Article of footwear including support flaps

Abstract

An article of footwear may include a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed adjacent the forefoot region and the heel region, the article of footwear further including a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, where the upper includes a plurality of openings, and a fastener configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; and a tab extending from the outer side over a portion of the tongue toward the inner side, where the tab includes a loop through which a fastener is configured to extend.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 369,125, filed on July 22, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application generally relates to footwear having an upper and a support wing configured to secure the upper about a foot. Background Art

[0004] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] The footwear may include a sole structure configured to be positioned under a wearer's foot to space the foot from the ground. A footwear upper attached to the sole structure accommodates the foot. The fit of the upper to the foot may be adjusted with a closure system so that the upper is loose enough to accommodate the foot but can be tightened around the foot to secure the foot relative to the sole structure. The closure system may provide increased stability to the footwear to secure the foot.

[0006] The sole structure generally includes a layered arrangement extending between the ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole, which provides wear resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole can be formed by rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear resistance and enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole arranged between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and can be partially formed by a polymer foam material that elastically compresses under an applied load to cushion the foot by weakening the ground reaction force. The sole structure can also include an insole or insole for enhancing comfort that is located in the gap near the bottom portion of the upper, and a midsole cloth (strobel) attached to the upper and arranged between the midsole and the insole or insole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustration only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1 is a side view of an article of footwear including a support wing;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a closure system for an article of footwear;

[0010] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 Another schematic diagram of a closure system for an article of footwear;

[0011] Figure 3 There are no support wings Figure 1 A top view of a footwear article;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 an enlarged perspective view of an article of footwear;

[0013] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the outside of the footwear article;

[0014] Figure 5B is a lateral perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear;

[0015] Figure 5C is a medial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an article of footwear;

[0016] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1 Another outside view of the article of footwear; and

[0017] Figure 6B yes Figure 1 A medial view of an article of footwear.

[0018] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an", and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises / comprising / including" and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless they are specifically identified as an order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0023] In the following discussion, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc., when used to describe a numerical value, represent a variation of + / - 10% of the value.

[0024] Sole construction

[0025] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts, Figure 1 A footwear article 10 is shown having a sole structure 100 and an upper 102 secured to the sole structure 100. The upper 102 and the sole structure 100 may be attached in any manner. Embodiments may utilize any known method for securing the sole structure to the upper, including various lasting techniques, such as plate lasting, lasting, hybrid lasting, or midsole fabric lasting techniques. The upper 102 forms a foot-receiving cavity 104 that is configured to accommodate a foot (not shown). The upper 102 and the sole structure 100 are joined and / or meet at a bite line 101. The bite line 101 is the location along the periphery of the footwear article 10 where the upper 102 meets and / or couples with the sole structure 100.

[0026] In different embodiments, upper 102 can have a variety of different configurations. In particular, upper 102 can have any design, shape, size, and / or color. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, article 100 is a basketball shoe, and thus upper 102 can have a high-top configuration shaped to provide high support on the ankle. However, in other embodiments, upper 102 can be configured as a low-top upper for basketball, running, or other activities.

[0027] The footwear 10 may be divided into a forefoot region 24, a midfoot region 26, a heel region 28, and an ankle region 32. The forefoot region 24 generally includes portions of the footwear article 10 corresponding to the toes and portions of the footwear article 10 corresponding to the joints connecting the metatarsal bones to the phalanges (also known as the ball of the foot). The forefoot region 24 is further divided into a toe region 24T and a ball region 24B. The midfoot region 26 generally includes portions of the footwear article 10 corresponding to the arch area 29 and the instep 30 of the foot, and the heel region 28 corresponds to the rear portion of the foot (including the calcaneus). The ankle region 32 corresponds to the ankle. The forefoot region 24, the midfoot region 26, the heel region 28, and the ankle region 32 are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the footwear 10, but are intended to represent general areas of the footwear 10 to facilitate the following discussion.

