Articles of footwear having alignment regions

Abstract

Articles of footwear having alignment regions include an upper having a support region coupled to a footbed, the footbed including a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed. In the alignment region, at least a portion of the support region of the upper is aligned with and positioned above the ledge region of the footbed. The support region of the upper is configured to conform to and directly contact a region of a wearer's foot when the wearer's foot is positioned in the foot receiving area. The upper is configured such that the support region transitions between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition, in which the support region is in tension due to contact with a wearer's foot.

Description

[0001] ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR HAVING ALIGNMENT REGIONS

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCES

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 715,074 entitled “ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR HAVING ALIGNMENT REGIONS”, filed on November 1 , 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. However, such material is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict exists between the incorporated material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict in terminology, the present disclosure is controlling.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for uppers for articles of footwear. More specifically, the disclosed embodiments relate to articles of footwear having alignment regions.

[0006] INTRODUCTION

[0007] An article of footwear typically comprises a footbed configured to support a wearer’s foot and an upper configured to retain the foot against the footbed. The upper is typically designed to at least partially stabilize the foot relative to the footbed in a secure and comfortable fit. By stabilizing the foot, the upper tends to prevent the foot from moving relative to the footbed in a manner that could lead to injury, discomfort, and / or reduced athletic performance.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods relating to articles of footwear having alignment regions.

[0010] In some examples, an article of footwear according to aspects of the present disclosure comprises: a footbed including a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; an upper coupled to the footbed and defining an interior region between the footbed and the upper wherein the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area; and a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed; wherein at least a portion of the support region of the upper is aligned with and positioned above at least a portion of the ledge region of the footbed, defining an alignment region; and wherein, at least in the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline outside of the foot receiving area.

[0011] In some examples, a method of manufacturing an article of footwear according to aspects of the present disclosure comprises: coupling a footbed to an upper, creating an interior region between the footbed and the upper; wherein the footbed includes a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; wherein the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area; and wherein the coupling creates a biteline defining an interface between the support region and the ledge region of the footbed; and wherein the coupling creates an alignment region by aligning at least a portion of the support region with at least a portion of the ledge region, and positioning the at least a portion of the support region above the at least a portion of the ledge region; wherein, in at least a portion of the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline outside of the foot receiving area.

[0012] In some examples, an article of footwear according to aspects of the present disclosure comprises: a footbed defining a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; an upper coupled to the footbed, such that the upper and the footbed collectively define a foot receiving region between the footbed and the upper, the upper including a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in response to the insertion of a foot into the foot receiving region; and a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed; wherein the biteline is spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge; and wherein at least a portion of the support region of the upper extends over the ledge region in response to the insertion of a foot into the foot receiving region. Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a side elevation view of a first illustrative article of footwear in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a top plan view of the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a schematic top plan view of an unattached upper suitable for use in the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0018] Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a first illustrative shape for a support region suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0019] Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a second illustrative shape for a support region suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0020] Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a third illustrative shape for a support region suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0021] Fig. 8 is a schematic view depicting alternative locations for support regions suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0022] Fig. 9 is a schematic sectional view depicting an alternative example of the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 , including a protruding ledge.

[0023] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a first illustrative ledge shape suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0024] Fig. 11 is a schematic view of a second illustrative ledge relative to a support region suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0025] Fig. 12 is a schematic view of a third illustrative ledge relative to a support region suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 . Fig. 13 is a schematic view of a fourth illustrative ledge relative to a support region suitable for use with the first illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 1 .

[0026] Fig. 14 is a schematic view of a second illustrative article of footwear including a support region in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 15 is a schematic view of a third illustrative article of footwear including a support region in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a fourth illustrative article of footwear including a support region in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 17 is an isometric view of a fifth illustrative article of footwear in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the fifth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 17.

[0031] Fig. 19 is a medial side elevation view of the fifth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 17.

[0032] Fig. 20 is a detail view depicting a ledge and support region of the fifth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 17.

[0033] Fig. 21 is an isometric view of a first footbed member of the fifth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 17.

[0034] Fig. 22 is an isometric view of a sixth illustrative article of footwear in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, including a heel strap.

[0035] Fig. 23 is a top plan view of the sixth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 22.

[0036] Fig. 24 is a lateral side elevation view of the sixth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 22.

[0037] Fig. 25 is a detail view depicting an interface between the heel strap and upper of the sixth illustrative article of footwear of Fig. 22.

[0038] Fig. 26 is a flow chart depicting steps of an illustrative method for manufacturing articles of footwear according to the present teachings.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Various aspects and examples of an upper having an alignment region, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, an upper having an alignment region in accordance with the present teachings, and / or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and / or variations described, illustrated, and / or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

[0041] This Detailed Description includes the following sections, which follow immediately below: (1 ) Definitions; (2) Overview; (3) Examples, Components, and Alternatives; (4) Advantages, Features, and Benefits; and (5) Conclusion. The Examples, Components, and Alternatives section is further divided into subsections, each of which is labeled accordingly.

[0042] Definitions

[0043] The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0044] “Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0045] Terms such as “first”, “second”, and “third” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to show serial or numerical limitation.

[0046] “AKA” means “also known as,” and may be used to indicate an alternative or corresponding term for a given element or elements.

[0047] “Elongate” or “elongated” refers to an object or aperture that has a length greater than its own width, although the width need not be uniform. For example, an elongate slot may be elliptical or stadium-shaped, and an elongate candlestick may have a height greater than its tapering diameter. As a negative example, a circular aperture would not be considered an elongate aperture. The terms “medial,” “lateral,” “anterior,” “posterior,” and the like are intended to refer to anatomical directions corresponding to a human foot. For example, “medial” refers to a relative position disposed toward the center of the human body, while “lateral” refers to a relative position disposed away from the center of the human body. “Anterior” refers to a relative position closer to the toe of a wearer and “posterior” refers to a relative position closer to the heel of the wearer. In the absence of a wearer, the same directional terms may be used as if the article of footwear is being worn in its expected configuration.

[0048] “Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

[0049] “Resilient” describes a material or structure configured to respond to normal operating loads (e.g., when compressed) by deforming elastically and returning to an original shape or position when unloaded.

[0050] “Rigid” describes a material or structure configured to be stiff, non-deformable, or substantially lacking in flexibility under normal operating conditions.

[0051] “Elastic” describes a material or structure configured to spontaneously resume its former shape after being stretched or expanded.

[0052] Directional terms such as “up,” “down,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and the like should be understood in the context of the particular object in question. For example, an object may be oriented around defined X, Y, and Z axes. In those examples, the X-Y plane will define horizontal, with up being defined as the positive Z direction and down being defined as the negative Z direction.

[0053] “Providing,” in the context of a method, may include receiving, obtaining, purchasing, manufacturing, generating, processing, preprocessing, and / or the like, such that the object or material provided is in a state and configuration for other steps to be carried out.

[0054] In this disclosure, one or more publications, patents, and / or patent applications may be incorporated by reference. However, such material is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict exists between the incorporated material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict in terminology, the present disclosure is controlling. Overview

[0055] In general, an article of footwear having an alignment region comprises an upper having a support region coupled to a footbed including a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed. In the alignment region, at least a portion of the support region of the upper is aligned with and positioned above the ledge region of the footbed. The biteline of the article of footwear defines an interface between the upper and the midsole, including between the support region of the upper and the ledge region of the footbed. In other words, a bottom edge of the support region contacts the ledge. The upper and the footbed together define a foot receiving area, and at least within the alignment region, the ledge region of the footbed extends past the biteline, outside of the foot receiving area. The support region of the upper is configured to conform to and directly contact a region of a wearer’s foot when the wearer’s foot is positioned in the foot receiving area. The upper is configured such that the support region transitions between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition, in which the support region is in tension due to contact with a wearer’s foot. When the upper receives the foot of a wearer, the support region is placed into tension by the foot of the wearer.

