Shoe assembly with opposing PODS in the midsole

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a footwear assembly, comprising an upper and a sole assembly coupled to the upper. The sole assembly includes a midsole, and an outsole coupled to the midsole. The midsole further comprises a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion between the forefoot portion and the heel portion and a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole. The sidewall of the midsole has at least one recessed portion at the arch portion. The recessed portion includes at least one pair of pods that are offset from one another on an upper surface and a lower surface of at least one recessed portion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 766,275, filed March 3, 2025, and titled "SHOE ASSEMBLY WITH OPPOSING PODS IN THE MIDSOLE," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology generally relates to footwear and footwear constructions.BACKGROUND

[0003] Athletic shoes protect and support athletes' feet while performing athletic activities. Running shoes, for example, are typically cushioned to protect the runner's feet from the underlying terrain and to absorb some of the shock that occurs when the runner's foot strikes the ground. The soles of many running shoes also include stability features designed to correct for perceived deficiencies in runners' gaits and to facilitate proper alignment of joints, bones, and muscles of the foot, leg, and hip while running. Many running shoes are designed with varying degrees of support on the medial and / or lateral sides of the shoe to help guide or control mild, moderate, or severe overpronation (i.e., the motion of the foot rolling excessively inward through the foot strike) or supination (i.e., the motion of the foot rolling outward through the foot strike). Such increases in the medial and lateral stability of a shoe often compromise the flexibility of the shoe sole.

[0004] Other running shoes have sole constructions with features and materials configured for increased energy return to the runner's feet and legs during the middle and latter portions of the gait cycle. For example, some sole assemblies include spring plates or similar energy-return structures coupled to the midsole to increase energy return during the gait cycle. During a typical gait cycle, the portions of the energy-return structure will become loaded as forces are applied in the different phases of the gait cycle, such as during heel strike, during movement to the flat-foot phase, and movement toward the toe-off phase. As forces on the loaded portions of the energy-return structures are released, the structure actively releases energy to return to the unloaded condition, so as to provide energy to the runner's foot and leg, thereby reducing the metabolic cost of the gait. Shoe sole constructions that focus on increased energy return, however, often must sacrifice the extent of available cushioning because increased cushioning usually counteracts the efficiency of the sole's energy-return structures. In addition, energy-return structures are often not specifically configured for directional energy return to help propel the runner forward during the gait cycle or to provide medial or lateral support to the runner's foot. Therefore, there is a need for shoe and sole constructions to direct and redirect the energy to and from the sole assembly in one or more directions to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the athlete's stride while also achieving the desired level of cushioning for the various portions of the runner's foot during the gait cycle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure. For ease of reference, throughout this disclosure, identical reference numbers may be used to identify identical or at least generally similar or analogous components or features.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footwear assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of medial and lateral side portions, respectively, of the footwear assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial side view of a medial side portion of the footwear assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0008] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views of pairs of pods of a lateral side portion of a footwear assembly during a heel strike portion and a toe-off portion of an athlete's gait, respectively, in accordance with aspects of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed generally toward footwear having a sole assembly coupled to an upper, wherein the sole assembly has a midsole with an under-foot portion, such as an arch portion, having a recessed area with a plurality of opposing upper and lower pods positioned in a recessed area formed in the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole. The upper and lower pods each have a central axis, and each upper pod is positioned atop a respective lower pod to form a mating pair of upper and lower pods. The central axis of the upper pod of each mating pair is longitudinally offset relative to a central axis of the respective lower pod, so that the central axis of each upper pod is axially misaligned with the central axis of the respective lower pod by a selected distance in each mating pair. Each mating upper and lower pods are configured to press and compress against each other and move to a compressed, loaded condition during a compressive portion of a gait cycle. The pair of offset mating upper and lower pods are configured to expand from the compressed condition to an uncompressed unloaded condition during movement through another portion of the gait cycle, wherein the expansion of the offset upper and lower pods against each other generates a longitudinally forward force configured to help propel the runner forward during a flat foot and / or toe-off portion of the gait cycle. The sole assembly can include a spring plate or other stiffener in the midsole with a portion adjacent to the plurality of opposing upper and lower pods. The spring plate is configured to absorb and return energy to the runner's foot in conjunction with the longitudinally forward force generated by the expansion of the offset pairs of upper and lower pods. In certain embodiments, some or all pairs of the offset upper and lower pods can be laterally offset relative to each other and configured to provide support to the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole during portions of the runner's gait cycle.

[0010] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-4B to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present technology may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the technology may be practiced without several of the specific features described below, while still other embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with additional details and / or features. For example, many of the shoe constructions described below refer to running shoes. However, in other embodiments, the shoe constructions disclosed herein may be used for different types of athletic shoes or other shoe constructions. Other details describing well-known structures and components often associated with shoe constructions, shoe upper assemblies, and sole assemblies, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, the terms "athlete" and "runner" as used herein should be construed broadly to include human subjects in general. Embodiments of the Applicant’s technology are discussed below with reference to athletes or runners, although the technology can be used in connection with other individuals who may not be considered athletes, runners, or athletic.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footwear assembly, referred to herein as a shoe 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. It is understood that, while the following description of embodiments of the current technology refers to "shoes," the technology is applicable to footwear generally, which can include boots, shoes, running shoes, sandals, footwear with laces, footwear without laces, and other footwear. As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated shoe 100 includes an upper 102 securely affixed to a sole assembly 104 via, for example, an adhesive, stitching, other conventional attachment configurations, and / or any combination of attachment techniques. The sole assembly 104 has a lightweight, compressible midsole 106 coupled to the upper 102 and an outsole 108 coupled to the midsole 106. The sole assembly 104 can include an insole (not shown) atop the midsole 106 and configured to support the wearer's foot when in the upper 102. The midsole 106 includes a forefoot portion 110, a heel portion 112, and an arch portion 114. The midsole 106 also has an opposing medial side portion 116 and a lateral side portion 118 extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the midsole 106.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the medial and lateral side portions 116 and 118 of the midsole 106 at the arch portion 114 include recessed portions 120. Each recessed portion 120 in the midsole 106 is defined by a generally horizontal upper surface 122 closer to the upper 102, a generally horizontal lower surface 124 below the upper surface and closer to the outsole 108, and a generally vertical inner sidewall 126 extending between the upper and lower surfaces 122 and 124. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 120 can extend into the heel portion 112 and / or the forefoot portion 130 of the midsole 106 on the medial and / or lateral sides 116 / 118. In other embodiments, the recessed portion 120 can extend only within the arch portion on the medial and / or lateral sides 116 / 118 of the midsole 106.

