40 is a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline LM, and includes... Figures 7-11 The cross-section. For example... Figures 7-9 As best illustrated, at any given transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D, the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are equidistant from each other. In other words, all adjacent crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are equidistant. However, because the distance between the outer edge 34 and the inner edge 32 varies along the length of the sole plate 10 (i.e., the sole plate 10 has different widths at different transverse cross-sections), the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 On the ground-facing surface 30, there are four grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D sequentially between the inner edge 32 and the outer edge 34. For example... Figure 2Clearly, grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D do not extend into the heel region 20, and the ground-facing surface 30 is generally flat in the heel region 20. Ridges 40 and grooves 42 extend only into the midfoot region 18 and the forefoot region 16. Grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D each have crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D extending along the length of the respective groove. The outermost groove 42D curves longitudinally to follow a curved outer edge 34, and the innermost groove 42A curves longitudinally to follow a curved inner edge 32. In other words, groove 42D curves relative to the longitudinal centerline LM to generally follow the outer edge 34, and groove 42A curves relative to the longitudinal centerline LM to follow the inner edge 32. Like the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D, at any transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D, the crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D are equidistant from each other (i.e., all adjacent crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D are equidistant), and the crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate 10.

[0050] The crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D of the grooves 42A, 42B, 42C, and 42D are aligned with the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D of the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D. As used herein, the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D are aligned with the crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D because the crests along the length of the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, and 40D lie directly below the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D, such that the line connecting the crests of the corresponding ridges and the crests of the grooves (e.g., the line connecting crests 44A and 46A) is perpendicular to the line along the flat portion of the surface 30 facing the ground in the transverse cross-section. Figures 1-2 and Figures 5-9 It is evident that the ground-facing surface 30 of the sole plate 10 is flat between the grooves 42 in any transverse cross-section.

[0051] Due to the ridge 40 and the groove 42, the sole plate 10 has a wavy profile at any lateral cross-section passing through the ridge 40. For example, Figure 9The lateral cross-section is the first lateral cross-section of the sole plate 10 in the midfoot region 18. The foot-facing surface 24 has a wavy profile P1 of the sole plate at the first lateral cross-section. The wavy profile P1 includes a first set of multiple waves W1, W2, W3, W4, which have peaks 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D at ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and troughs 50A, 50B, 50C between corresponding adjacent ridges. Each of the waves W1, W2, W3, W4 has an equal first wavelength L1.

[0052] Figure 7 The transverse cross-section at the location is a second transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridge 40 in the forefoot region 16. The wavy profile P2 of the sole plate 10 at the second transverse cross-section includes a second set of multiple waves W1A, W2A, W3A, W4A, which have peaks 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D at the ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and troughs 50A, 50B, 50C between corresponding adjacent ridges. Each of the waves W1A, W2A, W3A, W4A has an equal second wavelength L2. Due to the larger width of the sole plate 10 at the second transverse cross-section (from the inner edge 32 to the outer edge 34), the second wavelength L2 is greater than the first wavelength L1.

[0053] Figure 8 The image shows a third transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 spanning the ridge portion 40, and this third transverse cross-section is longitudinally positioned at... Figure 9 The first transverse cross section and Figure 7 Between the second transverse cross sections. The wavy profile P3 of the sole plate 10 at the third transverse cross section includes a third set of multiple waves W1B, W2B, W3B, W4B, which have peaks 44A, 44B, 44C, 44D at ridges 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, and troughs 50A, 50B, 50C between corresponding adjacent ridges in the ridges. Each of the waves W1B, W2B, W3B, W4B has an equal third wavelength L3. Since the width of the sole plate 10 at the third transverse cross section is greater than the width at the first transverse cross section and greater than the width at the second transverse cross section, the third wavelength L3 is greater than the first wavelength L1 and the second wavelength L2. Generally, increasing the number of ridges 40 over a given width (i.e., decreasing the wavelength) increases the flexural stiffness of the sole plate 10 in the longitudinal direction. The sole plate 10 in the forefoot region 16 Figure 8 The third transverse cross section is more pronounced than in the mid-shoe region 18. Figure 9It is wider at the first transverse cross section. Because the ridges 40 are not parallel and the wavelengths of the waves are equal at a given transverse cross section, the sole plate 10 has the same number of ridges (four) in the forefoot region 16 and the midfoot region 18.