[0056] Conventional uppers are typically designed and lasted to contain the foot without compressing the foot during wear. In contrast, articles of footwear having alignment regions as described herein include an upper having one or more dimensions that are smaller (e.g., narrower, shorter, etc.) than a typical, non-com pressive upper, such that a support region is configured to compress the wearer’s foot when the article of footwear is worn. For example, the upper may be narrower than a typical upper in the arch region, such that a support region of the upper is configured to compress the arch of a wearer when the article of footwear is worn. Similarly, in some examples, the upper may be narrower than a typical upper in the medial toe box area, such that the support region of the upper is configured to accommodate the bunion of a wearer when the article of footwear is worn. Similarly, the upper may be shorter than a typical upper in the heel region, forefoot region, etc. of the article of footwear, such that when worn, the heel, forefoot, etc. are configured to be secured to the foot but are free to move relative to the footbed. In some examples, the support region alone may provide an improvement over compressive uppers (such as compressive knitted uppers) which compress large portions of the foot beyond the support region and may be perceived as being uncomfortable by the wearer. The level of compression provided by the support region can be configured to be greater than in regions of the upper outside of the support region or support regions, depending upon the construction of the upper. For example, a fabric with a greater degree of stretch or a greater amount of elastic yarn(s) or a zone in a unitary knit upper using a knit structure providing greater stretch or greater compression or a larger amount of elastic yarn(s) or a greater fabric weight (or any combination thereof) can be used in the support region as compared to non-support regions within the upper. The support region alone may be configured to provide an improvement over compressive uppers (including compressive knitted uppers, including compressive knitted uppers which compress large portions of the foot beyond the support region) as their compressive effect can change over time, either by the knit structure or woven structure shrinking and becoming too compressive or too small, or by the knit structure or woven structure expanding and becoming so loose as to no longer have the necessary compressive or supportive effect.

[0057] The upper is coupled to the footbed at a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed. At least a portion of the support region of the upper is aligned with and positioned above at least a portion of the ledge region of the footbed defining an alignment region. In articles of footwear according to the present teachings, the biteline, and therefore a peripheral edge of the upper, is spaced apart from at least a portion of the top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge in the alignment region. As stated above, the support region is positioned above the ledge, which extends out beyond the biteline. When worn, the support region may stretch over the biteline to extend out over the ledge, such that a variety of foot anatomies may be accommodated by the support region. Depending upon the foot’s geometry or anatomy, this extension over the biteline may occur in the same plane as the ledge, or may occur in a plane above the plane of the ledge. During wear, when a portion of the wearer’s foot extends past the biteline (either in the plane of the ledge or in a plane above the plane of the ledge, the presence of the ledge can serve to protect the extending part of the foot, for example by protecting the extending part of the foot from coming into direct contact with objects on or above the ground.

[0058] In other words, the combination of the support region and ledge in the alignment region collectively are configured to support or protect or both protect and support the foot of a wearer when worn, providing a unique fit sensation. As portions of the foot extend over the biteline, portions of the foot adjacent the support region are “hugged” by the support region, providing a “locked down” feel to portions of the foot contacting the support region, including portions of the foot extending over the biteline. The support region alone or in combination with the ledge are configured to secure the foot to the sole structure regardless of the wearer’s specific foot anatomy. While including the support region as a separate region of an upper can involve using different fabrics or constructions proving greater stretch or compression, based on the foot anatomy of a particular wearer or the conditions under which the article of footwear is worn, the support region alone may not provide adequate support or protection. In such cases, the presence of the ledge within the alignment region provides additional support or protection. Thus, in the alignment region, the combination of the support region and the ledge are configured to provide improved support or compression as compared to the support region alone. Accordingly, articles of footwear having alignment regions comprising support regions and ledges are suitable for use with a variety of anatomies and changes within the foot shape of a single wearer. For example, articles of footwear according to the present disclosure may be suitable for wearers with bunions, corns, arthritis, etc., as well as for users having feet free from ailments. Similarly, due to the presence of at least one alignment region (or optionally two or more alignment regions), the articles of footwear according to the present disclosure may accommodate the feet of a single wearer in a variety of situations and conditions, such as when the wearer’s feet are swollen, when the wearer’s toes or metatarsal joints are spread, when the wearer’s arch is flattened due to fatigue, etc. Articles of footwear according to the present disclosure are therefore able to provide a secure fit sensation to a variety of wearers in a variety of conditions, increasing the number of wearers who feel that a single shoe is well-fitted to their feet.

[0059] In articles of footwear according to the present disclosure including at least one alignment region, the upper comprises a support region comprising any suitable elastic material configured to stretch, thereby conforming to and directly contacting a region of a wearer’s foot, providing a “hugging” sensation. The support region has properties contrasting with other portions of the upper, providing a contrasting sensation between regions of the foot contacting the support region and other regions of the foot. For example, the support region may be located in the arch region of an article of footwear and configured to support a wearer’s arch during wear. In contrast, the upper may be relatively loose in the forefoot area, facilitating expansion in the forefoot region and the spreading of a wearer’s toes. In this example, the support region may provide an upward feel as the wearer’s arch flattens due to fatigue, and may assist in securing the footwear to the wearer’s foot while applying compression only to the wearer’s arch.

[0060] The support region may be disposed in any suitable location within the article of footwear. For example, the support region may be disposed in the arch region of the upper, thereby providing support to the medial arch of a wearer while also allowing the arch to collapse to some extent due to fatigue, while also still providing a lesser level of support and protection of the arch due to the presence of the ledge. In other words, the support region of the article of footwear is configured to lift the arch of the wearer, and during wear, the arch of the wearer continues to be lifted to some extent by the support region when arch support occurs, but the support provided is less than the support provided by a conventional rigid arch support, which can be uncomfortable to a wearer with collapsed or low arches. In these cases, the ledge is configured to provide a lower, more comfortable level of arch support while also protecting the arch of the foot of a wearer from coming in direct contact with objects on the ground such as rocks. In some examples, the support region is disposed in additional or alternative regions of the article of footwear, such as the heel area, the ankle area, the medial and / or lateral toe box area, near the metatarsal head region of the article of footwear on the medial and / or lateral side, etc, and the support region is configured to support the corresponding area of the foot of a wearer, such as the heel of the wearer, the ankle of a wearer, the medial and / or lateral forefoot of the wearer, the metatarsal head area of the wearer on the medial and / or lateral side of the foot of the wearer, etc.

[0061] The support region may comprise any suitable elastic material configured to support the foot of a wearer, such as a knit fabric, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, film, sheet, band, foam, etc. The support region may comprise any suitable elastic material having any suitable composition, such as natural elastomers such as natural rubber, and synthetic elastomers such as synthetic rubbers, polyurethane elastomers, elastomeric polyesters, polyamide elastomers, and polyolefin elastomers. As understood in the art, an elastomer is a material that is able to stretch under force and to return to its original shape once the force has been removed. Specific examples of synthetic elastomers commonly used in footwear uppers include SPANDEX (AKA elastane, a polyetherpolyurea copolymer), thermoset polyurethane elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate elastomers, etc. Elastic material forming the support region should be flexible enough to provide support and containment to the foot of a wearer while also conforming to the geometry of the wearer’s foot and facilitating the extension of the foot and support region over the biteline.

[0062] In some examples, the support region comprises a discrete sheet of material, which is coupled to adjacent portions of the upper utilizing any suitable method such as thermal bonding, sewing, taping, adhering, etc. In some examples, the support region comprises a fabric, such as a woven, crochet, knit or non-woven fabric. In some examples, the support region is coupled to adjacent portions of the upper by a tape, such as by a tape comprising an adhesive material, such as a thermoplastic adhesive, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some examples, the support region is coupled to adjacent portions of the upper utilizing an adhering process, which can include thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, sewing, or any suitable combination thereof. Optionally, the seam may be reinforced with a tape or skin. In some examples, the upper and support region are collectively formed by an engineered knit fabric or a unitary flat knit fabric, such that the upper and support region are formed by a single piece of knit fabric. Accordingly, in some examples, the support region and adjacent regions are differentiated by knit stitches, stitch gauge, stitch tension, yarn(s) used, etc. The support region may comprise any suitable number of layers of material, such as at least one, at least two, at least three, etc. Optionally, an additional layer defining an outermost layer of the upper may overlay and at least partially obscure the support region. In such an example, the presence of the additional layer does not interfere with the ability of the support layer to stretch or contract during wear. Support region(s) according to the present disclosure may have any suitable curvilinear shapes, such as half-moons, waves, irregular shapes, semi-ovals, etc. Similarly, an interface between the support region(s) and the body 114 of upper 110 can have a single curve or multiple curves. For example, along an interface between the support region and a directly adjacent region of the upper, the perimeter of the support region can have a curvilinear shape. Endpoints of the support regions within the upper may correspond to regions of the upper corresponding to anatomical markers. For example, when a support region is disposed along a medial arch of the article of footwear, start and endpoints of the support region may correspond to the arch area of a foot of a wearer. In some examples, endpoints of the support region are disposed posterior to regions of the article of footwear corresponding to the metatarsal head of the foot, facilitating forefoot expansion. Similarly, an interface between the support region and the ledge, along the biteline, may have any suitable shape free from comers or discontinuities, such as a substantially linear shape, a substantially curvilinear shape, etc. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge is substantially concave-inward, mimicking the shape of the arch of a wearer. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge defines a wave shape. In some examples, the biteline is disposed closer to the peripheral edge of the footbed at portions of the article of footwear corresponding to the forefoot of a wearer, and wherein the biteline is disposed closer to a midline of the article of footwear at portions of the article of footwear corresponding to the arch of a wearer. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge defines a straight line extending substantially parallel to a midline of the article of footwear, substantially transverse to a midline of the article of footwear, etc..

