Knitted component, upper, and article of footwear with knitted raised structures

Abstract

Knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear that include raised structures having grip and traction qualities in which the raised structures are formed using a knitting process, and methods of manufacturing knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear. Uppers can include an inner knit component and an outer knit component positioned overtop the inner knit component. The outer knit component can include at least a first knitted raised structure that extends outwardly a first height from a knitted base area; the first knitted raised structure may be one of a plurality of discrete knitted raised structures that extend outwardly from the knitted base area the first height; and an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure has one or more of a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer and / or a higher coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

Description

KNITTED COMPONENT, UPPER, AND ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH KNITTED RAISED STRUCTURESBackground of the Invention

[0001] Traditional articles of footwear, such as global football (also known as soccer) shoes, may include elements located at one or more areas of the upper that increase the grip of the upper in those areas. The increased grip may help with ball handling such as dribbling and / or kicking the ball as the ball may have an increased contact time with the upper. In traditional articles of footwear, grip elements may be created with a molding process such as melting and molding, for example, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a polymer skin) positioned on the upper.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0003] FIG. 1 A illustrates a medial view of an article of footwear having a first plurality of knitted raised structures and a second plurality of knitted raised structures, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0004] FIG. 1 B illustrates a lateral view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0005] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1A, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0006] FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic representation of two interconnected courses of loops that form, at least in part, a first knitted raised structure, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0007] FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic representation of the interconnected courses of loops of the first knitted raised structure after being exposed to heat and / or pressure, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0008] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic representation of three interconnected courses of loops that form, at least in part, a second knitted raised structure, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0009] FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic representation of the interconnected courses of loops of the second knitted raised structure after being exposed to heat and / or pressure, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates a portion of the first plurality of knitted raised structures on the medial side of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-section taken at cut line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A and illustrates the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly a first height from a knitted base area, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0012] FIG. 5A illustrates a portion of the second plurality of knitted raised structures on the medial side of the article of footwear of FIG. 1 A, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0013] FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section taken at cut line 5B-5B of FIG. 5 A and illustrates the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly a second height from the knitted base area, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic of an example manufacturing process for forming the first and second pluralities of knitted raised structures, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a medial view of another example article of footwear with an inner knit component and an outer knit component having knitted raised structures, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a lateral view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic view of an example inner knit component that forms part of an upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0020] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic view of an example outer knit component that forms part of the upper of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0021] FIG. 13 A illustrates a portion of a first plurality of knitted raised structures in a first knit zone of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0022] FIG. 13B illustrates a cross-section taken at cut line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A and illustrates the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly a first height from a knitted base area, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0023] FIG. 14A illustrates a portion of a second plurality of knitted raised structures in a second knit zone of the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein;

[0024] FIG. 14B illustrates a cross-section taken at cut line 14B-14B of FIG. 14A and illustrates the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly a second height from the knitted base area, in accordance with aspects herein; and

[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of an example method of manufacturing an article of footwear, e.g., like the article of footwear of FIG. 7, in accordance with aspects herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] In summary, and at a high-level, aspects herein relate to knitted components, uppers, and articles of footwear incorporating an upper, and methods of manufacturing the same where the upper includes raised structures having grip and traction qualities. In aspects, the raised structures are formed through a knitting process. For example, knitted raised structures can be knitted or formed during the same knitting event that forms one or more portions of the upper, e.g., such that the knitted raised structures are not formed in a postknitting process or manufacturing step. To state it differently, in aspects, a molding process may not be used to form the knitted raised structures and this can improve the efficiency, cost, and sustainability of manufacturing. In aspects, an upper includes at least a first knitted raised structure that extends outwardly a first height from a knitted base area. In an aspect, the first knitted raised structure may have a generally tapered or ellipse-type shape with a wider middle and tapering ends. This and other shapes are contemplated in connection with the aspects described herein. The first knitted raised structure can be one of a plurality of discrete knitted raised structures that extend outwardly from the knitted base area the first height. The first knitted raised structure may be knitted in a first knit zone that is located, for example, on a medial side of the upper in a forefoot region and / or in a midfoot region. In example aspects, an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure can have a higher concentration of thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer) and / or a higher coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area. Herein, differences in the concentration of thermoplastic polymer material can be based on weight, based on volume, or based on unit of surface area (e.g., grams per centimeter squared).

[0027] In aspects, an upper can include an optional second knitted raised structure that extends outwardly a second height from the knitted base area. In example aspects, the secondheight is less than the first height of the first knitted raised structure. In aspects, the second knitted raised structure can also have a generally tapered or ellipse-type shape with a wider middle and tapering ends. This and other shapes are contemplated in connection with the aspects described herein. The second knitted raised structure may additionally be one of a plurality of discrete knitted raised structures that extend outwardly from the knitted base area the second height. The second knitted raised structure may be knitted in a second knit zone that is located, for example, on the medial side of the upper, e.g., in an arch area of the upper. In example aspects, the lower height of the second knitted raised structure compared to the first knitted raised structure can limit interference with tooling used to secure the sole structure to the upper, e.g., considering in some instances the location of the second knitted raised structure in the arch area of the upper. The lower height of the second knitted raised structure may also present a flatter surface to which an additional layer, e.g., such as a skin, may be more effectively secured, e.g., to the arch area of the upper. In addition, the lower height of the second knitted raised structure may act as a visual indicator to a wearer of a functional property associated with the area at which the second knitted raised structure is located. The outerfacing surface of the second knitted raised structure may have a lower concentration of thermoplastic polymer material (e.g., thermoplastic elastomer or other material) and / or a lower coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure. In some aspects, the outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure may have a higher concentration of thermoplastic polymer material and a higher coefficient of friction than one or more portions of the outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

[0028] In aspects, and as described herein, the first and second knitted raised structures can be formed without using a molding process, e.g., a vacuum molding process. For example, the first and second knitted raised structures may be knit with a stitch type, such as an ottoman rib stitch, that causes the structures to extend outward from the knitted base area. The stitch type used to knit the first and second knitted raised structures may be different from the stitch type used to knit the base area (e.g., an ottoman rib stitch for the knitted raised structures compared to, for example, a single jersey stitch for the knitted base area).

[0029] In aspects, both the first and second knitted raised structures may be knitted using one or more yarns that include a thermoplastic polymer material or composition, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer. For example, in aspects, the yarns may include a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath or coating of a lower-melting thermoplastic material, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer. In another example, the yams may be entirely formed from a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer. Once the upper is knitted, one or more portions of the upper that include the first and second knitted raised structures (e.g., the first and second knit zones) may be subjected to heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy) sufficient to soften, partially melt, or melt the lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition that forms the sheath of the yarn(s), thereby causing the yarns that form the first and second knitted raised structures to adhere or “fuse” together at least on the outer-facing surface of the first and second knitted raised structures. In such aspects, one or more yarns may be embedded within the re-solidified thermoplastic polymer material or composition, e.g., thermoplastic elastomer, on the outer-facing surface of the first and second knitted raised structures. Described differently, the outer-facing surface of each of the first and second knitted raised structures may subsequent to thermoforming become a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns at least partially interconnected by the melted and re-solidified thermoplastic polymer material or composition.

[0030] Thermoformed networks of interlooped yarns formed on an outer-facing surface of first and second knitted raised structures can impart a higher coefficient of friction to the raised structures compared to, for example, portions of the base area. The increased grip and traction provided by the first and second knitted raised structures may facilitate the wearer’s ability to advance a soccer ball in a forward or backward direction while dribbling and may further facilitate the wearer’s ability to lift and / or curl the ball during kicking. Having discrete knitted raised structures as opposed to a continuous, planar thermoformed network of interlooped yams may be useful in reducing contact time between the soccer ball and the surface of the article of footwear. This may be advantageous in situations where quick, light contact with the soccer ball is desired, among others.

[0031] I’he height of the first and second knitted raised structures in the z-direction (or rather the direction extending outwardly from the knitted base area) and the spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures may be adjusted to achieve desired functions. For example, the application of heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy) to the knitted raised structures that causes the yarns to fuse together can substantially lock or fix at least some of the knit loops into place and may restrict, reduce, or inhibit the stretchability, flexibility, and / or pliability of the upper in areas where the knitted raised structures are located. This may be advantageous in certain areas of the article of footwear where stiffer properties may be desired such as, for example, areas of the article of footwear that experience high amounts of contact (e.g., touch) with a soccer ball or other game ball. In these areas, the spacing between the adjacent knittedraised structures may be reduced to increase the density of knitted raised structures, e.g., per unit of surface area on the upper. In other areas of the article of footwear where increased flexibility and / or pliability are desired, e.g., adjacent to the throat area and / or the ankle opening, the knitted raised structures may be reduced or omitted altogether, or the knitted raised structures may be spaced farther apart, and / or the height of the knitted raised structures in the z-direction may be reduced. Different zones with these configurations to impart unique properties thereon are contemplated herein.

[0032] In aspects, and by contrast, one or more portions of the knitted base area may not include a thermoplastic polymer material or composition, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer, or may include a lower concentration of such material compared to, for example, the first knitted raised structure. For example, one or more portions of the knitted base area may be knit with yarns having a high tenacity (e.g., equal to or greater than about 5 grams per denier) and may not include yarns comprising a lower-melting thermoplastic material or composition. The use of high-tenacity yarns may increase the abrasion-resistant properties of the upper. Other portions of the knitted base area may include both high-tenacity yams and yarns comprising a lower-melting thermoplastic material or composition such as a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., in some aspects, an upper can include approximately 50% high-tenacity yams and 50% yams comprising a thermoplastic elastomer). In some aspects, portions of the knitted base area comprising both high-tenacity yarns and yarns comprising a thermoplastic polymer material, e.g., thermoplastic elastomer, may not be subjected to heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy). As such, these areas would not include a thermoformed network of interlooped yams. In other aspects, the portions of the knitted base area comprising both high-tenacity yams and yarns comprising a thermoplastic elastomer may be subjected to heat and / or pressure so as to form an additional thermoformed network of interlooped yams.

[0033] With respect to thermoforming, thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic elastomers have been identified that can be incorporated into polymeric compositions to provide levels of abrasion resistance, grip (which may also be referred to herein as traction), or both, making these materials suitable for use in articles where abrasion resistance and / or grip are desirable, e.g., articles of apparel, footwear, and sporting equipment. In many cases, the level of abrasion resistance, grip, or both provided by these polymeric materials or compositions can be equivalent to or better than that of standard vulcanized rubber compositions often used in the manufacturing of footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment. Unlike vulcanized rubber, due to the thermoplastic nature of these polymeric materials andcompositions and their properties in the solid and molten state, it is possible to readily form them into coated yarns that have suitable properties for use in industrial-scale knitting or weaving equipment. These properties result in yarns that can be readily incorporated into various articles using conventional manufacturing processes such as knitting and weaving, as well as industrial-scale processes for making non-woven textiles. Also, unlike vulcanized rubber, the resulting textile and / or articles into which these textiles are incorporated can then, in turn, be thermoformed in a manner that reflows the polymeric material or composition of the coated yams and creates an abrasion-resistant or higher-grip surface on the textile or article under conditions that limit degradation to other components of the textile or article, such as, for example, other yarns, other textiles, foams, molded resin components, and the like.

[0034] In example aspects, the upper may include a first yam having a first core yarn (also referred to herein as a “core” or a “first core”) and a first sheath (also referred to herein as a “coating,” “sheath,” “first coating,” or “first sheath”). These types of yams may be referred to herein as core / sheath yarns. In one aspect, the first yarn may comprise one or more core yarns that may be at least partially coated with a sheath comprising a thermoplastic polymer material and / or composition. Alternatively, each core yarn may form a twisted yarn, and the twisted yarn may be at least partially coated with a thermoplastic polymeric material or composition. In aspects, the first core yarn may be coated using different methods. In aspects, the polymer materials and / or compositions for the first sheath disclosed herein are suitable for manufacturing by pultrusion and / or pulling the yarns through baths of liquid polymeric materials. In still another aspect, regardless of coating process, sufficient coating material is provided on the first yam such that, when knit alone or with one or more other yarns in various configurations and subsequently thermoformed and allowed to reflow and resolidify, the coating material (e.g., polymeric composition comprising a thermoplastic elastomer) forms a structure with an adequate concentration of the coating material on one or more surfaces and / or within the first core yarn, depending upon the placement of the first yarn within the knit structure.

[0035] In aspects, a coating or sheath of a core yam comprises a polymeric composition that comprises a thermoplastic polymeric composition that comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. While it is possible to extrude a polymeric composition that is a thermoplastic elastomeric composition and form fibers, filaments, yams, or films directly from the polymeric composition due to its elastomeric properties, these types of the polymeric composition may have high levels of stretch and heat shrinkage. Thus, the fibers, filaments, yams, or films maytend to stretch around machine guides rather than slide past them, and may tend to shrink at the temperatures commonly encountered in industrial-scale knitting and weaving equipment. However, by applying the polymeric composition as a coating onto a core yarn that is suitable to be mechanically manipulated, the resulting coated first yam retains the tenacity and stretch resistance of the core yarn, while also providing an external-facing surface having superior grip and abrasion resistance provided by the polymeric composition of the coating due to its elastomeric properties. For example, it has been found that a 150-denier core yarn having a tensile strength of at least 1 kilogram-force at break, less than 20 percent strain to break, and a heat shrink of less than 20 percent may be coated with the polymeric composition to a nominal average outer diameter of up to about 1.0 millimeter and still retain its ability to be knit or inlaid using commercial flat-knitting equipment. Due to the ability to use this yam on industrial-scale equipment, this first yarn may also allow for new methods of manufacturing that will allow for different placements of the polymeric composition within textiles and articles comprising the textiles at greater levels of specificity in terms of both location and amount as compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

[0036] In addition, the thermoplastic nature of a polymeric material or composition can render it possible to melt the material or composition and use it to coat the first core yam when the melting temperature of the polymeric material or composition is sufficiently lower than the melting or deformation temperature of the first core yam, as well as to subsequently thermoform a knitted component comprising the first core yam and the first sheath, and optionally one or more additional yam types, to create a thermoformed network comprising both the first core yarn and the reflowed and resolidified polymeric material or composition, thereby consolidating, bridging, and / or interconnecting the first core yam and the optional one or more additional yarn types. In one aspect, a thermoplastic elastomer(s) of a polymeric composition of a coating has a glass transition temperature(s) below about minus 20 degrees Celsius, which allows the thermoplastic elastomer(s) present in the polymeric composition to be in its “rubbery” state, even when the knitted component is used in cold environments. In another aspect, the melting temperature of a polymeric composition of a coating is at least about 100 degrees Celsius, which may help ensure that the polymeric composition will not melt when the knitted component is shipped or stored under hot conditions. In another aspect, the melting temperature of a polymeric composition of a coating is at least 130 degrees Celsius, which helps ensure that the polymeric composition will not melt when the knitted component is subjected to conditions often encountered by textiles during the manufacturing processes forarticles of footwear, apparel, or sporting equipment, such as heating or steaming processes. In another aspect, the melting temperature of a polymeric composition of a coating may be less than about 170 degrees Celsius, which can help ensure that the knitted component may be thermoformed at temperatures that do not negatively impact or degrade, e.g., bum, char, or singe, other textiles or components that may form parts of the upper. In another aspect, the enthalpy of the melting of a thermoplastic elastomer(s) of a polymeric composition of a coating may be less than about 30 Joules per gram or 25 Joules per gram, and as such, during the thermoforming process, less heat and a shorter heating time are required to soften, partially melt, or fully melt the polymeric composition and achieve good flow of the softened, partially melted, or fully melted polymeric composition to better consolidate, bridge, and / or interconnect the network of yams in the upper. In another aspect, the recrystallization temperature of a thermoplastic elastomer(s) of the polymeric composition of the coating may be above 60 degrees Celsius or above 95 degrees Celsius, which may promote rapid resolidification of the polymeric composition after thermoforming, which may reduce the amount of time required to cool the upper after thermoforming and may avoid the need to provide active cooling of the upper, thereby reducing cycle time and reducing energy consumption.