[0054] In addition to the number of ridges 40, the thickness of the sole plate 10 and the amplitude of the crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D affect the flexural stiffness and energy return of the sole plate 10. When referring to crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D herein, reference numeral 44 may be used. The ridges 40 and the grooves 42 are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate 10 from the foot-facing surface 24 to the ground-facing surface 30 varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate 10 passing through the ridges 40 and varies along the length of at least one of the ridges 40. For example, as... Figure 8 As shown in the transverse cross-section, the thickness T1 of the sole plate 10 at the crest 44 of the ridge 40 (as shown at crest 44D) is less than the thickness T2 of the sole plate 10 at the location between the crest and trough of the ridge. Therefore, the sole plate 10 will tend to elastically deform under dynamic compressive load applied to the foot-facing surface 24 starting from the crest 44. For example, the sole plate 10 can be an elastic material such that the foot-facing surface 24, including the crest 44 of the ridge 40, will deform in height under dynamic compressive load from... Figure 8 The steady-state height, indicated by the solid line, decreases to Figure 8 The load height 24A is shown as a dashed line and returns to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed. For example, at the crest 44C, the height decreases from height E1 to height E2. For example, the sole plate 10 can be a fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood, steel, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The ability and degree of elastic deformation of the sole plate 10 are also adjusted by changing the thickness of the sole plate 10 along the length of the ridge 40 and by changing the amplitude of the crest 44 along the length of the ridge 40. Figures 7-11 A comparison of the transverse cross sections shows that the outsole plate 10 has the highest amplitude at the crest 44 at the ridge 40 (e.g., in...). Figure 8 The thinnest part (i.e., with the smallest thickness) is in the middle, and as the amplitude decreases, the sole plate 10 gradually thickens at the crest 44, as... Figure 7 and Figure 9 This can be seen from the text.

[0056] The ability and extent of elastic deformation of the sole plate 10 are adjusted by varying the thickness of the sole plate 10 along the length of the ridge 40 and by varying the amplitude of the crest 44 along the length of the ridge 40. When referring herein to crests 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D, reference numeral 46 may be used. The amplitude of crest 46 is greater in regions of the sole plate 10 constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate 10 constructed for relatively low compressive loads. For example, reference... Figure 1 At least some of the crests 46 may be present in the rear portion 16A of the forefoot region 16 (e.g., including...). Figure 8 (at the transverse cross-section) than in the forefoot portion 16B of the shoe's forefoot region (e.g., including...) Figure 7 (at the transverse cross-section) is larger and in the rear portion 16A of the forefoot region 16 than in the midfoot region 18 (e.g., including...). Figure 9 The larger amplitude of crest 46 (at its transverse cross-section) enables greater energy absorption under sufficient dynamic load because more elastic deformation occurs as the height of crest 46 varies more between its steady-state height and load height. In an embodiment of the sole plate 10, the amplitude of crest 44 is consistent at any given transverse cross-section. In other words, each of crests 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D has a larger amplitude at its transverse cross-section. Figure 7 The cross-section has the same amplitude, and Figure 8 It has the same amplitude at the cross-section (however different) Figure 7 (the range at the point), and in Figure 9 It has the same amplitude at the cross-section (however different) Figure 7 and Figure 8 (range at the location).

[0057] refer to Figure 12 The sole structure 14 includes an elastic foam midsole layer 60. The sole structure 14 also includes discrete outsole elements 62, or alternatively, may include a monolithic outsole. The midsole layer 60 includes a first foam layer 60A fixed to a foot-facing surface 24 and a second foam layer 60B fixed to a ground-facing surface 30. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B are separate components with different compressive stiffnesses. The first foam layer 60A may be stiffer than or less stiff than the second foam layer 60B. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B may be the same material composition with different densities to provide different compressive stiffnesses, or they may be different materials.

[0058] Alternatively, such as Figure 18As shown, the alternative footwear article 112 has a sole interlayer 160, which includes a first foam layer 160A and a second foam layer 160B, which are portions of a single component (i.e., a single, integral, one-piece elastic foam sole interlayer 160). Layers 160A and 160B of the first and second elastic foam sole interlayers are the upper and lower portions of the single elastic foam sole interlayer 160 surrounding the sole plate 10, and in one embodiment, can be formed by injecting foam around the sole plate. The first and second foam layers 160A and 160B are made of the same material and have the same compressive stiffness.