[0063] The footbed comprises an interior footbed region defined on exterior edges by the peripheral edge of the upper, within the foot receiving area. The interior footbed region comprises exposed regions of the footbed contained within a foot comportment defined by the upper. Accordingly, the ledge and the interior region of the footbed define a surface area (AKA footprint) which is configured to support an entire sole of the foot of a wearer. The footbed may be defined by any suitable component of an article of footwear, such as a midsole, insole, outsole, etc. Accordingly, in some examples, the footbed comprises a midsole of an article of footwear. In some examples, the footbed comprises a dual-layer midsole including a first footbed member and a second footbed member. In some examples, the first footbed member comprises a combined midsole and sockliner of an article of footwear. In some examples, the second footbed member comprises a combined midsole and outsole of an article of footwear. In some examples, the footbed or one or more footbed members is defined by one or more components of an article of footwear, such as a first and second midsole, an insole and a midsole, a midsole and an outsole, an insole and an outsole, etc.

[0064] The upper may be coupled to the footbed in any suitable manner, such as by bonding, stitching, molding, etc. In some examples, the upper is Strobel lasted, string lasted, or slip lasted. The upper may be sandwiched between two footbed components, such as a first footbed member and a second footbed member. The upper may be coupled to the footbed by any suitable material, such as adhesive, thread, tape, etc. In some examples, the upper extends into, through, or out of the footbed, such as between two footbed components. In some examples, the footbed defines a channel configured to receive peripheral edges of the upper. In some examples, the upper is coupled directly to a top surface of the footbed. In any of the above examples, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the upper is spaced apart from a top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge.

[0065] In order for the peripheral edge of the upper to be spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed, such as along a portion of the biteline in an alignment region, lasts utilized to manufacture articles of footwear according to the present teachings may be shaved (i.e., decreased in dimensions) to narrow the lasts in the alignment region. For example, in articles of footwear having a support region disposed in the arch region of the article of footwear, the last may be shaved in the medial arch region, such that a width of the last is smaller in the medial arch region than in a conventional last. Similarly, in articles of footwear having a support region disposed in the heel region of the article of footwear, the last may be modified in the heel region such that a width and, additionally or alternatively, a length of the last is smaller in the heel region than in a conventional last. In Strobel-lasted articles of footwear, the modification of the last may result in the Strobel being smaller than a conventional Strobel in at least one dimension corresponding to the alignment region. For example, in articles of footwear having a support region disposed in the arch region of the article of footwear, the Strobel may be narrower in the medial arch region as compared to conventional Strobels. In some examples, the article of footwear includes cushioning layers disposed interior to and exterior to the Strobel, such as an internal midsole disposed interior to the Strobel (i.e., within a Strobel sock defined by the Strobel and the upper) and an external midsole disposed exterior to the Strobel. Examples of articles of footwear having dual-layered midsoles are described in US Patent App. No. 17 / 178,119, herein incorporated by reference.

[0066] As described above, to compensate for the decreased dimensions of the upper in the alignment region(s), the footbed comprises a ledge configured to support the foot of a wearer. The ledge extends from (a) the biteline between the upper and the footbed to (b) a top peripheral edge of the footbed in portions of the footbed corresponding to the alignment region(s). In some examples, the ledge extends from the biteline to the top peripheral edge of the footbed from a first end of the support region to a second end of the support region. In some examples, the ledge protrudes upward from the footbed, defining a shelf on which the foot may rest. Accordingly, when a user takes a step, the user’s foot is first hugged by the support region, and subsequently supported by the ledge.

[0067] In some examples, the footbed defines a substantially curved or contoured top surface to provide support to portions of the foot received within the alignment region. For example, edges of the footbed may be elevated compared to central portions of the footbed. Similarly, in some examples, the footbed may include protrusions, depressions, or any suitable combinations thereof, configured to correspond to anatomical regions of the foot of a wearer. Accordingly, in some examples, the edges of the first footbed member are angled to provide a gradual transition between the first footbed member and the ledge. In some examples, the first footbed member is configured to overlap with the ledge, concealing a transition region between portions of the footbed defined by the first footbed member and portions of the footbed defined by the ledge. In other words, the edges of the first footbed member are curved to mate with the ledge, rather than extending vertically along the edge of the biteline (i.e., perpendicular to a plane defined by the footbed). In some examples, such as when the support region is disposed in a medial arch region of the article of footwear, the footbed is curved or contoured to provide support when the arch falls due to fatigue. In some examples, the arch support provided by the footbed is more prominent than in conventional articles of footwear, such as by sitting higher in the foot cavity than is typical, being wider in the foot cavity than is typical, etc. This greater height or width of the arch support means that the underfoot interface between the first footbed member and the ledge may be configured to be more prominent and noticeable to a wearer than is typical. Accordingly, in some examples, the edges of the first footbed member are angled to provide a gradual transition between the first footbed member and the ledge in the medial arch region. In some examples, the first footbed member is configured to overlap with the ledge in the medial arch region, concealing a transition region between portions of the footbed defined by the first footbed member and portions of the footbed defined by the ledge. In other words, the edges of the first footbed member are curved to mate with the ledge in the medial arch region, rather than extending vertically along the edge of the biteline (i.e., perpendicular to a plane defined by the footbed).

[0068] The ledge may have any suitable width configured to support the foot of a wearer. In some examples, the ledge has a width from 0.25 cm to 2.5 cm. In some examples, the ledge has a width greater than 1 cm. The ledge may have any suitable shape based on a location of the ledge within the article of footwear, such as crescent-shaped, arcuate, semi-circular, etc. In other words, the biteline and top peripheral edge of the ledge may both be substantially arcuate or curvilinear. In some examples, arcs defined by the biteline and top peripheral edge have substantially similar radii of curvature, such that the ledge has a substantially consistent width along its length. In some example, arcs defined by the biteline and top peripheral edge have different radii of curvature, such that the ledge is narrower at edges of the ledge than at a midpoint of the ledge.

[0069] A length of the ledge may be defined based on a length of the support region. Accordingly, in articles of footwear where the support region is disposed along a medial arch of the article of footwear, the ledge may extend along a medial arch of the article of footwear, and configured to terminate before the metatarsal head of a wearer. In articles of footwear where the support region is disposed within the forefoot region of the article of footwear, the ledge may be configured to extend from the lateral metatarsal head to the medial metatarsal head. In articles of footwear where the support region is configured to correspond to the metatarsal head of a wearer’s foot, providing accommodation for bunions, the ledge may be configured to extend from the tarsometatarsal joint to the second metatarsophalangeal joint. In articles of footwear where the support region is configured to correspond to the calcaneus bone of a wearer’s heel, the ledge may extend around the heel of the article of footwear, from lateral regions of the article of footwear corresponding to the subtalar joint to medial regions of the article of footwear corresponding to the subtalar joint.

[0070] Articles of footwear according to the present disclosure may comprise any suitable shoes, such as mules, sandals, sneakers, flats, boots, loafers, etc. In some examples, articles of footwear according to the present disclosure comprise mules, such as mules including a heel strap configured to further support the arch of a wearer. In some examples, the heel strap is coupled to the upper at an interface between the support region and adjacent portions of the upper. In some examples, the mules include a removable first footbed member, such as an insole or sock liner, such that the heel strap may be folded down and placed below the removable first footbed member, between the top of the footbed and the bottom of the first footbed member. When the heel strap is in a deployed configuration, the heel strap may be configured to exert force on the back of the heel as well as the arch of a wearer in the upper and posterior direction, further providing a hugging feel. The heel strap may comprise any suitable band of material, such as knitted, woven, or non-woven fabrics, cords, bands, straps, etc. The heel strap may comprise an elasticated material, such as elastane. In some examples, the article of footwear comprises an enclosed heel, such as in a sneaker, loafer or boot. In some examples, the enclosed heel includes an ankle collar having a strap extending from the collar to the support region, which is configured to support the arch of a wearer while being covered by the upper.