[0037] In addition to the first yam as described above, one or more portions of the upper can include a second yarn or additional yams that are different yam types than the first yarn. For example, the upper can also include additional yarns such as a high-tenacity yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams per denier to enhance the abrasion resistant properties of the upper. The first yarn and the second or additional yarns can differ through being formed from different materials, e.g., thermoforming materials versus nonthermoforming materials, can differ through having different material properties, e.g., diameters, densities, deniers, tenacities, elasticities, tensile strengths, melting or decomposition temperatures, static / dynamic coefficients of friction, and / or other material properties, and / or can differ through having different constructions, e.g., multi-component construction, e.g., a core / sheath construction, or a singular or unified construction without a distinct core and sheath. Because one or more portions of the upper also includes the second or additional yarns in addition to the first yam (e.g., the coated yarn), the thermoformed network of yarns (e.g., the core yarn from the first yarn and the second or additional yams) is consolidated, bridged, and / or interconnected by the reflowed and resolidified polymeric composition. The presence of the reflowed and resolidified polymeric composition may serve one or more functions within theupper, such as controlling the level of stretch within at least a region thereof, forming an abrasion resistant surface within at least a region thereof, improving water resistance within at least a region thereof, increasing the coefficient of friction or grip and traction within at least a region thereof (e.g., the first and second pluralities of knitted raised structures), and / or bonding at least a region of the upper to a substrate. The higher coefficient of friction may enable the raised knitted raised structures to grip and traction a soccer ball leading to improved ball control.

[0038] The thermoformed network may form an outer-facing surface of at least the knitted raised structures where it may provide superior properties for ball contact. For example, the properties of the thermoformed network may be equal to or superior to those of kangaroo skin leather in terms of the spin rate imparted to the ball by the upper when kicking the ball. For example, it has been found that using polymeric compositions having a Durometer Hardness (Shore A) of about 65 to about 85 results in uppers with improved ball spin rates. Uppers comprising the textiles described herein have also been found to be equivalent to or superior to those of synthetic leather or knitted uppers coated with a skin in terms of traction under wet and dry conditions. This arrangement can advantageously integrate 360-degree ball control directly into the upper without the need for laminated skins, streamlining the surface into a single functional layer. This single functional layer can help bring the wearer closer to the ball by removing a layer therefrom, which thereby increases proprioceptive feedback to the wearer and further improves ball control. Additionally, not including a laminated skin improves manufacturing efficiency by reducing post-knitting processes and increases sustainability.

[0039] Aspects of this disclosure may further include methods of manufacturing a knitted component, or an upper which may be incorporated into an article of footwear. In an example method of manufacturing, a base area is knit using one or more stitch types. The knitted base area may be knit using one or more yams that may include a high-tenacity yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams per denier. In portions of the knitted base area, both the high-tenacity yarn and a yarn comprising a higher-melting core and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer may be used. In the same knitting event, one or more first knitted raised structures may be knit in a first knit zone using a second stitch type different than the stitch type used to knit the knitted base area. The first knitted raised structures are knit on a first surface of the upper and extend outwardly from the knitted base area a first height. In example aspects, the first knitted raised structures may be knit using only a yarn comprising a higher-melting core and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer. In the sameknitting event, one or more second knitted raised structures may optionally be knit in a second knit zone using the second stitch type different than the stitch type used to knit the knitted base area. The second knitted raised structures can be knit on the first surface of the upper and extend outwardly from the knitted base area a second height that is less than the first height. In example aspects, the second knitted raised structures may be knit using a high-tenacity yarn and a yarn comprising a higher-melting core and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic material or composition, e.g., thermoplastic elastomer.

[0040] Once the upper is knit, heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy) may be applied to the first surface of the upper that includes the first and second knitted raised structures. In one example, the heat and pressure may be applied to an entirety of the first surface of the upper, and in another example aspect, the heat and pressure may be applied to just the surfaces of the first and second knitted raised structures. The heat causes, in example aspects, the thermoplastic elastomer sheaths to soften and / or partially melt, but the heat may not significantly impact the properties of the core yarn and / or the other yarns forming the upper such as the high-tenacity yams. In example aspects, the application temperature may be selected such that complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer does not occur in order to maintain the general structure of the first and second knitted raised structures (e.g., maintain the general shape of the structures as well as the height at which the structures extend outwardly from the base area). The pressure may cause some flow or movement of the thermoplastic elastomer which helps to fuse the yarns together on the surfaces of the first and second knitted raised structure resulting in a thermoformed network of interlooped yams. When the upper is incorporated into an article of footwear, the first surface forms an outer-facing surface of the upper.

[0041] As used herein, the term “article of footwear” generally includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole stmeture and forms a void within the article of footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. As used herein, the term “upper” refers to a footwear component that extends over the instep, and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, around the heel area of the foot, and at least partially over the arch area to form a void for receiving a wearer’s foot. Illustrative, non-limiting examples of uppers may include uppers incorporated into a basketball shoe, a biking shoe, a cross-training shoe, a global football (soccer) shoe, an American football shoe, a bowling shoe, a golf shoe, a hiking shoe, a ski or snowboarding boot, a tennis shoe, a running shoe, and a walking shoe. Further, in other aspects, the upper may also be incorporated into a non-athletic shoe, such as a dressshoe, a loafer, and a sandal. Accordingly, the concepts disclosed with respect to articles of footwear apply to a wide variety of footwear types.

[0042] As used herein, the article of footwear and / or the upper may be divided into different general regions. A forefoot region generally includes portions of the article of footwear and / or upper that corresponds to the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. A midfoot region generally includes portions of the article of footwear and / or upper corresponding to an arch area and an instep area of the foot. A heel region generally corresponds to rear portions of the foot including the calcaneus bone. The upper and article of footwear described herein may include a lateral side, which corresponds with an outside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces away from the other foot), and a medial side, which corresponds with an inside area of the foot (i.e., the surface that faces toward the other foot). The upper and article of footwear described herein may also include an arch area that corresponds at least partially with an arch area of a wearer’s foot. As such, the arch area is located on the medial side of the article of footwear and not on the lateral side. The different regions and sides described above are intended to represent general areas of footwear to aid in the following discussion and are not intended to demarcate precise areas. The different regions and sides may be applied to the article of footwear as a whole, to the upper, and to the sole structure.

[0043] The term “outer-facing surface” as used herein means a surface of the upper or article of footwear that faces the external environment. In some aspects, the outer-facing surface may mean the outermost-facing surface of the upper or article of footwear. The term “inner-facing surface” as used herein means a surface of the upper or article of footwear that faces a void for receiving the wearer’s foot. In some aspects, the inner-facing surface may mean the innermost-facing surface of the upper or article of footwear.

[0044] The term “knit” such as used herein to describe a knitted component such as a knitted upper refers to a textile piece that is formed from at least one yam that is manipulated (e.g., with a knitting machine) to form a plurality of intermeshed loops (also known as interlooping) that define courses and wales. The term “course,” as used herein, refers to a predominantly horizontal row of knit loops (in an upright textile as it is knit on the knitting machine) that is produced by adjacent needles during the same knitting cycle. The course may comprise one or more stitch types, such as a knit stitch, a missed (float) stitch, a held stitch, a tuck stitch, a transfer stitch, a rib stitch, an ottoman rib stitch, and the like as these terms are known in the art of knitting. The term “coursewise direction” refers to a direction that isparallel to the knit courses of the textile piece. The term “wale,” as used herein, is a predominantly vertical column of intermeshed or interlooped knit loops, generally produced by the same needle at successive (but not necessarily all) courses or knitting cycles. The term “walewise direction” refers to a direction that is parallel to the knit wales of the textile piece.

[0045] The term “single knit construction” refers to a single-layer knit construction generally formed on a single needle bed (e.g., a single-bed construction). In some examples, a single knit construction may be formed on a multi-bed knitting machine by knitting a number of knit courses on a first needle bed of the knitting machine and then transferring all of the loops to a second needle bed of the knitting machine where a number of knit courses are then knit, which may be repeated a number of times. In this way, even though two knitting beds are used, the resulting textile maintains a single knit construction. Common single knit constructions include single jersey. The term “double knit construction” as used herein refers to a knit construction that is generally formed on at least two needle beds of a knitting machine (e.g., a multi-bed construction). Multi-bed knit constructions may be characterized by two opposing faces or layers of knit loops and / or tucks, e.g., one face / layer of loops formed on a first needle bed (e.g., a first knit layer), and a second face / layer of loops formed on a second needle bed (e.g., a second knit layer). In example aspects, the two faces / layers may be joined by yams that interloop with yams in both the first face / layer and the second face / layer of the double knit construction (e.g., transfer yarns). However, aspects herein contemplate that the two faces / layers may not be joined or may be joined only along the sides such that a space or potential space is formed between the two faces / layers. Common double knit constructions include double jersey, rib, interlock, cardigan, other “double bed” knit structures initially formed on at least two needle beds, and other knit structures having two opposing faces / layers of knit loops or tucks, including full-gauge and less-than full gauge variations of those structures.

[0046] The term “integrally knit,” as used herein, may mean a knit textile having a yarn from one or more knit courses in a first area being interlooped with one or more knit courses of another area. The interlooping may be provided through any of the above stitch types. In this way, areas that are integrally knit together have a seamless transition such that they seamlessly extend from one another. In an example according to aspects herein, the knitted base area of the upper and the first and second knitted raised structures are integrally knit with each other.

[0047] Forming an article, such as an upper, using a knit construction may provide advantages including, but not limited to, a particular degree of elasticity (for example, as expressed in terms of Young’s modulus), breathability, bendability, strength, moisture absorption, weight, abrasion resistance, and / or a combination thereof. These characteristics may be accomplished by selecting a particular knit structure, by varying the size and tension of the knit structure, by using one or more yams formed of a particular material (e.g., a polyester material, a relatively inelastic material, or a relatively elastic material such as elasticated yarns, a thermoplastic material, and the like), by selecting yams of a particular size (e.g., denier), and / or a combination thereof. Using a knit construction may also provide desirable aesthetic characteristics by incorporating yams having different colors, textures or other visual properties arranged in a particular pattern. The yarns themselves and / or the knit structure formed by one or more of the yams may be varied at different locations such that upper may have different properties as described herein.

[0048] Yarns incorporated into aspects herein may include monofilament yarns and / or multifdament yams formed from a variety of materials, including natural and / or synthetic materials. Yams described herein may include a polymer material and may differ from other yarns at least in terms of melting temperature. The terms “higher-melting’’ and “lower-melting” as used herein are intended to be relative terms in that “lower-melting” refers to materials with a lower melting temperature than the melting or decomposition temperature of the “higher-melting” material and vice versa. For example, aspects herein may include higher-melting yarns and lower-melting yams. Higher-melting polymer yarns may include, as an example, yarns that melt at about 175 degrees Celsius or higher, including polyamide yarns (commonly known as nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yams (commonly known as polyester), recycled PEP yarns, elastane yarns, and other higher-melting synthetic yarns. In other examples, higher-melting yarns can include yams with natural fibers having a higher decomposition temperature (e.g., above about 200 degrees Celsius). Lower-melting yams can include yarns with a polymer having a relatively lower melting temperature (e.g., some of these yams may melt below about 170 or 175 degrees Celsius), which may include a thermoplastic polymer material or composition including thermoplastic elastomers such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) anchor styrene ethylene / butylene styrene (SEBS).

[0049] Yams incorporated into aspects herein can be multifilament yams or monofilament yams. Multifilament yarns may include filaments of the same material or may have filaments of different materials. Additionally, a monofilament yam may be a mono-componentmonofilament or may be a bi-component monofilament. For example, a monofilament yarn may have a first yam component of a first material and a second yam component of a second material with a lower melting temperature than the first material. The first yarn component may be in the form of a core, and the second yarn component may be in the form of a sheath surrounding the core, where the core and sheath may be extruded together, or the sheath may be a coating applied to the core. In other examples, a multifilament and / or another type of monofilament (such as one with a side-by-side configuration or trilobular configuration) may include at least one filament or component with the lower-melting thermoplastic polymer and another filament or component with a higher-melting material.

[0050] In example aspects, the melting temperature of a lower-melting yarn and / or material can be sufficiently lower than the melting temperature of a higher-melting yarn or material so that the lower-melting component (e.g., sheath of a core / sheath yam and / or a lower-melting monofilament yarn) may be at least partially, or in some aspects fully, melted without melting, degrading, or adversely affecting, e.g., burning, charring, or singeing, the characteristics of the higher-melting component (e.g., a core of the core / sheath yarn and / or higher-melting yam(s)).

[0051] Example lower-melting yams may include a thermoplastic elastomeric composition (also known as a thermoplastic elastomer). In some aspects, the thermoplastic elastomeric composition of the lower-melting yam is TPU. In some aspects, the thermoplastic elastomeric composition is SEBS. The thermoplastic elastomeric composition may surround a core of higher-melting PET so that the lower-melting sheath may be heated to a temperature where the lower-melting thermoplastic elastomeric composition melts while the higher-melting core retains its structure. In some aspects, the thermoplastic elastomeric composition may have a melting temperature of 170 degrees Celsius or less. In one example, the melting temperature is around 160 degrees Celsius.