[0059] like Figure 17 As indicated, the foam sole interlayer 60 compresses between the foot 26 and the ground G under dynamic compressive load, acting against both the foot-facing surface 24 and the ground-facing surface 30 of the harder sole plate 10. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B elastically deform under the dynamic compressive load. The dynamic compressive load is illustrated by distributed loads F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5, which have different magnitudes indicated by the length of the arrows. The first foam layer 60A and the second foam layer 60B return energy when the dynamic compressive load is removed. Under dynamic load, the first foam layer 60A compresses against the foot-facing surface 24, and the second foam layer compresses against the ground-facing surface 30.

[0060] Figure 12 The illustration shows a footwear item in a stationary position under a steady-state load applied by the foot 26. Figure 12 It can also represent the middle position of the footwear 12 during stride, wherein the sole structure 14 is laid flat on the ground G. Figures 13-15 Footwear item 12 is shown in the progressive first, second and third movement phases during a stride. Figure 13 The first phase of movement shown is the start of a stride, in which at least a portion of the heel portion 20 and the midfoot portion 18 of the sole structure 14 are lifted off the ground G and the forefoot portion 16 contacts the ground G. Figure 14 The second phase of motion shows the midfoot portion 18 of the sole structure 14 being further lifted off the ground surface G and the forefoot portion 16 contacting the ground G. Finally, Figure 15 This illustrates footwear item 12 being completely lifted off the ground G, as may happen during running. During a stride, the sole plate 10 moves along its length (e.g., along...). Figure 1The longitudinal midline (LM) of the foot 26 is shown to bend. Progressive bending occurs in the forefoot region 16 of the foot 26, approximately below the metatarsophalangeal joint of the foot 26, as the foot 26 is dorsiflexed and the increased load is placed in the forefoot region 16 as the wearer’s weight is transferred to the forefoot.

[0061] exist Figure 16 The spoon shape of the sole plate 10, best shown in the diagram (including a concave, foot-facing surface 24 and a convex, ground-facing surface 30 in the forefoot region 16), helps to promote forward rolling of the foot 26. This occurs when the foot 26 disengages from the sole structure 14. Figure 15 When the ground G in the shoe sole plate 10 is lifted, the compressive force above the neutral axis of the shoe sole plate 10 to the surface 24 facing the foot and the tension below the neutral axis to the surface 30 facing the ground are released, thereby causing the shoe sole plate 10 to return to its original position. Figure 15 The unloading orientation shown in the diagram, apart from being lifted from the ground, is consistent with... Figure 12 The same applies to the previous one. As the wearer bends the sole plate 10, the internal compressive forces and tensions in the sole plate 10 are released as the sole plate 10 straightens, which generates a net force F in the forward direction, at least partially.

[0062] Therefore, as discussed herein, by varying the thickness of the sole plate 10, the amplitude of the crest of the ridge, and by adjusting the sole plate 10 in a spoon shape, all of these contribute to energy absorption during dynamic compression and longitudinal flexion, as well as energy return during the subsequent forward stride.

[0063] The following clauses provide example constructions for the sole structure of footwear articles disclosed herein.

[0064] Clause 1: A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a sole plate including a midfoot region and at least one of a forefoot region or a heel region; wherein the sole plate has a foot-facing surface having a ridge extending longitudinally in the midfoot region and at least one of the forefoot region or heel region; wherein the sole plate has a ground-facing surface having a groove corresponding to the longitudinally extending ridge; and wherein the ridge and the groove are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a transverse cross-section of the sole plate through the ridge, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section and along the length of the at least one of the ridges.

[0065] Clause 2: The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein: the ridge has crests, at least some of the crests extending non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate; and the groove has crests, at least some of the crests extending non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] Clause 3: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-2, wherein the ridge has crests, at least some of the crests varying in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate such that the amplitude is greater in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

[0067] Clause 4: The sole structure according to Clause 3, wherein: the sole plate includes the forefoot region; and at least some of the crests have an amplitude that is greater in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region and greater in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the midfoot region.

[0068] Clause 5: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-4, wherein the ridge has a crest and the sole plate is an elastic material, such that the crest of the ridge decreases in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and returns to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

[0069] Clause 6: The sole structure as described in Clause 5, wherein the sole plate is one of fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood or steel.