[0071] In some examples, a method of manufacturing articles of footwear in accordance with the present disclosure includes: coupling a footbed to an upper, thereby creating an interior region between the footbed and the upper, wherein the footbed includes a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed, thereby creating an alignment region by aligning at least a portion of a support region of the upper with at least a portion of the ledge region, and positioning the at least a portion of the support region above the at least a portion of the ledge region. As described above, the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is configured to be placed in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area. The coupling creates a biteline defining an interface between the support region and the ledge region of the footbed. In at least a portion of the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline beyond the foot receiving area.

[0072] Examples, Components, and Alternatives

[0073] The following sections describe selected aspects of illustrative articles of footwear having alignment regions, as well as related systems and / or methods. The examples in these sections are intended for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Each section may include one or more distinct embodiments or examples, and / or contextual or related information, function, and / or structure.

[0074] A. Illustrative Article of Footwear

[0075] As shown in Figs. 1 - 10, this section describes an illustrative article of footwear 100. Article of footwear 100 is an example of articles of footwear having alignment regions, described above.

[0076] Turning to Figs. 1 and 2, article of footwear 100 is depicted schematically. Article of footwear 100 includes an upper 110 and a footbed 120 collectively defining a foot compartment 102 configured to receive the foot of a wearer. Upper 100 includes a support region 130 configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition when under tension, such as when the support region is placed in contact with a wearer’s foot, allowing the support region to conform to and directly contact a region of a wearer’s foot when worn. Footbed 120 may comprise any suitable sole structure configured to support the foot of a wearer, such as a midsole, insole, combined midsole / insole, combined midsole / outsole, etc. In some examples, footbed 120 comprises a dual-layer midsole including a first footbed member disposed inside the foot compartment and a second footbed member exterior to the foot compartment and defining a ground contacting surface. Footbed 120 includes a ledge region 140 extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge 124 of the footbed in a location corresponding to support region 130. In other words, at least a portion of support region 130 is directly vertically adjacent to ledge region 140, such that the support region and the ledge region collectively define an alignment region 150. Upper 100 is configured such that support region 130 transitions between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is placed in tension by contact with a wearer’s foot.

[0077] Upper 1 10 is smaller (e.g., narrower, shorter, etc.) than a typical upper without a support region in at least one dimension to facilitate support of the foot of the wearer by support region 130 when the article of footwear is worn. In other words, although a dimension of the upper may be smaller than is typical, this is accommodated by including the support region such that the wearer’s foot is hugged rather than pinched or excluded altogether. In the example depicted in Fig. 1 , support region 130 is disposed in the arch region of the article of footwear. Accordingly, upper 110 is narrower than a typical, non- compressive upper in at least a portion of the arch region of the upper. While the support region of Fig. 1 is disposed in the arch region of the article of footwear, support regions according to the present disclosure may be disposed in any suitable region of the article of footwear, such as the heel region, the ankle region, the medial and lateral toe box region, near the metatarsal head region of the article of footwear on the medial or lateral side, and / or the like.

[0078] Upper 1 10 is coupled to footbed 120 at a biteline 122 defining an interface between the upper and the footbed. Biteline 122 refers to the region at which upper 110 intersects footbed 120. As upper 110 is smaller than a typical upper in at least one dimension at alignment region 150, a peripheral edge 112 of upper 110, and therefore biteline 122 is spaced apart from a top peripheral edge 124 of footbed 120 by ledge region 140 in alignment region 150. Ledge region 140 defines a shelf extending between biteline 122 and top peripheral edge 124 of footbed 120. In the examples depicted in Fig. 3, support region 130 is positioned above ledge region 140 in alignment region 150. In the example of Fig. 3, alignment region 150 corresponds to the region of the article of footwear occupied by a medial arch of a wearer when the foot of the wearer is present in cavity 102. However, alignment region 150 may be disposed in any suitable location of the article of footwear corresponding to any suitable anatomical feature of the foot of a wearer, such as a location of the article of footwear corresponding to the heel, the ankle, the medial and / or lateral forefoot, near the metatarsal head on the medial and / or lateral side of the foot, etc. Alignment region 150 may be configured to accommodate a variety of anatomical differences and conditions, such as bunions, coms, arthritis, etc. Similarly, articles of footwear according to the present disclosure may accommodate the feet of a single wearer in a variety of situations and conditions, such as when the wearer’s feet are swollen, when the wearer’s toes or metatarsal joints are spread, when the wearer’s arch is flattened due to fatigue, or the like. When worn, support region 130 may stretch over biteline 122, extending over ledge region 140. A variety of anatomies may be supported by articles of footwear having support region 130 and ledge 140. In wearers having comparatively high arches, an arch of a wearer may be suspended above ledge 140 by support region 130. In wearers having comparatively low arches, or who are extremely fatigued, the arch of the wearer may be supported by ledge 140. In other words, support region 130 may extend over biteline 122 in a same plane as ledge 140 or in a plane above ledge 140.

[0079] Support region 130 comprises any suitable elastic material, such as a knit fabric, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, film, sheet, band, foam, etc. The support region may comprise any suitable elastic material having any suitable composition, such as natural elastomers such as natural rubber, and synthetic elastomers such as synthetic rubbers, polyurethane elastomers, elastomeric polyesters, polyamide elastomers, and polyolefin elastomers. Specific examples of synthetic elastomers commonly used in footwear uppers include SPANDEX (AKA elastane, a polyether-polyurea copolymer), thermoset polyurethane elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers, ethylene-vinyl acetate elastomers, etc. Elastic material forming the support region should be flexible enough to provide support and containment to the foot of a wearer while also comfortably conforming to the geometry of the wearer’s foot and facilitating the extension of the foot and support region above or over the biteline when required based on the geometry of an individual wear’s foot. In some examples, support region 130 has properties contrasting with adjacent portions of the upper, providing a contrasting sensation between regions of the foot disposed in alignment region 150 and other regions of the foot. Upper 110 includes a body 114 coupled to support region 130. Body 114 defines a remaining portion of upper 130 outside of the support region 130. In one example, the level of compression and / or stretch of support in region 130 is greater than in the body 114 of upper 110. In some examples, body 114 comprises a different material from support region 130, such as a less elastic material, a more rigid material, a thicker material, etc. In some examples, body 114 comprises a same material as support region 130 and differs from support region 130 in an amount of compression applied to the foot of a wearer due to a shape of the upper or a position of the material in support region 130, with the support region 130 being configured to apply more compression than the body 1 14 of the upper. For example, a stretch material in body 114 may be positioned to allow stretch along a heel-to-toe axis and / or along a medial-to-lateral axis, while the stretch material in support region 130 may be positioned to allow stretch along an axis at a 45 degree angle to the heel-to-toe axis and / or the medial-to-lateral axis. Additionally or alternatively , the upper may be narrower, shorter, etc. in support region 130 than a conventional upper by any suitable percentage, such as 10%, 20%, etc. In some examples, the upper may have unstretched dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the foot of a wearer in regions of the article of footwear corresponding to alignment region 150.

[0080] Upper 110 may have any suitable number of support regions 130 corresponding to any suitable regions of the article of footwear, such as the heel region, the ankle region, the medial and / or lateral toe box region, near the metatarsal head region of the article of footwear on the medial and / or lateral side, etc. Accordingly, upper 110 collectively comprises body 114 and any suitable number of support regions 130, such as one, two, three, four, etc. In other words, body 114 comprises regions of upper 110 that do not correspond to support region(s) 130.

