Article of footwear having a veil with structural color

Abstract

In example aspects, materials having different colors and / or one or more different properties are used in footwear manufacturing. In some aspects, the color and / or one or more properties of the materials can be masked with a masking layer. In other aspects, the masking layer can include structural color elements.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to materials that are masked by a masking layer and used to construct articles of footwear. BACKGROUND

[0002] Materials having various observable properties (e.g., color, surface texture, surface finish, etc.) can be used to manufacture articles of footwear, including for use in footwear uppers, footwear soles, or any combination thereof. At times, it can be desirable to mask the observable properties of a material (e.g., a substrate), such as for design or other reasons. Further, the ability to mask the observable properties of a material, at least temporarily, can allow the material to be used to construct articles of footwear that would otherwise not be usable. However, conventional techniques for masking the observable properties of a material can not produce the desired effect, such as when the color of the material affects the color of the masking layer, when there are obstacles in attaching the masking layer to the material, or when it can be challenging to attach the masking layer to the material at least temporarily for a desired duration of time.

[0003] Article of footwear manufacturing can be divided into multiple stages, such as a material supply stage and a footwear manufacturing stage. Generally, material suppliers procure and / or produce materials, and footwear manufacturers use these materials to construct articles of footwear. The materials produced or supplied for construction can include one or more properties (e.g., color, composition, surface texture, thickness, etc.) specified or distinguished based on specified manufacturing standards, construction requirements, design specifications, etc. of an article of footwear. However, these properties can make it difficult for those materials already produced to be used to construct alternative articles of footwear that can not include these properties.

[0004] Additionally, materials are often supplied to footwear manufacturers in sufficient quantities to account for potential material loss (i.e., material loss due to die cutting, construction errors, quality conformance, etc.) and to ensure that large-scale production runs of specified articles of footwear can be completed. As a result of this, there can be a large amount of material on hand during footwear construction, and thus, excess material is often generated (e.g., seasonally, annually, etc.) by routine changes in manufacturing environments and consumer demand that are associated with common events, such as holidays, seasonal weather changes, sporting competitions, etc. Occasionally, excess material is also generated by unpredictable disruptions in the supply chain, reductions in manufacturing capacity, and / or reductions in consumer demand caused by rare events (e.g., natural disasters, global pandemics, shifts in public awareness, etc.).

[0005] For the above reasons, each stage associated with footwear article manufacturing, from down the supply chain, has the potential to generate a large amount of excess material, such as overstock rolls, discontinued colorways, scrap, and the like. In some cases, it can be cost prohibitive and impractical to store excess material, especially when the excess material is in large quantities and has properties that limit the usefulness of other footwear articles that include those properties (e.g., an uncommon color, surface finish, or type of material as part of a discontinued colorway or footwear design). As a result, excess material is often returned to the material supplier and often designated for disposal by the material supplier (or other participant in the footwear manufacturing chain) as the cost of storage can outweigh the potential benefit. Thus, a large amount of excess material generated by footwear article manufacturing is ultimately disposed of (e.g., discarded, thrown away, burned, etc.) when the properties of the material (e.g., observable properties such as color) are not useful or desirable to incorporate into a product. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Some of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be described with reference to the following figures:

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates some stages of footwear manufacturing in which a base is masked by a masking layer and used to construct an array of footwear articles, in accordance with one aspect herein;

[0008] Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of an example base with an example masking layer, in accordance with one aspect herein;

[0009] Figure 2B illustrates an exploded view of a base and masking layer of Figure 2A , in accordance with one aspect herein;

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of an example first array of colored footwear articles, in accordance with one aspect herein;

[0011] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the first array of colored footwear articles of Figure 3 , in accordance with one aspect herein, and depicts the masking layer of each footwear article as partially worn;

[0012] Figure 5A illustrates a perspective view of an example base and an example masking layer including structural color elements, in accordance with one aspect herein;

[0013] Figure 5B illustrates an exploded view of a base and masking layer of Figure 5A , in accordance with one aspect herein;

[0014] Figure 5C illustrates a perspective view of an example base and an example masking layer including structural color elements, in accordance with one aspect herein; Figure 5Aa top view of the base and obscuring layer of

[0015] Figure 5D illustrates a side view of the second array of colored articles of footwear according to one aspect hereof taken along cut line 8A-C-8A-C of Figure 5C Figure 5A a cross-sectional view of the base and obscuring layer of

[0016] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the second array of colored articles of footwear according to one aspect hereof taken along cut line 8A-C-8A-C of

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the second array of colored articles of footwear according to one aspect hereof taken along cut line 8A-C-8A-C of Figure 6

[0018] Figures 8A to 8C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second array of colored articles of footwear according to one aspect hereof taken along cut line 8A-C-8A-C of Figure 6 Figure 6

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates an example method of footwear manufacturing according to one aspect hereof wherein a base is obscured by an obscuring layer and used to construct an article of footwear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The subject matter is described throughout this specification in detail and specifically. The aspects described throughout this specification are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and the description is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter can be practiced in other ways to include different elements or combinations of elements described in this specification and in combination with other current or future technologies. Alternative aspects can become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure, and without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are useful and can be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and within the scope of the claims.

[0021] ​​​​Generally, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to obscuring observable properties (e.g., overtly observable such as color, surface texture, surface finish, etc.) of a base (e.g., footwear upper material, footwear sole material, etc.) used to construct an article of footwear. For example, the color of the base can be obscured in such a way that the likelihood of the color of the base affecting the color of the obscuring layer in an unintended or undesirable way is reduced. In other aspects, the color of the base material can be obscured in a way that is effective to attach the obscuring layer to the base. Further, aspects can include obscuring the color of the base in a way that allows the obscuring layer to be attached to the base for a desired duration of time.

[0022] Further, footwear article manufacturing can utilize a large number of materials provided by material suppliers and used by footwear manufacturers to construct a specified article of footwear (e.g., an article of footwear constructed from one or more fabrics having distinguishing properties). Footwear article manufacturing can periodically generate excess materials due to manufacturing environments, changes in consumer demand, and disruptions in the supply chain. In the absence of aspects of the present disclosure, these excess materials can ultimately be disposed of, which can reduce the sustainability of the footwear manufacturing process (e.g., by adding to landfill waste, using additional resources for recycling, etc.). However, in contrast to conventional methods of disposing of materials, aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, techniques, implementations, structures, and articles for reusing materials in articles of footwear. That is, the present disclosure provides solutions for obtaining materials that would otherwise be disposed of and using those materials to construct articles of footwear. In some aspects, the reuse can include covering the materials with an obscuring layer to obscure the color of the materials that would otherwise be disposed of, such that the appearance of the materials that would otherwise be disposed of is at least temporarily standardized when included in an article of footwear. In further aspects, the reuse can include articles of footwear constructed from materials that would otherwise be disposed of, the materials covered with an obscuring layer, and the obscuring layer abradable to unexpectedly reveal the properties of the materials to a consumer that purchases the article of footwear. In accordance with aspects herein, materials that would otherwise be disposed of and otherwise unusable can be reused for footwear manufacturing, which results in less disposal of excess materials and, in turn, makes the process of footwear manufacturing more environmentally friendly.

[0023] At a high level, recycled materials include materials that are designated for disposal (e.g., discarded, thrown away, incinerated, etc.) and that are obtained and / or designated for use in manufacturing an article of footwear prior to being disposed. At various stages of the article of footwear manufacturing process, materials can be designated by one or more different participants, including but not limited to material suppliers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers, etc. Further, materials can be designated for disposal in various ways. For example, the designation can include an explicit assignment or designated use to be disposed. Alternatively, materials can be inherently designated for disposal, such as in the case where a material has been stored for longer than a threshold duration without being used or transferred to another entity during the article of footwear manufacturing process, and the threshold duration can be 30 days, or alternatively 60 days, or alternatively 90 days, or alternatively 180 days.

[0024] In aspects, recycled materials can also have been previously designated for use in manufacturing a prior article of footwear (e.g., discontinued article of footwear, cancelled article of footwear, unlaunched design, etc.). In some cases, recycled materials include both a previously disposed material and a masking layer configured to obscure, mask, modify, or alter one or more properties (e.g., color, thickness, surface texture, etc.) of the previously disposed material. As described above, the masking layer can be configured to wear in such a way that the combination of the masking layer and the recycled material can be included in an article of footwear to provide a user-customizable upper, a user-worn reveal, and / or a structural color reveal.

[0025] To help explain and understand aspects of the present description, reference is now made to Figure 1 to describe some stages of a method of manufacturing footwear 1 using material roll 10. Figure 1 Aspects are included in brackets and arrows to delineate various stages, and because some of these aspects provide contextual information for the various stages of the method of manufacturing footwear 1, aspects delineated by arrows 2, 3 and brackets 40, 50, 70 are discussed first.

[0026] As such, arrow 2 illustrates that material roll 10 was previously designated for use in manufacturing article of footwear 20 (e.g., discontinued, prior season, prior colorway, intended but not carried out, etc.), and arrow 3 illustrates that material roll 10 was previously designated for disposal, which in this example is by incineration 52. Brackets 40, 50, 70 each identify an entity involved in article of footwear manufacturing, including a material supplier and footwear manufacturers. Specifically, the brackets identify a material supply entity 50, a first footwear construction entity 40, and a second footwear construction entity 70.

[0027] Generally, material supply entity 50 procures, produces, and / or provides materials, and first footwear construction entity 40 and second footwear construction entity 70 designate and use these materials to construct articles of footwear. InFigure 1 In this example, a first footwear construction entity 40 (e.g., a footwear manufacturer) specifies, but does not use, material roll 10 to construct an array of footwear articles 20, and the first footwear construction entity 40, material supply entity 50, or both specify material roll 10 for processing. As previously mentioned, material roll 10 may not have been used to construct footwear articles 20 for various reasons, such as style discontinuation, stockpiling, inability to release, consumer trends, etc. Before processing, a second footwear construction entity 70 acquires material roll 10 for the method of manufacturing footwear 1, at which point material roll 10 is considered for reuse. In some aspects, the second footwear construction entity 70 may differ from the first footwear construction entity 40. In other aspects, the first footwear construction entity 40 and the second footwear construction entity 70 may be the same entity.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, manufacturing footwear articles 31, 32, and 33 includes step 4 of obtaining a substrate 100 (e.g., a material insert) from a material roll 10, which is in turn designated for processing and previously designated for manufacturing footwear article 20. Step 4 may also include designating the substrate 100 for manufacturing an array 300 of footwear articles, which may occur before, after, or simultaneously with obtaining the substrate 100. Next, at step 5, a masking layer 200 is applied to the surface of the substrate 100, and the substrate 100 and the masking layer 200 combine to form a masked material 101. The masked material 101 is then used to construct footwear articles, such as the array 300 of footwear articles, and this can be performed using various techniques or methods. For example, at step 6A, the masked material 101 may be used to construct the entire upper of the first article 31. Alternatively or additionally, at step 6B, the masked material 101 may be used to construct a first portion of the upper of the second article 32. In another aspect, as an alternative or additional option to steps 6A and 6B, step 6C may include using the occluding material 101 to construct a different second part of the upper of the third article 33.

[0029] Although not in Figure 1While the above discussion describes a method of manufacturing footwear, aspects herein contemplate that any of steps 4, 5, 6A-6C of the method of manufacturing footwear can be repeated or replicated such that one or more additional material patches are obtained from the material roll 10, combined with the obscuring layer 200, and used to construct additional articles of the array 300 of articles of footwear. Further, aspects herein contemplate that the material roll 10 and the base 100 can be non-ordinary or distinguished materials (e.g., having one or more unique or distinguishing properties such as color, surface texture, composition, construction, etc.) or combinations of two or more non-ordinary or distinguished materials having one or more properties. Likewise, the obscuring layer 200 can also be a specified material or combination of two or more specified materials and can also have one or more properties (e.g., a tearable fabric having a second color). It is also contemplated that these aspects of the material roll 10, the base 100, and the obscuring layer 200 can be combined in a variety of ways to provide different forms of the obscured material 101. A general discussion of these aspects follows, followed by specific examples that are discussed and illustrated by Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figures 5A to 5D .

[0030] Starting with the obscuring layer, aspects contemplate that at a high level, the obscuring layer is configured to at least partially obscure a color and / or one or more properties of the base. Aspects contemplate that the obscuring layer includes features sufficient to at least partially alter and / or obscure a visual appearance of the base, the visual appearance being observable at a surface of the base when the obscuring layer is applied to the surface. In some aspects, the obscuring layer can optionally include structural color elements. For example, the obscuring layer can include only structural color elements, or the obscuring layer can include structural color elements in combination with some other elements. Alternatively, the obscuring layer can not include any structural color elements. These and other aspects of the obscuring layer can depend on and / or be related to one or more properties of the base to which the obscuring layer is applied. As such, aspects of the obscuring layer can be explained by examples in combination with the base. Such examples are discussed below in connection with Figure 2A and Figure 2B , and also later in connection with Figures 5A to 5D .

[0031] Turning now to aspects related to the substrate, at a high level, the substrate can include a color and one or more properties, such as a composition, a basis weight, a thickness, a construction, and a surface topography. Generally, the substrate includes an exterior-facing surface and an interior-facing surface, one or both of which can exhibit the color of the substrate and / or can provide one or more properties to the substrate. For example, the substrate can exhibit a color at the exterior-facing surface and / or can include a composition that defines at least a portion of the exterior-facing surface. Continuing, the substrate can also include a thickness, which is a measurable distance between the exterior-facing surface and the interior-facing surface. Aspects related to one or more properties of the substrate are discussed separately and in more detail below, and aspects related to the color of the substrate are discussed later.

[0032] Aspects herein contemplate that the composition of the substrate can include one or more material types and / or combinations used to construct and / or form the substrate. In such aspects, the composition can include any material manufactured from fibers, filaments, or yarns that are characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high ratio of length to thickness. Aspects contemplate that the material can be one or more fabrics, which are generally divided into two categories. The first category includes fabrics produced directly from a web of filaments or fibers by random interlocking to construct nonwoven and felted fabrics. The second category includes fabrics formed by mechanical manipulation of yarns, thereby producing woven, knitted, braided, crocheted, and the like.

[0033] In further related aspects, it is contemplated that the composition of the substrate can define at least a portion of a surface of the substrate (e.g., the exterior-facing surface, the interior-facing surface, or both). That is, the composition is observable and / or present at a portion of a surface of the substrate. For example, when the composition of the substrate includes a fabric, at least some features of the fabric are provided to the surface of the substrate. Continuing, related aspects contemplate that the composition of the substrate can include a chemical formula. In such aspects, the chemical formula can be a chemical formula associated with a material included in the composition of the substrate. Some instances contemplate that the chemical formula is associated with a polymer included in the composition of the substrate, which can or can not define a portion of a surface of the substrate.

[0034] Aspects herein also contemplate that the one or more properties of the substrate can include a basis weight. In such aspects, the basis weight can be determined by calculating a ratio of a weight (e.g., mass) of the substrate to a size (e.g., surface area, volume) of the substrate. In other words, the basis weight (e.g., g / cm 2 , g / cm 3) can be the weight of the substrate having a given size. These aspects contemplate that the weight of the substrate can be determined by weighing the substrate, and that the size of the substrate can be determined by measuring the dimensions of the substrate (e.g., width, length, height, thickness, etc.), and then using these measured dimensions to calculate the specified size of the substrate using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similar aspects herein contemplate that one or more properties of the substrate can include the thickness of the substrate, which can be determined by measuring the distance between the exterior-facing surface and the interior-facing surface of the substrate.

[0035] Continuing, additional aspects herein contemplate that one or more properties of the substrate can include a surface topography. In these aspects, the surface topography can be the topography of the exterior-facing surface, the interior-facing surface, or both, of the substrate. Generally, the surface topography can relate to the orientation of the surface, the roughness of the surface, and / or the waviness of the surface. The orientation of the surface can be the direction of the dominant surface pattern of the substrate, which generally depends on the composition and / or construction of the substrate; the roughness of the surface can include the closely spaced irregularities of the surface of the substrate; and the waviness of the surface can include the more widely spaced irregularities of the surface of the substrate. Each of the foregoing can be determined using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and once determined, the surface topography of the surface of the substrate can include any combination of the orientation, roughness, and waviness.

[0036] In other aspects, one or more properties of the substrate can include the construction of the substrate, and such aspects contemplate that the construction can include the formation or arrangement of one or more materials included in the composition of the substrate. These aspects further contemplate that the construction of the substrate can include a synthetic leather, a knit construction, a woven construction, a nonwoven construction, a braided construction, or any combination thereof. In further aspects and as noted above, the substrate can optionally be a recycled material. These aspects contemplate that the recycled material can include any one or combination of aspects related to the substrate discussed herein, and such aspects are discussed in greater detail later.