[0013] The midsole 106 is made of a compressible foam material that provides selected cushioning characteristics during use of the shoe 100, including through repetitive gait cycles. Each gait cycle can comprise a heel strike portion in which the heel portion 112 of the midsole 106 is compressed from loads generated by the sole assembly's contact with the ground (i.e., a running surface), a flat foot portion in which portions of the sole assembly's heel and forefoot are in contact with the ground, and a toe-off portion in which the sole assembly's forefoot is primarily in contact with the ground or running surface as the heel and arch are being lifted away from the ground as the runner progresses through the toe-off portion of the gait cycle. In the typical gait cycle, compressive loads are applied to the midsole 106 during the heel strike stage and at least parts of the flat foot stages, thereby compressing portions of the foam midsole. As the gait cycle progresses through the toe-off stage, the loads on the midsole 106 are released and the compressed portions of the midsole expand and push or urge to an uncompressed state, thereby releasing and applying energy or forces back to the runner's foot and leg.

[0014] In some embodiments, the midsole 106 can be made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam of one or more selected densities and hardnesses, of a closed-cell, non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,209,885 (which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto), or a foam material made at least partially by supercritical fluid foaming techniques, or other foam or cushioning materials, and / or any combination of some or all of the above materials. Additional embodiments of the present technology can include a midsole 106 that is dual-density or multi-density to help provide controlled support, such as to prevent overpronation or oversupination.

[0015] As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the illustrated midsole 106 has a plurality of upper pods 128 and lower pods 130 exposed in the recessed portions 120 adjacent to the inner sidewall 126. The upper pods 128 extend downwardly from the horizontal upper surface 122, and the lower pods 130 extend upwardly from the horizontal lower surface 124. The upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be integrally connected or otherwise affixed to the respective horizontal upper or lower surfaces 122 and 124. The bottom of each upper pod 128 is positioned at least adjacent to the top of a respective one of the lower pods 130 to define a mating pair of pods 132. In some embodiments, some or all of the mating pair of pods 132 can have the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 physically engaging each other when the midsole 106 is uncompressed. Other pairs of pods 132 can have their upper and lower pods 128 and 130 vertically spaced apart from each other to provide a small gap when the midsole 106 is uncompressed, but positioned to engage each other when the recessed portion 120 of the midsole 106 is compressed during portions of a gait cycle. In other embodiments, some or all of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of each pair of pods 132 can be molded or formed to integrally connect to each other, where they mate between the upper and lower surfaces 122 and 124. In yet other embodiments, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of each pair of pods 132 can be bonded, adhered, or otherwise affixed to each other, where they engage each other when the midsole 106 is uncompressed.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 106 has three mating pairs of pods 132 in the recessed portions 120 on each of the medial and lateral sides of the midsole 106. Other embodiments can have a different number of mating pairs of pods 132 in the respective recessed portion 120 (e.g., more or fewer than three pairs of pods 132). In addition, the midsole 106 can have the same or a different number of pair of pods 132 in the recessed portion 120 on the medial side portion 116 than the number of pairs of pods 132 in the recessed portion 120 on the lateral side portion 118, such as three pairs of pods 132 on the medial side portion 116 and four pairs of pods 132 on the lateral side portion 118 of the midsole 106.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, each upper and lower pod 128 and 130 has a partially tapered shape with a thicker portion at the respective upper or lower surface 122 or 124, and a narrower portion at the connection area where each pod engages or otherwise is closest to the other pod in the mating pair of pods 132. Each pod 128 / 130 has a central axis 134 that intersects the upper or lower surface 122 or 124 from which the pod 128 / 130 extends. In some embodiments, the pods 128 / 130 are shaped and positioned with the central axis 134 oriented generally normal to the upper or lower surface 122 or 124 from which the pod 128 / 130 extends. In other embodiments, the pods 128 / 130 can be oriented at a selected angle relative to the upper or lower surface 122 or 124 from which the pod 128 / 130 extends. For example, the mating upper and lower pods 128 and 130 in a mated pair of pods 132 can be oriented with the central axes 134 at a selected angle based on the loads exerted on the midsole 106 during identified portions of the athlete’s gait cycle for desired compression and / or energy return during the gait cycle.

[0018] As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of the pair of pods 132 in the illustrated embodiment are positioned so that the central axes 134 of the mating pods 132 are longitudinally offset from each other and not coaxially aligned when the midsole 106 is uncompressed. In some embodiments, the central axes 134 of a pair’s upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can also be laterally offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the shoe’s midsole 106. In other embodiments, the central axes 134 of a pair’s upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be both longitudinally offset and laterally offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the shoe’s midsole 106.

[0019] Each tapered upper and lower pod 128 and 130 can be generally partially spherical, cylindrical, cone-shaped, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are generally semispherical, with thicker portions at the respective upper and lower surfaces 122 or 124. In some embodiments, the upper pod 128 can be a shape different than the shape of the lower pod 130. For example, the upper pod 128 can be partially spherical, while the lower pod 130 can be partially conical or cylindrical. In other embodiments, the mating upper and lower pods 128 and 130 form a mated pair of pods 132, wherein the mated portion of the pods can be a different shape than the shape of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. In some embodiments, each pair of pods 132 can have upper and lower pods 128 and 130 shaped differently than upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of other pairs of pods 132 and / or any combination of some or all of the above configurations.