[0052] Additionally, the thermoplastic elastomeric composition can produce areas having greater gripping properties as demonstrated by higher coefficient of friction values in those areas. The static or dynamic coefficient of friction of a textile or plaque sample can be determined using test method ASTM DI 894. In this method, a sample is cut to size and mounted on a sled, and a 100 gram weight plate is placed on the sled. During the test, the weighted sled is pulled across a test surface of the material being tested. For example, static and dynamic or wet and dry coefficient of friction may be determined by pulling the sled across a concrete surface to determine the coefficient of friction of the sample and concrete. The coefficient of friction of the sample against that surface is captured by recording the normalforce (100 grams plus sled weight) and measuring the applied force required to drag the sled across the test surface. The coefficient of friction is then calculated from the ratio of the two forces. Dry coefficient of friction is determined by testing a dry sample against a dry testing surface, and wet coefficient of friction is determined by testing a sample wetted with water by soaking it in room temperature water for ten minutes against a test surface wetted with room temperature water.

[0053] The term “thermoformed” when used herein refers to a structure formed after pressure is applied to softened, partially melted, and / or melted material(s), e.g., thermoplastic material, of one or more lower-melting yams or yam sheaths and after the softened, partially melted, and / or melted thermoplastic material has re-solidified upon cooling. As such, the thermoformed structure may include the same polymeric material as the thermoplastic material used to form a lower-melting yam or yam sheath (e.g., TPU, SEBS, TPE, and the like). When the lower-melting yarns are entirely formed from the lower-melting thermoplastic material, the thermoformed stmcture may include only the cooled thermoplastic material and, if present, any other yarns knit with or adjacent to the lower-melting yarn. When the lower-melting yarns include a core / sheath configuration, the thermoformed stmcture may include the cooled thermoplastic material and the core portion of the lower-melting yams (as well as any other yams knit with or adjacent to the lower-melting yarn if present). Any and all aspects, and any variation thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

[0054] Additionally, there are various measurements provided herein. Unless indicated otherwise, all measurements provided herein are taken when the upper and / or article of footwear is at standard ambient temperature and pressure (298.15 K and 100 kPa) and is in a resting (non-tensioned) state. Unless indicated otherwise, the term “about” or “substantially” with respect to a measurement means within ± 10% of the indicated value.

[0055] FIG. 1 A depicts a view of a medial side 105 of an article of footwear 100, FIG. IB depicts a view of a lateral side 107 of the article of footwear 100, and FIG. 1C depicts a top-down view of the article of footwear 100, in accordance with aspects herein. As depicted in FIGs. 1A-1C, the article of footwear 100 is intended to be used with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may also apply to a mirror image of the article of footwear 100 that is intended for use with a right foot. Although an article of footwear is shown, it should be understood that other articles of wear are also contemplated by the present disclosure, including but not limited to apparel (e.g., shirts, jerseys, pants, shorts,gloves, glasses, socks, hats, caps, jackets, undergarments, or other apparel) and containers (e.g., backpacks, bags, or other containers).

[0056] The article of footwear 100 includes an ankle collar 114 that defines an ankle opening 116 for receiving a wearer’s foot, a heel area 119, a toe area 123, and a throat area 121. The article of footwear 100 further includes a medial heel region 118a, a lateral heel region 118b, a medial midfoot region 120a, a lateral midfoot region 120b, a medial forefoot region 122a, and a lateral forefoot region 122b. The article of footwear 100 additionally includes an arch area 125 located on the medial side 105 of the article of footwear 100. Although not shown, the article of footwear 100 may optionally include a tongue and eyestays adapted to receive a lace.

[0057] The article of footwear 100 also includes a sole structure 110 and an upper 124. The sole structure 110 is secured to the upper 124 at a biteline 126, and the sole structure 110 extends between a wearer’s foot and the ground when the article of footwear 100 is worn. The sole structure 110 may optionally include a plurality of ground-engaging cleats 112. The upper 124 generally defines a void within the upper 124 for receiving and securing a wearer’s foot relative to the sole structure 110. Surfaces of the void within the upper 124 are shaped to accommodate the foot and may extend over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot.

[0058] In example aspects, at least a portion of the upper 124 may be formed from at least one knitted component 128 as indicated by the knit loops. The knitted component 128 may be formed by a weft-knitting process on a flat knitting machine or it may be formed by a warpknitting process, for example. The knitted component 128 may be formed as a single, integral one-piece element during a knitting process, such as weft knitting, warp knitting, or any other suitable knitting process. In the example depicted in FIGs. 1 A-1C, the knitted component 128 forms an outer sheath or covering of the upper 124, forming at least an outer surface of the medial midfoot region 120a, and the medial forefoot region 122a. The knitted component 128 may also form an outer sheath of one or more of the medial and lateral heel regions 118a and 118b, the lateral midfoot region 120b, the lateral forefoot region 122b, and at least part of the throat area 121 of the upper 124. In some aspects, the knitted component 128 may form an entirety of the upper 124. In some aspects, the knitted component 128 further forms an interior surface of the upper 124.

[0059] In example aspects, the upper 124 includes a knitted base area 129 that forms, at least in part, an outer- facing surface 130 of the upper 124. In some aspects, the knitted basearea 129 can be located in the toe area 123, the medial and lateral forefoot regions 122a and 122b, the medial and lateral midfoot regions 120a and 120b, the medial and lateral heel regions 118a and 118b, and / or the heel area 119. Other aspects contemplate that the knitted base area 129 may not be located in one or more portions of the upper 124 such as, for example, the medial and lateral heel regions 118 and 118b, the heel area 119, the ankle collar 114, and the like. In example aspects, the knitted base area 129 may be knit using a first stitch type. As will be described in additional detail with respect to FIGs. 4A and 5A, one or more portions of the knitted base area 129 may be knit with a high tenacity yam. Other portions of the knitted base area 129 may be knit with the high tenacity yam as well as a yam that includes a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymeric material or composition such as a thermoplastic elastomer. For example, the other portions of the knitted base area may include about 50% high tenacity yams and about 50% core / sheath yams, or another ratio. The use of at least the high tenacity yarn may impart abrasion resistant properties to the upper 124.

[0060] The upper 124 may include a first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 located in a first knit zone 132 of the upper 124. As depicted in at least FTGs. 1 A and 1 C, the first knit zone 132, demarcated by the dot-dash line, is generally located on the medial side 105 of the upper 124 in the toe area 123, the medial forefoot region 122a, and the medial midfoot region 120a. In aspects, the first knit zone 132 may not extend to the medial heel region 118a although in other aspects, the first knit zone 132 may extend to the medial heel region 118a. Additionally, the first knit zone 132 may not be located in the arch area 125 on the medial side 105 of the upper 124 as described below. As shown in FIG. IB, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may not be located on the lateral side 107 of the upper 124. In example aspects, the location of the first knit zone 132 may be based on contact maps that indicate areas of frequent contact between a wearer’s foot and a ball such as a soccer ball or other game ball.

[0061] The first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 includes a plurality of discrete first knitted raised structures such as first knitted raised structure 131a. Each first knitted raised structure 131 is spaced apart from an adjacent first knitted raised structure 131 by an intervening portion of the knitted base area 129 in both a toe-to-heel direction and a sole structure -to-throat area direction. The intervening portions of the knitted base area 129 do not include knitted raised structures. The spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may be selected to provide a desired level of flexibility and / or pliability in the areas where the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131are located. As described, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may include a thermoformed network of interlooped yams which may increase the stiffness of the upper 124 in areas where the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 are located. For example, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is reduced, flexibility may also be reduced. This may be desirable when a stiffer surface is desired. Conversely, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is increased, flexibility may also be increased. This may be desirable when a more pliable surface is desired. In examples, the spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may vary depending upon the particular location on the upper 124.

[0062] Each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 extends outwardly (or in the z-direction) from the knitted base area 129 a first height (e.g., as in FIG. 4B). In example aspects, each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may have a maximum height in the z-direction from about 0.1 millimeters to about 1.5 millimeters, from about 0.15 millimeters to about 1.2 millimeters, or from about 0.2 millimeters to about 0.9 millimeters, among other possible ranges. These are intended to be examples and different heights are contemplated herein. In example aspects, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may limit contact of, for example, a ball with the knitted base area 129 of the knitted component 128 in the areas where the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 are located.

[0063] In example aspects, each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 has a tapered or ellipsoid-type shape with a wider middle that tapers to opposing ends. In example aspects, a long axis of the ellipsoid-type shape is oriented in a sole structure-to-throat area direction such that the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 have a “vertical” orientation. The vertical orientation of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 imparts a vertical grip feature to portions of the medial side 105 of the article of footwear 100. The vertical grip may be ideal for lifting and / or curling a soccer ball when kicked, an action commonly completed using the medial side of the wearer’s foot. The depiction of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 is illustrative and features such as size of each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures, shape of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, general configuration of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, and location of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may differ from that shown. Aspects herein further contemplate that the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may have orientations other than vertical such asnear vertical, horizontal (e.g., the long axis of the ellipsoid-type shape is oriented in a heel-to-toe direction), or near horizontal.

[0064] Each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may be knit with a stitch type that is different from the stitch type used to knit the knitted base area 129. In one example, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may be knit with an ottoman rib stitch which causes the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 to extend outwardly from the knitted base area 129. Other stitch types that build volume and cause the stitch(es) to extend outwardly from a base area are contemplated herein such as, for example, a rib stitch and variants thereof, a raspberry stitch, a basketweave stitch, a moss stitch, and the like.

[0065] In example aspects, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may be knit with a first set of yams. In example aspects, the first set of yarns may comprise one or more yams having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition such as a thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the core of the higher- melting material may be cotton, silk, wool, rayon, polyamide (nylon), elastane, polyolefin, polyurethane, or polyethylene terephthalate (polyester). In one example, the core of higher-melting material is polyethylene terephthalate including recycled polyethylene terephthalate. In examples, the first set of yams does not include any additional yam types such that only the one or more yarns comprising the core of higher-melting material and the sheath of lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer are used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131.

[0066] As described, once the upper 124 is knitted, one or more of heat and pressure may be applied to an outer-facing surface of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 causing the sheath of the lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer to soften, partially melt, and / or melt. When the thermoplastic elastomer re-solidifies, a thermoformed network of interlooped yams may be formed including one or more of the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer, the core yarns, and yarns comprising the core, and the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer sheath. To state it differently, when the thermoplastic elastomer re-solidifies, the outer-facing surface of first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 includes one or more core yarns embedded within the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the application temperature may be selected such that complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer sheath can be reduced or limited or substantially avoided. This helps to maintain the structure, including the height, of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131. To state it differently, complete melting ofthe thermoplastic elastomer sheath may cause the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 to flatten and / or lose their tapered shape.

[0067] After processing, the outer-facing surface of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may have a first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, since the knitted base area 129 can be knit using either just high tenacity yarns, or high tenacity yams in combination with yams having a core of higher-melting material and a sheath of thermoplastic elastomer, the outer-facing surface of, for example, the first knitted raised structure 131a has a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of the knitted base area 129. The higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 imparts a greater grip and traction quality to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 compared to the knitted base area 129. As such, the outer-facing surface of, for example, the first knitted raised structure 131a has a greater coefficient of friction than the outer- facing surface of the knitted base area 129, comparatively speaking.

[0068] The upper 124 may optionally include a second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 located in a second knit zone 136 of the upper 124. As depicted in FIG. 1 A, the second knit zone 136, depicted by a dashed line, is generally located on the medial side 105 of the upper 124 in the arch area 125 of the upper 124. As shown in FIG. IB, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may not be located on the lateral side 107 of the upper 124. In example aspects, the location of the second knit zone 136 may be based on contact maps that indicate areas of frequent or semi-frequent contact between a wearer’s foot and a ball such as a soccer ball.

[0069] The second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 includes a plurality of discrete second knitted raised structures such as second knitted raised slruclure 134a. Each second knitted raised structure 134 is spaced apart from an adjacent second knitted raised structure 134 by an intervening portion of the knitted base area 129 in both the toe-to-heel direction and the sole structure-to-throat area direction. The intervening portions of the knitted base area 129 do not include knitted raised structures as depicted in the example of FIG. 1A. The spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may be selected to provide a desired level of flexibility and / or pliability in the area where the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 are located. As described with respect to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may include a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns which may increasethe stiffness of the upper 124 in areas where the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 is located. For example, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is reduced, flexibility may also be reduced. This may be desirable when a stiffer surface is desired. Conversely, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is increased, flexibility may also be increased. This may be desirable when a more pliable surface is desired. In examples, the spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may vary depending upon the particular location within the second knit zone 136.

[0070] Each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 extends outwardly (or in the z-direction) from the knitted base area 129 a second height (e.g., as in FIG. 5B). In examples, the height at which the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 extends from the knitted base area 129 (e.g., the second height) is less than the height at which the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 extends from the knitted base area 129 (e.g., the first height). As described below, the choice of yarns used to knit the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may result in the smaller second height compared to the first height. In example aspects, each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may have a maximum height in the z-direction from about 0.05 millimeters to about 1.25 millimeters, from about 0.075 millimeters to about 1 millimeters, or from about 0.1 millimeters to about 0.75 millimeters. This is an illustrative example and different heights are contemplated herein.

[0071] In example aspects, having a different height for the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 in the second knit zone 136 may provide a visual indicator of a different functional property associated with the arch area 125 of the upper 124. For example, the different functional property could be increased grip compared to portions of the knitted base area 129 and / or a relatively different amount of grip compared to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 as explained further below. In another or additional aspect, the lower height of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 in the arch area 125 may reduce interference with machine tooling used to secure the sole structure 110 to the upper 124. In aspects where a polymer skin or other layer is added to the arch area 125, the lower height of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may facilitate the skin laying flatter and / or provide better adherence between the skin and the upper 124 in the arch area 125.

[0072] Similar to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, aspects herein contemplate that each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 comprises a tapered or ellipsoid-type shape with a wider middle that tapers to opposing ends. In exampleaspects, a long axis of the ellipsoid-type shape is oriented in a sole structure-to-throat area direction such that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 have a “vertical” orientation. The vertical orientation of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 imparts a vertical grip feature to the arch area 125 of the upper 124. As described, the vertical grip may be ideal for lifting and / or curling the soccer ball when kicked, an action commonly completed using the medial side of the wearer’s foot. Aspects herein contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may have a different shape (e.g., circular) compared to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131. Aspects herein further contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may have orientations other than vertical such as near vertical, horizontal, or near horizontal. The depiction of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 is illustrative and features such as size of each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 and / or spacing between adjacent knitted raised st ruclures may differ from that shown.