[0037] In still further aspects, it is contemplated that the color and / or one or more properties of one substrate (e.g., a first substrate) can be comparable to one or more properties of another, different substrate (e.g., a second substrate). Such aspects contemplate that the corresponding properties refer to the same property of each substrate being compared. For example, the corresponding properties of two different substrates can be the construction of each substrate. In some aspects, the color and / or one or more properties of one substrate can be different than the color and / or one or more corresponding properties of a different substrate. Such aspects are more readily understood by way of example, and are therefore discussed further in connection with Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B and Figures 5A to 5D further.

[0038] Figure 2A and Figure 2BPerspective and exploded views of example substrates and example masking layers according to aspects herein are illustrated. When describing the various figures referenced in the disclosure, like reference numerals refer to like parts. As illustrated, the first masked material 111 includes a first substrate 110 and a first masking layer 210. Similarly, the second masked material 121 includes a second substrate 120 and a second masking layer 220. For purposes of discussion, the first and second substrates 110, 120, the first and second masking layers 210, 220, and in turn the first and second masked materials 111, 121 are depicted in a simplified manner, but can be reshaped, replicated, or reconfigured. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these depictions are illustrative in nature and not limiting. For example, the first and second substrates 110, 120 are illustrated as having similar rectangular shapes, but it is contemplated that the first and second substrates 110, 120 can each have different irregular shapes that form different portions of an article of footwear.

[0039] Although not illustratively depicted, the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, or both are a recycled material. As such, the first substrate 110 is a first recycled material, and the second substrate 120 is a second recycled material that is different than the first recycled material. In turn, one or more properties of the first recycled material are different than one or more corresponding properties of the second recycled material. In aspects, it is contemplated that the first recycled material and the second recycled material can be the same material. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, or both do not include a recycled material.

[0040] The first substrate 110 is planar, has a minimum thickness, and includes a first outwardly-facing surface 112 (i.e., can potentially form an outer surface or outwardly-facing surface of an article of footwear), a first inwardly-facing surface 114 (i.e., can face toward an interior of an article of footwear), and a first color 410 represented by a single hatched line comprising a line having a positive slope. The first inwardly-facing surface 114 is opposite the first outwardly-facing surface 112, and the first color 410 is rendered at the first outwardly-facing surface 112. Although not illustratively depicted, the first substrate 110 has first properties, including at least one of a first composition, a first basis weight, a first thickness, a first construction, and a first surface topography. The first composition of the first substrate 110 can be a textile material including one or more of natural leathers, synthetic leathers, molded polymer parts, polymer foams, and the like. Further, in example aspects, the first composition of the first substrate 110 can include material cut from a larger sheet of material (e.g., a roll of stock material) having two opposing surfaces and a minimum thickness, the sheet of material previously designated for disposal. In other aspects, the first construction of the first substrate 110 can include material shaped into a shape, such as a knit, woven, braided, non-woven material formed in an ordinary shape or in a specific shape, such as a shape including a portion of a pattern in an upper portion of an article of footwear.

[0041] Similar to the first substrate 110, the first obscuring layer 210 is planar but not necessarily rigid, has a thickness less than the thickness of the first substrate 110, and includes a first outwardly-facing surface 212, a first inwardly-facing surface 214, and a second color 420 represented by a plurality of dots. The first outwardly-facing surface 212 is positioned opposite the first inwardly-facing surface 214 and renders the second color 420. As Figure 2A and Figure 2B Indicated, the first obscuring layer 210 covers the first substrate 110 such that the first inwardly-facing surface 214 of the first obscuring layer 210 is adjacent to and in contact with the first outwardly-facing surface 112 of the first substrate 110. In example aspects, the first obscuring layer 210 is disposed (e.g., affixed, attached, bonded, adhered, joined) on the first outwardly-facing surface 112 and is configured to obscure the first color 410 of the first substrate 110.

[0042] The second substrate 120 and the second obscuring layer 220 have features similar to those of the first substrate 110 and the first obscuring layer 210. As such, the second substrate 120 is planar, has a minimum thickness, and includes a second exterior-facing surface 122, a second interior-facing surface 124, and a third color 430 represented by a single hatched line including vertical lines. The second interior-facing surface 124 opposes the second exterior-facing surface 122 from one another, and the third color 430 is rendered at the second exterior-facing surface 122. Even if not illustratively depicted, the second substrate 120 has second properties including at least one of a second composition, a second basis weight, a second thickness, a second construction, and a second surface topography. The second composition of the second substrate 120 can be a fabric material including one or more of natural leather, synthetic leather, molded polymer parts, polymer foam, and the like. Further, in example aspects, the second composition of the second substrate 120 can include material cut from a larger sheet of material having two opposing surfaces and a minimum thickness, such as a roll of overstock material, that was previously designated for disposal. In other aspects, the second construction of the second substrate 120 can include material shaped into a shape, such as a knit, woven, braided, nonwoven material formed in an ordinary shape or in a specific shape, such as a shape including a portion of a pattern in an upper portion of an article of footwear.

[0043] In additional example aspects, the first properties of the first substrate 110 differ from the corresponding second properties of the second substrate 120. In one instance, the first properties of the first substrate 110 include a first construction, and the second properties of the second substrate 120 include a second construction that is different from the first construction. In other instances, the first properties of the first substrate 110 include a first composition, and the second properties of the second substrate 120 include a second composition that is different from the first composition. In another instance, the first properties of the first substrate 110 include a first basis weight, and the second properties of the second substrate 120 include a second basis weight that is different from the first basis weight. In yet another instance, the first properties of the first substrate 110 include a first thickness, and the second properties of the second substrate 120 include a second thickness that is different from the first thickness. In still another instance, the first properties of the first substrate 110 include a first surface topography, and the second properties of the second substrate 120 include a second surface topography that is different from the first surface topography. Additional examples contemplated herein are provided later.

[0044] The second obscuring layer 220 is planar but not necessarily rigid, has a thickness that is less than the thickness of the second substrate 120, and includes a second outward-facing surface 222, a second inward-facing surface 224, and a fourth color 440 represented by a plurality of dots. The second outward-facing surface 222 is positioned opposite the second inward-facing surface 224 and exhibits the fourth color 440. The second obscuring layer 220 covers the second substrate 120 such that the second inward-facing surface 224 of the second obscuring layer 220 is adjacent to and in contact with the second outward-facing surface 122 of the second substrate 120. In example aspects, the second obscuring layer 220 is disposed (e.g., affixed, attached, bonded, cemented, joined) on the second outward-facing surface 122 and is configured to obscure the third color 430 of the second substrate 120.

[0045] The first and second obscuring layers 210, 220 can include a variety of different configurations. In one aspect, the obscuring layers can include a layer of material (e.g., a repurposed material) that obscures the color of the underlying substrate at a first time and the layer of material is abradable or otherwise wears away to exhibit a color at a second time. In other words, the first obscuring layer 210 will abrade at a rate greater than the first substrate 110, and likewise, the second obscuring layer 220 will abrade at a rate greater than the second substrate 120, such that the obscuring of the first and second substrates 110, 120 decreases over time. For example, the obscuring layer can obscure the color of the repurposed fabric when incorporated into an article of footwear at a point in time of sale, and can abrade or wear away at a point in time after the sale. In some cases, the obscuring layer can wear away through use (e.g., by a consumer wearing). For example, the point in time after the sale at which the obscuring layer wears away can be at least 10 wear cycles; or alternatively at least 50 wear cycles; or alternatively at least 100 wear cycles. In another case, the point in time after the sale at which the obscuring layer wears away can be greater than 10 wear cycles and less than 50 wear cycles; or alternatively greater than 50 wear cycles and less than 150 wear cycles; or alternatively greater than 100 wear cycles and less than 400 wear cycles. In alternative aspects, wear cycles are measured using the methods described in the present disclosure for determining abrasion. In some cases, the obscuring layer can be applied at a first time to provide an initially aesthetically appealing color (e.g., at a point in time of sale), and the obscuring layer can be removed, for example, by abrading or wearing away during normal wear of the article, such that the color of the substrate (e.g., repurposed material) is gradually exposed over time, or provides an appealing color exposure experience at a later time. In some aspects, a consumer can initiate or accelerate removal (e.g., active removal) of the obscuring layer from the substrate. Removal of the obscuring layer can include scraping, shaving, cutting, sanding, burning, peeling, or dissolving the obscuring layer.

[0046] The obscuring layer can include a variety of different materials, such as tissue paper, metal film, flocked, metal deposit, etc. In one example, the first base 110 in combination with the first obscuring layer 210 can include two layers of woven fabric such that each of the first base 110 and the first obscuring layer 210 forms one of the two layers of fabric, and the first obscuring layer 210 is the outermost layer having a lower woven density than the other layer. In another example, the second base 120 in combination with the second obscuring layer 220 can include two layers of woven fabric such that each of the second base 120 and the second obscuring layer 220 forms one of the two layers of fabric, and the second obscuring layer 220 is the outermost layer having a lower woven density than the other layer. In yet another example, both the first base 110 in combination with the first obscuring layer 210 and the second base 120 in combination with the second obscuring layer 220 can include two layers of woven fabric according to the foregoing aspects. In other examples, the first obscuring layer, the second obscuring layer, or both include structural color elements, as described in other portions of the disclosure.

[0047] One aspect of the disclosure relates to an array of articles of footwear having one or more recycled materials. Figure 3 The lateral side of each article of footwear of an example first array 301 of colored articles of footwear is illustrated. As shown, the first array 301 of colored articles of footwear includes a first article of footwear 310, a second article of footwear 320, and a third article of footwear 330. In Figure 3 In each article of footwear 310, 320, 330 includes one or more obscured materials, and briefly referring to Figure 4 each article of footwear 310, 320, 330 is depicted as the one or more obscured materials being at least partially worn away.

[0048] Each of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 includes similar elements. As Figure 3As depicted, the first footwear article 310 includes a first sole structure 312 and a first upper 314, the second footwear article 320 includes a second sole structure 322 and a second upper 324, and the third footwear article 330 includes a third sole structure 332 and a third upper 334. When each of the first footwear article 310, the second footwear article 320, and the third footwear article 330 is worn (as intended to be worn on the foot), the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332 are generally positioned near the plantar surface of the foot (i.e., the bottom of the foot). The first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332 can protect the bottom of the foot and, in addition, can reduce ground reaction forces, absorb energy, provide traction friction, and control foot movements such as pronation and supination. The first upper 314 is connected to the first sole structure 312, the second upper 324 is connected to the second sole structure 322, and the third upper 334 is connected to the third sole structure 332. Each of the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334 forms a foot-receiving cavity (not shown) with the sole structure of their respective footwear articles (e.g., the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332). That is, although each of the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332 generally surrounds the bottom of the foot, each of the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334 extends above the back portion of the foot (i.e., the top or instep of the foot) and at least partially covers the back portion of the foot and secures each of the first footwear articles 310, the second footwear article 320, and the third footwear article 330 to the foot. Each of the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334 also includes a foot insertion opening (not shown) through which the foot is inserted when each of the first footwear article 310, the second footwear article 320, and the third footwear article 330 is worn with the foot arranged in the foot receiving cavity.

[0049] Although not in Figure 3The first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 each include regions corresponding to portions of the foot. That is, each of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 includes a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, and an ankle region. The forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region of each of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 extend through the sole structure and the upper (e.g., the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332, and the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334) of their respective article of footwear. Each of the ankle regions is located in a portion of the upper (e.g., the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334) of their respective article of footwear. Each of the forefoot regions generally includes a portion of the respective article of footwear (e.g., the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330) corresponding to the toes and the joints connecting the metatarsal bones with the phalanges. Each of the midfoot regions generally includes a portion of the respective article of footwear (e.g., the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330) corresponding to the arch area of the foot and the instep. Each of the heel regions corresponds to rear portions of the foot, including the calcaneus bone. Each of the ankle regions corresponds to the ankle. The forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, and the ankle region describe general areas of their respective article of footwear (e.g., the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330) to aid in understanding various aspects of the specification.

[0050] Each of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 also has a lateral side (visible but not identified in Figure 3 visible but not identified in Figure 3The lateral side and the medial side extend through the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, and the ankle region, and correspond to opposite sides of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330. Thus, the lateral side is considered to be opposite the medial side. Generally, the lateral side corresponds to an outer region of the foot (i.e., a surface that faces away from another foot), and the medial side corresponds to an inner region of the foot (i.e., a surface that faces toward another foot). In another aspect, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, each of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 includes a front portion and a back portion that fall on opposite sides of a latitudinal midline plane (not depicted) of each respective article of footwear (e.g., the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330). Further, these terms can also be used to describe the relative position of different structures. For example, a first structure that is closer to an inner portion of an article of footwear can be described as being medial to a second structure that is closer to an outer region and more lateral.

[0051] The first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332 can be constructed of various materials and can include various elements. In some aspects, the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332 can each include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole can be formed of a polymeric foam element (e.g., polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam) that can compress, which attenuates ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when the foam element is compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In further aspects, the midsole can incorporate fluid-filled chambers, plates, moderators, or other elements that further attenuate forces, enhance stability, or influence the motion of the foot. The midsole can be a single one-piece midsole, or can be multiple components integrated as a unit. In some aspects, the midsole can be integrated with the outsole as a unitary sole. The outsole can be one-piece, or can be several outsole components, and can be formed of a wear-resistant rubber material that can be textured to impart traction and / or can include traction elements, such as cleats secured to the midsole or studs. The outsole can extend the entire length and width of the sole or only partially across the length and / or width.

[0052] Each of the first upper 314, second upper 324, and third upper 334 typically includes a portion that overlaps with and connects to the sole structure of their respective footwear articles (i.e., the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332). Each of the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332, and the junctions therebetween, may be referred to as interlocking lines. Furthermore, each of the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334 may each include a "sole fabric" comprising a material insert extending from each of the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334 and across at least a portion of the foot-facing surface of the sole structure of their respective footwear articles (i.e., the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332). In other words, each of the first sole structure 312, the second sole structure 322, and the third sole structure 332 includes a surface facing the foot, and in some cases, each of the first upper 314, the second upper 324, and the third upper 334 may include a insert (referred to as a sole fabric) extending inward from near the occlusal line region and at least partially covering the surface facing the foot. In this case, the sole fabric is positioned under the foot when the footwear is worn. The sole fabric may be covered by an insole or other material layers.

[0053] Now, additional references Figure 4 and Figure 3 To describe the array 301 of colored footwear products. Figure 4 The illustration shows the outer side of each footwear article in the first array 301 of colored footwear articles, and depicts the wear-covering layer of each of the first footwear article 310, the second footwear article 320, and the third footwear article 330. Focusing on the first footwear article 310, the first upper 314 is constructed of a plurality of patches joined together (e.g., stitched, attached, bonded, glued, etc.) and arranged in a first patch pattern 316. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image shows three parts of the first upper 314, which together form the first patch pattern 316: a first toe portion 318a, a first forefoot portion 318b, and a first heel portion 318c. The first toe portion 318a and the first forefoot portion 318b are made of a first covering material 111 (in...). Figure 3 The structure is marked with a central identifier, and the features of the first substrate 110 (combined with the above) are also included. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The discussion includes these portions of the first upper 314. Therefore, at the first toe portion 318a and the first forefoot portion 318a, the first upper 314 includes a first base 110 (in...). Figure 4 The Chinese logo and in Figure 3 (in which it is obscured and cannot be seen) and the first masking layer 210 (inFigure 3 the first color 410 of the first base 110 is visible, and the second color 420 of the first obscuring layer 210 is rendered at the first toe portion 318a and the first forefoot portion 318b. In Figure 4 the first color 410 of the first base 110 is visible, and the second color 420 of the first obscuring layer 210 is rendered at the first toe portion 318a and the first forefoot portion 318b. In Figure 3 the first color 410 of the first base 110 is visible, and the second color 420 of the first obscuring layer 210 is rendered at the first toe portion 318a and the first forefoot portion 318b. In Figure 4 the first color 410 of the first base 110 is visible, and the second color 420 of the first obscuring layer 210 is rendered at the first toe portion 318a and the first forefoot portion 318b. In

[0054] According to aspects herein and as depicted in Figures 2A to 4 different representations of the first color 410 of the first base 110 and the second color 420 of the first obscuring layer 210, it is contemplated that the first color 410 and the second color 420 are visually different. Although not depicted, it is also contemplated that the first color 410 and the second color 420 can be visually similar. As discussed below, methods and calculations described herein can be used to determine whether the first color 410 and the second color 420 are visually different or similar.