[0081] In some examples, each support region 130 comprises a discrete piece of material, which is coupled to body 114 utilizing any suitable method such as thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, sewing, taping, etc. The support region may comprise a fabric, a film, a sheet, a band, a foam, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the support region comprises a fabric, such as a woven, crochet, knit, or non-woven fabric. In some examples, the support region is coupled to body 114 by a tape 116 comprising an adhesive material, such as a thermoplastic adhesive, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some examples, support region 130 is coupled to body 114 utilizing adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, sewing, or any suitable combination thereof and the seam is reinforced with tape or skin 116. In some examples, body 114 and support region 130 are collectively formed by an engineered knit fabric or a unitary flat knit fabric, such that the body 1 14 and support region 130 are formed by a single piece of knit fabric. Accordingly, in some examples, support region 130 and body 114 are differentiated by knit stitches, stitch gauge, stitch tension, yarn(s) used, number of layers, etc. Support region 130 may comprise any suitable number of layers of material, such as at least one, at least two, at least three, etc. In some examples, upper 110 comprises a multilayered material. Accordingly, in some examples body 114 comprises a plurality of layers of fabric, tape or skin, and foam, and support region 130 comprises a plurality of layers of fabric and tape or skin. In some examples, body 114 comprises an arrangement of layers having the following order: tape or skin on the externally-facing layer, fabric, foam, and fabric on the internally-facing layer of the upper, while support region 130 comprises an arrangement of layers having the following order: tape or skin on the externally-facing layer of the upper, fabric, and tape or skin on the internally-facing layer of the upper.

[0082] Support region(s) 130 may have any suitable curvilinear profiles, such as halfmoons, waves, irregular shapes, semi-ovals, etc. Similarly, an interface between the support region(s) and the body 114 of upper 110 can have a single curve or multiple curves. In some examples, support regions 130 are defined by a shape of their top edge relative to the biteline. As depicted in Fig. 4, which depicts an unattached upper 180 including a support region 182, support region(s) may have any suitable shapes below the biteline 184. In some examples, support region(s) 182 may terminate at biteline 184, with portions of the upper extending between biteline 184 and peripheral edge 186 comprising a same material as a body of the upper 188. In some examples, support regions 182 extend to peripheral edge 186. Examples of suitable shapes for support regions 130 are depicted in Figs. 5 - 7. Fig. 5 depicts a substantially wave-shaped support region 132. Fig. 6 depicts a substantially semicircular support region 134. Fig. 7 depicts a substantially irregular support region 136. Endpoints of support region 130 may correspond to regions of upper 110 corresponding to anatomical markers of the foot of a wearer. For example, when support region 130 is disposed along a medial arch of the article of footwear, start and endpoints of the support region may be configured to correspond to start and endpoints of the arch of a wearer. In some examples, endpoints of the support region are disposed posterior to regions of the article of footwear and are configured to correspond to the metatarsal head of the foot, facilitating forefoot expansion. In some examples, support region 130 is in the forefoot region of the article of footwear, and endpoints of the support region are disposed anterior to regions of the article of footwear and are configured to correspond to the metatarsal head of the foot, facilitating movement of the toes free from the footbed. In some examples, the position of support region 130 in upper 110 is configured to correspond to the metatarsal head of a wearer’s foot, providing accommodation for bunions, and the support region is configured to extend from the tarsometatarsal joint to the second metatarsophalangeal joint. In some examples, support region 130 is configured to correspond to the heel of a wearer, and endpoints of the support region are configured to correspond to the subtalar joint of the foot.

[0083] Support region 130 may be disposed in any suitable location within the upper 110 of the article of footwear . For example, the support region may be disposed in the arch region of the upper, thereby being configured to provide support to the medial arch of a wearer while also allowing the arch to collapse due to fatigue, as in the example of Figs. 1 - 7. In other words, during wear of the article of footwear, the arch of the wearer is lifted by the support region. In some examples, the support region is disposed in additional or alternative regions of the article of footwear, such as the heel region, the ankle region, the medial and / or lateral toe box region, near the metatarsal head region of the article of footwear on the medial and / or lateral side, etc., such as in the example depicted in Fig. 8, where support regions 138, 139 are disposed in a medial toe box region and a heel region, respectively. As described above, to compensate for the decreased dimensions of the upper, footbed 120 comprises ledge 140, which is configured to support the foot of a wearer. Ledge 140 and support region 130 collectively provide an alignment region 150 configured to retain the foot of a wearer in a secured position when the article of footwear is worn. Ledge 140 extends from biteline 122 between upper 110 and footbed 120 to a top peripheral edge 124 of footbed 120 at least in portions of alignment region 150. In some examples, as best depicted in the example of Fig. 9, ledge 140 protrudes upward slightly from footbed 120, defining a shelf on which the foot may rest. In some examples, the top surface of ledge 140 is substantially flush with the top surfaces of adjacent portions of footbed 120. In some examples, ledge 140 has a different cross-sectional profile than adjacent portions of footbed 120. In some examples, ledge 140 has a substantially flat top surface, a substantially convex top surface, a substantially concave top surface, etc. Accordingly, when a user takes a step, the wearer’s foot is first hugged by the support region, and may subsequently be supported by the ledge, depending on the anatomy of the wearer’s foot.

[0084] Footbed 120 further defines an interior footbed region 126 defined on exterior edges by peripheral edge 112 of upper 110. Accordingly, ledge 140 and interior footbed region 126 of the footbed collectively define a surface area (AKA footprint) which is configured to support an entire sole of the foot of a wearer. Footbed 120 may be defined by any suitable component of an article of footwear, such as a midsole, insole, outsole, etc. In some examples, footbed 120 comprises two footbed members: a first footbed member 128 defining interior footbed 126 and a second footbed member 129 defining a ground-contacting surface. In some examples, the second footbed member 129 includes all or a portion of ledge 140. Accordingly, in some examples, footbed 120 comprises a midsole of an article of footwear. In some examples, footbed 120 comprises a combined midsole and sockliner of an article of footwear. In some examples, footbed 120 comprises a combined midsole and outsole of an article of footwear. In some examples, footbed 120 is defined by one or more components of an article of footwear, such as a first and second midsole, an insole and a midsole, a midsole and an outsole, an insole and an outsole, etc. The upper may be coupled to the footbed in any suitable manner, such as by bonding, stitching, molding, etc. In some examples, the upper is Strobel lasted, string lasted, or slip lasted. The upper may be sandwiched between two footbed components, such as the first footbed member and the second footbed member. The upper may be coupled to the footbed by any suitable material, such as adhesive, thread, tape, etc. In some examples, the upper extends into, through, or out of the footbed, such as between two footbed components. In some examples, the footbed defines or includes a channel configured to receive peripheral edges of the upper. In some examples, the upper is coupled directly to a top surface of the footbed. In any of the above examples, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the upper is spaced apart from a top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge.

[0085] While Figs. 1 - 2 and 4 - 8 depict upper 110 more generally, in the example of Fig. 3, upper 110 is Strobel lasted. Strobel 116 and upper 110 collectively define foot compartment 102. In some examples, footbed 120 comprises first footbed member 128, which is disposed interior to foot compartment 102 and second footbed member 129, which is disposed exterior to foot compartment 102. In some examples, first footbed member 128 defines interior footbed region 126, and second footbed member 129 defines ledge region 140. First footbed member 128 and second footbed member 129 may comprise any suitable materials for use in footwear midsoles, such as foams, composites, solid resins, etc. First footbed member 128 and second footbed member 129 may be manufactured using any suitable process, such as injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, rotational molding, additive manufacturing, resin infusion, etc. First footbed member 128 and second footbed member 129 may comprise any suitable material having any suitable composition, such as natural materials (e.g., natural rubber, wool, plant-based fibers such as cotton, linen, etc.), man-made materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber or regenerated cellulosic materials (e.g., rayon, modal and lyocell), synthetic materials, synthetic polymers, including thermoplastic and / or thermoset polymers, such as polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyether block amide, etc., or any combination thereof. First footbed member 128 and second footbed member 129 may have contrasting or complementary properties. For example, first footbed member 128 may comprise a foam having a lower density, lower durometer, lower compression set, or lower energy return, or any combination thereof, than second footbed member 129. Accordingly, in some examples, the interior footbed region may have a lower durometer than ledge 140, so that the wearer feels supported when the wearer’s foot contacts ledge 140. Furthermore, in some examples, ledge 140 has a higher durometer than interior footbed region 126, preventing pronation of a wearer’s foot due to excessive rolling of the foot inward.