[0073] Each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may be knit with a stitch type that is different from the stitch type used to knit the knitted base area 129. In examples, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may be knit with the same stitch type used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131. Other examples contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may be knit with a stitch type different from the stitch type used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131. For example, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may be knit with an ottoman rib stitch which causes the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 to extend outwardly from the knitted base area 129. Other stitch types that build volume and cause the stitch(cs) to extend outwardly from a base area are contemplated herein such as, for example, a rib stitch and variants thereof, a raspberry stitch, a basketweave stitch, a moss stitch, and the like.

[0074] In example aspects, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may be knit with a second set of yarns. The second set of yarns may comprise one or more yams having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition such as a thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the core of higher-melting material may be cotton, silk, wool, rayon, polyamide (nylon), elastane, polyolefin, polyurethane, or polyethylene terephthalate (polyester). In one example, the core of higher-melting material is polyethylene terephthalate including recycled polyethylene terephthalate. The second set of yarns may also comprise high tenacity yarns (e.g., yarns having a tenacity greater than or equal to 5 grams / denier). In examples, the high tenacity yarns may have asmaller diameter (smaller denier) than the core / sheath yarns used to knit the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134, which may result in the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 having a smaller z-height compared to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 which may be knit using solely the core / sheath yarns. In examples, the ratio of the core / sheath yarns to the high tenacity yarns may be 1:1 (i.e., 50% core / sheath yams and 50% high tenacity yarns). Other percentages are contemplated herein such as 55% core / sheath yarns and 45% high tenacity yams, 60% core / sheath yarns and 40% high tenacity yarns, 65% core / sheath yarns and 35% high tenacity yams, and the like.

[0075] As described, once the upper 124 is knitted, one or more of heat and pressure may be applied to an outer-facing surface of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 causing the sheath of lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer to soften, partially melt, and / or melt. When the thermoplastic elastomer re-solidifies, a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns may be formed comprising one or more of the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer, the core yarns, yarns comprising the core and the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer sheath, and the high tenacity yams. To state it differently, when the thermoplastic elastomer re-solidifies, the outer-facing surface of second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 comprises one or more core yams and / or one or more high tenacity yams embedded within the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the application temperature may be selected such that complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer sheath is limited or restricted. This can help to maintain the structure, including the height, of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134.

[0076] After processing, the outer-facing surface of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may have a second concentration of thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects where the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 is knit using approximately 50% core / sheath yarns and 50% high tenacity yarns and the first plurality of knitted raised stmetures 131 is knit using approximately 100% core / sheath yarns, the second concentration of thermoplastic elastomer can be less than the first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer. In examples, the second concentration may be 40% less, 50% less, 55% less, 60% less, etc., than the first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer in the first plurality of knitted raised stmetures 131. When compared to portions of the knitted base area 129 that are knit using approximately 100% high tenacity yams, the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer in, for example, the second knitted raised structure 134a is higher compared to this portion of the knitted base area 129.

[0077] In aspects, because each of the knitted raised structures in the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 has a lower concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than a knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 may have a lower coefficient of friction (e.g., less grip) than a knitted raised structure the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131. When compared to the portions of the knitted base area 129 that are knit using approximately 100% high tenacity yams, the coefficient of friction of, for example, the second knitted raised structure 134a is higher. Having a relatively reduced coefficient of friction in the second knit zone 136 compared to the first knit zone 132 may reflect the type of contact between a ball, such as a soccer ball, and the arch area 125 of the upper 124 compared to the type of contact that occurs in the first knit zone 132. For example, the arch area 125 of the upper 124 may experience fewer contacts with the soccer ball, and / or lighter, less prolonged contact with a soccer ball compared to the first knit zone 132. Because of this, less grip may be needed in this area.

[0078] Although not shown, the upper 124 may include additional components, which may be knit, woven, non-woven, or another type of textile. The additional components may form, for example, at least part of the heel area 119, the arch area 125, and / or the ankle collar 114. The additional components may be a single textile component or may be formed of multiple textile components secured together. Further, in aspects, the additional components may be integrally knitted with the knitted component 128. Alternatively, the additional components may be secured to the knitted component 128 via at least one of stitching, bonding, or another attachment method.

[0079] FIG. 2A schematically depicts a portion 200 of an example knitted component, which may be knitted component 128 of FIGs. 1A-C, that forms an outer-facing surface of a first knitted raised structure such as the first knitted raised structure 131a, prior to a thermoforming process. The portion 200 includes interconnected courses of a first yarn 210, which may be the core / sheath yarn described herein. The portion 200 includes a first course 202 and a second course 204 that is interconnected (e.g., interlooped) to the first course 202. The schematic depiction in FIG. 2A may not reflect the actual knit stitches used to form the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131.

[0080] FIG. 2B depicts the portion 200 after being exposed to a thermoforming process. As seen comparing FIGs. 2A and 2B, the first yarn 210 that includes a thermoplastic polymer material or composition as described herein was thermoformed from a solid yam structure intoat least a themiofomied network 212, with a core yarn 214 of the first yarn 210 still remaining in its interlooped configuration. In certain aspects, the heating part of the thermoforming process at least partly causes the coating in the first yam 210 to soften and / or partially melt and flow and then subsequently solidify by the completion of the thermoforming process into the thermoformed network 212 that forms, at least in part, the outer- facing surface 130 of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131. This thermoformed network 212 is the coating surrounding the core yarn 214 of the first yam 210 after that coating is at least semi-melted or softened, flowed, and re- solidified. In this aspect, the core yam 214 of the first yam 210 retains its solid structure. In one example, the coating of the first yarn 210 may be softened so that portions of the coating may be fused with adjacent other portions of the first yam 210 yarn within the interlooped courses 202 and 204. In another, the coating may be partially melted so that the melted material of the coating may be reflowed and resolidified between adjacent structures within the knitted component to form the thermoformed network 212. In this way, the partially melted coating may fuse together adjacent portions of the first yarn 210, which comprises the core yarn 214 and remaining (non-melted) portions of the coating. In another example, some portions of the coating may be fully melted, reflowed and solidified so that the resolidified coating fuses together portions of the remaining core yam 214.

[0081] The thermofoimed network 212 created from thermoforming may have increased abrasion resistance, traction and / or grip, and increased water resistance properties compared to areas without a thermoformed network 212. Further, because these properties are provided through the knit structure instead of being applied as an additional layer or film, the portion 200 of the knitted component may remain relatively thin and flexible. As such, the thermoformed network 212 may still allow a wearer to “feel” the ball contact the upper 124 which may improve ball control and handling.

[0082] FIG. 3 A schematically depicts a portion 250 of an example knitted component, which may be the knitted component 128 of FIGs. 1A-C, which forms an outer-facing surface of a second knitted raised structure such as the second knitted raised structure 134a, prior to a thermoforming process. The portion 250 includes interconnected courses of a first yam 252, which may be the core / sheath yam described herein, and a second yam 254, which may be the high tenacity yarn described herein. The portion 250 includes a first course 256 formed from the second yarn 254, a second course 258 formed from the first yarn 252, and a third course 260 formed from the second yarn 254. In such an aspect, the third course 260 may be interconnected (e.g., interlooped) to the first course 256 and the second course 258. Theschematic depiction in FIG. 3A may not reflect the actual knit stitches used to fomi the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134.

[0083] FIG. 3B depicts the portion 250 after being exposed to the thermoforming process. As can be seen by comparing FIGs. 3A and 3B, the first yarn 252 that comprises a thermoplastic polymer material or composition as described herein was thermoformed from a solid yarn structure into a thermoformed network 262, with a core yam 264 of the first yarn 252 still remaining in its interlooped configuration. In certain aspects, the heating portion of the thermoforming process at least partly caused the coating in the first yarn 252 to soften or partially melt and flow and then subsequently solidify by the completion of the thermoforming process into the thermoformed network 262. This thermoformed network 262 is the coating surrounding the core yarn 264 of the first yam 252 after that coating is softened or semi-melted, flowed, and re-solidified.

[0084] The thermoformed network 262 in FIG. 3B is depicted as contacting and at least partially surrounding the core yarn 264 of the first yarn 252 and contacting and at least partially surrounding a portion of the second yam 254 at least on the portions of the first course 256 and the third course 260 that interloop with or are proximate to the second course 258 forming the thermoformed network 262 that forms, at least in part, the outer-facing surface 130 of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134. The thermoformed network 262 in FIG. 3B may be formed by softening, partially melting, or sometimes fully melting the coating of the first yam 252 while at least the core yarn 264 retains its solid structure. In one aspect, the coating of the first yarn 252 may be softened so that portions of the coating may be fused with adjacent other portions of the first yarn 252 yarn as well as portions of the second yam 254 within interlooped courses. In another aspect, the coating may be partially melted so that the melted material of the coating may be reflowed and resolidified between adjacent stmetures within the knitted component to form the thermoformed network 262. In this way, the partially melted coating may fuse together adjacent portions of the first yam 252, which includes the core yarn 264 and remaining (non-melted) portions of the coating, as well as fuse to portions of the second yam 254. In some examples, portions of the coating may be fully melted, reflowed and solidified so that the re-solidified coating fuses together portions of the remaining core yam 264 and the second yarn 254.

[0085] Similar to the description provided with respect to FIG. 2A, the areas with the thermoformed network 262 created from thermoforming may have increased abrasion resistance, traction and / or grip, and increased water resistance properties compared to areaswithout a themioformed network. As described, because these properties are provided through the knit structure instead of being applied as an additional layer or film, the portion 250 of the knitted component may remain relatively thin and flexible which may facilitate ball control by a wearer.

[0086] With respect to FIGs. 3A-3B, because the portion 250 includes the second yam 254, which does not include a thermoplastic polymer material or composition, the portion 250 may have a smaller concentration of thermoplastic elastomer compared to the portion 200. Similarly, the portion 250 may have a smaller coefficient of friction compared to the portion 200.

[0087] FIG. 4A depicts a portion of the upper 124 that includes the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131, and FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-section of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 taken at cut line 4B-4B of FIG. 4A. A toe-to-heel direction 414 and a sole structure-to-throat area direction 416 are indicated in FIG.4A. The first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 extends outwardly from the knitted base area 129 a first height 418 as indicated in FIG. 4B. Although the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 is depicted as having a planar top surface in FIG. 4B, aspects herein contemplate that the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 may have a non-planar top surface including a rounded or contoured top surface.

[0088] The knitted base area 129 includes portions, such as portion 410 that separate the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 in the toe-to-heel direction 414. The knitted base area 129 also includes portions, such as portion 412 that separate the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 in the sole structurc-to-throat area direction 416. Aspects herein contemplate that the two portions 410 and 412 may comprise different yarn compositions. For example, the portion 410 may comprise 100% high tenacity yams including, for example, polyethylene terephthalate yarns. The portion 412 may comprise a mixture of high tenacity yarns and yams including a core of higher-melting material and a sheath with a thermoplastic polymeric composition including a thermoplastic elastomer. In one example, the portion 412 may include about 50% high tenacity yams and about 50% core / sheath yarns, about 55% high tenacity yams and about 45% core / sheath yarns, about 45% high tenacity yams and about 55% core / sheath yams, about 60% high tenacity yams and about 40% core / sheath yams, or about 40% high tenacity yarns and about 60% core / sheath yarns. Other percentage compositions are contemplated herein.

[0089] The different yarn compositions for the portion 410 versus the portion 412 may be based on, for example, how a soccer ball contacts the upper 124. In aspects where the medial side 105 of the upper 124 is used to “lift” the ball while dribbling or kicking, the use of core / sheath yams comprising the sheath of thermoplastic elastomer may impart a grip feature to the portions 412. To state it differently, the use of core / sheath yams with the sheath of thermoplastic elastomer may impart a grip feature to the knitted base area 129 in the sole structure-to-throat area direction 416. The extra amount of grip in the vertical sole structure -to-throat area direction 416 may aid in lifting the soccer ball while dribbling or kicking. This feature in combination with the vertically oriented first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 131 may further enhance the ability of the upper 124 to lift the soccer ball. The use of 100% high tenacity yarns in the toe-to-heel direction 414 may impart enhanced abrasion resistant properties to the portion 410 which may increase the useable life of the article of footwear 100.

[0090] FIG. 5 A depicts a portion of the upper 124 that includes the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134, and FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-section of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 taken at cut line 5B-5B of FIG. 5 A. The toe-to-heel direction 414 and the sole structure-to-throat area direction 416 are indicated in FIG. 5A. The second plurality of knitted raised stmctures 134 extends outwardly from the knitted base area 129 a second height 454 as indicated in FIG. 5B, where the second height 454 is less than the first height 418. Although the second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 is depicted as having a planar top surface in FIG. 5B, aspects herein contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised stmctures 134 may have a non-planar top surface including a rounded top surface.

[0091] The knitted base area 129 also includes portions, such as portion 450 that separate the second plurality of knitted raised stmctures 134 in the toe-to-heel direction 414. The knitted base area 129 also includes portions, such as portion 452 that separate the second plurality of knitted raised stmctures 134 in the sole structure-to-throat area direction 416. Similar to the first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 131, aspects herein contemplate that the two portions 450 and 452 may comprise different yarn compositions. For example, the portion 450 may include 100% high tenacity yarns including, for example, polyethylene terephthalate yams. The portion 452 may include a mixture of high tenacity yams and yams comprising a core of higher-melting material and a sheath comprising a thermoplastic polymeric composition including a thermoplastic elastomer. In one example, the portion 452 may include about 50% high tenacity yarns and about 50% core / sheath yarns, about 55% high tenacity yams and about 45% core / sheath yarns, about 45% high tenacity yarns and about 55% core / sheath yarns, about60% high tenacity yams and about 40% core / sheath yarns, or about 40% high tenacity yams and about 60% core / sheath yams. Other percentage compositions are contemplated herein. The discussion regarding the functional benefits of using different yam compositions provided with respect to the portions 410 and 412 in FIG. 4A is also applicable to the portions 450 and 452.

[0092] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic of an example process 600 of manufacturing an article of footwear, such as the article of footwear 100, in accordance with aspects herein. In part 610, a device 612 applies one or more of pressure and heat to first surface of a knitted component, such as the knitted component 128. In aspects, the first surface is the outer-facing surface 130 of an upper such as the upper 124. In one aspect, the heat and pressure are applied before the knitted component is formed into an upper, and in another aspect, the heat and pressure are applied after the knitted component has been formed into an upper. In some example aspects, the device 612 may comprise a heat press although other ways of applying heat and pressure to a textile can be used, e.g., an oven or steaming apparatus. The knitted component may include a knitted base area, such as the knitted base area 129, that is knit with a first stitch type. Portions of the knitted base area, such as the portion 412 and / or the portion 452, may be knit with a combination of yarn types including high tenacity yarns and yarns comprising a core of higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymeric composition. Other portions of the knitted base area, such as the portion 410 and / or the portion 450 may be knit with solely high tenacity yams.