[0055] Although the configuration of the first heel portion 318c is not depicted in Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to aspects herein, the first heel portion 318c can be configured in a manner similar to the first toe portion 318a or the first forefoot portion 318b, and thus can include a base having one or more properties similar to the first base 110 or the second base 120. Such aspects contemplate that the first heel portion 318c can include the first obscured material 111, the second obscured material 121, or both, and further contemplate that the first heel portion 318c can include only the first base 110 or the second base 120. Other aspects contemplate that the first heel portion 318c can include an obscured material and / or a base that is different from the first obscured material 111 and the second obscured material 121 and / or the first base 110 and the second base 120. As such, the first heel portion 318c can include a base that includes any combination of the one or more first properties and second properties of the first base 110 and the second base 120, including the first composition and the second composition, the first basis weight and the second basis weight, the first thickness and the second thickness, the first configuration and the second configuration, the first surface topography and the second surface topography, or any combination thereof. In other aspects, the first heel portion 318c can include a base having at least one property that is different from the corresponding first property or second property of the first base 110 and the second base 120. Other aspects contemplate that the first heel portion 318c can also include a base that is a recycled material, or can include a base that does not include a recycled material and / or can or can not be obscured. For example, the first heel portion 318c can be configured from a base that is not recycled (i.e., fabric that has not been previously designated for processing) and is not obscured by an obscuring layer.

[0056] Now focusing on the second article of footwear 320, the second upper 324 includes features similar to the first upper 314 and is also constructed from a plurality of panels joined together (e.g., stitched, attached, bonded, glued, etc.) and arranged in a second panel pattern 326 similar to the first panel pattern 316. The second panel pattern 326 includes a second toe portion 328a, a second forefoot portion 328b, and a second heel portion 328c. The second toe portion 328a and the second forefoot portion 328b are constructed from the second concealed material 121 (identified in Figure 3 ) and, as a result, features of the second concealed material 121 (discussed above in connection with Figure 2A and Figure 2B ) are included at these portions of the second upper 324. Thus, at the second toe portion 328a and the second forefoot portion 328b, the second upper 324 includes the second base 120 (identified in Figure 4 and concealed from view in Figure 3 ) and the second concealing layer 220 (identified in Figure 3 and worn away in Figure 4 ). In Figure 3 , the third color 430 of the second base 120 is concealed from view and the fourth color 440 of the second concealing layer 220 is revealed at the second toe portion 328a and the second forefoot portion 328b. In Figure 4 , the second concealing layer 220 has worn away such that the third color 430 of the second base 120 is revealed.

[0057] According to aspects herein and as depicted by the different representations of the third color 430 of the second base 120 and the fourth color 440 of the second concealing layer 220 in Figures 2A to 4 , it is contemplated that the third color 430 and the fourth color 440 are visually different. Although not depicted, it is also contemplated that the third color 430 and the fourth color 440 can be visually similar. As discussed below, the methods and calculations described herein can be used to determine whether the third color 430 and the fourth color 440 are visually different or similar.

[0058] In Figure 3 and Figure 4In particular aspects, the material construction of the second heel portion 328c is not illustratively depicted, but aspects herein contemplate that the second heel portion 328c can be constructed in a manner similar to the second toe portion 328a or the second forefoot portion 328b, and thus can include a substrate having one or more properties similar to the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 120. Such aspects contemplate that the second heel portion 328c can include the first concealed material 111, the second concealed material 121, or both, and further contemplate that the second heel portion 328c can include only the first substrate 110 or the second substrate 120. Other aspects contemplate that the second heel portion 328c can include a concealed material and / or a substrate that is different from the first concealed material 111 and the second concealed material 121 and / or the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. As such, the second heel portion 328c can include a substrate that includes any combination of the one or more first properties and second properties of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120, including the first composition and the second composition, the first basis weight and the second basis weight, the first thickness and the second thickness, the first construction and the second construction, the first surface topography and the second surface topography, or any combination thereof. In other aspects, the second heel portion 328c can include a substrate having at least one property that is different from the corresponding first property or second property of the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. In further aspects, the second heel portion 328c can also include a substrate that is a recycled material, or can include a substrate that does not include a recycled material and / or can or can not be concealed. For example, the second heel portion 328c can be constructed from a substrate that is not recycled (i.e., fabric that has not been previously designated for processing) and is not concealed by a concealing layer.

[0059] Turning now to the third article of footwear 330, the third upper 334 includes features similar to the first upper 314 and the second upper 324, and is also constructed from a plurality of panels joined together (e.g., sewn, attached, bonded, glued, etc.) and arranged in a third panel pattern 336. Similar to the first panel pattern 316 and the second panel pattern 326, the third panel pattern 336 includes a third toe portion 338a, a third forefoot portion 338b, and a third heel portion 338c. However, in the third panel pattern 336, the third toe portion 338a is constructed from the first concealed material 111 (identified in Figure 3 above) and the third forefoot portion 338b is constructed from the second concealed material 121 (identified in Figure 3 above). As such, the features of the first concealed material 111 (discussed above in connection with Figure 2A and 2B ) are included at the third toe portion 338a of the third upper 334. Similarly, the features of the second concealed material 121 (discussed above in connection with Figure 2A and 2BDiscussion) at a third forefoot portion 338b of the third upper 334.

[0060] Thus, at the third toe portion 338a, the third upper 334 includes the first base 110 (identified in Figure 4 and obscured from view in Figure 3 ) and the first obscuring layer 210 (identified in Figure 3 and worn in Figure 4 ), and at the third forefoot portion 338b, the third upper 334 includes the second base 120 (identified in Figure 4 and obscured from view in Figure 3 ) and the second obscuring layer 220 (identified in Figure 3 and worn in Figure 4 ). In Figure 3 , the first color 410 of the first base 110 and the third color 430 of the second base 120 are obscured from view, the second color 420 of the first obscuring layer 210 is presented at the third toe portion 338a, and the fourth color 440 of the second obscuring layer 220 is presented at the third forefoot portion 338b. In Figure 4 , the first obscuring layer 210 and the second obscuring layer 220 have worn away such that the first color 410 of the first base 110 and the third color 430 of the second base 120 are presented.

[0061] In example aspects and as depicted by the different presentations of the first color 410 of the first base 110 and the third color 430 of the second base 120 in Figures 2A to 4 , it is contemplated that the first color 410 and the third color 430 are visually different. Further, in other example aspects and also as depicted by the different presentations of the first color 410 of the first base 110 and the third color 430 of the second base 120 in Figures 2A to 4The second color 420 of the first masking layer 210 and the fourth color 440 of the second masking layer 220 are depicted with the same representation, and it is also envisioned that the second color 420 and the fourth color 440 can be visually similar. Furthermore, in other examples where the first color 410, the third color 430, and the second color 420 and the fourth color 440 are also depicted with different representations, it is envisioned that the first color 410 and the third color 430 are visually different from the second color 420 and the fourth color 440. Taking these aspects into consideration, it is envisioned that the second color 420 and the fourth color 440 are visually similar and can mask the first color 410 and the third color 430, which are visually different from each other and from the second color 420 and the fourth color 440, to present a uniform or standardized color appearance. Continuing, upon removal of the first masking layer 210 and the second masking layer 220 (e.g., by wear or abrasion during normal wear, or by active removal by the wearer, including scratching, scraping, cutting, sanding, burning, peeling, or dissolving the masking layers), the occlusion caused by the second color 420 and the fourth color 440 is reduced, revealing the first color 410 and the third color 430, thereby reducing the uniform or standardized color appearance presented by the second color 420 and the fourth color 440. As discussed below, the methods and calculations described herein can be used to determine whether the first color 410, the second color 420, the third color 430, and the fourth color 440 are visually different or similar.

[0062] Although the material structure of the third heel portion of 338c was not in Figure 3 and Figure 4The third heel portion 338c is illustratively depicted, but aspects herein contemplate that the third heel portion 338c can be configured in a manner similar to the third toe portion 338a or the third forefoot portion 338b, and thus can include a base having one or more properties similar to the first base 110 or the second base 120. Such aspects contemplate that the third heel portion 338c can include the first concealed material 111 / the second concealed material 121, or both, and further contemplate that the third heel portion 338c can include only the first base 110 or the second base 120. Other aspects contemplate that the third heel portion 338c can include a concealed material and / or a base that is different from the first concealed material 111 and the second concealed material 121 and / or the first base 110 and the second base 120. As such, the third heel portion 338c can include a base that includes any combination of one or more first properties and second properties of the first base 110 and the second base 120, including the first composition and the second composition, the first basis weight and the second basis weight, the first thickness and the second thickness, the first construction and the second construction, the first surface topography and the second surface topography, or any combination thereof. In other aspects, the third heel portion 338c can include a base having at least one property that is different from the corresponding first property or second property of the first base 110 and the second base 120. In yet other aspects, the third heel portion 338c can also include a base that is a recycled material, or can include a base that does not include a recycled material and / or can or can not be concealed. For example, the third heel portion 338c can be configured from a base that is not recycled (i.e., fabric that was not previously designated for processing) and is not concealed by a concealed layer.

[0063] In other aspects, the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 can include athletic shoes, such as can be worn while running or walking, and the description of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 (including with respect to the depicted elements) can also apply to other types of shoes, such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, American football shoes, soccer shoes, casual or leisure shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, flip-flops, boots, hiking shoes, etc. Figure 3 In other aspects, the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 can include athletic shoes, such as can be worn while running or walking, and the description of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330 (including with respect to the depicted elements) can also apply to other types of shoes, such as basketball shoes, tennis shoes, American football shoes, soccer shoes, casual or leisure shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, flip-flops, boots, hiking shoes, etc.

[0064] As noted above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, the obscuring layer includes a structural color element. Generally, structural color arises from the physical interaction of light with the micrometer- or nanometer-scale features of a surface and / or with the layers of the obscuring layer and / or underlying substrate, as opposed to color derived from the presence of a dye or pigment that absorbs or reflects light of a particular wavelength based on the chemical structure of the dye or pigment. As such, an obscuring layer that includes a structural color element having a set of layers (e.g., one or more structural color layers) can exhibit one or more structural colors that are visible colors that are produced at least in part by optical effects imparted by the set of layers (e.g., by scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and / or diffraction of light of visible wavelengths). In other words, structural color is a color that is produced at least in part by a microstructured layer and / or surface that interferes with visible light that contacts the layer and / or surface. Structural color is a color that arises from physical phenomena including scattering, refraction, reflection, interference, and / or diffraction of light, as opposed to a color that is caused entirely by absorption or emission of visible light by pigment or dye molecules. For example, the optical phenomena that impart structural color can include multilayer interference, thin-film interference, refraction, dispersion, light scattering, Mie scattering, and diffraction, including the use of diffraction gratings.

[0065] In various aspects described herein, the color (including structural color) imparted by the obscuring layer to the substrate is visible from a distance of about 1 meter from the substrate to a viewer having 20 / 20 visual acuity and normal color vision. The obscuring layer can impart an aesthetically appealing color to the substrate, which can include a recycled material. In aspects where the color of the obscuring layer is entirely structural, the obscuring layer can impart color without the use of inks or pigments or other types of color additives. In some cases, the structural color can be imparted at a first instance in time that provides an initial aesthetically appealing color (e.g., at a point of sale), and the obscuring layer can be removed, for example, by wearing or abrading off during normal wear of the article, such that the color of the substrate (e.g., recycled material) is gradually exposed over time, or provides an appealing color exposure experience at a later instance in time. In some aspects, a consumer can initiate or accelerate removal of the obscuring layer from the substrate. Removal of the obscuring layer can include scraping, shaving, cutting, sanding, burning, or dissolving the obscuring layer.

[0066] After the obscuring layer is disposed onto the base, the base exhibits a different color than the underlying surface of the base. In aspects where the obscuring layer is structurally colored, the obscured material (e.g., the base in combination with the structural color element) exhibits a different color without the application of additional pigments or dyes to the base. For example, the color can be different than the color of the underlying surface of the base based on color parameters such as hue, lightness, chroma, iridescence, or any combination thereof. In particular examples, the color of the obscured material and the color of the underlying surface of the base are different in both hue and iridescence, where the color imparted by the obscuring layer is iridescent (e.g., exhibits two or more different hues when viewed from at least two different angles separated by 15 degrees), and the color of the underlying base is not iridescent. The obscuring layer can be disposed (e.g., affixed, attached, bonded, adhered, joined) to the surface of one or more components of an article of footwear, such as the upper of a shoe and / or the sole of an article of footwear.

[0067] In one aspect of the disclosure, the structural color is at least partially produced by one or more layers in a set of layers having a thickness in the range of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers, formed from organic or inorganic materials that reflect and / or absorb light, as opposed to producing color from pigments and / or dyes alone. The pigmentation of the obscuring layer including the structural color element can be due to structural color alone (i.e., the obscuring layer can be substantially free of pigments and / or dyes). Structural color can also be used in combination with pigments and / or dyes, for example, to alter all or a portion of the structural color.

[0068] “Hue” is generally used to describe the property of a distinguishable color based on the dominant wavelength of visible light, and is often described using terms such as magenta, red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, indigo, violet, or can be described in relation to one of these terms (e.g., similar or dissimilar). Hue is generally considered independent of the intensity or lightness of a color. For example, in the Munsell color system, the properties of a color include hue, value (lightness), and chroma (color purity). A particular hue is generally associated with a particular range of wavelengths in the visible spectrum: wavelengths in the range of about 700 to 635 nanometers are associated with red, wavelengths in the range of about 635 to 590 nanometers are associated with orange, wavelengths in the range of about 590 to 560 nanometers are associated with yellow, wavelengths in the range of about 560 to 520 nanometers are associated with green, wavelengths in the range of about 520 to 490 nanometers are associated with cyan, wavelengths in the range of about 490 to 450 nanometers are associated with blue, and wavelengths in the range of about 450 to 400 nanometers are associated with violet.

[0069] The color (including hue) of an article (e.g., a substrate, a substrate masked by a masking layer, or a masked material) as perceived by a viewer can differ from the actual color of the article. The color perceived by a viewer depends not only on the physical properties of the article, but also on its environment and the nature of the eye and brain making the perception. For example, the color perceived by a viewer is determined by the actual color of the article (e.g., the color of light leaving the surface of the article), the ability of the viewer to detect the wavelengths of light reflected or emitted by the article, the wavelengths of light used to illuminate the article, and other factors such as the tint of the environment of the article, and the type of incident light (e.g., sunlight, fluorescent light, etc.). Thus, the color of an object as perceived by a viewer can differ from the actual color of the article.

[0070] When used in the context of structural color, the hue of a structural colored article (i.e., an article that has been structured by applying a masking layer having structural color elements to a substrate or a masked material) can be characterized based on the wavelengths of light that are absorbed and reflected (e.g., linearly and nonlinearly) by the structured colored portion of the article. While the masking layer can impart a first structural color, the presence of an optional textured surface and / or primer layer can change the structural color. Other factors such as a coating or a transparent element can further change the perceived structural color. The hue of the structural color can include any of the hues described herein as well as any other hue or combination of hues. The structural color can be referred to as being “monochromatic” (i.e., the hue remains substantially the same regardless of the angle of observation and / or illumination) or “multichromatic” (i.e., the hue changes depending on the angle of observation and / or illumination). A multichromatic structural color can be iridescent (i.e., the hue gradually changes over two or more hues as the angle of observation or illumination changes). In some cases, the hue of an iridescent multichromatic structural color can gradually change over all hues in the visible spectrum (e.g., like a “rainbow”) as the angle of observation or illumination changes. In other cases, the hue of a multichromatic structural color can gradually change over a limited number of hues in the visible spectrum (e.g., a partial range of hues) as the angle of observation or illumination changes, in other words, one or more hues in the visible spectrum (e.g., red, orange, yellow, etc.) are not observed in the structural color as the angle of observation or illumination changes. Further, the hue of a multichromatic structural color can change more abruptly between a limited number of hues (e.g., between 2 and 8 hues, or between 2 and 4 hues, or between 2 hues) as the angle of observation or illumination changes. Alternatively, for a monochromatic structural color, there is only one hue or substantially one hue in the visible spectrum.