[0020] In some embodiments, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can include indicators 136 configured to provide an indication of the orientation of the central axes 134 of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. The indicator 136 enables the user to visualize the degree of offset between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. It could also indicate to a user or external viewer the degree and / or directionality of energy return the user could expect from that specific pair of shoes compared to another pair of shoes with a different pod configuration, as identified by the indicators 136 associated with the upper and lower pods 128 / 130. In some embodiments, the indicator 136 can be molded or integrally formed with the pair of pods 132. In other embodiments, the indicator 136 can be bonded, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the exposed surface of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. In yet other embodiments, the indicator 136 can be printed indicia, such as an arrow aligned with the orientation of the pod’s central axis 134. The indicator 136 may also be provided by different icons, textures, values, marks, etc., that indicate the location and angle of the respective central axis 134.

[0021] The upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be made of a compressible material different from the material of the midsole 106. In other embodiments, the upper pods 128 are made of a material different than the material of the lower pods 130. For example, the midsole 106 could be a dual-density material, and the upper pod 128 could be the first material of the dual-density midsole 106, and the lower pod 130 could be the second material of the dual-density midsole 106. Each pair of pods 132 can have upper and lower pods 128 and 130 made of materials different than the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of other pairs of pods 132. The pair of pods 132 of the medial side portion 116 can be a differentmaterial than the pair of pods 132 of the lateral side portion 118 and / or any combination of some or all of the above configurations.

[0022] The sole assembly 104 can further include a spring plate 138 and / or other stiffener, such as a shank or a material that is denser than the material of the midsole 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring plate 138 is positioned within the midsole 106 substantially along the longitudinal axis of the midsole 106. The spring plate 138 can be contoured and located at varying depths along the thickness and length of the midsole 106. The spring plate 138 can be a full-length plate extending along the heel, arch, and forefoot portions 112, 114, and 110 of the midsole 106. Alternatively, the spring plate 138 can be a three-quarter or half-sole energy-return structure positioned in the midsole’s arch and forefoot portions 114 and110. The spring plate 138 of the illustrated embodiment provides additional stiffness of the midsole 106 substantially through at least the arch portion 114 of the midsole 106 that works in conjunction with the mating compressible pods 128 / 130 to facilitate energy return to the runner’s foot and leg during at least the toe-off portion of the runner’s gait cycle. The spring plate 138 can be partially exposed and visible within the recessed portion 120, although the spring plate 138 in other embodiments can be fully encased in the midsole 106.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial side view of a medial side portion 116 of the footwear assembly of FIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment, an edge portion of the spring plate 138 is exposed in the recessed portion 120 and positioned between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of at least one mating pair of pods 132. In some embodiments, the spring plate 138 physically engages with upper and lower pods 128 and 130 when the midsole 106 is uncompressed. In other embodiments, the spring plate 138 is vertically spaced apart from the upper and / or lower pods 128 and 130 to provide a small gap when the midsole 106 is uncompressed but positioned to engage each other when at least the arch portion 114 of the midsole 106 is compressed during a gait cycle. Accordingly, when forces on the midsole 106, such as in the arch portion 114, are reduced or removed from the compressed pods 128 and 130 and from the spring plate 138 during the toe- off phase of the gait cycle, the compressed pods 128 and 130 and spring plate 138 instantly and dynamically return toward the unloaded state. This results in a substantive energy return to the runner's foot and leg as the runner moves through the toe-off stage of the gait cycle.

[0024] The dynamic return of the offset pods 128 and 130 in a mating pair also provides a directionality of the energy return to facilitate and aid the runner's forward motion during the gait cycle. The degree of the longitudinal and / or lateral offset of the central axes of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of a mating pair of pods 132 is provided to control the degree and directionality of the dynamic energy return achieved in the midsole 106 as the runner progresses through the gait cycle and as the compressive loads on the pods dissipate, particularly through the toe-off portion of the gait cycle. For example, the greater the longitudinal offset between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130, with the upper pod 128 being forward of the bottom pod 130, the greater the forward directionality of the dynamic energy return of the compressed upper and lower pods 128 and 130, which helps propel the runner forward during the toe-off portion of the runner’s gait cycle. Similarly, the extent and direction of lateral offset between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 also controls the lateral directionality of the energy return from the mating pods 132, such as in the medial or lateral directions during the gait cycles, thereby helping to control the medial or lateral support provided by the midsole 106 to the runner’s foot during the portion of the gait cycle in which the compressed pods 132 dynamically return to the non-compressed position.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, there are varying degrees of latitudinal and longitudinal offset of the central axes 134 of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 in the mating pair of pods 132. For example, the central axes 134 of the foremost pair of pods 132 are offset more longitudinally than the rearmost pair of pods 132. The rearmost pair of pods 132 can be offset longitudinally by a differing degree than the foremost pair of pods 132. The shapes of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be integrated by varying degrees into the inner sidewall 126. For example, the foremost lower pod 130 is substantially integrated into the inner sidewall 126, resulting in less exposed surface area of the lower pod 130. In contrast, the rearmost lower pod 130 is substantially separated from the inner sidewall 126, resulting in more exposed surface area of the lower pod 130. The upper pods 128 can be similarly varyingly integrated into the inner sidewall 126, and the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of a single pair of pods 132 can be integrated into the inner sidewall 126 to varying degrees. The multiple mating pair of pods 132 can have differing degrees of lateral offset between the rearmost pair and the foremost pair of pods. Similarly, the multiple mating pair of pods 132 in the recess 120 on the lateral side of the midsole 106 can have the same or differing degrees of lateral offset compared to the pair of pods 132 in the recess 120 on the medial side of the midsole 106, depending upon the degree of lateral or medial support desired from the midsole 106 in the arch portion 114.