[0028] The sole structure 100 includes a midsole 34 and an outsole 36. The midsole 34 can be formed by a compressible polymer foam element (e.g., polyurethane or vinyl acetate foam) that weakens ground reaction forces (i.e., provides cushioning) when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running, or other ambulatory activities. In other configurations, the midsole 34 can be combined with a fluid-filled chamber, plate, regulator, bladder, or other element to further weaken the force, enhance stability, or affect the movement of the foot. The midsole 34 can be a single one-piece midsole, or can be a plurality of components integrated into a unit. In some embodiments, the midsole 34 can be integrated with the outsole 36 as an integral sole. The outsole 36 can be a one-piece, or can be a plurality of outsole components, and can be formed by a wear-resistant rubber material that can be textured to impart traction and / or can include traction elements, such as cleats fixed to the midsole 34.

[0029] When the foot is positioned within the foot-receiving cavity 104 of the footwear 10, the foot is supported on the foot-facing surface of the midsole 34. The foot-facing surface of the midsole 34 may be formed by a midsole fabric 114 secured to a lower area of ​​the upper 102 (at Figure 2 In addition, optionally, an insole (not shown) may rest on the midsole fabric 114 or directly on the sole structure 100 in an embodiment without the midsole fabric 114, in which case the foot is supported by both the sole structure 100 and the insole.

[0030] The footwear 10 may also include a front end 18 associated with a forward-most point of the forefoot region 24 and a rear end 20 corresponding to a rearward-most point of the heel region 28. The footwear 10 includes a lateral side 42 (at Figure 2 ) and the inner side 44 (shown in Figure 2 ). Lateral side 42 and medial side 44 extend through each of forefoot region 24, midfoot region 26, heel region 28, and ankle region 32 and correspond to opposite sides of article of footwear 10, with lateral side 42 and medial side 44 each being positioned on opposite sides of longitudinal medial axis A10 of article of footwear 10. Thus, medial side 44 is considered to be opposite lateral side 42.

[0031] Throat 120 extends across the top of upper 102 and defines instep area 30 that extends from foot-receiving cavity 104 to forefoot region 24 between lateral side 42 and medial side 44. Foot-receiving cavity 104 is formed between the rearward portion of upper 102, lateral side 42, and medial side 44. The outermost edge of throat 120 defines collar 124. Collar 124 cooperates with lateral side 42, medial side 44, and the rearward portion of upper 102 to define interior void 126 (at the Figure 3 ).

[0032] The upper 102 is tightened and secured around the foot using a closure system 106 that uses at least one flap 108 having a flap loop 208 (in the Figure 2 10). The closure system 106 can be operated between a tightened state and a loosened state via the flap 108 and the lace 112. The flap 108 includes one or more flap loops 208. Each flap loop 208 accommodates the lace 112, and the lace is pulled to secure the flap 108 to the instep area 30 of the footwear article 10. The closure system 106 can transition the upper 102 between a tightened state and a loosened state. The tightened state corresponds to the pulling and subsequent tightening of the lace 112, and the loosened state corresponds to the upper 102 being in a relaxed state.

[0033] refer to Figure 2, the tongue 118 may include a first inner layer 115 and a second outer layer 116. The upper 102 and the tongue 118 may include a variety of materials, such as mesh, leather, fabric, polymer, cotton, foam, composite material, etc. One or both of the first layer 115 and / or the second layer 116 may include a material having greater elasticity, greater air permeability, or greater elasticity and greater air permeability than one or more materials of the wing 108, so as to facilitate foot insertion and comfort. In other words, the wing 108 may be stiffer than the tongue 118 (and stiffer than each of the layers 115 and 116). In an exemplary embodiment, the first layer 115 may include a first material having a first elasticity. The second layer 116 may include a second material having a second elasticity. The first material of the first layer 115 may be less elastic than the second material of the second layer 116. One or both of the first layer 115 and / or the second layer 116 may include a polymer material capable of providing elasticity. The polymer material may include a braided structure, a knitted (e.g., warp knitted) structure, or a woven structure. In some embodiments, the second layer 116 has a mesh configuration. In some embodiments, the second layer 116 comprises a transparent material. In alternative embodiments, the second layer 116 may comprise an opaque or translucent material.