[0071] As such, the structural color can be a multi-hued structural color, in which two or more hues are imparted by the structural color. The structural color can be an iridescent multi-hued structural color, in which the hue of the structural color varies over a relatively large number of hues (e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more hues) when viewed from a single viewing angle, or when viewed from two or more different viewing angles that are at least 15 degrees apart from one another. Alternatively, the structural color can be a partial-hue-range structural color, in which the hue of the structural color varies or substantially (e.g., about 90%, about 95%, or about 99%) varies over a limited number of hues (e.g., 2 hues or 3 hues) when viewed from two or more different viewing angles that are at least 15 degrees apart from one another. In some aspects, the structural color having partial-hue-range characteristics is limited to two, three, or four hues selected from the RYB primary colors of red, yellow, and blue, optionally the RYB primary and secondary colors of red, yellow, blue, green, orange, and purple, or optionally the RYB primary, secondary, and tertiary colors of red, yellow, blue, green, orange-purple, green-yellow, yellow-orange, orange-red, red-purple, purple-blue, and blue-green.

[0072] The structural color can be a single-hued angle-independent structural color, in which the hue, tone, and value, or the hue, value, and chroma of the structural color is independent or substantially (e.g., about 90%, about 95%, or about 99%) independent of the viewing angle. For example, the single-hued angle-independent structural color can display the same hue or substantially the same hue (e.g., a single-hued structural color) when viewed from at least 3 different angles that are at least 15 degrees apart from one another.

[0073] The imparted structural color can be a structural color having partial hue range properties such that when each color observed at each possible angle of observation is assigned to a single hue selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary, and tertiary colors on a red-yellow-blue (RYB) color wheel, all assigned hues for a single structural color fall into a single hue group, where the single hue group is one of: a) green-yellow, yellow, and yellow-orange; b) yellow, yellow-orange, and orange; c) yellow-orange, orange, and orange-red; d) orange-red and red-violet; e) red, red-violet, and violet; f) red-violet, violet, and violet-blue; g) violet, violet-blue, and blue; h) violet-blue, blue, and blue-green; i) blue, blue-green, and green; and j) blue-green, green, and green-yellow. In other words, in this example of partial hue range, the hue (or hue and value, or hue, value, and chroma) imparted by the structural color varies according to the angle at which the structural color is observed, but the hue of each of the different colors viewed at various angles of observation varies over a limited number of possible hues. The hue visible at each angle of observation can be assigned to a single primary, secondary, or tertiary hue on a red-yellow-blue (RYB) color wheel (i.e., a hue group consisting of red, yellow, blue, green, orange-violet, green-yellow, yellow-orange, orange-red, red-violet, violet-blue, and blue-green). For example, when multiple different colors are observed as the angle of observation shifts, the list of assigned hues includes no more than one, two, or three hues selected from the list of RYB primary, secondary, and tertiary hues when each observed hue is classified as one of red, yellow, blue, green, orange-violet, green-yellow, yellow-orange, orange-red, red-violet, violet-blue, and blue-green. In some examples of partial hue range structural color, all assigned hues fall into a single hue group selected from hue groups a) through j), each of which includes three adjacent hues on the RYB primary, secondary, and tertiary color wheel. For example, all assigned hues can be a single hue in hue group h) (e.g., blue), or some of the assigned hues can represent two hues in hue group h) (e.g., violet-blue and blue), or can represent three hues in hue group h) (e.g., violet-blue, blue, and blue-green).

[0074] Similarly, other properties of color, including structural color, such as the brightness of the color, the saturation of the color, and the purity of the color, etc., can be substantially the same regardless of the angle of observation or illumination, or can vary according to the angle of observation or illumination. The color can have a matte appearance, a shiny appearance, or a metallic appearance, or a combination thereof.

[0075] As discussed above, the color (including hue) of an article or substrate (including a structurally colored article or a concealed material) can vary depending on the angle at which the article or substrate is observed or illuminated. One or more hues of an article or substrate can be determined by observing the article or substrate at various angles using constant illumination conditions or illuminating the article or substrate at various angles. As used herein, the "angle" of observation, illumination, or viewing is measured from an axis or plane that is normal to the surface. The angle of observation, illumination, or viewing can be set between about 0 degrees and 180 degrees. The angle of observation, illumination, or viewing can be set at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and -15 degrees, and the color, including structural color, can be measured using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer (e.g., Konica or Minolta) focused on a particular area of the article or substrate to measure the color. The angle of observation, illumination, or viewing can be set at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 105 degrees, 120 degrees, 135 degrees, 150 degrees, 165 degrees, 180 degrees, 195 degrees, 210 degrees, 225 degrees, 240 degrees, 255 degrees, 270 degrees, 285 degrees, 300 degrees, 315 degrees, 330 degrees, and 345 degrees, and the color, including structural color, can be measured using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. In a particular example of a multi-hued article or substrate colored using only structural color, the hues measured for the article when measured at 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and -15 degrees consist of "blue" at three of the measurement angles, "blue-green" at two of the measurement angles, and "purple" at one of the measurement angles.

[0076] In other embodiments, the color (including hue, value, and / or chroma) of an article or substrate (including a structurally colored article or a concealed material) does not change or does not substantially change at all depending on the angle at which the article is observed, illuminated, or viewed. In such cases, the color can be a structural color that is angle independent, as the observed hue, hue and value, or hue, value, and chroma are substantially independent of or independent of the angle of observation, illumination, or viewing.

[0077] Various methods exist for defining a color coordinate system. One example is the L*a*b* color space, in which for a given illumination condition, L* is a value of lightness, and a* and b* are values of color-opponent dimensions based on CIE coordinates (CIE 1976 color space or CIELAB). In some aspects, a colored article or substrate (including a structured colored article or a masked material) can be considered to have a “single” color when the color variation measured for the article is within about 10% or within about 5% of the total scale of the a* or b* coordinates of the L*a*b* scale (CIE 1976 color space) at three or more measured viewing, illumination, or viewing angles selected from 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and -15 degrees. In certain embodiments, colors that differ by at least 5% of the scale of the a* and b* coordinates or by at least 10% of the scale of the a* and b* coordinates when measured and assigned values in the L*a*b* system are considered to be different colors. A structured colored article can have a variation of less than about 40%, or less than about 30%, or less than about 20%, or less than about 10% of the total scale of the a* or b* coordinates of the L*a*b* scale (CIE 1976 color space) at three or more measured viewing, illumination, or viewing angles.

[0078] Color variation between two measurements in the CIELAB space can be determined mathematically. For example, a first measurement has coordinates L1*, a1*, and b1*, and a second measurement has coordinates L2*, a2*, and b2*. The total difference between the two measurements on the CIELAB scale can be expressed as ΔE*ab, which is calculated as follows: ΔE*ab = [(L1*-L2*)2+ (a1*-a2*)2+ (b1*-b2*)2]1 / 2. Generally, if two colors have a ΔE*ab of less than or equal to 1, the human eye cannot perceive a color difference, and if two colors have a ΔE*ab of greater than 100, the two colors are considered to be opposite colors, while a ΔE*ab of about 2 to 3 is considered to be a threshold of perceptible color difference. In certain aspects, an article or material can be considered to have a “single” color when the ΔE*ab is less than 60, or less than 50, or less than 40, or less than 30 between three or more measured viewing, illumination, or viewing angles measured at viewing, illumination, or viewing angles selected from 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and -15 degrees. An article or material can have a ΔE*ab of less than about 100, or less than about 80, or less than about 60 between two or more measured viewing, illumination, or viewing angles.

[0079] According to these aspects, a first color and a second color of a base or masking layer are "visually similar" to one another when they have a ΔΕ*ab of less than or equal to 2 when measured from the same observation, illumination, or viewing angle. In related aspects, a first color and a second color of a base or masking layer are "visually different" from one another when they have a ΔΕ*ab of greater than 2 when measured from the same observation, illumination, or viewing angle.

[0080] Continuing with these aspects, a first structural color produced by a masked material or masking layer having structural color elements and a second structural color produced by a different masked material or different masking layer having structural color elements are "visually similar" to one another when they have a ΔΕ*ab of less than or equal to 2 when measured from the same observation, illumination, or viewing angle. In similar aspects, a first structural color produced by a masked material or masking layer having structural color elements and a second structural color produced by a different masked material or different masking layer having structural color elements are "visually different" from one another when they have a ΔΕ*ab of greater than 2 when measured from the same observation, illumination, or viewing angle.

[0081] Another example of a color scale is the CIELCH color space, in which for a given illumination condition, L* is a value of lightness, C* is a value of chroma, and h° represents hue as an angular measurement. In embodiments, a colored article or masked material can be considered to have a "single" color when the color measured for the article or material at the h° angular coordinate of the CIELCH color space is less than 10 degrees different or less than 5 degrees different at three or more measured observation, illumination, or viewing angles selected from the measured observation, illumination, or viewing angles of 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and -15 degrees. In certain aspects, a color that varies by at least 45 degrees in the h° measurement when measured and assigned values in the CIELCH system is considered to be a different color. At three or more measured observation, illumination, or viewing angles, a colored article or material can have a variation in the h° measurement of the CIELCH system of less than about 60 degrees, or less than about 50 degrees, or less than about 40 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees, or less than about 20 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees.

[0082] Another system for characterizing color includes the "PANTONE" matching system (Pantone LLC, Carlstadt, N.J., USA), which provides a visual color standard system to provide an accurate method for selecting, specifying, broadcasting, and matching colors through any medium. In examples, a colored article or material can be considered to have a "single" color when the color measured for the article at three or more measured viewing, lighting, or viewing angles selected from 0 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and -15 degrees is within a certain number of adjacent standards, for example, within 20 adjacent PANTONE standards.

[0083] Having now described color, additional details are provided regarding masking layers. As described herein, an article or substrate (e.g., a reutilization material) can include a masking layer. The masking layer can include a set of layers including at least one layer having a thickness in the range of nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. The masking layer can include a single layer or a multilayer reflector or a multilayer filter, such as a quarter- wave reflector or a quarter- wave filter. The masking layer can be used to modify light that is incident thereon, thereby imparting a structural color to the article or substrate. The masking layer can include a set of layers including at least one optical layer and optionally one or more additional layers (e.g., a protective layer, a textured layer, a primer layer, a polymeric layer, etc.).

[0084] Methods of making a masking layer can include disposing (e.g., affixing, attaching, bonding, fastening, joining, adding, connecting, adhering, and operatively disposing, etc.) the masking layer onto an article or substrate (e.g., an article of footwear, an article of apparel, an article of sports equipment, a reutilization material for use in constructing an article of footwear, etc.). The article or substrate has a surface onto which the masking layer can be disposed. As described herein, the surface of the article or substrate can be made of a polymeric composition such as a thermoplastic material or a thermoset material. For example, the article or substrate has a surface that includes a thermoplastic material, such as an exterior-facing surface of the article or substrate. For example, the masking layer can be disposed on a thermoplastic material or a thermoset material. The article or substrate can include various different fabrics including, but not limited to, leather, synthetic leather, knit, woven, nonwoven, braided, etc.

[0085] Methods of making a colored article or a masked material (e.g., a reutilization material masked with a masking layer including a structural color element) can include disposing (e.g., affixing, attaching, bonding, fastening, joining, adding, connecting, adhering) the masking layer onto an article or material (e.g., an article of footwear, an article of apparel, an article of sports equipment, etc.). The article has a surface onto which the masking layer can be disposed.

[0086] In aspects, the masking layer including the structural color element can also include a set of layers and / or a set of properties that can reflect the overall properties of the structural color element, the properties of the set of layers, or the properties of one or more layers in the set of layers. According to these aspects, the set of layers can include the number of layers, the arrangement of layers, the thickness, the chemical composition of the layers, or any combination thereof. The aspects herein contemplate that the chemical composition of the layers can include one or more metals, one or more metal oxides, one or more polymers, or combinations thereof. In other aspects, the one or more sets of layers can include an outermost layer that includes an outermost layer nanotopography.

[0087] The set of layers of the masking layer including the structural color element can include one or more optical layers and can be formed using known techniques such as physical vapor deposition, electron beam deposition, atomic layer deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, cathodic arc deposition, pulsed laser deposition, sputter deposition (e.g., radio frequency, direct current, reactive, non-reactive), chemical vapor deposition, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, low pressure chemical vapor deposition, and wet chemical techniques such as layer-by-layer deposition, sol-gel deposition, Langmuir blodgett, and the like. The optical layers of the set of layers of the masking layer can include a multilayer reflector. The multilayer reflector can be configured to have a certain reflectivity at a given wavelength of light (or range of wavelengths) that depends at least in part on the chemical composition selection, thickness, and number of layers of the multilayer reflector. In other words, one can carefully select the chemical composition, thickness, and number of layers of the multilayer reflector and optionally its interaction with one or more other layers such that it can reflect a certain wavelength of light (or range of wavelengths) to produce a desired structural color. The optical layers can include at least two adjacent layers, where the adjacent layers have different refractive indices. The difference in refractive indices of the adjacent layers can be about 0.0001% to 50%, about 0.1% to 40%, about 0.1% to 30%, about 0.1% to 20%, about 0.1% to 10% (and other ranges in between (e.g., these ranges can be in increments of 0.0001% to 5%)). The refractive indices depend at least in part on the chemical composition of the one or more layers and can be in the range of 1.3 to 2.6.

[0088] The set of layers of the masking layer including the structural color element can include 2 to 20 optical layers, 2 to 10 optical layers, 2 to 6 optical layers, or 2 to 4 optical layers. Each layer of the masking layer can be about a quarter of the wavelength of the light to be reflected to produce the desired structural color (i.e., the masking layer can include a quarter wave reflector). Each layer of the masking layer can have a thickness of about 10 to 500 nanometers or about 90 to 200 nanometers. The set of layers of the masking layer can include at least two layers, where the adjacent layers have different thicknesses and different refractive indices. Alternatively, the adjacent layers can have the same thickness and different refractive indices.

[0089] The obscuring layer including the structural color element can include a multilayer filter. The multilayer filter destructively interferes with light that is incident on the structure or article, where the destructive interference of the light and optional interaction with one or more other layers or structures (e.g., a multilayer reflector, a textured structure) imparts the structural color. In this regard, the layers of the multilayer filter (e.g., material or chemical composition selection, thickness, number of layers, etc.) can be designed such that a single wavelength of light or a specific range of wavelengths of light constitutes the structural color. For example, the range of wavelengths of light can be limited to within plus or minus 30% of a single wavelength, or within plus or minus 20% of a single wavelength, or within plus or minus 10% of a single wavelength, or within plus or minus 5% of a single wavelength. The optical layer can include a plurality of layers, where each layer independently includes a material or chemical composition selected from the group consisting of transition metals, metalloids, lanthanides, and actinides, and mixtures or alloys thereof, and nitrides, oxynitrides, sulfides, sulfates, selenides, and tellurides of any of these. The material or chemical composition can be selected to provide an index of refraction that achieves a desired result when optionally combined with other layers of the structural color element. One or more layers of the optical layer can be made from a liquid crystal. Each layer of the optical layer can be made from a liquid crystal. One or more layers of the optical layer can be made from a material such as silicon, silicon dioxide, titanium, titanium dioxide, zinc, zinc sulfide, magnesium, magnesium fluoride, tantalum, tantalum pentoxide, aluminum, aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof. Each layer of the optical layer can be made from a material such as silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide, magnesium fluoride, tantalum pentoxide, aluminum oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0090] The obscuring layer including the structural color element can be: substantially free of pigments or dyes (e.g., contain less than 0.001 wt% of pigments or dyes added to its layers), colored or dyed (e.g., pigments and / or dyes added to its layers (e.g., dark or black)), reflective (e.g., have a percent reflectance of at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%), and / or transparent (e.g., have a percent transmittance of 75% or more). The surface of the article or substrate on which the obscuring layer is disposed can be: substantially free of pigments or dyes (i.e., less than 0.001 wt% of pigments or dyes added to the material), colored or dyed (e.g., pigments and / or dyes added to the material (e.g., dark or black)), reflective (e.g., have a percent reflectance of at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%), and / or transparent (e.g., have a percent transmittance of 75% or more).

[0091] The surface of the optical layers or the article or the substrate including the masking layer of structural color elements can be formed in a layer-by-layer fashion, where each layer has a different refractive index. Each optical layer can be formed using known techniques such as physical vapor deposition, including: chemical vapor deposition, pulsed laser deposition, evaporation deposition, sputter deposition (e.g., radio frequency, direct current, reactive, non-reactive), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, electron beam deposition, atomic layer deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, cathodic arc deposition, low pressure chemical vapor deposition, and wet chemical techniques such as layer-by-layer deposition, sol-gel deposition, Langmuir-Blodgett, and the like.