[0026] FIG. 4A and 4B are schematic views of pairs of pods 416 of a lateral side portion 118 of a footwear assembly during a heel strike portion and a toe-off portion of an athlete’s gait cycle, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 106 with a recessed portion 120 contains two mating pairs of pods 132 with partially spherical shapes. The compressible upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are durable and flexible. The offset upper and lower pods 128 and 130 compress under loads applied to the midsole during the user’s gait cycle, such as during the heel strike portion of the cycle. The compressed upper and lower pods 128 and 130 dynamically and resiliently return to their unloaded, uncompressed shape when the forces are dissipated or removed from the midsole 106, such as during later portions of the gait cycle. For example, throughout a normal gait cycle, as the runner moves through the heel strike and flat foot portions of the gait cycle, the rearmost mating pair of pods 132 compress, followed by the next rearmost pods, and so on until the foremost pods are compressed under the compressive loads applied to the midsole 106 during the gait cycle. This compression of the midsole 106, including the multiple mating pairs of pods 132 in the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole’s arch portion, act to provide selected cushioning to the runner’s foot and leg during the high compressive impact loads generated in the midsole. As the runner continues through the gait cycle toward and through the toe-off portion, the loads are first transitioned off of the rearmost mating pair of pods 132 so that the offset upper and lower pods 128 and 130 dynamically decompress and move to the uncompressed condition, followed by the next rearmost pair of pods 132, and so on until the foremost mating pair of pods 132 are unloaded and decompressed, thereby sequentially providing energy return to the runner’s foot and leg.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 4A, the central axes 134 of the rearmost upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be substantially aligned or otherwise have a first amount of misalignment. Thus, as the rearmost and foremost pairs of pods 132 sequentially compress during heel strike, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 have a large interfacing surface generally parallel to the horizontal upper and lower surfaces 122 and 124 of the recessed portion 120, respectively, such that compression forces F1 generated during heel strike are substantially at one or more selected angles so as to compress the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 against each other and provide selected cushioning during the compression. With reference to FIG. 4B, as the runner continues to move through the gait cycle, the foremost upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are compressed as loads are released from the rearmost pair of pods 132, so the pods begin the dynamic expansion toward the uncompressed state. The foremost upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are longitudinally misaligned by a selected amount. Consequently, as they are compressed, the compression force is oblique to the athlete’s foot. As the compression loads are removed from the upper and lower pods 128 and 130, the resulting dynamic expansion of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 generates the force F2 directed forwardly and upwardly, and this directional energy-return force is transmitted to the runner’s foot to help propel the runner forward. If a spring plate 138 is present, the energy released from the spring plate through the toe-off stage of the gait cycle also works in conjunction with the forces from the expanding pods to return energy to the athlete’s stride and propel them forward. Thus, by varying the offset of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 among the pairs of pods 132, the cushion and energy return of the midsole 403 can be controlled and increased. Further, since there are multiple pairs of pods compressing and decompressing at varying segments of the gait, the athlete can have energy returned to their stride during multiple segments of their gait and at multiple angles relative to the horizontal plane, creating more precise directional energy return to help propel the runner forward.

[0028] Additionally, when additional support is needed or desired for a runner who overpronates or underpronates, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 in one or more pairs of mating pods 132 can be laterally offset by a selected amount to help provide medial-lateral support for the runner’s foot during the various portions of the gait cycle. Since the pods are not a single structure like a spring plate, they can compress and decompress during multiple phases of the gait. Thus, as the runner progresses through the gait cycle, selected pods can be configured and positioned to selectively compress and decompress in a desired sequence and timing relative to the loading and unloading of forces in the stiffener for the desired performance of the sole assembly 104.

[0029] It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and / or additional types of other features are not precluded. Further, the words “herein,”“above,”“below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]Aspects of the present disclosure are directed generally toward footwear having a sole assembly coupled to an upper, wherein the sole assembly has a midsole with an under-foot portion, such as an arch portion, having a recessed area with a plurality of opposing upper and lower pods positioned in a recessed area formed in the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole. The upper and lower pods each have a central axis, and each upper pod is positioned atop a respective lower pod to form a mating pair of upper and lower pods. The central axis of the upper pod of each mating pair is longitudinally offset relative to a central axis of the respective lower pod, so that the central axis of each upper pod is axially misaligned with the central axis of the respective lower pod by a selected distance in each mating pair. Each mating upper and lower pods are configured to press and compress against each other and move to a compressed, loaded condition during a compressive portion of a g...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 766,275, filed March 3, 2025, and titled "SHOE ASSEMBLY WITH OPPOSING PODS IN THE MIDSOLE," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology generally relates to footwear and footwear constructions.BACKGROUND

[0003] Athletic shoes protect and support athletes' feet while performing athletic activities. Running shoes, for example, are typically cushioned to protect the runner's feet from the underlying terrain and to absorb some of the shock that occurs when the runner's foot strikes the ground. The soles of many running shoes also include stability features designed to correct for perceived deficiencies in runners' gaits and to facilitate proper alignment of joints, bones, and muscles of the foot, leg, and hip while running. Many running shoes are designed with varying degrees of support on the medial and / or lateral sides of the shoe to help guide or control mild, moderate, or severe overpronation (i.e., the motion of the foot rolling excessively inward through the foot strike) or supination (i.e., the motion of the foot rolling outward through the foot strike). Such increases in the medial and lateral stability of a shoe often compromise the flexibility of the shoe sole.