[0070] Clause 7: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-6, wherein: the sole plate includes the forefoot region; the foot-facing surface in the forefoot region is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate; and the ground-facing surface in the forefoot region is convex in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

[0071] Clause 8: The sole structure according to Clause 7, wherein: the sole plate includes the heel region; and the sole plate is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the heel region to the forefoot region in the midfoot region.

[0072] Clause 9: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein: the foot-facing surface has a wavy profile in the transverse cross-section, the wavy profile comprising a plurality of waves, the plurality of waves having crests at the ridges and troughs between corresponding adjacent ridges in the ridges; and the crests at the ridges are aligned with the crests of the grooves.

[0073] Clause 10: The sole structure according to Clause 9, wherein the thickness of the sole plate at the transverse cross section is smaller at the crest of the ridge than between the crest and the trough of the ridge.

[0074] Clause 11: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-10, wherein: the sole plate includes both the forefoot region and the heel region; the ridge and the groove extend only in the midfoot region and the forefoot region; and the sole plate has a wavy profile at any lateral cross-section of the sole plate passing through the ridge.

[0075] Clause 12: The sole structure according to Clause 11, wherein: the transverse cross section is a first transverse cross section of the sole plate in the mid-shoe region; the wavy profile of the sole plate at the first transverse cross section comprises a first group of multiple waves, the first group of multiple waves having peaks at the ridges and troughs between respective adjacent ridges in the ridges; the wavy profile of the sole plate at a second transverse cross section in the forefoot region comprises a second group of multiple waves, the second group of multiple waves having peaks at the ridges and troughs between respectively adjacent ridges in the ridges; each wave in the first group has a first wavelength; and each wave in the second group has a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength.

[0076] Clause 13: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-12, wherein: the outermost one of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate; and the innermost one of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

[0077] Clause 14: The sole structure according to Clause 1, wherein the ground-facing surface is flat in the transverse cross-section between the grooves.

[0078] Clause 15: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 1-14, wherein the sole plate comprises both the forefoot region and the heel region, and is an integral one-piece component.

[0079] Clause 16: A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: a sole plate including a midfoot region, a forefoot region, and a heel region; wherein the sole plate has a foot-facing surface having longitudinally extending ridges such that the foot-facing surface has a wavy profile in a transverse cross-section of the sole plate passing through the ridges; wherein the sole plate has a ground-facing surface having longitudinally extending grooves; wherein at least some of the ridges of the foot-facing surface extend non-parallel to each other, and at least some of the grooves of the ground-facing surface correspond to the ridges extending non-parallel to each other; wherein the ridges and the grooves are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies in the transverse cross-section, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both in the transverse cross-section and along the length of the at least one of the ridges; and at least some of the ridges vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate.

[0080] Clause 17: The sole structure according to Clause 16, wherein the amplitude of at least some of the ridges is greater in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region, and greater in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the midfoot region.

[0081] Clause 18: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 16-17, wherein the ridge has crests and the sole plate is an elastic material, such that the crests of the ridge decrease in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and return to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

[0082] Clause 19: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 17-18, wherein: the transverse cross section is a first transverse cross section of the sole plate in the mid-shoe region; the wavy profile of the sole plate at the first transverse cross section comprises a first group of multiple waves, the first group of multiple waves having crests at the ridges and troughs between respective adjacent ridges in the ridges; the wavy profile of the sole plate at a second transverse cross section in the forefoot region comprises a second group of multiple waves, the second group of multiple waves having crests at the ridges and troughs between respectively adjacent ridges in the ridges; each wave in the first group has a first wavelength; each wave in the second group has a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength; the outermost ridge bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate; and the innermost ridge bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

[0083] Clause 20: The sole structure according to any one of Clauses 16-19, wherein: the foot-facing surface is recessed in the longitudinal direction in the forefoot region of the shoe; the ground-facing surface is convex in the longitudinal direction in the forefoot region of the shoe; the sole plate is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the heel region to the forefoot region in the midfoot region of the shoe; and the ground-facing surface is flat in the transverse cross-section between the grooves.

[0084] To aid and clarify the subsequent description of the various embodiments, various terms are defined herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following definitions apply throughout this specification (including the claims).