[0092] Figures 5A to 5D Perspective, exploded, top, and cross-sectional views of example substrates and example masking layers including structural color elements according to one aspect herein are illustrated, respectively. In these examples, each masking layer is referred to as a structural color element, and as shown, a third masked material 131, a fourth masked material 141, and a fifth masked material 151 are depicted. The third masked material 131 includes a third substrate 130 and a first structural color element 230; the fourth masked material 141 includes a fourth substrate 140 and a second structural color element 240; and the fifth masked material 151 includes the fourth substrate 140 and the first structural color element 230. In Figures 5A to 5D In the interest of discussion, the third masked material 131, the fourth masked material 141, and the fifth masked material 151, the third substrate 130 and the fourth substrate 140, and the first structural color element 230 and the second structural color element 240 are depicted in a simplified manner, and it should be understood that these depictions are illustrative in nature and not limiting. Thus, aspects herein contemplate that the third substrate 130 and the fourth substrate 140, and the first structural color element 230 and the second structural color element 240 can be reshaped, replicated, reconfigured, or have irregular shapes that form part of an article of footwear.

[0093] In one example aspect, the third substrate 130, the fourth substrate 140, or both are a recycled material. As such, the third substrate 130 is a first recycled material, and the fourth substrate 140 is a second recycled material that is different than the first recycled material. In turn, one or more properties of the first recycled material are different than one or more corresponding properties of the second recycled material. In aspects, it is contemplated that the first recycled material and the second recycled material can be the same material. In further aspects, it is contemplated that the third substrate 130, the fourth substrate 140, or both do not include a recycled material.

[0094] The focus now shifts to the third occluded material 131. The third substrate 130 is planar, has a minimum thickness, and includes a third outward-facing surface 132, a third inward-facing surface 134, and a fifth color 412 represented by a single shadow line including vertical lines. The third outward-facing surface 132 is flat, has a smooth texture, displays the fifth color 412, and is opposite the third inward-facing surface 134, which is also flat and has a smooth texture. Although not in... Figures 5A to 5D Depicted illustratively, but similar to the first and second substrates discussed above, the third substrate 130 possesses a third property, including at least one of a third composition, a third weight, a third thickness, a third structure, and a third surface morphology. Accordingly, the third composition of the third substrate 130 may be a woven material, including one or more natural leathers, synthetic leathers, molded polymer parts, polymer foams, etc. Furthermore, in an exemplary aspect, the third composition of the third substrate 130 may include material cut from a larger sheet of material (e.g., a rolled-up material roll) having two opposing surfaces and a minimum thickness, the sheet of material having been previously specified for processing. In other aspects, the third structure of the third substrate 130 may include material shaped into a certain form, such as knitted, woven, braided, or nonwoven materials, formed in a general shape or in a specific shape, such as a shape included as part of a pattern in the upper portion of a footwear article.

[0095] The first structural color element 230 is a third masking layer, which is flat, has a certain thickness, and includes a third outward-facing surface 232, a third inward-facing surface 234, and a first set of layers, which includes a first plurality of constituent layers 235, a first reflective layer 236, and a second plurality of constituent layers 237. The first set of layers covers the third substrate 130 such that the third inward-facing surface 234 is adjacent to and in contact with the third outward-facing surface 132 of the third substrate 130. In an example aspect, the first structural color element 230 is disposed (e.g., attached, bonded, adhered, glued, joined) on the third outward-facing surface 132 and is configured to mask or alter the fifth color 412 of the third substrate 130.

[0096] The first plurality of constituent layers 235 includes three individual layers: one disposed on the third exterior-facing surface 132 and forming the third interior-facing surface 234, one adjacent to the first reflective layer 236, and one positioned therebetween. The second plurality of constituent layers 237 also includes three individual layers positioned opposite the first plurality of constituent layers 235 in the first set of layers. The first reflective layer 236 is positioned between the first plurality of constituent layers 235 and the second plurality of constituent layers 237. In accordance with aspects herein, the first plurality of constituent layers 235 and the second plurality of constituent layers 237 and / or the first reflective layer 236 can include an optical layer having any combination of aspects related to any of the optical layers discussed in the present disclosure. Further, one or more properties of the first set of layers and / or one or more optical layers thereof, such as the number of layers, the thickness of each of the layers, the chemical composition of each layer, the refractive index of each layer, and the like, can result in the optical effect of producing the first structural color 450. As such, in Figures 5A to 5D In instances of the first structural color element 230 is configured to produce the first structural color 450 when applied to the third substrate 130. The first structural color 450 is represented by two intersecting lines, one having a positive slope and the other having a negative slope.

[0097] Turning now to the fourth concealed material 141, similar to the third substrate 130, the fourth substrate 140 is planar, has a minimum thickness, and includes a fourth exterior-facing surface 142, a fourth interior-facing surface 144, and a sixth color 422 represented by a single hatched line including a line having a positive slope. The fourth exterior-facing surface 142 is flat, has a smooth texture, exhibits the sixth color 422, and is opposite the fourth interior-facing surface 144, which is also flat and has a smooth texture. Although not illustratively depicted in Figures 5A to 5D Similar to the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, the third substrate 130 discussed above, the fourth substrate 140 has a fourth property including at least one of a fourth composition, a fourth basis weight, a fourth thickness, a fourth construction, and a fourth surface topography. As such, the fourth composition of the fourth substrate 140 can be a fabric material including one or more of natural leather, synthetic leather, molded polymer parts, polymer foam, and the like. Further, in example aspects, the fourth composition of the fourth substrate 140 can include material cut from a larger sheet of material having two opposing surfaces and a minimum thickness, the sheet of material previously designated for disposal. In other aspects, the fourth construction of the fourth substrate 140 can include material shaped into a shape, such as a knit, woven, braided, nonwoven material formed in an ordinary shape or in a specific shape, such as a shape including a portion of a pattern in an upper portion of an article of footwear.

[0098] The second structural color element 240 is a fourth masking layer that is planar, has a thickness, and includes a fourth outwardly facing surface 242, a fourth inwardly facing surface 244, and a second set of layers including a third plurality of constituent layers 245, a second reflective layer 246, and a fourth plurality of constituent layers 247. The second set of layers covers the fourth substrate 140 such that the fourth inwardly facing surface 244 is adjacent to and in contact with the fourth outwardly facing surface 142 of the fourth substrate 140. In example aspects, the second structural color element 240 is disposed (e.g., affixed, attached, bonded, adhered, joined) on the fourth outwardly facing surface 142 and is configured to mask or alter the sixth color 422 of the fourth substrate 140.

[0099] The third plurality of constituent layers 245 includes two separate layers: one disposed on the fourth outwardly facing surface 142 and forming the fourth inwardly facing surface 244, and another adjacent to the second reflective layer 246. The fourth plurality of constituent layers 247 also includes two separate layers positioned opposite the third plurality of constituent layers 245 in the second set of layers. The second reflective layer 246 is positioned between the third plurality of constituent layers 245 and the fourth plurality of constituent layers 247. In accordance with aspects herein, the third plurality of constituent layers 245 and the fourth plurality of constituent layers 247 and / or the second reflective layer 246 can include an optical layer having any combination of aspects related to the optical layers discussed in the present disclosure. Further, one or more properties of the second set of layers and / or one or more optical layers thereof, such as the number of layers, the thickness of each of the layers, the chemical composition of each layer, the refractive index of each layer, and the like, can result in the optical effect of the second structural color 460 being produced. Thus, in Figures 5A to 5D instances, the second structural color element 240 is configured to produce the second structural color 460 when applied to the fourth substrate 140. The second structural color 460 is represented by intersecting hatching lines with one having a positive slope and the other having a negative slope.

[0100] Continuing, the fifth masked material 151 includes the fourth substrate 140 and the first structural color element 230. As Figures 5A to 5D shown, the fourth substrate 140 has the same features in the fifth masked material 151 as it does in the fourth masked material 141, and likewise, the first structural color element 230 has the same features in the fifth masked material 151 as it does in the third masked material 131. However, when the first structural color element 230 is applied to the fourth substrate 140 having one or more properties different from the third substrate 130, the first structural color element 230 is configured to produce a third structural color 470 represented by intersecting hatching lines with one extending vertically and the other extending horizontally.

[0101] In additional example aspects, the third property of the third base 130 is different from a corresponding fourth property of the fourth base 140. In one example, the third property of the third base 130 includes a third configuration, and the fourth property of the fourth base 140 includes a fourth configuration that is different from the third configuration. In other examples, the third property of the third base 130 includes a third composition, and the fourth property of the fourth base 140 includes a fourth composition that is different from the third composition. In another example, the third property of the third base 130 includes a third basis weight, and the fourth property of the fourth base 140 includes a fourth basis weight that is different from the third basis weight. In yet another example, the third property of the third base 130 includes a third thickness, and the fourth property of the fourth base 140 includes a fourth thickness that is different from the third thickness. In still another example, the third property of the third base 130 includes a third surface topography, and the fourth property of the fourth base 140 includes a fourth surface topography that is different from the third surface topography. Additional examples contemplated herein are provided later.

[0102] Reference is now made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , Figure 6 FIG. 2 illustrates the lateral side of each article of footwear of the example first array 202 of colored articles of footwear. As shown, the first array 202 of colored articles of footwear includes a first article of footwear 210, a second article of footwear 220, a third article of footwear 230, and a fourth article of footwear 240. In Figure 6 each article of footwear 210, 220, 230, 240 includes one or more concealed materials, and in Figure 7 each article of footwear 210, 220, 230, 240 is depicted as having at least partially worn one or more concealed materials.

[0103] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the structural color element wears at a rate within a range of measurements. For example, the structural color element can maintain its structure and / or structural color for at least a minimum number of rub cycles. In aspects of the present disclosure, the minimum number is at least 10 cycles. In other aspects of the present disclosure, the minimum number is at least 50 cycles, and in yet other aspects, the minimum number is at least 100 cycles. In another aspect, the structural color element can maintain its structure and / or structural color for the minimum number of cycles and at least partially wear to reveal the color of the base when subjected to a maximum number of cycles. For example, the structural color element can maintain its structure and / or structural color for at least 10 cycles and at least partially wear to reveal the color of the base when subjected to less than 100 cycles. Alternatively, the structural color element can maintain its structure and / or structural color for at least 50 cycles and at least partially wear to reveal the color of the base when subjected to less than 200 cycles. In yet another aspect, the structural color element can maintain its structure and / or structural color for at least 100 cycles and at least partially wear to reveal the color of the base when subjected to less than 400 cycles. In further aspects, the rub cycles can be applied in accordance with ASTM D5053-03(2015), which includes a method for determining abrasion in the present disclosure. Alternatively, the rub cycles can be applied in accordance with a test similar to ASTM D5053-03(2015).

[0104] Each of the fourth article of footwear 340, the fifth article of footwear 350, the sixth article of footwear 360, and the seventh article of footwear 370 includes similar elements that are also similar to the elements of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330. Nonetheless, the fourth article of footwear 340, the fifth article of footwear 350, the sixth article of footwear 360, and the seventh article of footwear 370 differ from one another, and also from each of the first article of footwear 310, the second article of footwear 320, and the third article of footwear 330, in terms of what base, obscuring layer, and combinations thereof are included in their respective uppers. As such, unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals represent like parts (e.g., 314, 324, 334, 344, 354, 364, 374 each identify the upper of the respective article of footwear), and the description of any shared aspects already discussed herein will not be repeated.

[0105] The fourth article of footwear 340 includes a fourth sole structure 342, a fourth upper 344, and a fourth inlay pattern 346 including a fourth toe portion 348a, a fourth forefoot portion 348b, and a fourth heel portion 348c, and the fifth article of footwear 350 includes a fifth sole structure 352, a fifth upper 354, and a fifth inlay pattern 356 including a fifth toe portion 358a, a fifth forefoot portion 358b, and a fifth heel portion 358c. Continuing, the sixth article of footwear 360 includes a sixth sole structure 362, a sixth upper 364, and a sixth inlay pattern 366 including a sixth toe portion 368a, a sixth forefoot portion 368b, and a sixth heel portion 368c, and likewise, the seventh article of footwear 370 includes a seventh sole structure 372, a seventh upper 374, and a seventh inlay pattern 376 including a seventh toe portion 378a, a seventh forefoot portion 378b, and a seventh heel portion 378c.

[0106] Focusing on the fourth article of footwear 340, the fourth toe portion 348a and the fourth forefoot portion 348b are constructed from the third concealed material 131 (identified in Figure 6 ) and the characteristics of the third concealed material 131 (discussed above in connection with Figures 5A to 5B ) are included at these portions of the fourth upper 344. Thus, at the fourth toe portion 348a and the fourth forefoot portion 348b, the fourth upper 344 includes the third base 130 (identified in Figure 7 and concealed from view in Figure 6 ) and the first structural color element 230 (identified in Figure 6 and abraded in Figure 7 ). In Figure 6 , the fifth color 412 of the third base 130 is concealed from view and the first structural color 450 produced by the first structural color element 230 is presented at the fourth toe portion 348a and the fourth forefoot portion 348b. In Figure 7 , the first structural color element 230 has been partially abraded so that the fifth color 412 of the third base 130 is presented.

[0107] Turning to the fifth article of footwear 350, the fifth toe portion 358a and the fifth forefoot portion 358b are constructed from the fourth concealed material 141 (identified in Figure 6 ) and the characteristics of the fourth concealed material 141 (discussed above in connection with Figures 5A to 5B ) are included at these portions of the fifth upper 354. Thus, at the fifth toe portion 358a and the fifth forefoot portion 358b, the fifth upper 354 includes the fourth base 140 (identified in Figure 7 and concealed from view in Figure 6 ) and the second structural color element 240 (identified in Figure 6The Chinese logo and in Figure 7 (Middle wear). In Figure 7 In this process, the sixth color 422 of the fourth base 140 is masked and not visible, and the second structural color 460 generated by the second structural color element 240 is present at the fifth toe portion 358a and the fifth forefoot portion 358b. Figure 6 In the middle, the second structural color element 240 has been partially worn, resulting in the sixth color 422 appearing on the fourth base 140.

[0108] Continuing forward to the sixth footwear 360, the sixth toe portion 368a is made of the fourth covering material 141 (in Figure 6 The sixth foreleg portion 368b is constructed of a third occluded material 131 (with the marking in the middle), and the sixth foreleg portion 368b is constructed of a third occluded material 131 (with the marking in the middle). Figure 7 (The markings are in the middle). Accordingly, the features of the fourth obscured material 141 and the third obscured material 131 (combined with the above) are as follows: Figure 6 (Discussion) includes the sixth toe portion 368a and the sixth forefoot portion 368b of the sixth upper 364, respectively.

[0109] Therefore, at the sixth toe portion 368a, the sixth upper 364 includes the fourth base 140 (in... Figure 7 The Chinese logo and in Figure 6 (in which the color element is obscured and cannot be seen) and the second structural color element 240 (in Figure 6 The Chinese logo and in Figures 5A to 5B (Mid-wear), and at the sixth forefoot portion 368b, the sixth upper 364 includes the third base 130 (in Figure 7 The Chinese logo and in Figure 6 (in which it is obscured and cannot be seen) and the first structural color element 230 (in Figure 6 The Chinese logo and in Figure 7 (Middle wear). In Figure 7 In this configuration, the fifth color 412 of the third base 130 and the sixth color 422 of the fourth base 140 are obscured and not visible. The second structural color 460 generated by the second structural color element 240 is present at the sixth toe portion 368a, and the first structural color 450 generated by the first structural color element 230 is present at the sixth forefoot portion 368b. Figure 6 In the process, the first structural color element 230 and the second structural color element 240 have been partially worn, resulting in the presentation of the fifth color 412 of the third substrate 130 and the sixth color 422 of the fourth substrate 140.

[0110] Turning to the seventh footwear 370, the seventh toe portion 378a is made of the fifth covering material 151 (in Figure 6 The seventh foreleg portion 378b is constructed of a third occluded material 131 (with the marking in the middle), and the seventh foreleg portion 378b is constructed of a third occluded material 131 (with the marking in the middle). Figure 7The fifth concealed material 151 and the third concealed material 131 are configured to be visible at the seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b, respectively, of the seventh upper 374. In particular, the fifth concealed material 151 and the third concealed material 131 are configured to be visible at the seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b, respectively, of the seventh upper 374 when the seventh upper 374 is worn by a wearer. In other words, the fifth concealed material 151 and the third concealed material 131 are configured to be visible at the seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b, respectively, of the seventh upper 374 when the seventh upper 374 is worn by a wearer and the seventh upper 374 is in the as-worn configuration. Figure 6 The seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b of the seventh upper 374 are discussed above in connection with the fifth concealed material 151 and the third concealed material 131, respectively.