[0004] Other running shoes have sole constructions with features and materials configured for increased energy return to the runner's feet and legs during the middle and latter portions of the gait cycle. For example, some sole assemblies include spring plates or similar energy-return structures coupled to the midsole to increase energy return during the gait cycle. During a typical gait cycle, the portions of the energy-return structure will become loaded as forces are applied in the different phases of the gait cycle, such as during heel strike, during movement to the flat-foot phase, and movement toward the toe-off phase. As forces on the loaded portions of the energy-return structures are released, the structure actively releases energy to return to the unloaded condition, so as to provide energy to the runner's foot and leg, thereby reducing the metabolic cost of the gait. Shoe sole constructions that focus on increased energy return, however, often must sacrifice the extent of available cushioning because increased cushioning usually counteracts the efficiency of the sole's energy-return structures. In addition, energy-return structures are often not specifically configured for directional energy return to help propel the runner forward during the gait cycle or to provide medial or lateral support to the runner's foot. Therefore, there is a need for shoe and sole constructions to direct and redirect the energy to and from the sole assembly in one or more directions to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the athlete's stride while also achieving the desired level of cushioning for the various portions of the runner's foot during the gait cycle.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure. For ease of reference, throughout this disclosure, identical reference numbers may be used to identify identical or at least generally similar or analogous components or features.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footwear assembly in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

[0007] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of medial and lateral side portions, respectively, of the footwear assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial side view of a medial side portion of the footwear assembly of FIG. 2A.

[0008] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views of pairs of pods of a lateral side portion of a footwear assembly during a heel strike portion and a toe-off portion of an athlete's gait, respectively, in accordance with aspects of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed generally toward footwear having a sole assembly coupled to an upper, wherein the sole assembly has a midsole with an under-foot portion, such as an arch portion, having a recessed area with a plurality of opposing upper and lower pods positioned in a recessed area formed in the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole. The upper and lower pods each have a central axis, and each upper pod is positioned atop a respective lower pod to form a mating pair of upper and lower pods. The central axis of the upper pod of each mating pair is longitudinally offset relative to a central axis of the respective lower pod, so that the central axis of each upper pod is axially misaligned with the central axis of the respective lower pod by a selected distance in each mating pair. Each mating upper and lower pods are configured to press and compress against each other and move to a compressed, loaded condition during a compressive portion of a gait cycle. The pair of offset mating upper and lower pods are configured to expand from the compressed condition to an uncompressed unloaded condition during movement through another portion of the gait cycle, wherein the expansion of the offset upper and lower pods against each other generates a longitudinally forward force configured to help propel the runner forward during a flat foot and / or toe-off portion of the gait cycle. The sole assembly can include a spring plate or other stiffener in the midsole with a portion adjacent to the plurality of opposing upper and lower pods. The spring plate is configured to absorb and return energy to the runner's foot in conjunction with the longitudinally forward force generated by the expansion of the offset pairs of upper and lower pods. In certain embodiments, some or all pairs of the offset upper and lower pods can be laterally offset relative to each other and configured to provide support to the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole during portions of the runner's gait cycle.

[0010] Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-4B to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present technology may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the technology may be practiced without several of the specific features described below, while still other embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with additional details and / or features. For example, many of the shoe constructions described below refer to running shoes. However, in other embodiments, the shoe constructions disclosed herein may be used for different types of athletic shoes or other shoe constructions. Other details describing well-known structures and components often associated with shoe constructions, shoe upper assemblies, and sole assemblies, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, the terms "athlete" and "runner" as used herein should be construed broadly to include human subjects in general. Embodiments of the Applicant’s technology are discussed below with reference to athletes or runners, although the technology can be used in connection with other individuals who may not be considered athletes, runners, or athletic.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a footwear assembly, referred to herein as a shoe 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. It is understood that, while the following description of embodiments of the current technology refers to "shoes," the technology is applicable to footwear generally, which can include boots, shoes, running shoes, sandals, footwear with laces, footwear without laces, and other footwear. As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated shoe 100 includes an upper 102 securely affixed to a sole assembly 104 via, for example, an adhesive, stitching, other conventional attachment configurations, and / or any combination of attachment techniques. The sole assembly 104 has a lightweight, compressible midsole 106 coupled to the upper 102 and an outsole 108 coupled to the midsole 106. The sole assembly 104 can include an insole (not shown) atop the midsole 106 and configured to support the wearer's foot when in the upper 102. The midsole 106 includes a forefoot portion 110, a heel portion 112, and an arch portion 114. The midsole 106 also has an opposing medial side portion 116 and a lateral side portion 118 extending longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the midsole 106.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the medial and lateral side portions 116 and 118 of the midsole 106 at the arch portion 114 include recessed portions 120. Each recessed portion 120 in the midsole 106 is defined by a generally horizontal upper surface 122 closer to the upper 102, a generally horizontal lower surface 124 below the upper surface and closer to the outsole 108, and a generally vertical inner sidewall 126 extending between the upper and lower surfaces 122 and 124. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 120 can extend into the heel portion 112 and / or the forefoot portion 130 of the midsole 106 on the medial and / or lateral sides 116 / 118. In other embodiments, the recessed portion 120 can extend only within the arch portion on the medial and / or lateral sides 116 / 118 of the midsole 106.

[0013] The midsole 106 is made of a compressible foam material that provides selected cushioning characteristics during use of the shoe 100, including through repetitive gait cycles. Each gait cycle can comprise a heel strike portion in which the heel portion 112 of the midsole 106 is compressed from loads generated by the sole assembly's contact with the ground (i.e., a running surface), a flat foot portion in which portions of the sole assembly's heel and forefoot are in contact with the ground, and a toe-off portion in which the sole assembly's forefoot is primarily in contact with the ground or running surface as the heel and arch are being lifted away from the ground as the runner progresses through the toe-off portion of the gait cycle. In the typical gait cycle, compressive loads are applied to the midsole 106 during the heel strike stage and at least parts of the flat foot stages, thereby compressing portions of the foam midsole. As the gait cycle progresses through the toe-off stage, the loads on the midsole 106 are released and the compressed portions of the midsole expand and push or urge to an uncompressed state, thereby releasing and applying energy or forces back to the runner's foot and leg.

[0014] In some embodiments, the midsole 106 can be made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam of one or more selected densities and hardnesses, of a closed-cell, non-linearly viscous, SEBS block copolymer-based material of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,209,885 (which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto), or a foam material made at least partially by supercritical fluid foaming techniques, or other foam or cushioning materials, and / or any combination of some or all of the above materials. Additional embodiments of the present technology can include a midsole 106 that is dual-density or multi-density to help provide controlled support, such as to prevent overpronation or oversupination.