[0086] Lasts utilized to manufacture articles of footwear 100 have been modified (i.e., decreased in dimensions) to narrow the lasts in alignment region 150 such that peripheral edge 112 of upper 110 is spaced apart from top peripheral edge 124 of footbed 120 by ledge region 140. Generally, the modification of the last results in the interior footbed region being smaller than in conventional articles of footwear in at least one dimension corresponding to the alignment region. Accordingly, within a sub-area of the interior footbed corresponding to the alignment region, the exposed interior footbed is smaller than in conventional articles of footwear having a same nominal size. In some examples, a total area of the exposed interior footbed is smaller than in conventional articles of footwear having a same nominal size. However, in some examples, a total area of the exposed interior footbed is equal to or greater than a total area of the exposed interior footbed in conventional articles of footwear having a same nominal size, as the article of footwear may include roomier regions (e.g., an expanded toe box region). In some examples, support region 130 is disposed in a medial arch region 104 of article of footwear 100, and the last is shaved in the medial arch region, such that a width of the last is smaller in the medial arch region than in a conventional last. Similarly, in articles of footwear having a support region disposed in the heel region of the article of footwear, the last may be reduced in size such as by shaving it in the heel region such that a width and, additionally or alternatively, a length of the last is smaller in the heel region than in a conventional last. In Strobel-lasted articles of footwear, reducing of the size of the last results in Strobel 116 being smaller than a conventional Strobel in at least one dimension corresponding to the alignment region. In some examples, support region 130 is disposed in medial arch region 104 of article of footwear 100, and Strobel 116 is narrower in the medial arch region. Similarly, in Strobel-lasted articles of footwear having a support region disposed in the heel region of the article of footwear, a width and, additionally or alternatively, a length of the Strobel is smaller in the heel region than in a conventional Strobel.

[0087] In some examples, interior footbed 126 defines a substantially curved or contoured top surface to provide support to portions of the foot received within alignment region 150. For example, peripheral edges of interior footbed 126 may be elevated compared to central portions of the interior footbed. Similarly, in some examples, the interior footbed may include protrusions, depressions, or any suitable combinations thereof, configured to correspond to selected anatomical regions of the foot of a wearer. Accordingly, in some examples, edges of interior footbed 126 are angled to provide a gradual transition between the interior footbed 126 and ledge 140. In some examples, interior footbed 126 is configured to overlap with ledge 140, concealing a transition region between portions of the footbed defined by the first footbed member and portions of the footbed defined by the ledge. In other words, the edges of the interior footbed are curved to mate with the ledge, rather than extending vertically along the edge of the biteline (i.e. , perpendicular to a plane defined by the footbed).

[0088] In some examples, as best depicted in the example of Fig. 9, such as when support region 130 is disposed in medial arch region 104 of the article of footwear, interior footbed 126 of footbed 120 is curved or contoured to provide support when the arch falls due to fatigue. In some examples, the arch support provided by footbed 120 is more prominent than in conventional articles of footwear, such as by sitting higher in the foot cavity than is typical, being wider in the foot cavity than is typical, etc. This greater height or width of the arch support means that the underfoot interface between interior footbed 126 and ledge 140 may be more prominent and noticeable to a wearer than is typical. Accordingly, in some examples, edges of interior footbed 126 (e.g., first footbed member 128) are angled to provide a gradual transition between interior footbed 126 and ledge 140. In some examples, first footbed member 128 is configured to overlap with ledge 140, concealing a transition region between portions of the footbed defined by interior footbed 126 and portions of the footbed defined by ledge 140. In some examples, article of footwear 100 includes a unitary midsole, and further comprises an insole configured to partially overlap with ledge 140. In other words, edges of interior footbed 126 are curved to mate with the ledge, rather than extending vertically along the edge of biteline 122 (i.e., perpendicular to a plane defined by the footbed).

[0089] Turning now to Fig. 2, an example of ledge 140 is shown and described. Ledge 140 may have any suitable width configured to support the foot of a wearer. In some examples, ledge 140 has a width from 0.25 cm to 2.5 cm. In some examples, ledge 140 has a width greater than 1 cm. In some examples, a width of ledge 140 corresponds to a specified fraction of the shaved dimension. In some examples, a width of ledge 140 is greater than 1 / 10, 1 / 8, 1 / 6, 1 / 5, 14, etc. of a dimension of the article of footwear, measured orthogonal to the biteline at a midpoint of the ledge.

[0090] Ledge 140 may have any suitable shape based on a location of the ledge within the article of footwear and a shape of the interface between the support region and the ledge. As stated above, an interface between support region 130 and ledge 140 may have any suitable shape free from sharp comers or discontinuities, such as a substantially linear shape, a substantially curvilinear shape, etc. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge is substantially concave-inward, mimicking the shape of the arch of a wearer. In these examples, ledge 140 may have a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially circular shape, a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially arcuate shape, etc. based on a profile provided by the top peripheral edge of the footbed. In the example of Fig. 2, ledge 140 is substantially crescent-shaped, having a greater width at a midpoint of ledge 140 than at endpoints of ledge 140. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge is substantially concave-outward, mimicking the shape of the heel of a wearer. In these examples, ledge 140 may have a substantially arcuate shape, a substantially crescent shape, a rounded trapezoidal shape, etc. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge defines a wave shape. In some examples, the biteline is disposed closer to the peripheral edge of the footbed at portions of the article of footwear corresponding to the forefoot of a wearer, and wherein the biteline is disposed closer to a midline of the article of footwear at portions of the article of footwear corresponding to the arch of a wearer. In some examples, an interface between the support region and the ledge defines a straight line extending substantially parallel to a midline of the article of footwear, substantially transverse to a midline of the article of footwear, etc. Accordingly, in some examples, ledge 140 has a substantially semi-circular shape, a substantially rectangular shape, etc.

[0091] A length of ledge 140 may be defined based on a length 133 of support region 130 as measured along the biteline. Ledge 140 may have any suitable length, such as longer than length 133, substantially the same as length 133, shorter than length 133 and / or the like. In some examples, the support region is longer than the ledge region, such that at least a portion of the support region is aligned with an entirety of the ledge region. In some examples, the ledge region is longer than the support region, such that at least a portion of the ledge region is aligned with an entirety of the support region. Accordingly, in articles of footwear where the support region is disposed along a medial arch of the article of footwear, the ledge may extend along a medial arch of the article of footwear, terminating before a region configured to correspond with the metatarsal head of a foot of a wearer. In some examples, the ledge region and the support region are offset from each other, such that a portion of the ledge region extends beyond the support region and vice versa. Figs. 10 - 12 depict examples of footbeds 120 having ledges disposed in medial arch regions of the article of footwear. Fig. 10 depicts an example of a footbed 120 including a semi-circular ledge 142 having a substantially straight top peripheral edge. Fig. 11 depicts an example of a footbed 120 including a ledge 144 having a length less than a length of support region 145. Fig. 12 depicts an example of an article of footwear 100 including a ledge 146 having a length greater than a length of support region 147.

[0092] In contrast, Fig. 13 depicts an example of a footbed 120 having a ledge 148 disposed in a heel region of the article of footwear. As depicted in Fig. 13, ledge 148 extends around the heel region of the upper, such as from lateral regions of the article of footwear configured to correspond to the subtalar joint of a foot of a wearer to medial regions of the article of footwear configured to correspond to the subtalar joint. Support region 149 similarly extends around the heel region. In contrast to the examples of Figs. 10 - 12, the biteline between ledge 148 and support region 149 is linear or gently curved, and is configured to provide a “hugging” feel to the heel of a wearer by providing gentle compression.

[0093] Article of footwear 100 may comprise any suitable type of shoe, such as a mule, a sandal, an athletic shoe, a slip-on shoe such as a loafer, a boot, etc. Figs. 14 - 16 depict a variety of articles of footwear 100 comprising support regions. Fig. 14 depicts an athletic shoe 190 comprising a support region 191. Fig. 15 depicts a slip-on shoe (AKA loafer) 192 comprising a support region 193. Fig. 16 depicts a boot 194 comprising a support region 195.

[0094] In some examples, article of footwear 100 comprises a mule including a heel strap 160 configured to further support the arch of a wearer. In some examples, the heel strap is coupled to the upper at an interface between support region 130 and body 114. Heel strap 160 may comprise any suitable band of material, such as knitted, woven, or nonwoven fabrics, cords, bands, straps, etc., including elasticated materials, such as an elasticated tape. In some examples, an interface between heel strap 160 and upper 110 is reinforced, such as by a tape, skin or stitching. In some examples, article of footwear 100 includes a removable portion of footbed 120, such that the heel strap may be folded down and placed below the removable portion of footbed 120. For example, first footbed member 128 may be removable, and strap 160 may be stowed below a bottom surface of first footbed member 128. When heel strap 160 is in a deployed configuration, the heel strap is configured to exert force on the back of the heel of a wearer as well as on the arch of a wearer in a dorsal and posterior direction, further providing a hugging feel. In some examples, the article of footwear comprises an athletic shoe, a slip-on shoe, or boot having an enclosed heel. In some examples, the enclosed heel may include an ankle collar having a strap extending from the collar to the support zone, which is configured to support the arch of a wearer while being covered by the exterior of the shoe.