[0111] Thus, at the seventh toe portion 378a, the seventh upper 374 includes the fourth base 140 (identified in Figure 7 and concealed from view in Figures 5A to 7 ) and the first structural color element 230 (identified in Figures 8A to 8C and abraded in Figure 8A ). At the seventh forefoot portion 378b, the seventh upper 374 includes the third base 130 (identified in Figure 8A and concealed from view in Figure 8A ) and the first structural color element 230 (identified in Figure 8B and abraded in Figure 8A ). In Figure 8A particular, at the seventh toe portion 378a, the sixth color 422 of the fourth base 140 is concealed from view and the third structural color 470 is presented, and at the seventh forefoot portion 378b, the fifth color 412 of the third base 130 is concealed from view and the first structural color 450 is presented. In Figure 8C particular, the first structural color element 230 has been partially abraded such that the sixth color 422 of the fourth base 140 and the fifth color 412 of the third base 130 are presented.

[0112] In example aspects and as discussed above Figure 8AThe difference in the fifth color 412 of the third base 130 and the sixth color 422 of the fourth base 140 is depicted as being represented, envisioning that the fifth color 412 and the sixth color 422 are visually different from one another. Further, as depicted by the representation of each of the first structural color 450, the second structural color 460, and the third structural color 470, it is envisioned that the first structural color 450 and the second structural color 460 are visually similar to one another and are each visually different from the third structural color 470. Considering these aspects collectively, it is further envisioned that the first structural color 450 and the second structural color 460 can mask the fifth color 412 and the sixth color 422, which are visually different from one another and the first structural color 450 and the second structural color 460, to present a uniform or standardized color appearance. Continuing, upon removal of the first structural color element 230 and the second structural color element 240 (e.g., worn off or abraded away during normal wear, actively removed by the wearer, including scraping, shaving, cutting, sanding, burning, peeling, or dissolving the masking layer, etc.), the masking by the first structural color 450 and the second structural color 460 is reduced and the fifth color 412 and the sixth color 422 are presented, reducing the uniform or standardized color appearance presented by the first structural color 450 and the second structural color 460. As discussed herein, the methods and calculations described herein can be used to determine whether the fifth color 412 and the sixth color 422, and the first structural color 450, the second structural color 460, and the third structural color 470 are visually different or similar.

[0113] Figure 8C A cross-sectional view of a seventh article of footwear 370 is illustrated. In Figure 9 The seventh upper 374 is depicted as including a continuous layer of the fifth masked material 151 (not identified in Figures 2A to 4 but including the fourth base 140 and the first structural color element 230), with the fourth base 140 attached to the seventh sole structure 372 and extending upwardly. Further, the third masked material 131 (not identified in Figures 5A to 8C but including the third base 130 and the first structural color element 230) extends over the fifth masked material 151 at the seventh forefoot portion 378b. As such, the first structural color element 230 is positioned between the third base 130 and the fourth base 140 in the seventh upper 374 at the seventh forefoot portion 378b.

[0114] Figure 1 A split construction of the seventh upper 374 is depicted, with the fifth masked material 151 (not identified in Figure 9 but including the fourth base 140 and the first structural color element 230) and the third masked material 131 (not identified in Figure 1The third base 130 (and, by extension, the first structural color element 230) overlaps along the shared edge of the seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b. Thus, in this example, the first structural color element 230 is positioned between the third base 130 and the fourth base 140 in the seventh upper 374 at the overlapping edge of the seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b.

[0115] Figure 9 A configuration of a seventh upper 374 similar to Figure 1 is depicted, but in the example of Figure 9 , the third base 130 and the fourth base 140 are joined together to form the seventh upper 374 prior to the application of the first structural color element 230. Thus, the first structural color element 230 is not positioned between the third base 130 and the fourth base 140, but rather forms a lip over the third base 130 and the fourth base 140 in the seventh upper 374 at the overlapping edge of the seventh toe portion 378a and the seventh forefoot portion 378b.

[0116] Figure 9 An example method of manufacturing footwear 500 in accordance with an aspect herein is illustrated, wherein materials designated for disposal and used to manufacture discontinued footwear articles are repurposed and used to construct footwear articles. To help explain, the method of manufacturing footwear 500 is described generally with reference to aspects of the first obscured material 111 and the second obscured material 121 and the first array 301 of colored footwear articles, described above in connection with Figure 9 The first obscured material 111 and the second obscured material 121 and the first array 301 of colored footwear articles are described. However, as explained, aspects herein contemplate that the third obscured material 131, the fourth obscured material 141, and the fifth obscured material 151 can be implemented in the method of manufacturing footwear 500 to construct the second array 302 of colored footwear articles, which are described above in connection with Figure 9 . Similar to ​ , ​ brackets and arrows are included to depict various aspects of stages of the method of manufacturing footwear 500, which brackets and arrows provide contextual information for the steps of the method of manufacturing footwear 500, and thus are discussed first. Some of these stages and aspects thereof are similar to those of the method of manufacturing footwear 1 shown in ​ , and thus, like aspects are described in ​ using the same reference numerals.

[0117] Accordingly, arrow 502 illustrates that the first material roll 11 of material roll 10 was previously designated for the manufacture of a first array 21 of discontinued footwear products (e.g., previous seasons, previous color schemes, anticipated but not carried out, etc.), and arrow 503 illustrates that the first material roll 11 was previously designated for disposal by incineration 52. Similarly, arrow 512 illustrates that the second material roll 12 of material roll 10 was also previously designated for the manufacture of a second array 22 of discontinued footwear products (e.g., previous seasons, previous color schemes, anticipated but not carried out, etc.), and arrow 513 illustrates that the second material roll 13 was previously designated for disposal in landfill 54.

[0118] and ​ Similarly, brackets 40, 50, and 70 each identify entities involved in the manufacture of footwear products, including material suppliers and footwear manufacturers. Specifically, brackets identify material supply entity 50, the first footwear construction entity 40, and the second footwear construction entity 70. Typically, material supply entity 50 procures, produces, and / or supplies materials, and the first footwear construction entity 40 and the second footwear construction entity 70 specify and use these materials to construct footwear products. ​ In this example, the first footwear construction entity 40 specifies, but does not use, the first material roll 11 to construct the first array 21 of discontinued footwear articles, and the first footwear construction entity 40, the material supply entity 50, or both specify the first material roll 11 for processing. Continuing this example, the first footwear construction entity 40 also specifies, but does not use, the second material roll 12 to construct the second array 22 of discontinued footwear articles, and the first footwear construction entity 40, the material supply entity 50, or both specify the second material roll 12 for processing. Before processing, the second footwear construction entity 70 intervenes and obtains the first material roll 11 and the second material roll 12 for the method of manufacturing footwear 500, at which point the first material roll 11 and the second material roll 12 are considered to be reused. In some cases, the second footwear construction entity 70 may be different from the first footwear construction entity 40. In other cases, the first footwear construction entity 40 and the second footwear construction entity 70 may be the same entity.

[0119] like ​As shown, manufacturing the array of articles of footwear 310, 320, 330 includes a step 504 of obtaining the first base 110 from the first roll of material 11 that was designated for processing and previously designated for use in manufacturing the first array 21 of discontinued articles of footwear. Step 504 can also include designating the first base 110 for use in manufacturing the first array 301 of colored articles of footwear, which can occur before, after, or concurrently with obtaining the first base 110. At step 514, the second base 120 is obtained from the second roll of material 12 that was designated for use in manufacturing the second array 22 of discontinued articles of footwear. Next, at step 505, the first masking layer 210 is applied to the surface of the first base 110, and the first base 110 and the first masking layer 210 combine to form the first masked material 111. At step 515, the second masking layer 220 is applied to the surface of the second base 120, and the second base 120 and the second masking layer 220 combine to form the second masked material 121.

[0120] The first masked material 111 and the second masked material 121 are then used to construct articles of footwear, such as the first array 301 of colored articles of footwear, and this can be performed using various techniques or methods. For example, at step 506, the first masked material 111 is used to construct some or all of the upper of the first article of footwear 310. Alternatively or additionally, at step 516, the second masked material 121 is used to construct some or all of the upper of the second article of footwear 320. Alternatively or additionally, at step 526, the first masked material 111 and the second masked material 121 are used in combination to construct some or all of the upper of the third article of footwear 330.

[0121] Although not shown, the first array 21 of discontinued articles of footwear can be manufactured using the first roll of material 11 and the first masking layer 210, and the second array 22 of discontinued articles of footwear can be manufactured using the second roll of material 12 and the second masking layer 220. ​While the above description depicts a single array of colored footwear articles 301, it is contemplated herein that any of the steps 504, 514, 505, 515, 506, 516, 526 of the method of manufacturing footwear 500 can be repeated or replicated such that one or more additional bases are obtained from the first 11 and second 12 rolls of material, combined with the first 210 and second 220 masking layers, and used to construct additional articles in the array 301 of colored footwear articles. Further, it is contemplated herein that the first 11 and second 12 rolls of material and the first 110 and second 120 bases can be non-ordinary or distinguished materials (e.g., having one or more unique or distinguishing properties such as color, surface texture, composition, construction, etc.) or combinations of two or more non-ordinary or distinguished materials having one or more properties. Likewise, the first 210 and second 220 masking layers can also be a specified material or combination of two or more specified materials and can also have one or more properties (e.g., a tearable fabric having a second color). It is also contemplated that these aspects of the first 11 and second 12 rolls of material, the first 110 and second 120 bases, and the first 210 and second 220 masking layers can be combined in a variety of ways to provide different forms of the first 111 and second 121 masked materials.

[0122] Further, it is contemplated herein that the method of manufacturing footwear 500 can implement masking layers and / or other bases (e.g., third 130 and fourth 140 bases) including structural color elements (e.g., first 230 and second 240 structural color elements) to form other masked materials (third 131, fourth 141, and fifth 151 masked materials) to manufacture any of the fourth 340, fifth 350, sixth 360, and seventh 370 footwear articles of the second array 302 of colored footwear articles. For example, at step 504, the third base 130 can be obtained from the first roll of material 11 and can also be designated for use in manufacturing the second array 302 of colored footwear articles. Continuing, at step 514, the fourth base 140 can be obtained from the second roll of material 12. Continuing, at step 505, the first structural color element 230 can be applied to a surface of the third base 130 and the third base 130 and first structural color element 230 combine to form the third masked material 131. At step 515, the second structural color element 240 can be applied to a surface of the fourth base 140 and the fourth base 140 and second structural color element 240 combine to form the fourth masked material 141.

[0123] The third concealed material 131 and the fourth concealed material 141 are then used to construct any of the fourth footwear article 340, the fifth footwear article 350, or the sixth footwear article 360 of the second array 302 of colored footwear articles, and this can be performed using various techniques or methods. For example, at step 506, the third concealed material 131 can be used to construct some or all of the upper of the fourth footwear article 340. Alternatively or additionally, at step 516, the fourth concealed material 141 can be used to construct some or all of the upper of the fifth footwear article 350. Alternatively or additionally, at step 526, the third concealed material 131 and the fourth concealed material 141 can be used in combination to construct some or all of the upper of the sixth footwear article 360. In other aspects, the same steps can be taken to form the fifth concealed material 151 by applying the first structural color element 230 to the surface of the fourth base 140. These aspects also contemplate that the fifth concealed material 151 can then be used alone or in combination with the third concealed material 131 and the fourth concealed material 141 to construct footwear articles. For example, the third concealed material 131 and the fifth concealed material 151 can be used in combination to construct some or all of the upper of the seventh footwear article 370.

[0124] As used in the present disclosure, an array of footwear articles can include various combinations of multiple pairs of footwear articles having a shoe size and a footwear upper portion pattern. As used in the present disclosure, a shoe size includes a shoe length determined according to the U.S. shoe size system. As such, two pairs of shoes include the same shoe size when both pairs of shoes include the same U.S. shoe size (e.g., the same whole number shoe size or the same half number shoe size) or the equivalent of the U.S. shoe size under some alternative shoe size system (e.g., the European Continental system). Two pairs of shoes include different shoe sizes when each pair of shoes includes a different U.S. shoe size or the equivalent thereof. A footwear upper portion pattern describes the arrangement of one or more discrete pieces of material that form a footwear upper. Two shoes include the same footwear upper portion pattern when the corresponding locations on each shoe (e.g., all corresponding locations on each shoe) include respective pieces having geometrically similar shapes (e.g., the same shape) or mirror images thereof. Conversely, two shoes include different footwear upper portion patterns when the corresponding locations on each shoe (e.g., at least one corresponding location) include respective pieces having geometrically different shapes or when one shoe includes a corresponding location that is omitted entirely from the other shoe.

[0125] In one aspect of the disclosure, the array of articles of footwear can include two or more articles of footwear having the same shoe size and the same respective footwear upper portion pattern. In another aspect of the disclosure, the array of articles of footwear can include two or more articles of footwear having the same shoe size and different respective footwear upper portion patterns. In further aspects of the disclosure, the array of articles of footwear can include two or more articles of footwear having different shoe sizes and the same footwear upper portion pattern. In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the array of articles of footwear can include two or more articles of footwear having different shoe sizes and different respective footwear upper portion patterns.

[0126] In aspects related to recycled materials, it is contemplated that the base material can be a recycled material that is designated for disposal (e.g., a material previously destined for disposal) and obtained and / or designated for use in manufacturing the article of footwear prior to disposal. Some aspects contemplate that the material can be designated for disposal in various ways, such as incineration, landfilling, compaction, etc. Additional aspects contemplate that the material previously destined for disposal can have been designated for disposal by one or more entities involved in footwear manufacturing (e.g., a material supplier) and further contemplate that the material previously destined for disposal is obtained and / or designated for use in manufacturing the article of footwear by one or more entities involved in footwear manufacturing (e.g., a footwear manufacturer).

[0127] Aspects related to recycled materials contemplate that the material can be designated for disposal in various ways. For example, the designation can include an explicit assignment or designated use for disposal. Alternatively, the material can be inherently designated for disposal, such as where the material has been stored for longer than a threshold duration without being used or transferred to another entity in the course of footwear manufacturing, and the threshold duration can be 30 days, or alternatively 60 days, or alternatively 90 days, or alternatively 180 days.

[0128] Further aspects related to recycled materials contemplate that the recycled material is a material previously designated for use in manufacturing a discontinued article of footwear and now designated for use in manufacturing a different article of footwear (e.g., a re-designated material). Such aspects contemplate that the re-designated material can have been previously designated for use in manufacturing the discontinued article of footwear and / or now designated for use in manufacturing the different article of footwear by one or more entities involved in footwear manufacturing (e.g., a first and / or second footwear manufacturer source), and can include one or more of the same or different entities. In some aspects, the manufacturing of the discontinued article of footwear is cancelled and the recycled material is stored.

[0129] Additional aspects related to the reuse material contemplate that the reuse material is a material that was previously destined for disposal and is also a redestined material. In these aspects, it is contemplated that the reuse material can include any combination of aspects related to a material that was previously destined for disposal and aspects related to a redestined material. For example, the reuse material can be a material that was destined for disposal by a material supplier that was previously destined for use in the manufacture of a first article of footwear by a first footwear manufacturer and is obtained by a second footwear manufacturer prior to disposal and destined for use in the manufacture of a second article of footwear.

[0130] In aspects related to a reuse material involving a masking layer, it is contemplated that the reuse material is a material that was previously destined for disposal having a masking layer, a redestined material having a masking, or any combination thereof having a masking layer. Some aspects contemplate that any material reused in this manner can include any combination of aspects related to a material that was previously destined for disposal and / or aspects related to a redestined material. Other aspects herein contemplate that any material reused in a manner involving a masking layer also reuses a minimum amount of material after being at least destined for disposal or previously destined for use in the manufacture of a discontinued article of footwear to be destined for use in the manufacture of an article of footwear.

[0131] Continuing with these aspects, it is contemplated that the masking layer can be configured to modify or alter one or more properties of a substrate that is the reuse material. In such cases, the reuse material can include one or more properties, such as properties of the substrate, that include composition, basis weight, thickness, construction, and surface topography in addition to color. In aspects, the masking layer is applied to a surface of the reuse material such that the color presented by the reuse material at the surface is obscured by the masking layer. The masking layer can be applied to two reuse materials that each present a different color at their respective surfaces such that the color of each reuse material is obscured from view by the masking layer. In accordance with aspects herein, the masking layer is a structural color element and produces a structural color when applied to the reuse material.

[0132] In additional aspects related to the type of substrate or material thereof that can be reused, it is contemplated that any substrate or material that can be used to construct an article of footwear and / or included in an article of footwear can be reused, such as a fabric, a polymeric foam, a molded polymeric component, a natural leather, a synthetic leather, and the like. In aspects, the reuse material can be a fabric and such aspects contemplate that the fabric can be a nonwoven fabric, a synthetic leather, a knit fabric, or a woven fabric. The fabric can include a first fiber or a first yarn, where the first fiber or the first yarn can include at least an outer layer formed from a first thermoplastic material.