[0015] As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the illustrated midsole 106 has a plurality of upper pods 128 and lower pods 130 exposed in the recessed portions 120 adjacent to the inner sidewall 126. The upper pods 128 extend downwardly from the horizontal upper surface 122, and the lower pods 130 extend upwardly from the horizontal lower surface 124. The upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be integrally connected or otherwise affixed to the respective horizontal upper or lower surfaces 122 and 124. The bottom of each upper pod 128 is positioned at least adjacent to the top of a respective one of the lower pods 130 to define a mating pair of pods 132. In some embodiments, some or all of the mating pair of pods 132 can have the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 physically engaging each other when the midsole 106 is uncompressed. Other pairs of pods 132 can have their upper and lower pods 128 and 130 vertically spaced apart from each other to provide a small gap when the midsole 106 is uncompressed, but positioned to engage each other when the recessed portion 120 of the midsole 106 is compressed during portions of a gait cycle. In other embodiments, some or all of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of each pair of pods 132 can be molded or formed to integrally connect to each other, where they mate between the upper and lower surfaces 122 and 124. In yet other embodiments, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of each pair of pods 132 can be bonded, adhered, or otherwise affixed to each other, where they engage each other when the midsole 106 is uncompressed.

[0016] In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 106 has three mating pairs of pods 132 in the recessed portions 120 on each of the medial and lateral sides of the midsole 106. Other embodiments can have a different number of mating pairs of pods 132 in the respective recessed portion 120 (e.g., more or fewer than three pairs of pods 132). In addition, the midsole 106 can have the same or a different number of pair of pods 132 in the recessed portion 120 on the medial side portion 116 than the number of pairs of pods 132 in the recessed portion 120 on the lateral side portion 118, such as three pairs of pods 132 on the medial side portion 116 and four pairs of pods 132 on the lateral side portion 118 of the midsole 106.

[0017] In the illustrated embodiment, each upper and lower pod 128 and 130 has a partially tapered shape with a thicker portion at the respective upper or lower surface 122 or 124, and a narrower portion at the connection area where each pod engages or otherwise is closest to the other pod in the mating pair of pods 132. Each pod 128 / 130 has a central axis 134 that intersects the upper or lower surface 122 or 124 from which the pod 128 / 130 extends. In some embodiments, the pods 128 / 130 are shaped and positioned with the central axis 134 oriented generally normal to the upper or lower surface 122 or 124 from which the pod 128 / 130 extends. In other embodiments, the pods 128 / 130 can be oriented at a selected angle relative to the upper or lower surface 122 or 124 from which the pod 128 / 130 extends. For example, the mating upper and lower pods 128 and 130 in a mated pair of pods 132 can be oriented with the central axes 134 at a selected angle based on the loads exerted on the midsole 106 during identified portions of the athlete’s gait cycle for desired compression and / or energy return during the gait cycle.

[0018] As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of the pair of pods 132 in the illustrated embodiment are positioned so that the central axes 134 of the mating pods 132 are longitudinally offset from each other and not coaxially aligned when the midsole 106 is uncompressed. In some embodiments, the central axes 134 of a pair’s upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can also be laterally offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the shoe’s midsole 106. In other embodiments, the central axes 134 of a pair’s upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be both longitudinally offset and laterally offset from each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the shoe’s midsole 106.

[0019] Each tapered upper and lower pod 128 and 130 can be generally partially spherical, cylindrical, cone-shaped, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are generally semispherical, with thicker portions at the respective upper and lower surfaces 122 or 124. In some embodiments, the upper pod 128 can be a shape different than the shape of the lower pod 130. For example, the upper pod 128 can be partially spherical, while the lower pod 130 can be partially conical or cylindrical. In other embodiments, the mating upper and lower pods 128 and 130 form a mated pair of pods 132, wherein the mated portion of the pods can be a different shape than the shape of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. In some embodiments, each pair of pods 132 can have upper and lower pods 128 and 130 shaped differently than upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of other pairs of pods 132 and / or any combination of some or all of the above configurations.

[0020] In some embodiments, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can include indicators 136 configured to provide an indication of the orientation of the central axes 134 of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. The indicator 136 enables the user to visualize the degree of offset between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. It could also indicate to a user or external viewer the degree and / or directionality of energy return the user could expect from that specific pair of shoes compared to another pair of shoes with a different pod configuration, as identified by the indicators 136 associated with the upper and lower pods 128 / 130. In some embodiments, the indicator 136 can be molded or integrally formed with the pair of pods 132. In other embodiments, the indicator 136 can be bonded, adhered, or otherwise affixed to the exposed surface of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130. In yet other embodiments, the indicator 136 can be printed indicia, such as an arrow aligned with the orientation of the pod’s central axis 134. The indicator 136 may also be provided by different icons, textures, values, marks, etc., that indicate the location and angle of the respective central axis 134.

[0021] The upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be made of a compressible material different from the material of the midsole 106. In other embodiments, the upper pods 128 are made of a material different than the material of the lower pods 130. For example, the midsole 106 could be a dual-density material, and the upper pod 128 could be the first material of the dual-density midsole 106, and the lower pod 130 could be the second material of the dual-density midsole 106. Each pair of pods 132 can have upper and lower pods 128 and 130 made of materials different than the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of other pairs of pods 132. The pair of pods 132 of the medial side portion 116 can be a differentmaterial than the pair of pods 132 of the lateral side portion 118 and / or any combination of some or all of the above configurations.