[0034] For example, the tongue 118, the first layer 115, and the outer layer 116 can be an integral part of a one-piece sock-like upper. Figure 2 108 between layers 116 and 115. However, as shown in Figure 2A As can be seen in FIG. 1 , layer 116 extends across the entire first layer 115. In alternative embodiments, tongue 118 may be secured to first layer 115 and / or second layer 116 of upper 102 separately.

[0035] Wing 108 is also Figure 2204, and the like. The wing 108 includes a base portion 202, a notch 204, a finger 206, and a lace loop 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing 108 includes a first finger 206a and a second finger 206b, and a first lace loop 208a and a second lace loop 208b. The lace loop 208 is positioned at the respective medial ends of the finger 206 (e.g., the first lace loop 208a is positioned at the medial end of the first finger 206a, and the second lace loop 208b is positioned at the medial end of the second finger 206b). The base portion 202 includes a first end 202a. The first end 202a of the base portion 202 is fixed to the lateral side 42 of the upper 102 at the fixing portion 201 on or adjacent to the bite line 101. The first end 202a is integral with or fixedly connected to the upper 102 at the lateral side 42. The base portion 202 also includes a second end 202b. The finger 206 extends away from the second end 202b toward a lace loop 208 positioned on the medial side 44. The finger 206 is an elongated member that extends across the upper 102 and the tongue 118. The recesses 204 are disposed between the fingers 206. Thus, each of the fingers 206 extends around one side of the recess 204 to a corresponding lace loop 208. Each lace loop 208 includes an opening 210. The opening 210 is configured to receive the lace 112 (at the inner side) therethrough. Figure 4 10). It is contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, fixed portion 201 may be integral with or fixedly connected to sole structure 100 rather than upper 102. Wing 108 extends from first end 202a of base portion 202, across instep region 30 (e.g., over tongue 118 at instep region 30 and at least a portion of the foot therein) to free end 203 at medial side 44 of upper 102.

[0036] Thus, wing 108 can be a transverse wing. The free end 203 of the wing can be a "free" end because it extends away from the outer layer 116 and the upper 102. As used herein, the "end" of a component is not limited to the terminal edge of the component, but also includes a portion of the component near the terminal end.

[0037] The wing 108 includes one or more cables, such as support cables 212. Figure 2As shown, the wing 108 includes a first cable 212a and a second cable 212b, but fewer or additional cables 112 may be used. The cables 212 are disposed within the base portion 202 and have a height extending from the bite line 101 to the second end 202b of the base portion 202. Each cable 212 includes a first end 214 and a second end 216. The first end 214 and the second end 216 are each coupled at or near the bite line 101 and are spaced apart from each other by a gap 218 so as to be arranged in an arch or U-shape. Each cable 212 may follow the arch shape of the gap 218 from the first end 214 to the second end 216. The cables 212 provide additional structural support for the wing 108.

[0038] It is contemplated that there may be only one finger and lace loop (without a notch), or more than two fingers and more than one notch may be included. For example, wing 108 may include three fingers and two notches, four fingers and three notches, or another suitable combination of fingers and notches.

[0039] The wing 108, and in particular each finger 206, is disposed between the first layer 115 and the second layer 116 of the tongue 118 and extends outside of the first layer 115 and the second layer 116 on both the lateral side 42 and the medial side 44. The tongue 118 extends over the instep area 30 and is disposed between the foot and the wing 108 at the instep area 30. The finger 208 extends through or over the instep area 30. The wing 108 includes one or more materials that are stiffer than the tongue 118 to enhance the locking effect of the wing 108 on the foot, thereby providing stability to the foot within the upper 102. The locking effect achieved by the wing 108 provides stability and increased support to the article of footwear when lateral forces are applied.