[0095] Figs. 17 - 21 depict a second illustrative article of footwear 200. Second illustrative article of footwear 200 is an example of articles of footwear having alignment region(s), described in more detail above. Fig. 21 depicts a first footbed member 228 suitable for use in illustrative article of footwear 200. Footbed member 228 is substantially identical to first footbed member 128.

[0096] Figs. 22 - 25 depict a third illustrative article of footwear 300 including a heel strap. Third illustrative article of footwear 300 is an example of articles of footwear having alignment regions, described in more detail above. Third illustrative article of footwear 300 is substantially identical to second illustrative article of footwear 200, depicted with a heel strap 360. Heel strap 360 is substantially identical to heel strap 160. B. Illustrative Method

[0097] This section describes steps of an illustrative method 400 for manufacturing articles of footwear including alignment regions; see Fig. 26. Aspects of articles of footwear 100, 200, and 300 may be utilized in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, reference may be made to components and systems that may be used in carrying out each step. These references are for illustration, and are not intended to limit the possible ways of carrying out any particular step of the method.

[0098] Fig. 26 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed in an illustrative method, and may not recite the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of method 400 are described below and depicted in Fig. 26, the steps need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

[0099] Step 402 of method 400 includes coupling a footbed to an upper, thereby creating an interior region, such as a foot receiving region, between the footbed and the upper. In some examples, the coupling creates a biteline defining an interface between a stretch region of the upper and a ledge region of the footbed. The foot receiving region is defined by the biteline.

[0100] The footbed may be substantially identical to footbed 120, as described above with respect to Figs. 1 - 13. Accordingly, the footbed includes a ledge region defining a shelf extending from the biteline to a top peripheral edge of the footbed. The ledge region extends along at least a portion of the top peripheral edge of the footbed. The biteline is spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge region.

[0101] The upper may be substantially identical to upper 110, as described above with respect to Figs. 1 - 13. Accordingly, the upper has a support region comprising an elastic material configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot received by the foot receiving area. When worn, the support region may stretch over the biteline, extending over the ledge region. In some examples, method 400 includes one or more steps involved in manufacturing the upper. In some examples, the support region comprises a first piece of material, and the upper comprises a second piece of material. In some examples, method 400 comprises coupling the first piece of material forming the support region to the second piece of material forming the upper utilizing any suitable method such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, sewing, taping, etc.. In some examples, method 400 additionally or alternatively comprises coupling the first piece of material forming the support region to the second piece of material forming the upper utilizing tape. In some examples, the upper is Strobel lasted, and is coupled to a Strobel at peripheral edges, thereby forming a Strobel sock.

[0102] The coupling may be performed utilizing any suitable method, such as by bonding, stitching, molding, etc. In some examples, the coupling is performed by thermally or adhesively bonding the upper to the footbed. The upper may be coupled to the footbed by any suitable material, such as adhesive, thread, tape, etc. In some examples, the upper extends into, through, or out of the footbed, such as between two footbed components. In some examples, the footbed defines a channel configured to receive peripheral edges of the upper. In some examples, the upper is coupled directly to a top surface of the footbed. In any of the above examples, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the upper is spaced apart from a top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge. In some examples, the article of footwear is Strobel lasted, and coupling the footbed to the upper comprises coupling the Strobel to the footbed (i.e., using bonding, stitching, molding, etc.). In some examples, coupling the upper to the footbed includes causing the upper to extend into, through, or out of the footbed, such as between two footbed components. In some examples, the footbed defines a channel configured to receive peripheral edges of the upper. In some examples, coupling the upper to the footbed includes coupling the upper directly to a top surface of the footbed. In any of the above examples, at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the upper is spaced apart from a top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge.

[0103] Coupling the footbed to the upper causes an alignment region to be created by aligning at least a portion of a support region of the upper with at least a portion of a ledge region of the footbed. In some examples, creating the alignment region includes positioning at least a portion of the support region above the at least a portion of the ledge region. In at least a portion of the alignment region, the ledge region extends medially from the biteline, such that the support region may extend over ledge region when a foot is received by the foot receiving region. In other words, at least a portion of the support region is directly vertically adjacent the ledge region, such that the support region and the ledge region collectively define an alignment region. In some examples, the support region is longer than the ledge region, such that at least a portion of the support region is aligned with an entirety of the ledge region. In some examples, the ledge region is longer than the support region, such that at least a portion of the ledge region is aligned with an entirety of the support region. In some examples, the ledge region and the support region are offset from each other, such that a portion of the ledge region extends beyond the support region and vice versa.

[0104] Step 404 of method 400 includes optionally lasting the upper. The step 404 of lasting the upper can be conducted before, during or after the step 402 of coupling the footbed to the upper. In one example, the step 404 of lasting the upper is conducted before the step 402 of coupling the footbed to the upper. Lasting the upper may include placing an upper, such as an upper affixed to a Strobel, onto a last. The upper is caused to take on the shape of the last, such as by providing heat, pressure or both heat and pressure to the upper, such as by steam heating the upper. In order for the peripheral edge of the upper to be spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed, conventional lasts utilized in method 400 have been modified (i.e., decreased in dimensions) to narrow the lasts in the alignment region. For example, in articles of footwear having a support region disposed in the arch region of the article of footwear, the last is modified in the medial arch region, such that a width of the last is smaller in the medial arch region than in a conventional last. Accordingly, lasting the upper may include placing the upper on a last having a modified portion corresponding to the alignment region. In some examples, the article of footwear comprises a footbed having two or more parts: a first component internal to the foot receiving region, such as a first footbed member, and a second component external to the foot receiving region, such as a second footbed member. Accordingly, in some examples, lasting the upper includes placing the upper on a last having a volume approximately equal to the sum of a modified last and the volume of the first footbed member. Lasts suitable for use with method 400 may be manufactured by cutting, sculpting, machining, injection molding, 3D printing, or otherwise manufacturing a last using rigid materials such as wood, metal, heat-resistant plastic, etc. In some examples, a last for a shoe may be formed as a single piece based on the combined volume of the modified last and a first footbed member to be received within the lasted upper of the shoe. In some examples, a last may be manufactured by bonding (e.g., gluing, adhering, welding, etc.) a rigid last extension having the general shape and volume of an internal midsole to a modified last configured to compensate for the support region.

[0105] In some examples, step 406 of method 400 includes optionally inserting an internal footbed component, such as a first footbed member into the foot containing region. The step 406 of inserting an internal footbed component can be conducted before, during or after the step 402 of coupling the footbed to the upper. In one example, the step 406 of inserting an internal footbed component is conducted after the step 402 of coupling the footbed to the upper. In some examples, the first footbed member defines an interior footbed, and the second footbed member defines the ledge region. The first footbed member and the second footbed member may comprise any suitable material manufactured utilizing any suitable process, such as injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, rotational molding, additive manufacturing, resin infusion, etc. The first footbed member and the second footbed member may comprise any suitable material having any suitable composition, such as natural materials (e.g., natural rubber, wool, plant-based fibers such as cotton, linen, etc.), man-made materials such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, or regenerated cellulosic materials (e.g., rayon, modal, lyocell), synthetic materials, synthetic polymers, including thermoplastic or thermoset polymers, such as polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyether block amide, etc., or any combination thereof. In some examples, the first footbed member and the second footbed member may have contrasting or complementary properties. For example, the first footbed member may comprise a foam having a lower density, lower durometer, lower compression set, lower energy return, or any combination thereof, than the midsole or second footbed member.

[0106] In some examples, step 408 of method 400 includes optionally lasting the upper in response to insertion of the internal footbed component. Accordingly, in some examples, step 404 includes lasting the upper utilizing a last having a volume approximately equal to the sum of a modified last and the volume of the first footbed member and step 408 includes lasting the upper utilizing the modified last.

[0107] C. Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples

[0108] This section describes additional aspects and features of articles of footwear having alignment regions, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and / or with disclosure from elsewhere in this application, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing without limitation examples of some of the suitable combinations.

[0109] AO. An article of footwear comprising: a footbed including a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; an upper coupled to the footbed and defining an interior region between the footbed and the upper wherein the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area; and a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed; wherein at least a portion of the support region of the upper is aligned with and positioned above at least a portion of the ledge region of the footbed, defining an alignment region; and wherein, at least in the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline outside of the foot receiving area.