[0133] In aspects, the fabric that constitutes the recycled material can include any material made from fibers, filaments, or yarns that are characterized by flexibility, fineness, and a high ratio of length to thickness. Fabrics can generally be divided into two categories. The first category includes fabrics produced directly from a web of filaments or fibers by random interlocking to construct nonwoven and felted fabrics. The second category includes fabrics formed by mechanical manipulation of yarns, thereby producing woven, knitted, braided, crocheted, etc. fabrics.

[0134] As used herein, the term "filament," "a fiber," or "fibers" refers to a material in the form of a discrete elongated piece having a length substantially greater than its width. The fiber can include natural fibers, man-made fibers, or synthetic fibers. The fiber can be produced by conventional techniques such as extrusion, electrospinning, interfacial polymerization, drawing, etc. The fiber can include carbon fibers, boron fibers, silicon carbide fibers, titania fibers, alumina fibers, quartz fibers, glass fibers such as E, A, C, ECR, R, S, D, and NE glasses and quartz, etc. The fiber can be a fiber formed from a synthetic polymer capable of forming a fiber such as poly(ether ketone), polyimide, polybenzoxazole, poly(phenylene sulfide), polyester, polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), aramid (e.g., aramid polymers such as para-aramid fibers and meta-aramid fibers), aromatic polyimide, polybenzimidazole, polyetherimide, polytetrafluoroethylene, acrylic, modified acrylic, poly(vinyl alcohol), polyamide, polyurethane, and copolymers such as polyether-polyurea copolymers, polyester-polyurethane, polyether block amide copolymers, etc. The fiber can be a natural fiber (e.g., silk, wool, cashmere, alpaca, cotton, flax, hemp, jute, sisal). The fiber can be a man-made fiber made from a regenerated natural polymer such as rayon, lyocell, acetate, triacetate, rubber, and poly(lactic acid).

[0135] As used herein, the term "yarn" refers to an assembly formed from one or more fibers in which the strand has a substantial length and a relatively small cross-section and is suitable for use in the production of fabrics by hand or by machine, including fabrics made using weaving, knitting, crocheting, braiding, sewing, embroidering, or roping techniques. Thread is a type of yarn that is commonly used for sewing.

[0136] Yarns can be made using fibers formed from natural materials, man-made materials, and synthetic materials. Synthetic fibers are most commonly used to make spun yarns from staple fibers and filament yarns. Spun yarns are made by arranging staple fibers and twisting them together into cohesive strands. The process of forming yarns from staple fibers typically includes carding and drawing the fibers to form slivers, drawing and twisting the slivers to form rovings, and spinning the rovings to form strands. Multiple strands can be cabled (twisted together) to make thicker yarns. The twist direction of staple fiber and cabled yarns can affect the final properties of the yarns. Filament yarns can be formed from a single long, substantially continuous filament, which is often referred to as a “monofilament yarn,” or multiple individual filaments combined together. Filament yarns can also be formed from two or more long, substantially continuous filaments that are combined together by twisting or entangling the filaments together or both. As with staple fiber yarns, multiple strands can be cabled together to form thicker yarns.

[0137] Once formed, the yarns can undergo further treatment, such as texturizing, heat or mechanical treatment, or coating with a material such as a synthetic polymer. The fibers, yarns, or fabrics, or any combination thereof, used in the disclosed articles can be sized. Sized fibers, yarns, and / or fabrics are coated on at least a portion of their surface with a sizing composition selected to alter the absorption or abrasion properties, or to achieve compatibility with other materials. The sizing composition facilitates wet-out and wet-through of a coating or resin on the surface and aids in achieving the desired physical properties in the final article. Exemplary sizing compositions can include, for example, epoxy polymers, urethane-modified epoxy polymers, polyester polymers, phenolic polymers, polyamide polymers, polyurethane polymers, polycarbonate polymers, polyetherimide polymers, polyamideimide polymers, polystyrene-based pyridine polymers, polyimide polymers, bismaleimide polymers, polysulfone polymers, polyether sulfone polymers, epoxy-modified urethane polymers, polyvinyl alcohol polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0138] For example, two or more yarns can be combined to form a composite yarn, such as a single- or double-coated yarn and a core-spun yarn. Thus, the yarns can have various configurations generally consistent with the description provided herein. The yarns can include at least one thermoplastic material (e.g., one or more of the fibers can be made from a thermoplastic material). The yarns can be made from a thermoplastic material. The yarns can be coated with a layer of material, such as a thermoplastic material.

[0139] Various techniques exist for mechanically manipulating yarns to form a fabric. Such techniques include, for example, interweaving, interlacing, and twisting, as well as looping. Interweaving is the intersection of two yarns that cross and interweave at right angles to each other. Yarns used for interweaving are commonly referred to as “warp” and “weft” yarns. Woven fabrics include warp and weft yarns. Warp yarns extend in a first direction, and weft strands extend in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Interlacing and twisting encompass various processes, such as braiding and knotting, in which yarns interlace with each other to form a fabric. Looping involves forming multiple columns of interlaced loops, with knitting being the most commonly used looping method. Fabrics can be formed primarily from one or more yarns that are mechanically manipulated, for example, by interweaving, interlacing, and twisting, and / or looping processes as described above.

[0140] Aspects relating to fabrics that are nonwoven fabrics contemplate that the nonwoven fabric or face fabric is a sheet or web structure made from fibers and / or yarns that are bonded together. The bonding can be chemical and / or mechanical bonding, and can be formed using heat, solvent, adhesive, or a combination thereof. Exemplary nonwoven face fabrics are flat or tufted porous sheets made directly from individual fibers, molten plastic, and / or plastic film. They are not made by weaving or knitting, and do not necessarily require converting fibers into yarns, although yarns can be used as a source of fibers. Nonwoven fabrics are typically manufactured by placing small fibers together in the form of a sheet or web (similar to paper on a paper machine), and then bonding them together mechanically (as in the case of felt, by interlocking them with sawtooth or barb-shaped needles, or hydro-entanglement so that the inter-fiber friction creates a stronger fabric) with adhesive or thermally (by applying an adhesive (in the form of a powder, paste, or polymer melt) and by elevating the temperature to melt the adhesive onto the web). Nonwoven fabrics can be made from staple fibers (e.g., from wet-laying, air-laying, carding / cross-lapping processes) or extruded fibers (e.g., from melt-blowing or spun-bonding processes, or a combination thereof), or a combination thereof. Bonding of fibers in nonwoven fabrics can be achieved by thermal bonding (with or without calendering), hydro-entanglement, ultrasonic bonding, needle punching (needle punch felting), chemical bonding (e.g., using an adhesive such as a latex emulsion or solution polymer or adhesive fibers or powder), melt-blow bonding (e.g., fibers are bonded as they are being formed into fibers and webs with air attenuation of the fiber entanglement).

[0141] “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably to indicate that there is at least one of the item present. A plurality of such items can be present thereon, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification should be understood, unless otherwise indicated, to be modified in all instances by the term “about,” whether or not “about” is expressly stated in the numerical value. “About” indicates that a slight deviation from the exact numerical value is acceptable, within the ordinary skill in the art. If the “about” provided by a numerical value is not understood in the art to mean a deviation within ordinary methods of measuring and using such a parameter, then “about” as used herein indicates at least a deviation of 5% from the stated numerical value. Additionally, disclosures of ranges are understood to be shorthand for describing all values and subranges within the range. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0142] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and, therefore, specify the presence of stated materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components. The order of steps, processes, and operations can be altered when possible, and additional or alternative steps can be employed. The term “or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of associated items. The term “any of’ should be understood to include any possible combination of the items listed, including “any of’ one or more of the items. The term “any of’ should be understood to include any possible combination of the referenced claims of the appended claims, including “any of’ one or more of the referenced claims.

[0143] The phrases “formed from” and “formed of” are also intended to be inclusive throughout the disclosure and appended claims, and specify the presence of stated materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other materials, features, steps, operations, elements, or components, unless otherwise indicated.

[0144] For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout the detailed description corresponding to the illustrated examples. A person of ordinary skill will recognize that terms such as “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like can be descriptive relative to the figures and are not indicative of the scope of embodiments described in this specification, and as further defined by the claims.

[0145] As can be used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction extending along a length of a component; that is, aligned with its longest dimension, unless otherwise indicated. For example, a longitudinal direction of a shoe extends from a forefoot region toward a heel region of the shoe, or vice versa. In some cases, a "longitudinal" axis of a component can be designated with reference to, and aligned with, a longitudinal axis of another component or structure of which the component is a part, and will be so described for clarity. The term "forward" or "anterior" is used to refer to a general direction from a heel region toward a forefoot region, and the term "rearward" or "posterior" is used to refer to the opposite direction, that is, a direction from a forefoot region toward a heel region. In some cases, a component can be identified as having a longitudinal axis, as well as forward and rearward longitudinal directions along that axis. A longitudinal direction or axis can also be referred to as an anterior-posterior direction or axis.

[0146] As can be used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "lateral" refers to a direction extending across a width of a component. For example, a lateral direction of a shoe extends from a lateral side toward a medial side of the shoe, or vice versa. A lateral direction or axis can also be referred to as a lateral side direction or axis or a medial-lateral direction or axis.

[0147] As can be used throughout this detailed description and in the claims, the term "vertical" refers to a direction generally perpendicular to both a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction. For example, in the case of a sole laying on a ground surface, a vertical direction can extend upward from the ground surface. It will be appreciated that each of these directional adjectives can be applied to various components of a sole. The term "upward" or "upwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing toward a top of a component, which can include an instep, a fastening region, and / or a throat of an upper. The term "downward" or "downwardly" refers to a vertical direction pointing toward a bottom of a component, opposite the upward direction, and can generally point toward a bottom of a sole structure of an article of footwear.

[0148] The "inside" of an article of footwear, such as a shoe, refers to the portion at the space occupied by a wearer's foot when the shoe is being worn. The "medial side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented toward (or will be oriented toward) the interior of an assembled article of footwear. The "lateral side" or "outer side" of a component refers to the side or surface of the component that is oriented away from (or will be oriented away from) the interior of an assembled article of footwear. In some cases, other components can be between the medial side of a component and the interior of an assembled article of footwear. Similarly, other components can be between the lateral side of a component and the space outside of an assembled article of footwear. Furthermore, the terms "medial" and "medially" shall refer to the direction toward the interior of a component or article of footwear, such as a shoe, and the terms "lateral" and "laterally" shall refer to the direction toward the exterior of a component or article of footwear, such as a shoe. Furthermore, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the center of an article of footwear or closer to a foot when a user inserts a foot into the article of footwear. Likewise, the term "distal" refers to the opposite location, further from the center of an article of footwear or further from a foot when a user inserts a foot into the article of footwear. Thus, the terms proximal and distal can be understood as generally opposite terms that provide a description of relative spatial location.

[0149] In describing articles of footwear, the relative terms "lower" and "upper" can also be used. For example, the upper portion generally corresponds to the portion oriented closer to a person's head when a person's foot is placed flat on a horizontal ground surface and the person is standing upright, while the lower portion generally corresponds to the portion oriented further from the person's head and closer to the ground surface.

[0150] In other cases, standard anatomical terms of orientation can be used to describe articles of footwear. For example, an article of footwear can be described in terms of a coronal plane, a sagittal plane, and an axial (transverse) plane. The coronal plane extends vertically and in a longitudinal orientation, such that the coronal plane can divide the article of footwear into a relative medial side and a relative lateral side. The sagittal plane also extends vertically, but in an opposite direction to the coronal plane, in a transverse direction, and can divide the article of footwear into a relative anterior portion or front portion and a relative posterior portion or back portion. The axial (transverse) plane extends generally horizontally, and can divide the article of footwear into a relative upper portion or top portion and a relative lower portion or bottom portion. It should also be understood that the reference axes and planes described in the present disclosure, when used in relation to a shoe, remain fixed relative to the shoe and rotate in space with the shoe as the shoe rotates. For example, the vertical axis of a shoe is always the vertical axis of the shoe, regardless of any changes in the orientation of the shoe in space at any given time.

[0151] As will be discussed throughout, it is contemplated that aspects provided herein relate to methods for manufacturing footwear and also to articles of footwear, which can or can not be manufactured by the provided methods. Many aspects relate to methods for manufacturing footwear and articles of footwear themselves, and as such, some aspects can be described differently depending on the context. For example, a concealed material can be referred to as a concealed portion of an article of footwear, which includes a base and a concealing layer. Accordingly, contextual descriptions of any aspect provided herein are not limited to the scope of applicability of any claimed aspect.

[0152] As evidenced throughout, aspects herein can be implemented in various ways to repurpose materials to provide different characteristics to articles of footwear constructed from repurposed materials. Many of these aspects relate to various techniques, properties, and / or characteristics that can affect their interactions in different ways. Such interactions can result in different structural colors, and as such, these aspects can be selectively used to adjust one or more properties of an article of footwear.

[0153] Aspects herein provide an array of colored articles of footwear including a first article of footwear having a first concealed portion including a first repurposed material and a first concealing layer, and a second article of footwear having a second concealed portion including a second repurposed material and a second concealing layer. These aspects also provide that the first repurposed material has a first color that is concealed by the first concealing layer having a second color, and further provide that the second repurposed material has a third color that is also concealed by the second concealing layer having a fourth color. Similar aspects herein provide a method of manufacturing footwear including the steps of applying a concealing layer to a surface of a base, which can be a repurposed material; presenting a color, wherein the concealing layer conceals the surface, and the base in combination with the concealing layer applied thereto comprises a concealed material.

[0154] Other aspects herein provide an article of footwear, the upper of which includes first and second substrates, a first structural color element and a second structural color element, one of the first and second substrates being a recycled material, the first structural color element applied to the first substrate and producing a first structural color, the second structural color element applied to the second substrate and producing a second structural color that is visually similar to the first structural color. In some aspects, the first and second structural color elements include the same set of layers and / or the same set of properties, and in such aspects, the first and second structural colors produced by the respective first and second structural color layers can be visually different or visually similar depending on the color and / or property or properties of the underlying first and second substrates. Related aspects contemplate that the first and second structural color elements can be configured such that the first and second structural colors produced, respectively, are visually similar even when the color and / or property or properties of the underlying first and second substrates are different. Related aspects contemplate an array of colored articles of footwear including first and second articles of footwear, wherein each article of footwear includes a portion of a substrate and a structural color element that obscures the color of the substrate making it invisible and presents another color. Such aspects further contemplate that the substrate of at least one of the articles of footwear includes a recycled material. Similar aspects contemplate a method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method including the steps of: applying a structural element on a surface of a substrate; presenting a color, wherein the structural color element obscures the surface and the substrate and produces a structural color. Further, these aspects contemplate that the substrate in combination with the structural color element applied thereto includes a masked material.

[0155] Some aspects of the disclosure have been described with respect to the examples provided in the accompanying drawings. Additional aspects of the disclosure will now be described, which can be related subject matter included in one or more claims or clauses of the present application at the time of filing, or one or more related applications, but the claims or clauses are not limited to only the subject matter described in the following sections of the specification. These additional aspects can include features illustrated in the drawings, features not illustrated in the drawings, and any combination thereof. In describing these additional aspects, reference can be made to the elements depicted by the drawings for illustrative purposes.

[0156] As used herein, and as set forth in the claims below, the term "any of" is intended to mean any of the possible combinations of the items listed. For example, "any of A and B" is intended to mean: "A; B; or A and B." Further, as used herein, and as set forth in the claims below, the term "at least one of" is intended to mean any of the possible combinations of the items listed. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" is intended to mean: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A and B and C." Further, as used herein, and as set forth in the claims below, the term "one or more of' is intended to mean any of the possible combinations of the items listed. For example, "one or more of A, B, and C" is intended to mean: "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A and B and C."

[0157] The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein.

[0158] Clause 1. An article of footwear, comprising: at least one substrate having an exterior-facing surface; a first structural color element on the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate and producing a first structural color; and a second structural color element on the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate and producing a second structural color.

[0159] Clause 2. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually different at a first viewing angle.

[0160] Clause 3. The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the first structural color at the first viewing angle is visually similar to the second structural color at a second viewing angle, the second viewing angle being different than the first viewing angle.

[0161] Clause 4. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually similar at a first viewing angle.

[0162] Clause 5. The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the first structural color at the first viewing angle is visually different from the second structural color at a second viewing angle, the second viewing angle being different than the first viewing angle.

[0163] Clause 6. The article of footwear of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the first structural color element comprises a first set of layers, and wherein the second structural color element comprises a second set of layers.