[0040] The flap 108 may include a third material having a third elasticity that is less than the first elasticity of the first layer and the second elasticity of the second layer. For example, the flap 108 may be suede, leather, a composite material, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc. The closure system 106 provides an adjustable secure fit to tighten the upper 102 around the foot, thereby securing the foot relative to the sole structure 100 below the upper 102.

[0041] refer to Figure 3, tongue 118 includes one or more pockets 502 (e.g., pockets 502a and 502b) between layer 115 and layer 116. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that a single pocket is disposed between layer 115 and layer 116, and that each finger 206 extends through the single pocket. Alternatively, multiple pockets (e.g., pockets 502a and 502b) may extend between layers 115 and 116, such that each finger 206 extends through a dedicated pocket. In various embodiments, layers 115 and 116 may be sewn or otherwise connected to one another at their peripheries, and each finger 206 may enter pocket 502 through a corresponding slit on the medial or lateral side, and each finger 206 may exit the pocket through another corresponding slit on the medial or lateral side. For example, referring to Figure 2A , the finger 206a can enter the tongue 118 via the slit 207a on the lateral side and exit the tongue 118 via the slit 207b on the medial side. The finger 206b can enter the tongue 118 via the slit 207c on the lateral side and exit the tongue 118 via the slit 207d on the medial side.

[0042] One or more pockets 502 extend from a medial edge 504 of the tongue 118 to a lateral edge 506 of the tongue 118. It is contemplated that there may be as many pockets 502 as desired to accommodate the fingers 206 of the flap 108, or one large pocket may be configured to accommodate all of the fingers 206 as described above.

[0043] The collar 124 includes one or more openings 508 and one or more holes 510. The openings 508 are disposed on the inner side of the collar 124 and the outer side of the collar 124. The openings 508 are configured to receive the lace 112 (in the Fig. 6A 12). Opening 508 may be circular in shape or any other shape suitable for accommodating at least one lace 112. In an exemplary embodiment, hole 510 is disposed on medial side 44 of upper 102. Hole 510 is disposed at or adjacent to the medial side of collar 124. Hole 510 is offset from opening 508 and is larger than opening 508. The larger size of hole 510 allows each hole 510 to accommodate a corresponding finger 206 and its associated lace loop 208 (in Fig. 6A ). The hole 510 may be oval in shape or any shape suitable for accommodating the finger 206 / lace loop 208.

[0044] refer to Figure 4, the base portion 202 of the wing 108 is disposed between the tongue 118 and the lateral side 42 of the upper 102. The base portion 202 of the wing 108 extends from the bite line 101 to the tongue 118. The finger 206 extends through the slit 207 across the tongue 118, through the one or more pockets 502, and the finger 206 is slidably received through the pocket 502. The finger 206 enters through the lateral edge 506 of the tongue 118, extends through one of the one or more pockets, and exits through the medial edge 504 of the tongue 118 (via the slit as described above). The finger 206 and the lace loop 208 also extend through the aperture 510, so that the lace loop 208 is positioned at the exterior surface of the upper 102, while other portions of their respective fingers extend through the aperture 510. The lace 112 extends through the opening 508 and through the lace loop 208. Fastening the lace 112 through both the opening 508 and the lace loop 208 enables the closure system 106 to lock the user's foot and provide lateral structural support when lateral shear forces are applied. There can be a desired number of fins 108 with any number of fingers 206 and lace loops 208 to provide lateral structural support.

[0045] refer to Figure 5A , the wing 108 extends over the first layer 115 and the tongue 118 in the forefoot region 24. For the sake of clarity, the second layer 116 is not shown.