[0110] A1 . The article of footwear of paragraph AO, wherein the biteline is spaced apart from a top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge.

[0111] A2. The article of footwear of paragraph AO or A1 , wherein the support region comprises a first piece of material, and wherein the upper comprises a second piece of material. A2.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A2, wherein the support region is coupled to the upper at least in part by thermoplastic polyurethane tape.

[0112] A2.2. The article of footwear of paragraph AO or A1 , wherein the upper is formed by a single piece of knit fabric.

[0113] A3. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A2.1 , wherein the support region has a curvilinear edge opposite the biteline, the curvilinear edge defining an interface between the support region and the body of the upper.

[0114] A4. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A3, wherein the support region is disposed in a region of the upper configured to accommodate a medial arch of a wearer.

[0115] A5. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A4, wherein the ledge extends upward from the footbed.

[0116] A5.1. The article of footwear of paragraph A5, wherein the footbed has a substantially concave-upward profile.

[0117] A6. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A5.1 , wherein the footbed comprises a first footbed member disposed within the interior region and a second footbed member exterior to the upper, the second footbed member defining the ledge.

[0118] A6.1. The article of footwear of paragraph 6, wherein the upper is lasted, and wherein the first footbed member is disposed on and directly contacting a top surface of a lasting structure.

[0119] A6.2. The article of footwear of paragraph 6, wherein the first footbed member has a top surface defining a gradual transition between the top surface and the ledge.

[0120] A7. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A6, wherein the ledge has a width of at least 1 cm.

[0121] A8. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A7, wherein the ledge has a width greater than 1 / 8 a minimum width of the footbed.

[0122] A9. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A8, wherein the ledge is substantially crescent-shaped. A10. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A9, further comprising a heel strap coupled to the upper, the heel strap comprising a loop of material extending from the upper and configured to retain the heel of a wearer.

[0123] A10.1. The article of footwear of paragraph 10, wherein the heel strap is coupled to the upper at an interface between the upper and the support region.

[0124] A11. The article of footwear of any of paragraphs AO through A10.1 , further comprising an additional support region of the upper disposed in a region of the article of footwear different from the support region of the upper.

[0125] BO. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: coupling a footbed to an upper, creating an interior region between the footbed and the upper; wherein the footbed includes a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; wherein the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area; and wherein the coupling creates a biteline defining an interface between the support region and the ledge region of the footbed; wherein the coupling creates an alignment region by aligning at least a portion of the support region with at least a portion of the ledge region, and positioning the at least a portion of the support region above the at least a portion of the ledge region; and wherein, in at least a portion of the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline outside of the foot receiving area.

[0126] B1. The method of paragraph BO, wherein the coupling includes adhering the upper to the footbed.

[0127] B2. The method of paragraph BO or B1 , further comprising lasting the upper on a last having a shaved region corresponding to the support region, such that the support region supports the foot of a wearer when the article of footwear is worn.

[0128] B2.1. The method of paragraph B2, wherein lasting the upper comprises heat treating the upper when the upper is placed on a last. B2.2. The method of paragraph B2 or B2.1 , wherein the upper further comprises a lasting structure coupled to a peripheral edge of the upper, and wherein lasting the upper comprises placing the upper and the lasting structure onto a last.

[0129] B2.3. The method of any of paragraphs B2 through B2.2, wherein the article of footwear further comprises an internal footbed member configured to be received by the interior region, and wherein the last includes an added volume configured to compensate for the internal footbed member.

[0130] B2.4. The method of any of paragraphs B2 through B2.3, wherein the last is modified in the medial arch region.

[0131] B3. The method of any of paragraphs BO through B2.4, further comprising inserting an internal footbed component into the interior region.

[0132] B3.1. The method of paragraph B3, further comprising lasting the upper in response to insertion of the internal footbed component.

[0133] B4. The method of any of paragraphs BO through B3.1 , wherein the support region comprises a first piece of material, and wherein the upper comprises a second piece of material.

[0134] B4.1 . The method of paragraph B4, further comprising coupling the support region to the upper utilizing tape.

[0135] CO. An article of footwear made according to the method of any of paragraphs BO through B3.1 .

[0136] DO. An article of footwear comprising: a footbed defining a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; an upper coupled to the footbed, such that the upper and the footbed collectively define a foot receiving region between the footbed and the upper, the upper including a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in response to the insertion of a foot into the foot receiving region; and a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed; wherein the biteline is spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge; and wherein at least a portion of the support region of the upper extends over the ledge region in response to the insertion of a foot into the foot receiving region.

[0137] D1 . The article of footwear of paragraph DO, wherein the ledge region and the support region collectively define an alignment region wherein at least a portion of the support region is vertically aligned with at least a portion of the ledge region.

[0138] Advantages, Features, and Benefits

[0139] The different embodiments and examples of the articles of footwear described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for providing arch support to the foot of a wearer. For example, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow the arch of a wearer to collapse due to fatigue, while supporting the arch of a wearer, thereby providing a unique fit sensation.

[0140] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein further support the foot of a wearer with a convertible ankle strap.

[0141] No known system or device can perform these functions. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

[0142] Conclusion

[0143] The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. Explicit reference is hereby made to all examples, embodiments, inventions, labels, terms, descriptions, and illustrative measurements shown in the drawings and / or in any included appendices, whether or not described further herein. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An article of footwear comprising: a footbed including a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; an upper coupled to the footbed and defining an interior region between the footbed and the upper wherein the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area; and a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed; wherein at least a portion of the support region of the upper is aligned with and positioned above at least a portion of the ledge region of the footbed, defining an alignment region; and wherein, at least in the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline outside of the foot receiving area.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the biteline is spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the support region comprises a first piece of material, and wherein the upper comprises a second piece of material.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the support region has a curvilinear edge opposite the biteline, the curvilinear edge defining an interface between the support region and a body of the upper.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the support region is disposed in a region of the upper configured to accommodate a medial arch of a wearer.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the ledge protrudes upward from the footbed.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the footbed comprises a first footbed member disposed within the interior region and a second footbed member exterior to the upper, the second footbed member defining the ledge.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the upper is lasted, and wherein the first footbed member is disposed on and directly contacting a top surface of a lasting structure.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the ledge has a width greater than 1 / 8 a minimum width of the footbed.

10. The article of footwear of claim 1 , wherein the ledge is substantially crescent-shaped.11 . The article of footwear of claim 1 , further comprising a heel strap coupled to the upper, the heel strap comprising a loop of material extending from the upper and configured to retain the heel of a wearer.

12. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: coupling a footbed to an upper, creating an interior region between the footbed and the upper; wherein the footbed includes a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; wherein the upper includes a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in which the support region is in tension by contact from a foot in the foot receiving area; and wherein the coupling creates a biteline defining an interface between the support region and the ledge region of the footbed; andwherein the coupling creates an alignment region by aligning at least a portion of the support region with at least a portion of the ledge region, and positioning the at least a portion of the support region above the at least a portion of the ledge region; wherein, in at least a portion of the alignment region, the ledge region extends past the biteline outside of the foot receiving area.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising lasting the upper on a last having a modified region corresponding to the support region, such that the support region supports the foot of a wearer when the article of footwear is worn.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the upper further comprises a Strobel coupled to a peripheral edge of the upper, forming a sock, and wherein lasting the upper comprises placing the sock onto a last.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the article of footwear further comprises an internal footbed member configured to be received by the interior region, and wherein the last includes an added volume configured to compensate for the internal footbed member.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising inserting the internal footbed component into the interior region.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising lasting the upper in response to insertion of the internal footbed component.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the coupling comprises adhering the upper to the footbed.

19. An article of footwear made according to the method of claim 12.

20. An article of footwear comprising:a footbed defining a ledge region extending along at least a portion of a top peripheral edge of the footbed; an upper coupled to the footbed, such that the upper and the footbed collectively define a foot receiving region between the footbed and the upper, the upper including a support region configured to transition between a relaxed condition and a stretched condition in response to the insertion of a foot into the foot receiving region; and a biteline defining an interface between the support region of the upper and the footbed; wherein the biteline is spaced apart from the top peripheral edge of the footbed by the ledge; and wherein at least a portion of the support region of the upper extends over the ledge region in response to the insertion of a foot into the foot receiving region.

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