[0022] The sole assembly 104 can further include a spring plate 138 and / or other stiffener, such as a shank or a material that is denser than the material of the midsole 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring plate 138 is positioned within the midsole 106 substantially along the longitudinal axis of the midsole 106. The spring plate 138 can be contoured and located at varying depths along the thickness and length of the midsole 106. The spring plate 138 can be a full-length plate extending along the heel, arch, and forefoot portions 112, 114, and 110 of the midsole 106. Alternatively, the spring plate 138 can be a three-quarter or half-sole energy-return structure positioned in the midsole’s arch and forefoot portions 114 and110. The spring plate 138 of the illustrated embodiment provides additional stiffness of the midsole 106 substantially through at least the arch portion 114 of the midsole 106 that works in conjunction with the mating compressible pods 128 / 130 to facilitate energy return to the runner’s foot and leg during at least the toe-off portion of the runner’s gait cycle. The spring plate 138 can be partially exposed and visible within the recessed portion 120, although the spring plate 138 in other embodiments can be fully encased in the midsole 106.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial side view of a medial side portion 116 of the footwear assembly of FIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment, an edge portion of the spring plate 138 is exposed in the recessed portion 120 and positioned between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of at least one mating pair of pods 132. In some embodiments, the spring plate 138 physically engages with upper and lower pods 128 and 130 when the midsole 106 is uncompressed. In other embodiments, the spring plate 138 is vertically spaced apart from the upper and / or lower pods 128 and 130 to provide a small gap when the midsole 106 is uncompressed but positioned to engage each other when at least the arch portion 114 of the midsole 106 is compressed during a gait cycle. Accordingly, when forces on the midsole 106, such as in the arch portion 114, are reduced or removed from the compressed pods 128 and 130 and from the spring plate 138 during the toe- off phase of the gait cycle, the compressed pods 128 and 130 and spring plate 138 instantly and dynamically return toward the unloaded state. This results in a substantive energy return to the runner's foot and leg as the runner moves through the toe-off stage of the gait cycle.

[0024] The dynamic return of the offset pods 128 and 130 in a mating pair also provides a directionality of the energy return to facilitate and aid the runner's forward motion during the gait cycle. The degree of the longitudinal and / or lateral offset of the central axes of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of a mating pair of pods 132 is provided to control the degree and directionality of the dynamic energy return achieved in the midsole 106 as the runner progresses through the gait cycle and as the compressive loads on the pods dissipate, particularly through the toe-off portion of the gait cycle. For example, the greater the longitudinal offset between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130, with the upper pod 128 being forward of the bottom pod 130, the greater the forward directionality of the dynamic energy return of the compressed upper and lower pods 128 and 130, which helps propel the runner forward during the toe-off portion of the runner’s gait cycle. Similarly, the extent and direction of lateral offset between the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 also controls the lateral directionality of the energy return from the mating pods 132, such as in the medial or lateral directions during the gait cycles, thereby helping to control the medial or lateral support provided by the midsole 106 to the runner’s foot during the portion of the gait cycle in which the compressed pods 132 dynamically return to the non-compressed position.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, there are varying degrees of latitudinal and longitudinal offset of the central axes 134 of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 in the mating pair of pods 132. For example, the central axes 134 of the foremost pair of pods 132 are offset more longitudinally than the rearmost pair of pods 132. The rearmost pair of pods 132 can be offset longitudinally by a differing degree than the foremost pair of pods 132. The shapes of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be integrated by varying degrees into the inner sidewall 126. For example, the foremost lower pod 130 is substantially integrated into the inner sidewall 126, resulting in less exposed surface area of the lower pod 130. In contrast, the rearmost lower pod 130 is substantially separated from the inner sidewall 126, resulting in more exposed surface area of the lower pod 130. The upper pods 128 can be similarly varyingly integrated into the inner sidewall 126, and the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 of a single pair of pods 132 can be integrated into the inner sidewall 126 to varying degrees. The multiple mating pair of pods 132 can have differing degrees of lateral offset between the rearmost pair and the foremost pair of pods. Similarly, the multiple mating pair of pods 132 in the recess 120 on the lateral side of the midsole 106 can have the same or differing degrees of lateral offset compared to the pair of pods 132 in the recess 120 on the medial side of the midsole 106, depending upon the degree of lateral or medial support desired from the midsole 106 in the arch portion 114.

[0026] FIG. 4A and 4B are schematic views of pairs of pods 416 of a lateral side portion 118 of a footwear assembly during a heel strike portion and a toe-off portion of an athlete’s gait cycle, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the midsole 106 with a recessed portion 120 contains two mating pairs of pods 132 with partially spherical shapes. The compressible upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are durable and flexible. The offset upper and lower pods 128 and 130 compress under loads applied to the midsole during the user’s gait cycle, such as during the heel strike portion of the cycle. The compressed upper and lower pods 128 and 130 dynamically and resiliently return to their unloaded, uncompressed shape when the forces are dissipated or removed from the midsole 106, such as during later portions of the gait cycle. For example, throughout a normal gait cycle, as the runner moves through the heel strike and flat foot portions of the gait cycle, the rearmost mating pair of pods 132 compress, followed by the next rearmost pods, and so on until the foremost pods are compressed under the compressive loads applied to the midsole 106 during the gait cycle. This compression of the midsole 106, including the multiple mating pairs of pods 132 in the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole’s arch portion, act to provide selected cushioning to the runner’s foot and leg during the high compressive impact loads generated in the midsole. As the runner continues through the gait cycle toward and through the toe-off portion, the loads are first transitioned off of the rearmost mating pair of pods 132 so that the offset upper and lower pods 128 and 130 dynamically decompress and move to the uncompressed condition, followed by the next rearmost pair of pods 132, and so on until the foremost mating pair of pods 132 are unloaded and decompressed, thereby sequentially providing energy return to the runner’s foot and leg.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 4A, the central axes 134 of the rearmost upper and lower pods 128 and 130 can be substantially aligned or otherwise have a first amount of misalignment. Thus, as the rearmost and foremost pairs of pods 132 sequentially compress during heel strike, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 have a large interfacing surface generally parallel to the horizontal upper and lower surfaces 122 and 124 of the recessed portion 120, respectively, such that compression forces F1 generated during heel strike are substantially at one or more selected angles so as to compress the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 against each other and provide selected cushioning during the compression. With reference to FIG. 4B, as the runner continues to move through the gait cycle, the foremost upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are compressed as loads are released from the rearmost pair of pods 132, so the pods begin the dynamic expansion toward the uncompressed state. The foremost upper and lower pods 128 and 130 are longitudinally misaligned by a selected amount. Consequently, as they are compressed, the compression force is oblique to the athlete’s foot. As the compression loads are removed from the upper and lower pods 128 and 130, the resulting dynamic expansion of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 generates the force F2 directed forwardly and upwardly, and this directional energy-return force is transmitted to the runner’s foot to help propel the runner forward. If a spring plate 138 is present, the energy released from the spring plate through the toe-off stage of the gait cycle also works in conjunction with the forces from the expanding pods to return energy to the athlete’s stride and propel them forward. Thus, by varying the offset of the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 among the pairs of pods 132, the cushion and energy return of the midsole 403 can be controlled and increased. Further, since there are multiple pairs of pods compressing and decompressing at varying segments of the gait, the athlete can have energy returned to their stride during multiple segments of their gait and at multiple angles relative to the horizontal plane, creating more precise directional energy return to help propel the runner forward.