[0093] The knitted component also includes knitted raised structures in different knit zones of the knitted component such as the first plurality of knitted raised structures 131 in the first knit zone 132 and the optional second plurality of knitted raised structures 134 in the second knit zone 136. In example aspects, each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures and the optional second plurality of knitted raised structures are knit with a second stitch type different from the first stitch type used to knit the knitted base area. In one example, the second stitch type may be an ottoman rib stitch. In an example aspect, the first plurality of knitted raised structures may be knit solely with yams having a core of higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition including a thermoplastic elastomer. In an additional example aspect, the second plurality of knitted raised structures may be knit with a combination of high tenacity yarns and yams comprising a core of higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymeric composition including a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0094] The one or more of heat and pressure applied by the device 612 may be applied in some examples, to just the outer-facing surface of the first and / or second pluralities of knitted raised structures. In other examples, the heat and pressure may be applied to both the outerfacing surface of the first and second pluralities of the knitted raised structures and the knitted base area. In examples, the application temperature may be selected to soften and / or partially melt the sheath of lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer. This may be done to help maintain the structure and loft of the knitted raised structures. After the softened and / or partially melted thermoplastic elastomer re-solidifies, a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns is formed on the outer-facing surfaces of the first and second pluralities of knitted raised structures as shown in part 614.

[0095] In examples, since the first plurality of knitted raised structures may be knit with solely core / sheath yarns, the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer on the outer- facing surface of the first plurality of knitted raised structures can be higher than the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of the second plurality of knitted raised structures, which also includes high tenacity yarns. Similarly, the coefficient of friction of the first plurality of knitted raised structures may be higher than the coefficient of friction of the second plurality of knitted raised structures. The process 600 may include additional parts or processes such as forming the knitted component into an upper and / or securing the upper to a sole structure such as the sole structure 110.

[0096] Aspects herein contemplate additional configurations for an upper that includes knitted raised structures. In one aspect, the upper may comprise layered knit components that include an inner knit component and a separately knit outer knit component positioned overtop of at least a portion of the inner knit component, e.g., such that the outer knit component covers at least a portion or substantially all of the inner knit component. In this aspect, the inner knit component may not include knitted raised structures, and the outer knit component may include knitted raised structures in one or more knit zones. Using layered knit components to form the upper, as opposed to using a single layer knit component, may provide additional containment of a wearer’s foot, which, in turn, may help to reduce slipping, sliding, and / or unwanted displacement of the wearer’s foot during multi-directional movement. Moreover, the knit courses that form the inner and outer knit components may include different knit structures, different knit directions (e.g., radial knit versus conventional “horizontal” weft knitting), and / or different types of yarns (e.g., high-tenacity yarns, stretch-resistant yams, non-elasticated yams, and the like), that may increase stretch resistance in the course direction (referred to herein as“lines of containment'’). The directionality of the lines of containment in each of the inner knit component and the outer knit component may augment the containment of a wearer’s foot provided by the layering the inner knit component and the outer knit component.

[0097] As described, aspects herein contemplate the outer knit component having a smaller size or surface area than the inner knit component such that the outer knit component only covers part of the inner knit component. This may introduce manufacturing and cost efficiencies since the thermoplastic yarns, which are typically more expensive compared to, for example, PET yams, used to form the knitted raised structures are limited to the smaller surface area of the outer knit component. In this example, the inner knit component may not include thermoplastic yams. Additionally, in aspects where the inner knit component includes a lacing system, the outer knit component may cover or at least partially cover the lacing system thus helping to provide a “smooth” surface for ball contact. Stated differently, the outer knit component may help to prevent or at least partially prevent the laces from contacting a soccer ball when the soccer ball is kicked by a wearer, which may facilitate better ball control.

[0098] In example aspects, the outer knit component may include the knitted raised structures described herein. In examples, the knitted raised structures may be located in different knit zones of the outer knit component, e.g., at least a first knit zone and a second knit zone. The first knit zone may be located at least at a medial, central, and lateral instep region of the outer knit component and may include one or more first knitted raised structures that extend outwardly from a knitted base area a first height and that include a first number of knit stitches per unit area. In aspects, the medial, central, and lateral instep region may correspond to a typical strike zone of a global football shoe. The second knit zone may be located at one or more of lateral forefoot and midfoot region and a medial forefoot and midfoot region. The second knit zone may include one or more second knitted raised structures that extend outwardly a second height from the knitted base area and may include a second number of knit stitches per unit area. In examples, the second height and / or the second number of knit stitches per unit area is less than the first height and / or the first number of knit stitches per unit area.

[0099] As stated, the location of the first knit zone at the medial, central and lateral instep region of the outer knit component may correspond to a typical strike zone or shooting zone of, for example, a global football shoe based on contact maps showing areas of contact between a soccer ball and a global football shoe during different soccer maneuvers. The first knitted raised structures, in some examples, may extend outwardly a greater height compared to the second knitted raised structures, due to, for example, the first knitted raised structurescomprising more knit stitches per unit area than the second knitted raised structures. The greater number of knit stitches per unit area may correspond to a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer in the first knitted raised structures compared to the second knitted raised structures. In turn, this may increase the grip and traction characteristics of the first knitted raised structures compared to the second knitted raised structures. Having a greater height for the first knitted raised structures and having an increased amount of grip in the strike zone (i.e., the first knit zone) of the upper may facilitate shoe-to-ball contact when shooting the ball and provide for better control and accuracy. Using knitted raised structures in the strike zone (i.e., the first knit zone) may also provide a degree of padding that may help to protect an instep area of a wearer’s foot when ball contact is made.

[0100] Because the second knitted raised structures comprise a smaller number of knit stitches per unit area and a smaller height compared to the first knitted raised structures, a soccer ball may come into more contact with a wearer’s foot, which may provide the wearer with a better feel for the ball. This in combination with locating the second knitted raised structures in the medial and lateral forefoot and midfoot regions of the upper (i.e., the second knit zone) may facilitate ball control when a wearer is dribbling, curling, and / or lifting the ball using the medial and / or lateral forefoot and / or midfoot regions of the article of footwear.

[0101] Looking now at FIGS. 7-10, an article of footwear 700 is depicted, in accordance with aspects herein. FIG. 7 depicts a medial side 705 of the article of footwear 700; FIG. 8 depicts a lateral side 805 of the article of footwear 700; FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of the article of footwear 700; and FIG. 10 depicts a top-down view of the article of footwear 700. As depicted in FIGS. 7-9, the article of footwear 700 is intended to be used with a left foot; however, it should be understood that the following discussion may also apply to a mirror image of the article of footwear 700 that is intended for use with a right foot. While an article of footwear is shown, it should be understood that other articles of wear are also contemplated with the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, apparel (e.g., shirts, jerseys, pants, shorts, gloves, glasses, socks, hats, caps, jackets, undergarments, and other apparel) and containers (e.g., backpacks, bags, or other containers).

[0102] The article of footwear 700 includes an ankle collar 710 that defines an ankle opening 712 for receiving a wearer’s foot, a heel area 714, a toe area 716, and an instep region 718. As used herein, the term “instep region’’ means an area of the article of footwear 700 configured to cover an instep of a wearer’s foot. The article of footwear 700 further includes a medial heel region 720, a lateral heel region 820, a medial midfoot region 722, a lateral midfootregion 822, a medial forefoot region 724, and a lateral forefoot region 824. The instep region 718, in example aspects, may extend from the toe area 716 to the ankle collar 710 and, as such, may extend through the medial and lateral forefoot regions 724, 824, at least a portion of the medial and lateral midfoot regions 722 and 822, and a central region between the medial and lateral sides of the article of footwear 700.

[0103] The article of footwear 700 also includes a sole structure 726 and an upper 728. The sole structure 726 is secured to the upper 728 at a biteline 730, and the sole structure 726 extends between a wearer’s foot and the ground when the article of footwear 700 is worn. The sole structure 726 may optionally include a plurality of ground-engaging cleats 732. The upper 728 generally defines a void within the upper 728 for receiving and securing a wearer’s foot relative to the sole structure 726. Surfaces of the void within the upper 728 are shaped to accommodate the foot and may extend over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, under the foot, and around the heel area of the foot.

[0104] In example aspects, the upper 728 may include an inner knit component 734 and an outer knit component 736 positioned at least partially on, over, across, and / or overtop the inner knit component 734 where the inner knit component 734 and the outer knit component 736 are indicated by courses of knit loops. In one example aspect, the inner knit component 734 may form a substantial entirety of the upper 728 including the medial and lateral heel regions 720 and 820, the medial and lateral midfoot regions 722 and 822, the medial and lateral forefoot regions 724 and 824, the instep region 718, and the ankle collar 710. In aspects, these different portions of the inner knit component 734 may be integrally knit with each other such that the inner knit component 734 has a generally seamless construction, c.g., except for an optional heel seam and / or underfoot seam. In another aspect, the inner knit component 734 may include a composite structure of multiple pieces knitted separately and attached together, e.g., through post-knitting operations, e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, or the like.

[0105] In aspects, the outer knit component 736 may be formed in a separate knitting step or operation than the inner knit component 734 and may include an integrally knit, one-piece structure. In other aspects, the outer knit component 736 may include a composite structure of multiple pieces knitted separately and attached together, e.g., through post-knitting operations, e.g., stitching, sewing, bonding, or the like. In the example shown in FIGS. 7-10, the outer knit component 736 is positioned overtop the instep region 718 of the inner knit component 734 and is positioned overtop at least the medial and lateral forefoot regions 724 and 824 of the inner knit component 734. The outer knit component 736 may also be positioned at leastpartially overtop the medial and lateral midfoot regions 722 and 822 of the inner knit component 734. In some examples, the outer knit component 736 may also optionally be positioned at least partially overtop the medial and lateral heel regions 720 and 820 of the inner knit component 734. In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 7-10, a boundary of the outer knit component 736 defining a contour thereof is indicated by line 738. In one aspect, the shape of the outer knit component 736 may be generally symmetrical on the medial side 705 and the lateral side 805 of the article of footwear 700. In another aspect, the shape of the outer knit component 736 may be different on the medial side 705 of the article of footwear 100 versus the lateral side 805, e.g., such that the outer knit component 736 defines an asymmetric shape. In aspects, symmetrical, partially symmetrical, or non-symmetrical or amorphous shapes of the outer knit component 736 are contemplated in connection with different aspects described herein.

[0106] In areas of the article of footwear 700 where the outer knit component 736 is positioned overtop the inner knit component 734, the outer knit component 736, or portions thereof, may form an outermost- facing surface of the upper 728. With the article of footwear 700 depicted in FIGS. 7-10, at least the ankle collar 710 and the heel area 714 of the inner knit component 734 are visible or exposed when viewing an external portion of the article of footwear 700. In this example, the ankle collar 710 and the heel area 714 of the inner knit component 734 may form an outermost-facing surface of the upper 728. The shape of the outer knit component 736 shown in FIGS. 7-10 is illustrative and aspects herein contemplate that the outer knit component 736 may be positioned overtop a greater or a lesser surface of the inner knit component 734. In these aspects, it is contemplated herein that the outer knit component 736 has a smaller surface area than the inner knit component 734.

[0107] In aspects, and as schematically depicted in at least FIGS. 7 and 8, the outer knit component 736 includes a knitted base area 740 that forms, at least in part, an outer-facing surface of the upper 728. In aspects, the knitted base area 740 may be knit using a first stitch type. As will be described in additional detail with respect to FIG. 12, the knitted base area 740 may be knit using one or more yam types including high-tenacity yams, elastic yams, and / or yams have a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition such as a thermoplastic elastomer. The use of high- tenacity yams may impart abrasion-resistant properties to the outer knit component 736, and the use of elastic yarns may impart stretch and recovery properties to certain areas of the outer knit component 736.

[0108] As further schematically depicted in at least FIGS.7 and 8, the outer knit component 736 also includes knitted raised structures as described above and referenced generally by the numeral 742. The knitted raised structures 742 are located in one or more knit zones of the outer knit component 736. The one or more knit zones are schematically depicted in FIG. 10, which illustrates a top-down view of the article of footwear 700. The schematic depiction in FIG. 10 shows a solid line demarcating the different zones. This is for illustration purposes only and articles of footwear incorporating the outer knit component 736 may not include such a visual demarcation of the different zones. In example aspects, the outer knit component 736 may include a first knit zone 1010 located in the instep region 718 of the outer knit component 736. More particularly, the first knit zone 1010 may be located in one or more of a medial, central, and lateral part of the instep region 718 and may be located closer to the ankle collar 710 compared to the toe area 716 of the upper 728. For example, a heel-facing end 1014 of the first knit zone 1010 may be within about 0.5 cm to about 5 cm of a topline edge of the ankle collar 710. An opposite toe-facing end 1016 of the first knit zone 1010 may be within about 6 cm to about 15 cm of the toe area 716 of the upper 728. Based on ball contact maps of a global football shoe, the location of the first knit zone 1010 corresponds to a typical strike zone of a global football shoe (e.g., an area typically used for shooting a ball). Although the first knit zone 1010 is depicted as having two side-by-side portions, aspects herein contemplate that the first knit zone 1010 may have a single portion extending over the instep region 718, or the first knit zone 1010 may have multiple portions that collectively extend over the instep region 718.

[0109] The outer knit component 736 may also include one or more second knit zones such as second knit zone 1012a and second knit zone 1012b. The second knit zone 1012a may be located for example, lateral to the first knit zone 1010 in one or more of the lateral forefoot region 824 and the lateral midfoot region 822 of the outer knit component 736. The second knit zone 1012b may be located at least partially medial to the first knit zone 1010 in example aspects and may be positioned in one or more of the medial midfoot region 722 and the medial forefoot region 724. The second knit zones 1012a and 1012b may correspond to locations on a global football shoe used for dribbling, advancing the ball, or lifting the ball as based on ball contact maps. The location and shape configurations of the different knit zones as depicted in FIG. 10 are illustrative and other location and shape configurations are contemplated herein. More detailed descriptions of the knitted raised structures 742 with respect to the different knit zones (e.g., the first knit zone 1010 and the second knit zone 1012) will be provided with respect to FIG. 12.-W -

[0110] FIG. 11 depicts a schematic view of the inner knit component 734. In example aspects, the inner knit component 734 may be knit using a traditional weft knitting process that may use a flat knitting machine, such as a flat V-bed knitting machine with a front needle bed and a back needle bed. As such, the inner knit component 734 may include parallel courses that generally extend across a width of the inner knit component 734 from a first perimeter edge 1105a to an opposite second perimeter edge 1105b, such as inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112. The inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112 are depicted as having a sequence of knitted loops in simplified form. However, it should be understood that the sequence of loops do not necessarily represent the particular stitch type or stitch sequence being used. For example, the inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112 may include other stitch types, such as float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, and the like.