[0046] refer to Figure 5B In an alternative embodiment, closure system 1006 includes a plurality of flaps 1008. Wings 1008 include a first flap 1008a and a second flap 1008b. First flap 1008a is positioned closer to front end 18 than second flap 1008b. Wings 1008 may be substantially similar to flap 108 described above. Second flap 1008b is secured to bite line 101 (at its respective base portion) on medial side 44 of upper 102 in midfoot region 26. Second flap 1008b extends across upper 102 and tongue 118 (at midfoot region 26) from medial side 44 to lateral side 42 in a manner similar to flap 108 extending from lateral side 42 to medial side 44 as described above. Figure 5C 1008b). For example, the fingers of second wing 1008b extend through tongue 118 and also through holes (similar to holes 510) disposed on the outside of the footwear article. The lace loops of second wing 1008b are disposed on the outside and exterior surface of the footwear article.

[0047] refer to Fig. 6A, medial side 44 of upper 102 includes opening 508 configured to receive at least one lace 112 and aperture 510 configured to receive finger 206 and lace loop 208. Lace loop 208 has lace 112 therein passed through opening 210. Medial side 44 of upper 102 includes first layer 115 and second layer 116 disposed adjacent to each other.

[0048] Figure 6B An alternative view of medial side 44 of upper 102 without tab 108 is shown.

[0049] The footwear 10 illustrated herein is depicted as athletic footwear configured for use in sports such as basketball, but the footwear 10 and closure system 106 are not limited to basketball shoes or other athletic shoes. The closure system 106 and other features of the article of footwear 10 may also be used in footwear for various other sports, such as, but not limited to, running, tennis, rugby, soccer, etc., or in other types of footwear, such as for casual shoes, dress shoes, work shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or any other category of footwear.

[0050] The following clauses provide exemplary configurations for the above-described articles of footwear and sole structures.

[0051] Item 1. A footwear article comprising: a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region, the midfoot region being disposed adjacent to the forefoot region and the heel region, the footwear article further comprising a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, wherein the upper comprises a plurality of openings, and a fastener is configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; and a wing extending from the lateral side toward the medial side over a portion of the tongue, wherein the wing comprises a loop, and the fastener is configured to extend through the loop.

[0052] Clause 2. The article of footwear of Clause 1, further comprising the fastener.

[0053] Clause 3. The article of footwear of Clause 2, wherein the fastener is a lace.

[0054] Clause 4. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the tab is configured to extend through the tongue.

[0055] Clause 5. The article of footwear of Clause 4, wherein the tongue comprises a first layer and a second layer, and the tab extends between the first layer and the second layer.

[0056] Clause 6. The article of footwear of Clause 5, wherein the first layer is a mesh.

[0057] Clause 7. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the wing comprises: two loops through which the fastener is configured to extend; a base portion; and two fingers extending away from the base portion, wherein each of the two fingers comprises one of the two loops.

[0058] Clause 8. The article of footwear of Clause 7, wherein the article of footwear further comprises a sole structure coupled to the upper at a bite line, wherein the base portion is coupled directly at the bite line on the lateral side.

[0059] Clause 9. The article of footwear of clause 8, wherein the wing is a first wing and the article of footwear includes a second wing extending from the medial side over a portion of the tongue toward the lateral side, wherein the second wing includes a loop through which the fastener is configured to extend.

[0060] Clause 10. The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the second wing includes a base portion coupled to the bite line on the medial side of the article of footwear.

[0061] Clause 11. The article of footwear of Clause 9, wherein the second wing is disposed rearwardly of the first wing.

[0062] Clause 12. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the wing has a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the tongue.

[0063] Clause 13. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the upper further comprises an aperture, the loop extending through the aperture.

[0064] Clause 14. The article of footwear of Clause 13, wherein the loop is disposed on an exterior surface of the upper and a portion of the tab extends through the aperture.

[0065] Clause 15. The article of footwear of Clause 1, wherein the wing further comprises a cable extending through an interior of the wing.