[0085] The terms “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one of the items. Multiple such items may exist unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “at least some” in an item means at least two of the items. Unless the context clearly or explicitly 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 (some approximation to the accuracy of the value; approximately or moderately approximation 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 scope should be understood to specifically disclose all values ​​within that scope and further subdivisions of the scope. All cited references are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0086] 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 alternative 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.

[0087] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are 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.

[0088] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which the length of the extending component is directed. For example, the longitudinal direction of a shoe extends between the forefoot region and the heel region. The term "forward" is used to refer to a general direction from the heel region toward the forefoot region, and the term "rearward" is used to refer to the opposite direction, i.e., from the forefoot region toward the heel region. In some cases, a component may be identified by a longitudinal axis and the forward and rearward longitudinal directions along that axis.

[0089] As used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to both the lateral and longitudinal directions. For example, in the case where the sole structure is laid flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction can extend upwards from the ground surface. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to individual components of the sole structure. The term "upward" or "upwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing towards the top of a component, which may include the instep, fastening area, and / or throat of the upper. The term "downward" or "downwards" refers to a vertical direction pointing in the opposite direction to the upward direction and may generally point towards the sole structure or towards the outermost component of the sole structure.

[0090] The term "interior" in footwear (such as shoes) refers to the portion of the space occupied by the wearer's foot when the shoe is worn. The term "inner side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component oriented toward (or to be toward) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. The term "outer side" or "exterior" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component oriented away from (or to be away from) the interior of the shoe in an assembled shoe. In some cases, the inner side of a component may have other components between that inner side and the interior of the assembled shoe. Similarly, the outer side of a component may have other components between that outer side and the exterior of the assembled shoe. Furthermore, the terms "inward" and "inner" should refer to a direction toward the interior of the component or footwear (such as shoes), and the terms "outward" and "outer" should refer to a direction toward the exterior of the component or footwear (such as shoes). Additionally, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the center of the footwear component or closer to the foot when the foot is inserted into the article as it is worn by the user. Similarly, the term "distal" refers to the relative position of the foot further away from the center of the footwear component or further away from the foot as the foot is inserted into the garment by the wearer. Therefore, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as providing largely opposite terms to describe the relative spatial positions of footwear layers.

[0091] While various 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 are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0092] While several modes of implementation for many aspects of this teaching have been described in detail, those skilled in the art to which this teaching pertains 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 a person of ordinary skill, such alternative embodiments as implied by the contained content, structurally and / or functionally equivalent to the contained content, or otherwise apparent based on the contained content, and not limited to those embodiments explicitly depicted and / or described.

Claims

1. A sole structure for footwear, comprising: A sole plate, the sole plate comprising at least one of a midfoot region, a forefoot region, and a heel region; The sole plate has a foot-facing surface, and the foot-facing surface has a longitudinally extending ridge in at least one of the midfoot region and the forefoot region and heel region; The sole plate has a ground-facing surface, and the ground-facing surface has a groove extending longitudinally corresponding to the ridge. A foam sole interlayer, the foam sole interlayer covering and fixed to the foot-facing surface, and located below and fixed to the ground-facing surface; and The ridge and the groove are configured such that the thickness of the sole plate from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at a first transverse cross-section of the ridge in the midfoot region of the sole plate, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the first transverse cross-section and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

2. The sole structure according to claim 1, wherein the sole plate has a wavy profile at any lateral cross-section of the sole plate passing through the ridge.

3. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The wavy profile of the sole plate at the first transverse cross-section includes a first group of multiple waves, the first group of multiple waves having peaks at the ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges in the ridges; The wavy profile of the sole plate at the second transverse cross-section in the forefoot region includes a second set of multiple waves, the second set of multiple waves having peaks at the ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges in the ridges; Each of the waves in the first group of multiple waves has a first wavelength; and Each of the waves in the second group has a second wavelength that is greater than the first wavelength.

4. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the foam sole interlayer comprises a first foam layer fixed to the surface facing the foot and a second foam layer fixed to the surface facing the ground.

5. The sole structure according to claim 4, wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer are the upper and lower portions of a single integral one-piece foam sole interlayer.

6. The sole structure according to claim 4, wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer have one or more of different compressive stiffnesses, different material compositions, or different densities.

7. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sole plate comprises both a forefoot region and a heel region.

8. The sole structure of claim 7, wherein the ridge and the groove extend only in the midfoot region and the forefoot region.

9. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The ridge has crests, at least some of which extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate; and The groove has crests, and at least some of the crests of the groove extend non-parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction.

10. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein at least some of the crests of at least one of the ridges and the grooves vary in amplitude in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate, such that the amplitude is greater in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively high compressive loads than in regions of the sole plate constructed for relatively low compressive loads.

11. The sole structure according to claim 9, wherein: The sole plate includes a forefoot area; and At least some of the peaks of at least one of the ridge and the groove have a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the front portion of the forefoot region, and a larger amplitude in the rear portion of the forefoot region than in the midfoot region.

12. The sole structure of claim 9, wherein the sole plate is an elastic material such that the crest of the ridge decreases in height from a steady-state height to a load height under dynamic compressive load, and returns to the steady-state height when the dynamic compressive load is removed.

13. The sole structure according to claim 12, wherein the sole plate is one of fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood or steel.

14. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The sole plate includes the forefoot area; The surface facing the foot is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region of the shoe; and The ground-facing surface is raised in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate in the forefoot region of the shoe.

15. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The sole plate includes both a forefoot area and a heel area; and The sole plate is inclined in the longitudinal direction from the heel area to the forefoot area in the mid-shoe region.

16. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The surface facing the foot has a wavy profile at the first transverse cross-section, the wavy profile comprising multiple waves, the multiple waves having peaks at the ridges and troughs between adjacent ridges within the ridges; and The crest at the ridge is aligned with the crest of the groove.

17. The sole structure of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the sole plate at the first transverse cross-section is smaller at the crest of the ridge than between the crest and the trough of the ridge.

18. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein: The outermost of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction of the sole plate to follow the curved outer edge of the sole plate; and The innermost one of the ridges bends in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved inner edge of the sole plate.

19. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the ground-facing surface is flat between the grooves at the first transverse cross-section.

20. The sole structure according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the sole plate is an integral one-piece component.

21. A sole structure for footwear articles, comprising: A foam sole interlayer extends in the forefoot and midfoot regions of the sole structure; as well as An elastic material, connected to the foam sole interlayer, having a stiffness greater than that of the foam sole interlayer, is arranged in longitudinally extending portions spaced apart from each other and extending continuously in the midfoot and forefoot regions along the longitudinal direction of the sole structure. The elastic material has a foot-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite to the foot-facing surface. The elastic material includes longitudinally extending ridges and grooves corresponding to the longitudinally extending ridges. The ridge and the groove are configured such that the thickness of the elastic material from the foot-facing surface to the ground-facing surface varies at the transverse cross-section of the elastic material through the ridge, or varies along the length of at least one of the ridges, or varies both at the transverse cross-section and along the length of at least one of the ridges.

22. The sole structure of claim 21, wherein the longitudinally extending portion of the elastic material extends only in the midfoot region and the forefoot region.

23. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the elastic material is one of fiber stranded composite material, carbon fiber composite material, thermoplastic elastomer, glass-reinforced nylon, wood or steel.

24. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein: The surface facing the foot is recessed in the longitudinal direction of the sole structure in the forefoot region; and The ground-facing surface is raised in the longitudinal direction of the sole structure in the forefoot region of the shoe.

25. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the outermost one of the longitudinally extending portions of the elastic material is bent in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved outer edge of the sole structure.

26. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the innermost one of the longitudinally extending portions of the elastic material is bent in the longitudinal direction to follow the curved inner edge of the sole structure.

27. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the longitudinally extending portion of the elastic material is configured to be located below the metatarsophalangeal joint of the wearer.

28. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the longitudinally extending portions are spaced further apart from each other at a first transverse cross-section in the mid-shoe region than at a second transverse cross-section in the fore-shoe region.

29. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein there are four longitudinally extending portions.

30. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein there are five longitudinally extending ridges.

31. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the foam sole interlayer comprises a first foam layer fixed to the foot-facing surface of the longitudinally extending portion of the elastic material and a second foam layer fixed to the ground-facing surface of the longitudinally extending portion of the elastic material.

32. The sole structure of claim 31, wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer are the upper and lower portions of a single integral one-piece foam sole interlayer.

33. The sole structure according to claim 32, wherein the first foam layer and the second foam layer have one or more of different compressive stiffnesses, different material compositions, or different densities.

34. The sole structure according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the foam sole interlayer is disposed between the longitudinally extending portions of the elastic material.

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