[0111] The inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112 may represent lines of potential containment. The lines of containment may be achieved through, for example, utilizing various knit structures (e.g., float stitches), and / or utilizing yarns of higher tensile strength, higher tenacity, and / or higher stretch resistance for courses along certain lines of containment. The lines of containment may improve the stability ofthe upper728 in a medial-to-lateral direction, which may benefit a wearer by providing support for side-to-side movements. In this sense, containing the wearer’s foot within the upper 728 through courses limiting stretch or otherwise providing support along, for example, the course direction of the inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112 may enhance performance capabilities of the article of footwear 700. Although the inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112 are shown oriented in a generally horizontal direction, aspects herein contemplate patterning the inner knit component 734 such that the inner knit component courses 1110 and 1112 run vertically or directions between horizontal and vertical.

[0112] Aspects herein also contemplate that the inner knit component 734 may be knit using other techniques such as wedging, radial knitting, and the like. With respect to radial knitting, courses may extend from an outer perimeter (e.g., outer perimeter 1105) of the inner knit component 734 to a common portion or region (e.g., the throat, instep area, or ankle collar 710). In this example, inner knit component courses may not be parallel to each other and, instead, may be angularly offset from each other. In this aspect, the various angular directions of the courses may provide lines of containment that effectively extend up to 360 degrees around the center of a wearer’s foot. Radially knit courses may be achieved through a radial knitting process in which lateral and medial sides of the inner knit component 734 are knitsequentially starting at, for example, a heel region on the lateral side 805 of the inner knit component 734, knitting from the heel region to a forefoot region, and then knitting a medial side 705 of the inner knit component 734 starting at the forefoot region and finishing at the heel region on the medial side 705. Any and all aspects, and any variation of traditional weft knitting and radial knitting, are contemplated herein.

[0113] The inner knit component 734 may be knit using a combination of yarns including, for example, PET yarns (including recycled PET yams) and / or elastic yarns. In example aspects, the elastic yarns may include, for example, two strands of recycled polyester wrapped around elastane. In example aspects, the elastic yarns may be used in areas of the inner knit component 734 for which stretch is desired such as, for example, the ankle collar 710 and the instep region 718 of the inner knit component 734. PET yarns may be used to knit remaining portions of the inner knit component 734. These are just example yarn types and other yarn types, e.g., polyamide yarns, natural yams (cotton, wool, and the like), are contemplated herein. In general, PET yarns and elastic yarns are relatively inexpensive which introduces cost efficiencies in the manufacture of the inner knit component 734. In general, the inner knit component 734 may not be knit using more expensive yams such as yams comprising a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic material or yarns that incorporate more uncommon materials due to being covered by the outer knit component 736. Also, the inner knit component 734 may not include knitted raised stmctures to help improve manufacturing times.

[0114] In example aspects, the inner knit component 734 may optionally be configured to include a lacing system as shown by the dashed lines. For example, the inner knit component 734 may include eyelets 1114 that are either knit in or formed during a post-knitting step. Prior to wear, a lace 1116 may be threaded through the eyelets 1114 to enable a wearer to tighten the upper 728 around the wearer’s foot. When the upper 728 is constructed, the outer knit component 736 may be positioned such that it is overtop at least a portion of the eyelets 1114 and the lace 1116. As such, the outer knit component 736 may help impart a smooth surface to the instep region 718 of the upper 728 and help to limit contact of, for example, a soccer ball with the lace 1116. This, in turn, may facilitate a smoother surface for better ball control and accuracy when shooting the ball and limit interference or inconsistencies from impacting the lace structures on the inner knit component 734.

[0115] FIG. 12 depicts a schematic view of the outer knit component 736. In example aspects, the outer knit component 736 may be knit using a traditional weft knitting process thatmay use a flat knitting machine, such as a flat V-bed knitting machine with a front needle bed and a back needle bed. As such, the outer knit component 736 may include parallel courses that generally extend across a width of the outer knit component 736 from a first perimeter edge 1205a to an opposite second perimeter edge 1205b, such as outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212. The outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212 are depicted as having a sequence of knitted loops in simplified form. However, it should be understood that the sequence of loops do not necessarily represent the particular stitch type or stitch sequence being used. For example, the outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212 may include other stitch types, such as float stitches, tuck stitches, transfer stitches, ottoman rib stitches, and the like.

[0116] The outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212 may represent lines of potential containment. The lines of containment may be achieved through, for example, utilizing various knit structures (e.g., float stitches), and / or utilizing yarns of higher tensile strength, higher tenacity, and / or higher stretch-resistance for courses along certain lines of containment. The lines of containment may improve the stability of the upper 728 in a medial-to-lateral direction, which may benefit a wearer by providing support for side-to-side movements. In this sense, containing the wearer’s foot within the upper 728 through courses limiting stretch or otherwise providing support along, for example, the course direction of the outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212 may enhance performance capabilities of the article of footwear 700. Although the outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212 are shown oriented in a generally horizontal direction, aspects herein contemplate patterning the outer knit component 736 such that the outer knit component courses 1210 and 1212 run vertically or directions between horizontal and vertical.

[0117] Aspects herein also contemplate that the outer knit component 736 may be knit using other techniques such as wedging, radial knitting, and the like. With respect to radial knitting, courses may extend from an outer perimeter (e.g., outer perimeter 1205) of the outer knit component 736 to a common portion or region (e.g., the instep region 718). In this example, outer knit component courses may not be parallel to each other and, instead, may be angularly offset from each other. In this aspect, the various angular directions of the courses may provide lines of containment that effectively extend 360 degrees around the center of a wearer’ s foot. Radially knit courses may be achieved through a radial knitting process in which lateral and medial sides of the outer knit component 736 are knit sequentially as described with respect to the inner knit component 734.

[0118] Aspects herein contemplate that both the inner and outer knit components 734 and 736 may be knit using traditional weft knitting techniques; the inner knit component 734 may be knit using traditional weft knitting techniques while the outer knit component 736 is knit using radial knitting techniques; the inner knit component 734 may be knit using radial knitting techniques and the outer knit component 736 may be knit using traditional weft knitting techniques; or both the inner and outer knit components 734 and 736 may be knit using radial knitting techniques. The selection of the knitting technique used for the inner and outer knit components 734 and 736 may be based on a desired directionality of the lines of containment provided by each component. By layering the outer knit component 736 overtop the inner knit component 734, the lines of containment of each component 734 and 736 may augment each other to provide an additional level of containment beyond what is achieved by using a single layer knit component to form the upper 728.

[0119] The outer knit component 736 includes the knitted based area 740 and the knitted raised structures 742. In aspects, the knitted base area 740 may be knit using a first stitch type (e.g., a single jersey knit) and may be knit using a combination of yam types depending on a desired functionality of the different areas of the outer knit component 736. For example, area 1214, denoted by a dashed line, may be knit using elastic yarns including, for example, two strands of recycled polyester wrapped around elastane. The area 1214 is located close to the ankle collar 710 and extends at least partially over the instep region 718. Increased stretch in this area may make shoe donning easier. Remaining portions of the knitted base area 740 may be knit using, for example, high- tenacity yarns and yarns comprising a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic material. In one example, the high-tenacity yams may comprise a PET or recycled PET yam having a denier of 300 or higher. Because the outer knit component 736 at least partially forms an outer-facing surface of the upper 728, use of a high-tenacity yarn may impart abrasion resistant properties to the upper 728.

[0120] The outer knit component 736 further includes the knitted raised structures 742. The knitted raised stmctures 742 located in the first knit zone 1010 comprise a first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 742a, and the knitted raised stmctures 742 located in the second knit zones 1012a and 1012b comprise a second plurality of knitted raised stmctures 742b. Each first knitted raised structure 742a is spaced apart from an adjacent first knitted raised structure 742a by an intervening portion of the knitted base area 740 in both a toe-to-heel direction and a sole stmcture-to-instep region direction. The intervening portions of the knitted base area740 do not include knitted raised structures. The spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be selected to provide a desired level of flexibility and / or pliability in the areas where the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a are located. The first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may include a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns which may increase the stiffness of the outer knit component 736 in areas where the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a are located. For example, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is reduced, flexibility may also be reduced. This may be desirable when a stiffer surface is desired. Conversely, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is increased, flexibility may also be increased. This may be desirable when a more pliable surface is desired.

[0121] Each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a extends outwardly (or in the z-direction) from the knitted base area 740 a first height (e.g., as in FIG. 13B). The extension height of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be based on the number of knit stitches used to knit the structures. For example, each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be knit using a first number of knit stitches (e.g., a first number of ottoman rib stitches) per unit area, e.g., centimeter squared. In one example, the number of knit stitches used in an ottoman rib stitch may comprise six stitches. In example aspects, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may limit contact of, for example, a ball with the knitted base area 740 of the outer knit component 736 in the first knit zone 1010 (e.g., the strike zone).

[0122] In example aspects, each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may optionally have a tapered or ellipsoid-type shape with a wider middle that tapers at opposing ends. In another example aspect, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may not comprise a tapered shape but, instead, may comprise generally the same width from a first end to an opposite second end of the structure. In example aspects, a long axis of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a is generally oriented orthogonal to the biteline 730. The depiction of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a is illustrative and features such as size of each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a, spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures 742a, shape of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a, general configuration of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a, and location of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may differ from that shown. Aspects herein further contemplate that the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may have orientations other than orthogonal to the biteline 730.

[0123] Each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be knit with a stitch type that is different from the stitch type used to knit the knitted base area 740. In one example, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be knit with an ottoman rib stitch which causes the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a to extend, protrude, or bulge outwardly from the knitted base area 740. Other stitch types that build volume and cause the stitch(es) to extend outwardly from a base area are contemplated herein such as, for example, a rib stitch and variants thereof, a raspberry stitch, a basketweave stitch, a moss stitch, and the like.

[0124] In example aspects, the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be knit with one or more yarns having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition such as a thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the core of the higher-melting material may be cotton, silk, wool, rayon, polyamide (nylon), elastane, polyolefin, polyurethane, or PET. In one example, the core of higher-melting material is PET including recycled PET. In examples, the yarns do not include any additional yam types such that only the one or more yams having the core of higher-melting material and the sheath of lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer are used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a.

[0125] Once the outer knit component 736 is knitted, one or more of heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy) may be applied to an outer- facing surface of the first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 742a causing the sheath of the lower-melting material, e.g., in this case thermoplastic elastomer, to soften, partially melt, and / or melt. When the thermoplastic elastomer rc-solidifics, a thermoformed network of intcrloopcd yarns may be formed including one or more of the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer, the core yarns, and yarns comprising the core, and the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer sheath. To state it differently, when the thermoplastic elastomer re-solidifies, the outer-facing surface of first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 742a includes one or more core yarns embedded within the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the application temperature may be selected such that complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer sheath can be reduced or limited or substantially avoided. This helps to maintain the structure, including the height, of the first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 742a. To state it differently, complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer sheath may cause the first plurality of knitted raised stmctures 742a to flatten and / or lose their tapered shape.

[0126] Subsequent to processing, the outer-facing surface of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may have a first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, since the knitted base area 740 can be knit using a combination of elastic yams, high-tenacity yarns, and / or yams having a core of higher-melting material and a sheath of thermoplastic elastomer, the outer-facing surface of, for example, the first knitted raised structure 742a can have a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than the outer- facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area 740. Moreover, since the inner knit component 734 may not include yams formed with a thermoplastic elastomer, the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure 742a can have a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of the inner knit component 734. The higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a can impart a greater grip or traction quality to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a compared to the knitted base area 740. Thus, the outer-facing surface of, for example, the first knitted raised structure 742a can have a greater coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of the knitted base area 740, comparatively speaking.

[0127] The height of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a, along with the greater grip and traction imparted to the first knit zone 1010 by the first knitted raised structures 742a, may help to limit, control, or tune ball contact with the wearer’s foot and may help to limit a soccer ball that is in contact with the first knit zone 1010 from slipping off of the instep region 718. This can help a wearer of the article of footwear 700 more accurately move, control, aim, and shift the soccer ball thereby improving handling and shooting accuracy. Moreover, the location of the first knitted raised structures 742a in the first knit zone 1010 may provide a degree of padding to the wearer’s instep area when shooting the ball, thus facilitating wearer comfort.

[0128] The upper 124 may optionally include a second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b located in the second knit zones 1012a and 1012b of the outer knit component 736. The second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b includes a plurality of discrete second knitted raised structures 742b. In this example, each second knitted raised structure 742b is spaced apart from an adjacent second knitted raised structure 742b by an intervening portion of the knitted base area 740 in both the toe-to-heel direction and the sole structure -to-instep region direction. The intervening portions of the knitted base area 740 in this example do not include knitted raised structures. The spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be selected to provide a desired level offlexibility and / or pliability in the area where the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b are located. As described with respect to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may include a thermoformed network of interlooped yams which may increase the stiffness of the outer knit component 736 in areas where the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b are located. For example, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is reduced, flexibility may also be reduced. This may be desirable when a stiffer surface is desired. Conversely, when spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures is increased, flexibility may also be increased. This may be desirable when a more pliable surface is desired. In examples, the spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may vary depending upon the particular second knit zone 1012a and 1012b. In examples, the spacing can be between about 1-10 millimeters.

[0129] Each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b extends outwardly (or in the z-direction) from the knitted base area 740 a second height. The extension height of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be based on the number of knit stitches used to knit the siruclures. For example, each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be knit using a second number of knit stitches (e.g., a second number of ottoman rib stitches) per unit area. In one example, between three to five knit stitches (e.g., ottoman rib stitches) may be used to knit a second knitted raised structure 742b. In example aspects, when comparing a unit area of the first knitted raised structure 742a with a unit area of the second knitted raised structure 742b, the first number of knit stitches used to knit the first knitted raised structure 742a may be greater than the second number of knit stitches used to knit the second knitted raised structure 742b. The greater number of knit stitches may cause the first knitted raised structure 742a to extend outwardly a greater height than the second knitted raised structure 742b. In addition, in aspects, knitted raised structures can have distinct combinations of heights, e.g., some with a greater height, some with the same height, some with a lesser height, and / or the like. This allows the surface properties of the outer knit component 736 to be modified, adjusted, and / or tuned for a particular form of tactile interaction.

