US20170150778A1 - Articles of Footwear and Sole Structures for Articles of Footwear - Google Patents

Abstract

Sole structures include (a) a first midsole component formed at least in part from a first polymeric foam material, wherein the first midsole component forms at least a majority of a plantar support surface and at least a majority of a medial sidewall surface of the sole structure, and wherein the first midsole component includes a lateral side edge; and (b) a second midsole component formed at least in part from a second polymeric foam material, wherein the second midsole component forms at least a majority of a lateral sidewall surface of the sole structure, wherein the second midsole component includes a medial side edge that extends adjacent the lateral side edge of the first midsole component. The second polymeric foam material may have a higher durometer than the first polymeric foam material.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA
• This application claims priority benefits to: (a) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/261,670 filed Dec. 1, 2015 and entitled “Articles of Footwear and Sole Structures for Articles of Footwear” and (b) U.S. Provisional Patent Appln. No. 62/261,691 filed Dec. 1, 2015 and entitled “Articles of Footwear and Sole Structures for Articles of Footwear.” Each of these priority applications is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to the field of footwear. More specifically, aspects of the present invention pertain to articles of footwear, uppers for articles of footwear, and/or sole structures for articles of footwear, e.g., footwear used in basketball, cross training, and/or other athletic events or activities.
TERMINOLOGY/GENERAL INFORMATION
• First, some general terminology and information is provided that may assist in understanding various portions of this specification and the invention(s) as described herein. As noted above, the present invention relates to the field of footwear. “Footwear” means any type of wearing apparel for the feet, and this term includes, but is not limited to: all types of shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, thongs, flip-flops, mules, scuffs, slippers, sport-specific shoes (such as track shoes, golf shoes, tennis shoes, baseball cleats, cricket shoes, soccer or football cleats, ski boots, basketball shoes, cross training shoes, etc.), and the like.
• FIG. 6 also provides information that may be useful for explaining and understanding this specification and/or aspects of this invention. More specifically,FIG. 6 provides a representation of afootwear component100, which in this illustrated example constitutes a portion of a sole structure for an article of footwear. The same general definitions and terminology described below may apply to footwear in general and/or to other footwear components or portions thereof, such as an upper, a midsole component, an outsole component, a ground-engaging component, etc.
• First, as illustrated inFIG. 6, the terms “forward” or “forward direction” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a forward-most toe (“FT”) area of the footwear structure orcomponent100. The terms “rearward” or “rearward direction” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean toward or in a direction toward a rear-most heel area (“RH”) of the footwear structure orcomponent100. The terms “lateral” or “lateral side” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the outside or “little toe” side of the footwear structure orcomponent100. The terms “medial” or “medial side” as used herein, unless otherwise noted or clear from the context, mean the inside or “big toe” side of the footwear structure orcomponent100.
• Also, various example features and aspects of this invention may be disclosed or explained herein with reference to a “longitudinal direction” and/or with respect to a “longitudinal length” of a footwear component100 (such as a footwear sole structure). As shown inFIG. 6, the “longitudinal direction” is determined as the direction of a line extending from a rear-most heel location (RH inFIG. 6) to the forward-most toe location (FT inFIG. 6) of thefootwear component100 in question (a sole structure or foot-supporting member in this illustrated example). The “longitudinal length” L is the length dimension measured from the rear-most heel location RH to the forward-most toe location FT. The rear-most heel location RH and the forward-most toe location FT may be located by determining the rear heel and forward toe tangent points with respect to front and back parallel vertical planes VP when the component100 (e.g., sole structure or foot-supporting member in this illustrated example, optionally as part of an article of footwear or foot-receiving device) is oriented on a horizontal support surface S in an unloaded condition (e.g., with no weight applied to thecomponent100 other than potentially the weight of the shoe components with which it is engaged). If the forward-most and/or rear-most locations of aspecific footwear component100 constitute a line segment (rather than a tangent point), then the forward-most toe location and/or the rear-most heel location constitute the mid-point of the corresponding line segment. If the forward-most and/or rear-most locations of aspecific footwear component100 constitute two or more separated points or line segments, then the forward-most toe location and/or the rear-most heel location constitute the mid-point of a line segment connecting the furthest spaced and separated points and/or furthest spaced and separated end points of the line segments (irrespective of whether the midpoint itself lies on thecomponent100 structure). If the forward-most and/or rear-most locations constitute one or more areas, then the forward-most toe location and/or the rear-most heel location constitute the geographic center of the area or combined areas (irrespective of whether the geographic center itself lies on thecomponent100 structure).