[0028] Additionally, when additional support is needed or desired for a runner who overpronates or underpronates, the upper and lower pods 128 and 130 in one or more pairs of mating pods 132 can be laterally offset by a selected amount to help provide medial-lateral support for the runner’s foot during the various portions of the gait cycle. Since the pods are not a single structure like a spring plate, they can compress and decompress during multiple phases of the gait. Thus, as the runner progresses through the gait cycle, selected pods can be configured and positioned to selectively compress and decompress in a desired sequence and timing relative to the loading and unloading of forces in the stiffener for the desired performance of the sole assembly 104.

[0029] It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and / or additional types of other features are not precluded. Further, the words “herein,”“above,”“below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0009]Aspects of the present disclosure are directed generally toward footwear having a sole assembly coupled to an upper, wherein the sole assembly has a midsole with an under-foot portion, such as an arch portion, having a recessed area with a plurality of opposing upper and lower pods positioned in a recessed area formed in the medial and / or lateral sides of the midsole. The upper and lower pods each have a central axis, and each upper pod is positioned atop a respective lower pod to form a mating pair of upper and lower pods. The central axis of the upper pod of each mating pair is longitudinally offset relative to a central axis of the respective lower pod, so that the central axis of each upper pod is axially misaligned with the central axis of the respective lower pod by a selected distance in each mating pair. Each mating upper and lower pods are configured to press and compress against each other and move to a compressed, loaded condition during a compressive portion of a g...

Claims

1. A footwear assembly, comprising:an upper; anda sole assembly coupled to the upper, the sole assembly comprising:a midsole comprising:a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion between the forefoot portion and the heel portion; anda sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole, wherein the sidewall of the midsole has at least one recessed portion at the arch portion, wherein the at least one recessed portion includes at least one pair of pods that are longitudinally offset on an upper surface and a lower surface of the at least one recessed portion; andan outsole coupled to the midsole.

2. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the midsole is made of a dual-density material.

3. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one recessed portion is on the medial side of the midsole.

4. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one recessed portion comprises a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion, wherein the first recessed portion is located on the medial side and the second recessed portion is located on the lateral side.

5. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the midsole further comprises a stiffener located within at least the arch portion.

6. The footwear assembly of claim 5, wherein the stiffener is a spring plate.

7. The footwear assembly of claim 5, wherein the stiffener is visible in the at least one recessed portion of the midsole.

8. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of pods comprises a first set of pods and a second set of pods, and wherein the first set of pods is a different density than the second set of pods.

9. The footwear assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of pods physically engage each other when the midsole is uncompressed.

10. A footwear assembly, comprising:an upper; anda sole assembly coupled to the upper, the sole assembly comprising:a midsole comprising a sidewall, a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion between the forefoot portion and the heel portion, wherein the sidewall of the midsole has at least one recessed portion therein;an upper pod on an upper surface of the at least one recessed portion of the midsole;a lower pod on a lower surface of the at least one recessed portion of the midsole longitudinally and latitudinally offset from the upper pod and configured to engage with the upper pod; andan outsole coupled to the midsole.

11. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the midsole is made of a first material and the upper pod is made of a second material.

12. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper pod has a different density than the lower pod.

13. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the sole assembly further comprises a stiffener configured to return energy from an athlete’s heel strike to their toe-off.

14. The footwear assembly of claim 13, wherein the upper pod and the lower pod are configured to fine-tune alignment of the energy return from the stiffener to the toe-off.

15. The footwear assembly of claim 13, wherein the stiffener engages with a surface of the lower pod.

16. The footwear assembly of claim 10, wherein the upper pod and the lower pod are hemispherical, semispherical, cylindrical, or cone-shaped.

17. A footwear assembly, comprising:an upper; anda sole assembly coupled to the upper, the sole assembly comprising:a midsole comprising:a forefoot portion, a heel portion, and an arch portion between the forefoot portion and the heel portion;a sidewall extending around a lateral side, a medial side, and a heel side of the midsole, wherein the sidewall of the midsole has at least one recessed portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface;an upper pod on the upper surface with a first central axis; anda lower pod on the lower surface with a second central axis, wherein—the first central axis and the second central axis are offset,the upper pod and the lower pod are configured to compress when an athlete compresses the sole assembly during and after heel strike, andthe upper pod and the lower pod are configured to decompress in a manner that directs energy in the direction of an athlete’s toe-off when the sole assembly decompresses, andan outsole coupled to the midsole.

18. The footwear assembly of claim 17, wherein the upper pod and the lower pod are configured to substantially fill the at least one recessed portion when pressure is applied to the sole assembly.

19. The footwear assembly of claim 17, wherein the at least one recessed portion extends into the heel portion.

20. The footwear assembly of claim 17, wherein the upper pod and the lower pod are mated.

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