[0130] In example aspects, having a different height for the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b in the second knit zones 1012a and 1012b may enable or provide different ball control characteristics compared to the first zone 1010. For example, in aspects where the second knitted raised structures 742b have a smaller height compared to the first knitted raised structures 742a, a flatter or more planar-like surface may be provided. The flattersurface may allow for more contact between a ball and the knitted base area 740 while still providing grip and traction characteristics associated with the second knitted raised structures 742b. To state it differently, the flatter surface may allow for more contact between a ball and a wearer’s foot providing the wearer with enhanced tactile feedback regarding ball touches. This may be useful for ball maneuvers that involve the ball being in repeated contact with the outer knit component 734 such as, for example, dribbling.

[0131] Aspects herein contemplate that each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may optionally comprise a tapered or ellipsoid-type shape with a wider middle that tapers to a narrower width at opposite ends. For example, in one aspect, the ends of the tapered shape may include three ottoman stitches while the middle of the tapered shape may include five ottoman stitches, or other similar combinations. In example aspects, a long axis of the ellipsoid-type shape is oriented orthogonal to the biteline 730 giving the second knitted raised structures 742b a generally vertical orientation relative to the biteline 730. The vertical orientation of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b imparts a vertical grip feature to the second knit zones 1012a and 1012bc. Vertical grip may be beneficial for lifting and / or curling a ball when it is being dribbled or kicked. Aspects herein contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may have a different shape (e.g., circular) compared to the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a. Aspects herein further contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may have orientations other than vertical such as near vertical, horizontal, or near horizontal. The depiction of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b is illustrative and features such as size of each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b and / or spacing between adjacent knitted raised structures may differ from that shown.

[0132] Each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be knit using a stitch type that is different from the stitch type used to knit the knitted base area 740. In some aspects, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be knit with the same stitch type used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a. Other aspects contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be knit with a stitch type different from the stitch type used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a. In example aspects, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be knit with an ottoman rib stitch which causes the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b to extend outwardly from the knitted base area 740. Other stitch types that build volume and cause the stitch(es) toextend outwardly from a base area are contemplated herein such as, for example, a rib stitch and variants thereof, a raspberry stitch, a basketweave stitch, a moss stitch, and the like.

[0133] Tn aspects, the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be knit with one or more yams having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic polymer material or composition, e.g., such as a thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the core with the higher-melting material may be cotton, silk, wool, rayon, polyamide (nylon), elastane, polyolefin, polyurethane, or PET, among other possible materials. In one example, the core of higher- melting material is PET including recycled PET. In some aspects, the yams do not include any additional yam types such that only the one or more yams comprising the core of higher-melting material and a sheath of lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer are used to knit the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b.

[0134] Once the outer knit component 736 is knitted, heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy) may be applied to an outer-facing surface of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b causing in this example the sheath of the lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer to soften, partially melt, and / or melt. When the thermoplastic elastomer cools and re-solidifies, a thermoformed network of interlooped yarns can be formed including one or more of the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer, the core yarns, and / or yarns comprising the core, and the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer material of the sheath. To state it differently, when the thermoplastic elastomer cools and re-solidifies, the outer-facing surface of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b includes one or more core yarns embedded within the re-solidified thermoplastic elastomer. In aspects, the application temperature may be selected such that complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer sheath can be reduced or limited or substantially avoided. This helps to maintain the structure, including the height, of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b. To state it differently, complete melting of the thermoplastic elastomer sheath may cause the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b to flatten and / or lose their tapered shape and thus the heating process may be adjusted to mitigate such effect.

[0135] Subsequent to processing, the outer-facing surface of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may have a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area 740. Moreover, since in this example the inner knit component 734 may not include yams comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, the outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure 742b has a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of the inner knitcomponent 734. The higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b helps impart greater grip and traction qualities to the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b compared to the knitted base area 740. Therefore, the outer-facing surface of, for example, the second knitted raised structure 742b has a greater coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of the knitted base area 740, comparatively speaking.

[0136] In addition, in aspects where the first knitted raised structure 742a is knit with a greater number of knit stitches per unit area compared to the second knitted raised structure 742b, the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure 742a may have a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer compared to the outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure 742b.

[0137] FIG. 13A depicts a portion of the outer knit component 736 that includes the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a, and FIG. 13B illustrates a cross-section of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a taken along cut-line 13B-13B of FIG. 13A. A toe-to-heel direction 1310 and a sole structure-to-instep region direction 1312 are indicated in FIG.13 A. The first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a extend outwardly from the knitted base area 740 a first height 1314 as indicated in FIG. 13B. The first height 1314 may be based on the number of knit stitches per unit of area used to knit the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a. For example, a greater number of knit stitches per unit area may cause the first height 1314 to be greater than when the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a are knit with a fewer number of knit stitches per unit area. In addition, a greater number of knit stitches per unit area may cause a first knitted raised structure 742a to have a greater concentration of thermoplastic elastomer compared to when a first knitted raised structure 742a is knit with a fewer number of knit stitches per unit area. Although the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a is depicted as having a planar top surface in FIG. 13B, aspects herein contemplate that the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may have a non-planar top surface, e.g., a curved, contoured, rounded, or other non-planar surface configuration.

[0138] FIG. 14A depicts a portion of the outer knit component 736 that includes the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b, and FIG. 14B illustrates a cross-section of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b taken along cut-line 14B-14B of FIG. 14A. The toe-to-heel direction 1310 and the sole structure-to-instep region direction 1312 are indicated in FIG. 14A. The second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b extends outwardly from the knitted base area 740 a second height 1414 as indicated in FIG. 14B. Similar to the first height1314 of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a in FIG. 13B, the second height 1414 may be based on the number of knit stitches per unit area used to knit each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b. Aspects herein contemplate that number of knit stitches per unit area used to knit each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be less than the number of knit stitches per unit area used to knit each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a. In this aspect, the second height 1414 of each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may be less than the first height 1314 of each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a. Also in this aspect, the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer in each of the first plurality of knitted raised structures 742a may be greater than the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer in each of the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b. As described above, aspects herein contemplate that the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer for each of the first knitted raised structures 742a and the second knitted raised structures 742b may be greater than the concentration of thermoplastic elastomer in the knitted base area 740. This provides an additional benefit of controlling or limiting the amount of thermoplastic elastomer that is needed to obtain desired grip, traction, and / or surface characteristics and this in turn can be beneficial for cost, efficiency, and sustainability because of the specialty nature and higher cost of yarns formed with thermoplastic polymer materials such as thermoplastic elastomers. Although the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b are depicted as each having a planar top surface in FIG. 14B, aspects herein contemplate that the second plurality of knitted raised structures 742b may have a non-planar top surface including a curved, contoured, rounded, or other non-planar top surface.

[0139] Looking now at FIG. 15, a block diagram of an example method 1500 of manufacturing an article of footwear, e.g., such as the article of footwear 700, is provided, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The method 1500 includes blocks 1510-1520 but is not limited to this selection of elements or the order depicted. In block 1510, an inner knit component, such as the inner knit component 734, is knit using one or more yarn types, e.g., such as PET, recycled PET, and / or elastic yarns. In aspects, yarns formed to include a thermoplastic material may not used to knit the inner knit component. The inner knit component may be knit using traditional weft knitting techniques, radial knitting techniques, or a combination of both. In some aspects, the inner knit component may be configured to include a lacing system.

[0140] In block 1512, an outer knit component, e.g., the outer knit component 736, is knit. Knitting the outer knit component may include knitting a base area at a block 1514, such as the base area 740. The base area may be knit using a combination of yarn types including PET yarns, recycled PET yarns, high-tenacity yarns, elastic yams, and / or yarns that include a thermoplastic polymer material such as a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., such yams may have a core of higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer). In block 1 16, at least a first knitted raised structure, such as the first knitted raised structure 742a, is knit in a first knit zone, such as the first knit zone 1010, of the outer knit component. In aspects, the first knitted raised structure is knit using solely yarns comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, e.g., yams that have a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer. Because the first knitted raised structure is knit using solely yams formed with a thermoplastic elastomer, an outer-facing surface of first knitted raised structure can have a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the base area. In block 1518, the outer knit component is positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component to form an upper, such as the upper 728. In block 1520, a sole structure, such as the sole structure 726, is secured to each of the inner knit component and the outer knit component to assemble together an article of footwear.

[0141] The method 1500 may include additional processes or steps. For example, the method 1500 may include applying heat (and optionally pressure and / or energy) to at least the first knitted raised structure, the heat being sufficient to at least partially soften or partially melt the sheath of the lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer. This may be similar to the process described for FIG. 6. The method 1500 may also include knitting a second knitted raised structure, such as the second knitted raised structure 742b in one or more knit zones of the outer knit component (e.g., second knit zones 1012a and 1012b). In aspects, the second knitted raised structure may also be knit solely with yarns that include a thermoplastic elastomer including yarns that have a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer. Thus, an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure has a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer- facing surface of at least a portion of the base area. In some examples, a first number of knit stitches per unit of area may be used to knit the first knitted raised structure and a second number of knit stitches per unit of area may be used to knit the second knitted raised structure, where the first number of knit stitches per unit area may be greater than the second number of knit stitches per unit area. Thiscauses the first knitted raised structure to extend farther out from the base area compared to the second knitted raised structure. Similar to the first knitted raised structure, one or more of heat and pressure may be applied to at least the second knitted raised structure, the heat being sufficient to at least partially soften or partially melt the sheath of the lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0142] The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

[0143] Clause 1. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure; and an upper secured to the sole structure, the upper comprising; an inner knit component comprising a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region, and an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component, the outer knit component comprising at least an instep region, a lateral forefoot region, and a medial forefoot region, the outer knit component comprising at least a first knitted raised structure extending outwardly from a knitted base area, wherein an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0144] Clause 2. The article of footwear of clause 1, wherein at least a portion of the heel region of the inner knit component is exposed on the article of footwear.

[0145] Clause 3. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein at least the forefoot region of the inner knit component is covered on the article of footwear.

[0146] Clause 4. The article of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises a tapered shape.

[0147] Clause 5. The article of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the first knitted raised structure is located in a first knit zone of the outer knit component.

[0148] Clause 6. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first knit zone is located at one or more of a lateral side and a medial side of the instep region of the outer knit component.

[0149] Clause 7. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-6, further comprising a second knitted raised structure located in a second knit zone of the upper, the second knitted raised structure extending outwardly from the knitted base area, the second knitted raised structurecomprising a different number of knit stitches per unit area compared to the first knitted raised structure.

[0150] Clause 8. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the second knit zone is located in one or more of the lateral forefoot region and the medial forefoot region of the outer knit component.

[0151] Clause 9. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-8, wherein an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of at least the portion of the knitted base area.

[0152] Clause 10. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the knitted base area comprises one or more yarns having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams per denier (g / D).

[0153] Clause 11. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-10, wherein at least a first yarn is embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

[0154] Clause 12. The article of footwear of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the inner knit component is formed without any knitted raised structure.

[0155] Clause 13. An article of footwear, comprising: an inner knit component, and an outer knit component positioned overtop at least a portion of the inner knit component to form an upper of the article of footwear, the outer knit component comprising: a first plurality of knitted raised structures in a first knit zone of the upper, the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from a knitted base area of the outer knit component, wherein an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0156] Clause 14. The article of footwear of clause 13, wherein the inner knit component comprises at least one of polyethylene terephthalate yarns and elastic yarns.

[0157] Clause 15. The article of footwear of clause 13 or 14, wherein the inner knit component does not include yarns comprising a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0158] Clause 16. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-15, wherein the outer knit component comprises one or more of high-tenacity yarns, elastic yams, and / or yams comprising a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0159] Clause 17. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-16, wherein the inner knit component is formed without knitted raised structures.

[0160] Clause 18. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-17, wherein the first knit zone is located in one or more of a lateral instep region, a central instep region, and a medial instep region of the outer knit component.

[0161] Clause 19. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-18, further comprising a second plurality of knitted raised structures in a second knit zone of the outer knit component, the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from the knitted base area of the outer knit component, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least the portion of the knitted base area.

[0162] Clause 20. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-19, wherein the second knit zone is located in one or more of a lateral forefoot region of the outer knit component and a medial forefoot region of the outer knit component.

[0163] Clause 21. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-20, wherein each knitted raised slruclure of the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a first number of knit stitches per unit area, and wherein each knitted raised structure of the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a second number of knit stitches per unit area.

[0164] Clause 22. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-21 , wherein the first number of knit stitches per unit of area is different from the second number of knit stitches per unit of area.

[0165] Clause 23. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-22, wherein the outer- facing surface of each knitted raised slruclure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures has a higher coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of at least the portion of the knitted base area.

[0166] Clause 24. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-23, wherein the outer- facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yams embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0167] Clause 25. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-24, wherein one or more knitted raised structures in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprise a tapered shape.

[0168] Clause 26. The article of footwear of any of clauses 13-25, wherein a long axis of the tapered shape is oriented in a sole structure-to-instep region direction.

[0169] Clause 27. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: knitting an inner knit component; knitting an outer knit component, wherein knitting the outer knit component comprises: knitting a base area, and knitting at least a first knitted raised structure in a first knit zone of the outer knit component, the first knitted raised structure extending outwardly from the base area, an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure having a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the base area, and positioning the outer knit component overtop the inner knit component; and securing a sole structure to each of the inner knit component and the outer knit component.

[0170] Clause 28. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of clause 27, wherein knitting the inner knit component comprises using one or more of polyethylene terephthalate yarns and elastic yarns to knit the inner knit component.

[0171] Clause 29. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of clause 27 or 28, wherein knitting the base area of the outer knit component comprises using one or more yarns having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams per denier (g / D), elastic yarns, and / or yarns comprising a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0172] Clause 30. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-29, wherein the yarns comprising the thermoplastic elastomer comprise yarns having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0173] Clause 31. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-30, wherein knitting the first knitted raised structure comprises solely using a yam comprising a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0174] Clause 32. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-31, wherein the yam comprising the thermoplastic elastomer comprises a yarn having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0175] Clause 33. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-32, further comprising applying at least heat to at least the first knitted raised structure, the heat being sufficient to at least partially soften or partially melt the sheath of the lower- melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0176] Clause 34. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-33, further comprising knitting at least a second knitted raised structure in a second knitzone of the outer knit component, the second knitted raised structure extending outwardly from the base area, an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure having a higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of at least the portion of the base area.