• Once the longitudinal direction of a component orstructure100 has been determined with thecomponent100 oriented on a horizontal support surface S, planes may be oriented perpendicular to this longitudinal direction (e.g., planes running into and out of the page ofFIG. 6). The locations of these perpendicular planes may be specified based on their positions along the longitudinal length L where the perpendicular plane intersects the longitudinal direction between the rear-most heel location RH and the forward-most toe location FT. In this illustrated example ofFIG. 6, the rear-most heel location RH is considered as the origin for measurements (or the “0L position”) and the forward-most toe location FT is considered the end of the longitudinal length of this component100 (or the “1.0L position”). Plane position may be specified based on the plane's location along the longitudinal length L (between 0L and 1.0L), measured forward from the rear-most heel RH location in this example.FIG. 6 further shows locations of various planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (and oriented in the transverse direction) and located along the longitudinal length L at positions 0.25L, 0.4L, 0.5L, 0.55L, 0.6L, and 0.8L (measured in a forward direction from the rear-most heel location RH). These planes may extend into and out of the page of the paper from the view shown inFIG. 6, and similar perpendicular planes may be oriented at any other desired positions along the longitudinal length L. While these planes may be parallel to the parallel vertical planes VP used to determine the rear-most heel RH and forward-most toe FT locations, this is not a requirement. Rather, the orientations of the perpendicular planes along the longitudinal length L will depend on the orientation of the longitudinal direction, which may or may not be parallel to the horizontal surface S in the arrangement/orientation shown inFIG. 6.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements in all of the various views in which that reference number appears.
• FIGS. 1A-1D provide various views of an article of footwear in accordance with at least some examples and aspects of this invention;
• FIGS. 2A-2V provide various views of a sole structure for an article of footwear in accordance with some examples and aspects of this invention;
• FIGS. 3A-3N provide various views of another sole structure for an article of footwear in accordance with some examples and aspects of this invention;
• FIGS. 4A-4O provide various views of another sole structure for an article of footwear in accordance with some examples and aspects of this invention;
• FIG. 5 provides a view of another sole structure for an article of footwear in accordance with some examples and aspects of this invention; and
• FIG. 6 is provided to help illustrate and explain background and definitional information useful for understanding certain terminology and aspects of this invention.
• The reader should understand that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following description of various examples of footwear structures and components according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example structures and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the specifically described structures and functions without departing from the scope of the present invention.
I. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF THIS INVENTION
• A. Sole Structure Features
• Some aspects of this invention relate to sole structures for articles of footwear. Such sole structures may include an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface. The sole structures further may include: (a) a heel-supporting region including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area) surrounded by a first plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface; and (b) a forefoot-supporting region including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area) surrounded by a second plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface. In such structures, each of the first plurality of rings and the second plurality of rings may include: (i) a first ring (an innermost ring) that surrounds (and may at least partially define) the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) and (ii) at least a second ring that surrounds the first ring. Either or both of the first plurality of rings and the second plurality of rings may further include: (iii) a third ring that surrounds the second ring, (iv) a fourth ring that surrounds the third ring, and (v) optionally one or more additional rings. Any desired number of rings may be provided. The rings may be separated by (and/or at least partially defined by) depressions in the material from with the rings and/or supporting regions are formed. Furthermore, the first ring and/or the second ring (and optionally other rings) in the first plurality of rings and/or the second plurality of rings may include a base and an apex (wherein the base is located closer to the upper-facing surface than is the apex), wherein each of the first ring and the second ring may be wider in cross section at its base than at its apex (e.g., triangular, truncated triangular, rounded triangular, trapezoidal, gum-drop shaped, etc. in cross section). If desired, some or all of the ground-facing surfaces or apices of the first and/or second plurality of rings may be co-planar. The heel-supporting region and/or the forefoot-supporting region may constitute parts of a single midsole element made from a polymeric foam material, may constitute parts of two midsole elements made from a polymeric foam material, and/or may constitute parts of one or more outsole elements, etc.