[0164] Clause 7. The article of footwear according to Clause 6, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element differ in number of layers, arrangement of layers, thickness, chemical composition of layers, or any combination thereof.

[0165] Clause 8. The article of footwear according to Clause 6, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element includes a first layer comprising a first chemical composition selected from one or more first metals, one or more first metal oxides, one or more first polymers, or a first combination thereof; and wherein a second layer of the second set of layers of the second structural color element comprises a second chemical composition selected from one or more second metals, one or more second metal oxides, one or more second polymers, or a second combination thereof.

[0166] Clause 9. The article of footwear according to Clause 8, wherein the first chemical composition of the first layer and the second chemical composition of the second layer are the same chemical composition.

[0167] Clause 10. The article of footwear according to Clause 8, wherein the first chemical composition of the first layer and the second chemical composition of the second layer differ in that the one or more first polymers are included in the first chemical composition and the one or more second polymers are absent from the second chemical composition.

[0168] Clause 11. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 6 to 10, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element includes a first outermost layer comprising a first outermost layer nanotopography, wherein the second set of layers of the second structural color element includes a second outermost layer comprising a second outermost layer nanotopography, and wherein the first outermost layer nanotopography and the second outermost layer nanotopography differ.

[0169] Clause 12. The article of footwear according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the first structural color element and the second structural color element are each abraded to respectively present a first color and a second color, each of the first color and the second color being presented on the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate.

[0170] Clause 13. The article of footwear according to Clause 12, wherein the at least one substrate includes: a first substrate comprising a first surface energy and a second substrate comprising a second surface energy; wherein the first surface energy is adapted to decrease an abrasion rate of the first structural color element relative to an abrasion rate of the second structural color element.

[0171] Clause 14. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1-13, further comprising an upper, the upper comprising the first structural color element, the second structural color element, or any combination thereof.

[0172] Clause 15. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1-14, further comprising a sole, the sole comprising the first structural color element, the second structural color element, or any combination thereof.

[0173] Clause 16. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1-15, further comprising: a sole comprising the first structural color element and an upper comprising the second structural color element.

[0174] Clause 17. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 1-16, wherein the first structural color element is positioned between the exterior-facing surface of at least one base and another base comprising the second structural color element.

[0175] Clause 18. An array of colored articles of footwear, the array comprising: a first article of footwear comprising a first masked portion, the first masked portion comprising a first base and a first structural color element, the first base having a first color that is masked from view by the first structural color element, the first structural color element presenting a first structural color; and a second article of footwear comprising a second masked portion, the second masked portion comprising a second base and a second structural color element, the second base having a second color that is masked from view by the second structural color element, the second structural color element presenting a second structural color, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually similar at a first angle of observation.

[0176] Clause 19. The array of clause 18, wherein the first article of footwear and the second article of footwear each comprise a respective upper having a pattern of material patches, and wherein the pattern of material patches of the first article of footwear is the same as the pattern of material patches of the second article of footwear.

[0177] Clause 20. The array of any one of clauses 18-19, wherein the first article of footwear is a first shoe size and the second article of footwear is a second shoe size different from the first shoe size.

[0178] Clause 21. The array of any one of clauses 18-20, wherein the first masked portion and the second masked portion are on corresponding locations of the respective articles of footwear, and wherein the first color and the second color are visually different from each other.

[0179] Clause 22. The array of any of clauses 18-21, wherein the first structural color element and the second structural color element are both abraded, presenting the first color and the second color after abrasion.

[0180] Clause 23. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: applying a first structural color element and a second structural color element on at least one surface of at least one substrate, the first and second structural color elements obscuring the at least one surface and comprising discrete structural color elements; and constructing the article of footwear with the at least one substrate, the article of footwear comprising both the first structural color element and the second structural color element.

[0181] Clause 24. The method of clause 23, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a first substrate and a second substrate; wherein the first structural color element is applied to the first substrate and the second structural color element is applied to the second substrate; and wherein the constructing comprises affixing the first substrate comprising the first structural color element to the second substrate comprising the second structural color element.

[0182] Clause 25. The method of clause 24, wherein the first substrate comprises an exterior-facing surface having the first structural color element applied thereon and an interior-facing surface opposite the exterior-facing surface, and wherein the constructing comprises affixing a portion of the interior-facing surface to a portion of the second substrate having a portion of the second structural color element applied thereon, such that the portion of the second structural color element is layered between the portion of the second substrate and the portion of the interior-facing surface.

[0183] Clause 26. The method of any of clauses 23-25, wherein the applying comprises applying the first structural color element having a first set of properties and the second structural color element having a second set of properties, the second set of properties being different than the first set of properties.

[0184] Clause 27. The method of any of clauses 23-26, wherein the applying comprises applying the first structural color element having a first set of properties and the second structural color element having a second set of properties, the second set of properties being the same as the first set of properties.

[0185] Clause 28. An article of footwear comprising: a first substrate comprising a first property selected from at least one of a first composition, a first construction, a first color, a first basis weight, a first thickness, and a first surface topography; a second substrate comprising a second property selected from at least one of a second composition, a second construction, a second color, a second basis weight, a second thickness, and a second surface topography, wherein at least one corresponding property of the first property and the second property is different; a first structural color element applied to the first substrate and producing a first structural color, wherein the first structural color element comprises a first set of layers; and a second structural color element applied to the second substrate and producing a second structural color, wherein the second structural color element comprises a second set of layers, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element have at least one common characteristic.

[0186] Clause 29. The article of footwear of Clause 28, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element each comprise a first common layer that extends continuously between the first structural color element and the second structural color element.

[0187] Clause 30. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 28-29, wherein the at least one common characteristic of the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element is a number of layers included in each of the first and second sets of layers.

[0188] Clause 31. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 28-30, wherein the at least one common characteristic of the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element is a thickness of one or more layers included in each of the first and second sets of layers.

[0189] Clause 32. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 28-31, wherein the at least one common characteristic of the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element is a chemical composition of one or more layers included in each of the first and second sets of layers.

[0190] Clause 33. The article of footwear of any one of Clauses 28-32, wherein the first and second structural colors are visually different at a first angle of observation.

[0191] Clause 34. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 28-32, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually similar at a first angle of observation.

[0192] Clause 35. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 28-34, further comprising an upper, the upper comprising the first substrate, the second substrate, or both the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0193] Clause 36. The article of footwear of any one of clauses 28-35, further comprising a sole, the sole comprising the first substrate, the second substrate, or both the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0194] Clause 37. The method of clause 23, wherein the at least one substrate comprises a first color.

[0195] Clause 38. The method of any one of clauses 23 and 37, wherein the at least one substrate is designated for processing.

[0196] Clause 39. The method of any one of clauses 23, 37, and 38, wherein the at least one substrate was previously designated for use in manufacturing a different article of footwear.

[0197] Clause 40. The method of any one of clauses 23 and 37-39, wherein the at least one substrate is obtained from a roll of material.

[0198] Clause 41. The method of any one of clauses 23 and 37-40, wherein the first structural color element is configured to at least partially wear away, after which a portion of the at least one surface of the at least one substrate is revealed, after the article of footwear is constructed.

[0199] Clause 42. The method of any one of clauses 24-27, wherein the first substrate comprises a first color.

[0200] Clause 43. The method of any one of clauses 24-27 and 42, wherein the first substrate is designated for processing.

[0201] Clause 44. The method of any one of clauses 24-27, 42, and 43, wherein the first substrate was previously designated for use in manufacturing a different article of footwear.

[0202] Clause 45. The method of any one of clauses 24-27 and 42-44, wherein the first substrate is obtained from a roll of material.

[0203] Clause 46. The method of any of clauses 25-27 and 42-45, wherein after the article of footwear is constructed, the first structural color element is configured to at least partially wear away, revealing a portion of the exterior-facing surface of the first substrate after wearing away.

[0204] Clause 47. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-17, wherein the at least one substrate is a recycled material that was previously designated for disposal.

[0205] Clause 48. The article of footwear of any of clauses 28-36, wherein the first substrate is a recycled material that was previously designated for disposal.

[0206] Clause 49. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1, 6-11, 13-17, 28-36, 47, and 48, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually different at the first angle of observation when the first structural color element is unworn and the second structural color element is partially worn away.

[0207] Clause 50. The article of footwear of any of clauses 6-17, 28-35, and 47-49, wherein the first set of layers includes a first plurality of constituent layers, a second plurality of constituent layers, and a first reflective layer positioned between the first and second pluralities of constituent layers.

[0208] Clause 51. The article of footwear of any of clauses 6-17, 28-35, and 47-50, wherein the second set of layers includes a third plurality of constituent layers, a fourth plurality of constituent layers, and a second reflective layer positioned between the third and fourth pluralities of constituent layers.

[0209] Clause 52. The array of any of clauses 18-22, wherein the first substrate is a recycled material that was previously designated for disposal.

[0210] Clause 53. The array of any of clauses 18-22 and 52, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually different at the first angle of observation when the first structural color element is unworn and the second structural color element is partially worn away.

[0211] Clause 54. The array of any of clauses 18-22, 52, and 53, wherein the first structural color element includes a first set of layers including a first plurality of constituent layers, a second plurality of constituent layers, and a first reflective layer positioned between the first and second pluralities of constituent layers.

[0212] Clause 55. The array of any of clauses 18-22 and 52-54, wherein the second structural color element comprises a second set of layers, the second set of layers comprising a third plurality of constituent layers, a fourth plurality of constituent layers, and a second reflective layer positioned between the third and fourth pluralities of constituent layers.

[0213] Clause 56. An article of footwear comprising: an upper comprising a first base and a second base, the first base having a first exterior-facing surface, a first interior-facing surface opposite the first exterior-facing surface, and a first color, the second base having a second exterior-facing surface, a second interior-facing surface opposite the second exterior-facing surface, and a second color visually distinct from the first color; a first structural color element applied to the first exterior-facing surface of the first base and comprising a first set of layers, the first set of layers comprising a first plurality of constituent layers and a first reflective layer positioned between the first exterior-facing surface and the first plurality of constituent layers, wherein the first set of layers is configured to produce a first structural color; and a second structural color element applied to the second exterior-facing surface of the second base and comprising a second set of layers, the second set of layers comprising a second plurality of constituent layers and a second reflective layer positioned between the second exterior-facing surface and the second plurality of constituent layers, wherein the second set of layers is configured to produce the first structural color.

[0214] Clause 57. The article of footwear of clause 56, wherein the first base is a recycled material that was previously designated for disposal.

[0215] Clause 58. The article of footwear of any of clauses 56 and 57, wherein the second structural color element produces a second structural color visually distinct from the first structural color at a first angle of observation when the second structural color element is partially worn away such that the second plurality of constituent layers is removed from the second set of layers and the second reflective layer is revealed.

[0216] Clause 59. The article of footwear of any of clauses 56-58, wherein the first structural color element produces a third structural color visually distinct from the first structural color at the first angle of observation when the first structural color element is partially worn away such that the first plurality of constituent layers is removed from the first set of layers and the first reflective layer is revealed.

[0217] Clause 60. The article of footwear of clause 59, wherein the second structural color and the third structural color are visually distinct at the first angle of observation.

[0218] Clause 61. The article of footwear of any of clauses 56-60, wherein the second color appears at the portion of the second base when the second structural color element is abraded such that the second set of layers is at least partially removed from the second base and a portion of the second exterior-facing surface is revealed.

[0219] Clause 62. The article of footwear of any of clauses 56-61, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element have at least one common characteristic.

[0220] Clause 63. The article of footwear of any of clauses 56-62, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element comprises a first number of layers, and wherein the second set of layers of the second structural color element comprises a second number of layers that is different than the first number of layers.

[0221] Clause 64. Any of clauses 1-63, wherein each structural color element appears a color of the base after a number of rub-out cycles ranging from 10 rub-out cycles to 50 rub-out cycles.

[0222] Clause 65. Any of clauses 1-63, wherein each structural color element appears a color of the base after a number of rub-out cycles ranging from 50 rub-out cycles to 150 rub-out cycles.

[0223] Clause 66. Any of clauses 1-63, wherein each structural color element appears a color of the base after a number of rub-out cycles ranging from 100 rub-out cycles to 400 rub-out cycles.

[0224] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the subject matter described herein is well adapted to attain all the ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, along with those that can be implicit therein. It should be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and can be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible aspects of the application can be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and non-limiting.

Claims

1. An article of footwear, comprising: at least one substrate having an exterior-facing surface; a first structural color element on the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate and producing a first structural color; and a second structural color element on the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate and producing a second structural color, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually similar at a first viewing angle; wherein the first structural color element and the second structural color element are each configured to wear to present a first color and a second color, respectively, each of the first color and the second color being presented on the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate, wherein the first color and the second color are visually different from one another.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first structural color at the first viewing angle is visually similar to the second structural color at a second viewing angle, the second viewing angle being different from the first viewing angle.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first structural color element comprises a first set of layers, and wherein the second structural color element comprises a second set of layers; optionally wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element differ in number of layers, arrangement of layers, thickness, chemical composition of layers, or any combination thereof.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element comprises a first layer comprising a first chemical composition selected from one or more first metals, one or more first metal oxides, one or more first polymers, or a first combination thereof; and wherein a second layer of the second set of layers of the second structural color element comprises a second chemical composition selected from one or more second metals, one or more second metal oxides, one or more second polymers, or a second combination thereof.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, wherein the first chemical composition of the first layer and the second chemical composition of the second layer are the same chemical composition; or wherein the first chemical composition of the first layer and the second chemical composition of the second layer differ in that the one or more first polymers are included in the first chemical composition and the one or more second polymers are absent from the second chemical composition.

6. The article of footwear of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element comprises a first outermost layer comprising a first outermost layer nanotopography, wherein the second set of layers of the second structural color element comprises a second outermost layer comprising a second outermost layer nanotopography, and wherein the first outermost layer nanotopography and the second outermost layer nanotopography are different.

7. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first structural color element and the second structural color element each comprise 2-20 optical layers, wherein each optical layer has a thickness that is about one quarter of a wavelength of visible light to be reflected by the optical layer to impart the first structural color and the second structural color.

8. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one substrate comprises: a first substrate comprising a first surface energy and a second substrate comprising a second surface energy; wherein the first surface energy is to reduce an abrasion rate of the first structural color element relative to an abrasion rate of the second structural color element.

9. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-8, further comprising an upper, the upper comprising the first structural color element, the second structural color element, or any combination thereof.

10. The article of footwear of any of claims 1-9, wherein the first structural color element is positioned between the exterior-facing surface of the at least one substrate and another substrate comprising the second structural color element.

11. An array of colored articles of footwear, the array comprising: a first article of footwear comprising a first concealed portion, the first concealed portion comprising a first substrate and a first structural color element, the first substrate having a first color concealed from view by the first structural color element, the first structural color element presenting a first structural color; and a second article of footwear comprising a second concealed portion, the second concealed portion comprising a second substrate and a second structural color element, the second substrate having a second color concealed from view by the second structural color element, the second structural color element presenting a second structural color, wherein the first structural color and the second structural color are visually similar at a first angle of observation; wherein the first structural color element and the second structural color element are each configured to abrade, presenting the first color and the second color after abrasion; and wherein the first color and the second color are visually distinct from one another.

12. The array of claim 11, wherein the first article of footwear and the second article of footwear each comprise a respective upper having a material patch pattern, and wherein the material patch pattern of the first article of footwear is identical to the material patch pattern of the second article of footwear.

13. The array of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first article of footwear has a first shoe size and the second article of footwear has a second shoe size different from the first shoe size.

14. The array of any of claims 11-13, wherein the first concealed portion and the second concealed portion are on corresponding locations of the respective articles of footwear.

15. The array of any of claims 11-14, wherein the first structural color element and the second structural color element each comprise 2-20 optical layers, wherein each optical layer has a thickness that is about one quarter of a wavelength of visible light to be reflected by the optical layer to impart the first structural color and the second structural color.

16. An article of footwear comprising: A first substrate comprising a first property selected from at least one of a first composition, a first construction, a first color, a first basis weight, a first thickness, and a first surface topography; a second substrate comprising a second property selected from at least one of a second composition, a second construction, a second color, a second basis weight, a second thickness, and a second surface topography, wherein at least one corresponding property of the first property and the second property is different; a first structural color element applied to the first substrate and producing a first structural color, wherein the first structural color element comprises a first set of layers; and a second structural color element applied to the second substrate and producing a second structural color, wherein the second structural color element comprises a second set of layers, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element have at least one common characteristic.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the first set of layers of the first structural color element and the second set of layers of the second structural color element each comprise a first common layer extending continuously between the first structural color element and the second structural color element.

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