[0066] Item 16. A footwear article comprising: a heel region, a forefoot region and a midfoot region, the midfoot region being disposed adjacent to the forefoot region and the heel region, the footwear article further comprising a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, wherein the upper comprises a plurality of openings, and a fastener is configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a sole structure connected to the upper along a bite line; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; and a wing having a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the tongue, the wing connected to the bite line on the lateral side of the footwear article, the wing extending from the lateral side toward the medial side over a portion of the tongue.

[0067] Clause 17. The article of footwear of Clause 16, wherein the tab includes a loop, the fastener being configured to extend through the loop.

[0068] Clause 18. The article of footwear of Clause 17, further comprising the fastener.

[0069] Item 19. A footwear article comprising: a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region, the midfoot region being disposed adjacent to the forefoot region and the heel region, the footwear article further comprising a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, wherein the upper comprises a plurality of openings, and a fastener is configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; and a wing having a base portion coupled to the lateral side of the footwear article, the wing further comprising two fingers, each of the two fingers extending from the base portion toward the medial side over a portion of the tongue.

[0070] Clause 20. The article of footwear of Clause 19, wherein each of the two fingers comprises a loop, the fastener being configured to extend through the loop.

Claims

1. A footwear product comprising: a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region, the midfoot region being disposed adjacent to the forefoot region and the heel region, the article of footwear further comprising a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, wherein the upper includes a plurality of openings and a fastener is configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; as well as A tab extends from the lateral side over a portion of the tongue toward the medial side, wherein the tab includes a loop and the fastener is configured to extend through the loop.

2. The article of footwear according to claim 1, further comprising the fastener.

3. The article of footwear according to claim 2, wherein the fastener is a lace.

4. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing is configured to extend through the tongue.

5. The article of footwear according to claim 4, wherein the tongue includes a first layer and a second layer, and the tab extends between the first layer and the second layer.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the first layer is a mesh.

7. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing comprises: two loops through which the fastener is configured to extend; base part; as well as Two fingers extend away from the base portion, wherein each of the two fingers includes one of the two loops.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the article of footwear further comprises a sole structure coupled to the upper at a bite line, wherein the base portion is coupled directly at the bite line on the lateral side.

9. The article of footwear of claim 8, wherein the wing is a first wing and the article of footwear includes a second wing extending from the medial side over a portion of the tongue toward the lateral side, wherein the second wing includes a loop through which the fastener is configured to extend.

10. The article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the second wing includes a base portion coupled to the bite line on the medial side of the article of footwear.

11. The article of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the second wing is disposed rearward of the first wing.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing has a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the tongue.

13. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the upper further comprises an aperture, the loop extending through the aperture.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the loop is disposed on an exterior surface of the upper and a portion of the tab extends through the aperture.

15. The article of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the wing further comprises a cable extending through an interior of the wing.

16. A footwear article comprising: a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region, the midfoot region being disposed adjacent to the forefoot region and the heel region, the article of footwear further comprising a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, wherein the upper includes a plurality of openings and a fastener is configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a sole structure coupled to the upper along a bite line; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; as well as A wing having a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the tongue, the wing coupled to the bite line on the lateral side of the article of footwear, the wing extending from the lateral side over a portion of the tongue toward the medial side.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the tab includes a loop, the fastener being configured to extend through the loop.

18. The article of footwear of claim 17, further comprising the fastener.

19. A footwear article comprising: a heel region, a forefoot region, and a midfoot region, the midfoot region being disposed adjacent to the forefoot region and the heel region, the article of footwear further comprising a medial side and a lateral side; an upper extending from the heel region to the forefoot region, wherein the upper includes a plurality of openings and a fastener is configured to extend through the plurality of openings; a tongue extending from the forefoot region to the midfoot region; as well as A wing has a base portion coupled to the lateral side of the article of footwear, the wing further comprising two fingers, each of the two fingers extending from the base portion toward the medial side over a portion of the tongue.

20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein each of the two fingers includes a loop, the fastener being configured to extend through the loop.

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