• As noted above, in sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention, the heel-supporting region and/or the forefoot-supporting region may constitute parts of one or more midsole elements. Such sole structures additionally may include an outsole component, e.g., as one or more outsole elements. The outsole component may partially cover the midsole element(s) and may include an opening through which at least some of the first plurality of rings are exposed and/or an opening through which at least some of the second plurality of rings are exposed. Alternatively, if desired, the outsole component may cover at least some (and optionally all) of the first plurality of rings and/or the second plurality of rings. When covered, at least some portion of the outsole component that covers the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) and/or the plurality of rings in the heel-supporting region and/or the forefoot-supporting region may be at least partially transparent or translucent (e.g., so that the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) and/or at least some of the plurality of rings are visible at the exterior surface of the sole structure).
• While sole structures in accordance some with examples of this invention may be made in variety of different shapes and manners, in at least some examples of this invention, the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the heel-supporting region and at least some of the first plurality of rings may have a curved shape (e.g., non-linear and/or non-planar, and optionally a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc., around their perimeters or circumferences) and/or the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the forefoot-supporting region and at least some of the second plurality of rings may have a curved shape (e.g., non-linear and/or non-planar, and optionally a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc., around their perimeters or circumferences). Individual features (e.g., central recess and/or rings) of the forefoot-supporting region may have the same size, shape, spacing, orientation, and/or other features as corresponding individual features of the heel-supporting region (if any), or the corresponding individual features in these regions (if any) may differ in one or more of size, shape, spacing, orientation, and/or other features.
• Additional foot-supporting structures may be provided in sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As some more specific examples, the sole structure may include a midfoot-supporting region that includes a midfoot central area (e.g., a recessed midfoot central area) surrounded by a plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface (e.g., in a midsole component and/or in an outsole component), wherein this plurality of rings includes an innermost ring that surrounds (and may at least partially define) the midfoot central area (e.g., the recessed midfoot central area) and at least three additional rings of increasingly larger circumference surrounding this innermost ring. This midfoot-supporting region may be located closer to a lateral side edge of the sole structure than to a medial side edge of the sole structure (e.g., measured from a center of the midfoot central area). If desired, the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the heel-supporting region may be elongated (e.g., in a fore-to-aft direction), the central area (e.g., the recessed central area) of the forefoot-supporting region may be elongated (e.g., in a lateral side-to-medial side direction), and/or the midfoot central areas (e.g., the recessed midfoot central area) of the midfoot-supporting region may be elongated (e.g., in the fore-to-aft direction). As a further option, if desired, a plurality of additional rings may extend around a combined area of two or more of the forefoot-supporting region, the heel-supporting region, and the midfoot-supporting region.
• Additionally or alternatively, sole structures in accordance with some examples of this invention may include a medial midfoot-supporting region including a medial midfoot central area (e.g., a recessed medial midfoot central area) surrounded by a plurality of rings defined in the ground-facing surface (e.g., in a midsole component and/or in an outsole component), wherein this plurality of rings includes an innermost ring that surrounds (and may at least partially define) the medial midfoot central area and at least two additional rings of increasingly larger circumference surrounding the innermost ring.
• As still additional potential features, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include one or more forward toe-supporting regions, each of which may include a toe central area (e.g., a recessed toe central area) surrounded by (and optionally at least partially defined by) one or more toe rings defined in the ground-facing surface. Two, three, four, or even more forward toe-supporting regions may be provided in an individual sole structure, if desired (e.g., spaced apart in a medial side-to-lateral side direction along a forward toe area of the sole structure). When two or more forward toe-supporting regions are provided in a sole structure, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around a combined area of any two or more of the forward toe-supporting regions. In fact, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around combined areas of the two or more forward toe-supporting regions and one or more of the forefoot-supporting region, the midfoot-supporting regions (if any), and/or the heel-supporting region of the sole structure.