[0177] Clause 35. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-34, wherein knitting the second knitted raised structure comprises solely using a yarn comprising a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0178] Clause 36. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-35, wherein the yam comprising the thermoplastic elastomer comprises a yarn having a core of a higher-melting material and a sheath of a lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0179] Clause 37. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-36, further comprising applying at least heat to at least the second knitted raised structure, the heat being sufficient to at least partially soften or partially melt the sheath of the lower-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0180] Clause 38. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses l- '1, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises a first number of knit stitches per unit of area, and wherein the second knitted raised structure comprises a second number of knit stitches per unit of area.

[0181] Clause 39. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-38, wherein the first number of knit stitches per unit of area is greater than the second number of knit stitches per unit of area.

[0182] Clause 40. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear of any of clauses 27-39, wherein the second knit zone is located in one or more of an instep region, a lateral forefoot region, and a medial forefoot region of the outer knit component.

[0183] Clause 41. An article of footwear comprising: an upper comprising at least a first knitted raised structure extending a first height above a knitted base area of the upper, wherein an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

[0184] Clause 42. The article of footwear according to clause 41, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises a tapered shape.

[0185] Clause 43. The article of footwear according to clause 41 or 42, wherein the first knitted raised structure is located in a first knit zone of the upper.

[0186] Clause 44. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-43, wherein the first knit zone is located in a toe area and along at least a portion of a medial side of the upper.

[0187] Clause 45. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-44, further comprising a second knitted raised structure located in a second knit zone of the upper, the second knitted raised structure extending a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

[0188] Clause 46. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-45, wherein the second knit zone is located in an arch area on the medial side of the upper.

[0189] Clause 47. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-46, wherein an outerfacing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0190] Clause 48. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-47, wherein an outerfacing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a lower concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

[0191] Clause 49. The article of footwear according to any clause 41 -48, wherein the outerfacing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure.

[0192] Clause 50. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-49, wherein the second knitted raised structure comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0193] Clause 51. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-50, wherein the knitted base area comprises one or more yams having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0194] Clause 52. The article of footwear according to any clause 41-51, wherein at least a first yam is embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

[0195] Clause 53. An article of footwear comprising: an upper comprising at least a first knitted raised structure extending a first height above a knitted base area of the upper, wherein an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

[0196] Clause 54. The article of footwear according to clause 53, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises a tapered shape.

[0197] Clause 55. The article of footwear according to clause 53 or 54, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises at least a first yarn embedded within a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0198] Clause 56. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-55, wherein the first knitted raised structure is located in a first knit zone of the upper.

[0199] Clause 57. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-56, wherein the first knit zone is located in a toe area and along at least a portion of a medial side of the upper.

[0200] Clause 58. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-57, further comprising a second knitted raised structure located in a second knit zone of the upper, the second knitted raised structure extending a second height above the knitted base area.

[0201] Clause 59. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-58, wherein the second height is less than the first height.

[0202] Clause 60. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-59, wherein the second knit zone is located in an arch area on the medial side of the upper.

[0203] Clause 61. The article of footwear according to any clauses 53-60, wherein an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0204] Clause 62. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-61, wherein an outerfacing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a lower coefficient of friction that the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

[0205] Clause 63. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-62, wherein the second knitted raised structure comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0206] Clause 64. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-63, wherein the knitted base area comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0207] Clause 65. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-64, wherein the outerfacing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises at least one yam embedded within a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0208] Clause 66. The article of footwear according to any clause 53-65, wherein the outerfacing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer- facing surface of the second knitted raised structure.

[0209] Clause 67. An article of footwear comprising: an upper comprising: a first plurality of knitted raised structures in a first knit zone of the upper, the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from a knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer, and a second plurality of knitted raised structures in a second knit zone of the upper, the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from the knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a second concentration of thermoplastic elastomer lower than the first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

[0210] Clause 68. The article of footwear according to clause 67, wherein the first knit zone is located at least in a toe area and a portion of a medial side of the upper.

[0211] Clause 69. The article of footwear according to clause 67 or 68, wherein the second knit zone is located at least in an arch area of a medial side of the upper.

[0212] Clause 70. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-69, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yarns embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0213] Clause 71. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-70, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yarns embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0214] Clause 72. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-71 , wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0215] Clause 73. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-72, wherein the first plurality of knitted raised structures extends a first height above the knitted base area, wherein the second plurality of knitted raised structures extends a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

[0216] Clause 74. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-73, wherein the knitted base area comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 arams / denier.

[0217] Clause 75. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-74, wherein at least a portion of the knitted base area comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier and at least one yarn comprising a core of a high-melting material and a sheath of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0218] Clause 76. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-75, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a first coefficient of friction, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a second coefficient of friction lower than the first coefficient of friction.

[0219] Clause 77. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-76, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer- facing surface of the knitted base area.

[0220] Clause 78. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-77, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0221] Clause 79. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-78, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

[0222] Clause 80. The article of footwear according to any clause 66-79, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0223] Clause 81. An article of footwear comprising: an upper comprising: a first plurality of knitted raised structures in a first knit zone of the upper, the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from a knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a first coefficient of friction, and a second plurality of knitted raised structures in a second knit zone of the upper, the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from the knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a second coefficient of friction lower than the first coefficient of friction; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

[0224] Clause 82. The article of footwear according to clause 81, wherein the first knit zone is located at least in a toe area and a portion of a medial side of the upper.

[0225] Clause 83. The article of footwear according to clause 81 or 82, wherein the second knit zone is located at least in an arch area of a medial side of the upper.

[0226] Clause 84. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-83, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yarns embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0227] Clause 85. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-84, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yarns embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

[0228] Clause 86. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-85, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0229] Clause 87. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-86, wherein the first plurality of knitted raised structures extends a first height above the knitted base area, wherein the second plurality of knitted raised structures extends a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

[0230] Clause 88. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-87, wherein the knitted base area comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0231] Clause 89. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-88, wherein at least a portion of the knitted base area comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier and at least one yam comprising a core of a high-melting material and a sheath of a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0232] Clause 90. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-89, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a second concentration of thermoplastic elastomer lower than the first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer.

[0233] Clause 91. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-90, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

[0234] Clause 92. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-91, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0235] Clause 93. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-92, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

[0236] Clause 94. The article of footwear according to any clause 81-93, wherein the outerfacing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

[0237] Clause 95. A method of manufacturing an article of footwear, the method comprising: knitting an upper for the article of footwear, knitting the upper comprising: knitting a base area, and knitting at least a first knitted raised structure in a first knit zone of the upper, the first knitted raised structure extending outwardly from the knitted base area, an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure having a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area; and securing a sole structure to the upper.

[0238] Clause 96. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to clause 95, further comprising knitting at least a second knitted raised structure in a second knit zone of the upper, the second knitted raised structure extending outwardly from the knitted base area, an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure having a lower concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

[0239] Clause 97. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to clause 95 or 96, wherein knitting the first knitted raised structure comprises using a first set of yarns to knit the first knitted raised structure, and wherein knitting the second knitted raised structure comprises using a second set of yams to knit the second knitted raised structure.

[0240] Clause 98. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-97, wherein the first set of yarns comprises one or more yams having a core of a high-melting material and a sheath of a low-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0241] Clause 99. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-98, wherein the first set of yarns does not comprise yarns having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0242] Clause 100. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-99, wherein the second set of yarns comprises one or more yarns having a core of a high-melting material and a sheath of a low-melting thermoplastic elastomer and one or more yams having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

[0243] Clause 101. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according any clause 95-100, wherein the one or more yams having the tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier in the second set of yarns have a smaller diameter than the one or more yams having the core of the high-melting material and the sheath of the low-melting thermoplastic elastomer in the second set of yarns.

[0244] Clause 102. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-101, wherein the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure has a higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure.

[0245] Clause 103. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-102, wherein the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure.

[0246] Clause 104. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-103, further comprising applying one or more of heat and pressure to at least the first knitted raised structure, the heat being sufficient to at least soften or partially melt the sheath of the low-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0247] Clause 105. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-104, further comprising applying one or more of heat and pressure to at least the second knitted raised structure, the heat being sufficient to at least soften or partially melt the sheath of the low-melting thermoplastic elastomer.

[0248] Clause 106. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-105, wherein the first knitted raised structure extends a first height above the knitted base area, wherein the second knitted raised structure extends a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

[0249] Clause 107. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-106, wherein each of the first knitted raised structure and the second knitted raised structure comprises a tapered shape.

[0250] Clause 108. The method manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-107, wherein knitting the knitted base area comprises using one or more yams having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier to knit the base area.

[0251] Clause 109. The method of manufacturing the article of footwear according to any clause 95-108, wherein the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than the outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

[0252] In some aspects, this disclosure may include the language, for example, “at least one of [element A] and [element B].” This language may refer to one or more of the elements. For example, “at least one of A and B” may refer to “A,” “B,” or “A and B.” In other words, “at least one of A and B’’ may refer to “at least one of A and at least one of B,” or “at least either of A or B.” In some aspects, this disclosure may include the language, for example, “[element A], [element B], and / or [element C].” This language may refer to either of the elements or any combination thereof. In other words, “A, B, and / or C” may refer to “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C,” or “A, B, and C.” In addition, this disclosure may use the term “and / or” which may refer to any one or combination of the associated elements. In addition, this disclosure may use the term “a” (element) or “the” (element). This language may refer to the referenced element in the singular or in the plural and is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

[0253] This detailed description is provided in order to meet statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention described herein. Rather, the claimed subject matter may be embodied in different ways, to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements, and / or different combinations of elements, similar to those described in this disclosure, and in conjunction with other present or future technologies or solutions. Moreover, although the terms “step” or “block” may be used herein to identify different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between different elements except when the order is explicitly stated.

[0254] The subject matter of this disclosure has been described in relation to particular aspects, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. In this sense, alternative aspects will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the presentsubject matter pertains without departing from the scope hereof. In addition, different combinations and sub-combinations of elements disclosed, as well as use and inclusion of elements not shown, are possible and contemplated as well.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper comprising at least a first knitted raised structure extending a first height above a knitted base area of the upper, wherein an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of a thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises a tapered shape.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the first knitted raised structure is located in a first knit zone of the upper.

4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the first knit zone is located in a toe area and along at least a portion of a medial side of the upper.

5. The article of footwear of claim 4, further comprising a second knitted raised structure located in a second knit zone of the upper, the second knitted raised structure extending a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

6. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the second knit zone is located in an arch area on the medial side of the upper.

7. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer- facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

8. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a lower concentration of the thermoplastic elastomer than the outer- facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

9. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure.

10. The article of footwear of claim 5, wherein the second knitted raised structure comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

11. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the knitted base area comprises one or more yarns having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

12. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein at least a first yarn is embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer on the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

13. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper comprising at least a first knitted raised structure extending a first height above a knitted base area of the upper, wherein an outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

14. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises a tapered shape.

15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the first knitted raised structure comprises at least a first yarn embedded within a thermoplastic elastomer.

16. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the first knitted raised structure is located in a first knit zone of the upper.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the first knit zone is located in a toe area and along at least a portion of a medial side of the upper.

18. The article of footwear of claim 16, further comprising a second knitted raised structure located in a second knit zone of the upper, the second knitted raised structure extending a second height above the knitted base area.

19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the second height is less than the first height.

20. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the second knit zone is located in an arch area on a medial side of the upper.

21. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein an outer- facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a greater coefficient of friction than the outerfacing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

22. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises a lower coefficient of friction that the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure.

23. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the second knitted raised structure comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

24. The article of footwear of claim 23, wherein the knitted base area comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

25. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure comprises at least one yam embedded within a thermoplastic elastomer.

26. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the outer-facing surface of the first knitted raised structure comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the second knitted raised structure.

27. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper, comprising: a first plurality of knitted raised slruclurcs in a first knit zone of the upper, the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from a knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer, and a second plurality of knitted raised structures in a second knit zone of the upper, the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from the knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a second concentration of thermoplastic elastomer lower than the first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

28. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the first knit zone is located at least in a toe area and a portion of a medial side of the upper.

29. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the second knit zone is located at least in an arch area of a medial side of the upper.

30. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yams embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

31. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yams embedded within the thermoplastic elastomer.

32. The article of footwear of claim 31, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

33. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the first plurality of knitted raised structures extends a first height above the knitted base area, wherein the second plurality of knitted raised structures extends a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

34. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the knitted base area comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

35. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the knitted base area comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier and at least one yarn comprising a core of a high-melting material and a sheath of a thermoplastic elastomer.

36. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised stmetures comprises a first coefficient of friction, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised stmeture in the second plurality of knitted raised stmetures comprises a second coefficient of friction lower than the first coefficient of friction.

37. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised stmeture in the first plurality of knitted raised stmetures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

38. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

39. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

40. The article of footwear of claim 27, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

41. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper, comprising: a first plurality of knitted raised structures in a first knit zone of the upper, the first plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from a knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a first coefficient of friction, and a second plurality of knitted raised structures in a second knit zone of the upper, the second plurality of knitted raised structures extending outwardly from the knitted base area of the upper, an outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprising a second coefficient of friction lower than the first coefficient of friction; and a sole structure secured to the upper.

42. The article of footwear of claim 41 , wherein the first knit zone is located at least in a toe area and a portion of a medial side of the upper.

43. fhe article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the second knit zone is located at least in an arch area of a medial side of the upper.

44. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yams embedded within a thermoplastic elastomer.

45. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises one or more yams embedded within a thermoplastic elastomer.

46. The article of footwear of claim 45, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

47. The article of footwear of claim 41 , wherein the first plurality of knitted raised structures extends a first height above the knitted base area, wherein the second plurality of knitted raised structures extends a second height above the knitted base area, the second height less than the first height.

48. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the knitted base area comprises at least one yam having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier.

49. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein at least a portion of the knitted base area comprises at least one yarn having a tenacity greater than or equal to about 5 grams / denier and at least one yarn comprising a core of a high-melting material and a sheath of a thermoplastic elastomer.

50. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a second concentration of thermoplastic elastomer lower than the first concentration of thermoplastic elastomer.

51. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer- facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

52. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a greater coefficient of friction than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

53. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the first plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of the knitted base area.

54. The article of footwear of claim 41, wherein the outer-facing surface of each knitted raised structure in the second plurality of knitted raised structures comprises a higher concentration of thermoplastic elastomer than an outer-facing surface of at least a portion of the knitted base area.

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