• As further potential options, sole structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include one or more lateral side-supporting regions, each of which may include a lateral-side central area (e.g., a recessed lateral-side central area) surrounded by (and optionally at least partially defined by) at least one lateral side ring defined in the ground-facing surface. Two, three, four, or even more lateral side-supporting regions may be provided in an individual sole structure, if desired (e.g., spaced apart in a fore-to-aft direction along a lateral midfoot and/or lateral forefoot side edge of the sole structure, optionally closer to a lateral side edge of the sole structure than is the forefoot-supporting region (as measured from a center of the central areas) and/or optionally located along or toward the lateral side of the forefoot-supporting region). When two or more lateral side-supporting regions are provided in a sole structure, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around a combined area of the two or more lateral side-supporting regions. In fact, if desired, a plurality of rings may extend around combined areas of the two or more lateral side-supporting regions and one or more of the forefoot-supporting region, the midfoot-supporting region(s) (if any), the forward toe-supporting region(s) (if any), and/or the heel-supporting region of the sole structure.
• As described above, in addition to the first plurality of rings around the heel-supporting region and the second plurality of rings around the forefoot-supporting region, additional rings may be present in (e.g., defined in) sole structures in accordance with aspects of this invention. Such rings may extend continuously around a combined area of the forefoot-supporting region and the heel-supporting region (and optionally around any of the other foot-supporting regions described above, when they are present). If desired, at least one ring of the additional plurality of rings may extend along one or more side surfaces of the sole structure (e.g., along at least a portion of a medial side surface of the sole structure, along at least a portion of a lateral side surface of the sole structure, along at least a portion of a rear or heel side surface of the sole structure, and/or along at least a portion of a forward toe front surface of the sole structure). Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the plurality of rings may extend along a perimeter edge of the sole structure (e.g., midsole component or outsole component) in which it/they are formed.
• Another aspect of this invention relates to sole structures for articles of footwear that include a sole member having an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein the ground-facing surface of the sole member includes:
• • a heel-based impact-force attenuating structure including a first central area (e.g., a first recessed central area), a first band (e.g., or ring) of sole structure material surrounding the first central area, a second band (e.g., or ring) of sole structure material surrounding the first band, and a first recessed groove separating the first band and the second band (and defined in the sole structure material); and
  • a forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure including a second central area (e.g., a second recessed central area), a third band (e.g., or ring) of sole structure material surrounding the second central area, a fourth band (e.g., or ring) of sole structure material surrounding the third band, and a second recessed groove separating the third band and the fourth band (and defined in the sole structure material).
• The sole member of this example sole structure may include the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure formed from a polymer foam material (e.g., as part of a midsole element, optionally both formed in a single midsole component and/or in a single piece of sole structure material). Alternatively, if desired, one or both of these impact-force attenuating structure may be formed in one or more outsole elements. Either or both of these impact-force attenuating structures may be completely formed in a single piece of material, if desired.
• As another option or alternative, if desired, the sole member (in which one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure are formed) may constitute a midsole element (e.g., formed of a polymeric foam material) that is at least partially covered (e.g., at least at its bottom surface) with an outsole component formed from one or more outsole elements. The outsole component: (a) may cover (and conceal) one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure, (b) may include one or more openings through which one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure are exposed at a bottom surface of the sole structure, and/or (c) may cover one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure using an at least partially transparent or at least partially translucent window area (and thus leave at least some portion of these impact-force attenuating structures at least partially visible but not directly exposed at a bottom surface of the sole structure). The exterior surface(s) of any window regions also may include central areas and/or one or more surrounding rings, e.g., of the various types described above, if desired.
• As noted above, in accordance with this aspect of the invention, the sole structure includes a first central area (e.g., a first recessed central area), a first band, a second band, a first recessed groove, a second central area (e.g., a second recessed central area), a third band, a fourth band, and a second recessed groove. While various constructions are possible, if desired, one or more of the first band, the second band, the third band, and/or the fourth band each may include at least two rings separated by a depression defined in an outer surface of the respective band. When they are present, the depressions defining the rings in the first band and/or the second band may have a depth of 20% or less of a depth of the first recessed groove and/or the depressions defining the rings in the third band and/or the fourth band may have a depth of 20% or less of a depth of the second recessed groove. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, an outer edge of the second band may be defined by a third recessed groove and/or an outer edge of the fourth band may be defined by a fourth recessed groove. Likewise, when they are present, the depressions defining the rings in the first band and/or the second band may have a depth of 20% or less (or even 10% or less) of a depth of the third recessed groove and/or the depressions defining the rings in the third band and/or the fourth band may have a depth of 20% or less (or even 10% or less) of a depth of the fourth recessed groove. In other words, the recessed grooves separating two bands and/or defining an edge of a band may be substantially deeper (e.g., at least 5 times deeper, and in some examples, at least 10 times deeper) than depressions in the band surface forming and/or defining the rings on the band surface.
• As some other potential features in accordance with some aspects of this invention, if desired, when the first central area is a first recessed central area: (a) a deepest depth of the first recessed central area may be deeper than a deepest depth of the first recessed groove; and (b) the deepest depth of the first recessed groove may be deeper than a deepest depth of the third recessed groove (when present). Additionally or alternatively, when the second central area is a second recessed central area: (a) a deepest depth of the second recessed central area may be deeper than a deepest depth of the second recessed groove; and (b) the deepest depth of the second recessed groove may be deeper than a deepest depth of the fourth recessed groove (when present). As still other potential or alternative features, any one or more of the first recessed central area, the second recessed central area, the first band, the second band, the third band, the fourth band, the first recessed groove, the second recessed groove, the third recessed groove (when present), and the fourth recessed groove (when present) may have a curved shape (e.g., non-linear and/or non-planar, and optionally a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc.). All “depths” and/or “deepest depths” may be measured from a common base surface, such as a horizontal surface on which the sole structure is placed in an unloaded condition.
• Sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention (with the central areas (e.g., recessed central areas), bands, and recessed grooves) further may include any one or more of the midfoot-supporting regions, medial side midfoot-supporting regions, forward toe-supporting regions, and/or lateral side-supporting regions of the types described above. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention may further include any one or more of the ring sets and/or ring features described above (e.g., rings surrounding various combined areas in the sole structures, extending to side walls, etc.).
• Sole structures for articles of footwear in accordance with at least some still further aspects of this invention include: (a) a first midsole component formed at least in part from a first polymeric foam material, wherein the first midsole component forms at least a majority of a plantar support surface and/or at least a majority of a medial sidewall surface of the sole structure, and wherein the first midsole component includes a lateral side edge; and (b) a second midsole component formed at least in part from a second polymeric foam material, wherein the second midsole component forms at least a majority of a lateral sidewall surface of the sole structure, wherein the second midsole component includes a medial side edge that extends adjacent the lateral side edge of the first midsole component, and wherein the second polymeric foam material has a higher durometer hardness than the first polymeric foam material. Optionally, the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component may include a first plurality of bellow structures and/or ring structures and/or the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component may include a second plurality of bellow structures and/or ring structures. The sole structure may constitute a midsole component that optionally may include one or more outsole elements engaged with it.
• The first midsole component may extend continuously from a heel area (e.g., rear heel area) to a forefoot area (e.g., toe area) of the sole structure and/or the second midsole component may extend continuously from the heel area (e.g., rear heel area) to the forefoot area (e.g., toe area) of the sole structure. For example, if desired, a rear junction area between the first midsole component and the second midsole component may be located at a rear-most heel area and/or may define a rear-most point RH of the sole structure and/or a forward junction area of the first midsole component and the second midsole component may be located at a forward toe area of the sole structure. In this manner, the first midsole component may form at least a portion of a rear heel medial sidewall of the sole structure and the second midsole component may form at least a portion of a rear heel lateral sidewall of the sole structure.
• In at least some sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention, at least the first midsole component (and optionally the second midsole component as well) may form a portion of a bottom surface of the midsole component. In some specific example structures, the first midsole component may form at least 70% of an overall volume of the midsole component (and in some examples, at least 75% or even at least 80% of the overall volume) and the second midsole component may form 30% or less of the overall volume of the midsole component (and in some examples, 25% or less or even 20% or less of the overall volume). As yet additional or alternative potential features, the first midsole component may form at least 75% of a plantar support surface area of the sole structure (and in some examples, at least 80% or even at least 85% of the plantar support surface area) and the second midsole component may form 25% or less of the plantar support surface area of the sole structure (and in some examples, 20% or less or even 15% or less of the plantar support surface area).
• Sole structures in accordance with at least some aspects of this invention may have substantial height located somewhat forward in the overall sole structure. As some more specific examples, if the sole structure is considered to define a rear-most heel location, a forward-most toe location, and a longitudinal length from the rear-most heel location to the forward-most toe location (e.g., as described above in conjunction withFIG. 6), a highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component and/or a highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component may be located forward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole structure and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length at least 20% of the longitudinal length forward from the rear-most heel location (e.g., forward of a perpendicular plane at 0.2L). Additionally or alternatively, the highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component and/or the highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component may be located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole structure and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length at least 40% of the longitudinal length forward from the rear-most heel location (e.g., rearward of a perpendicular plane at 0.4L). In other words, the highest point of the medial sidewall surface and/or the highest point of the lateral sidewall surface may be located between planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sole structure and oriented at 0.2L and 0.4L as described above with reference toFIG. 6 (and in some examples, between perpendicular planes located at 0.25L and 0.35L).
• Other potential characteristics of the “highest point” dimensions may be as follows. In at least some examples of this invention, with the sole structure standing on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded condition, the first midsole component will define: (a) a rear heel height dimension from the horizontal base surface and (b) a highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface from the horizontal base surface. In this orientation, in at least some examples of this invention, the highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface may be at least 1.25 times the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 1.4 times or even 1.6 times the rear heel height dimension). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, this highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface will be at least 0.5 inch greater than the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch, at least 1 inch, or even at least 1.25 inch higher).
• Similarly, in at least some examples of this invention, with the sole structure standing on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded condition, the second midsole component will define: (a) a rear heel height dimension from the horizontal base surface and (b) a highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface from the horizontal base surface. In this orientation, in at least some examples of this invention, the highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface may be at least 1.25 times the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 1.4 times or even 1.6 times the rear heel height dimension). Additionally or alternatively, if desired, this highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface will be at least 0.5 inch greater than the rear heel height dimension (and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch, at least 1 inch, or even at least 1.25 inch higher).
• As yet some additional or alternative potential dimensional features, with the sole structure oriented on a horizontal base surface in an unloaded condition, the sole structure will define: (1) a first width dimension between: (a) a highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component and (b) a highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component, and (2) a second width dimension corresponding to a maximum width dimension between (a) an outer surface of the medial sidewall and (b) an outer surface of the lateral sidewall in a vertical plane that passes through the highest point of the medial sidewall surface and the highest point of the lateral sidewall surface. In this orientation, the first width dimension may be less than 85% of the second width dimension (and in some examples, less than 80% or even less than 75% of the second width dimension).
• As noted above, sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention may include an outsole component. This outsole component may have a top surface engaged with a bottom surface of the first midsole component and/or with a bottom surface of the second midsole component. This top surface of the outsole component may completely cover at least 85% of combined areas of the bottom surfaces of the first midsole component and the second midsole component (and in some examples, at least 90% or even at least 95% of this combined bottom surface area). The outsole component further may include a forward toe portion that extends upward and covers a forward-most toe edge of the first midsole component and/or a forward-most toe edge of the second midsole component.
• Additionally or alternatively, the outsole component may include at least a first opening defined through it, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first midsole component may be exposed through the first opening but the bottom surface of the second midsole component is not exposed through the first opening. Similarly, the outsole component may include a second opening defined through it, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first midsole component may be exposed through this second opening, but the bottom surface of the second midsole component is not exposed through the second opening. As another option, rather than openings, the outsole component may include one or more window regions (e.g., at least partially transparent or translucent window regions), and the bottom surface of the first midsole component may be visible through the one or more window regions but the bottom surface of the second midsole component need not be visible through any of the window regions.
• Sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention also may include any one or more of the midfoot-supporting regions, medial side midfoot-supporting regions, forward toe-supporting regions, and/or lateral side-supporting regions of the types described above. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, sole structures in accordance with this aspect of the invention may further include any one or more of the ring sets and/or ring features described above. Additionally or alternatively, the more specific features of this aspect of the invention may be included in sole structures in accordance with the other aspects of this invention as described above (e.g., rings surrounding various combined areas in the sole structure, extending to side walls, etc.).
• This specification describes that various components or features of a sole structure may “surround” another feature (e.g., rings or bands may “surround” central areas (e.g., recessed central areas), other bands, other rings, etc.). The term “surround,” as used herein, does not require that the “surrounding component” have a perimeter or circumference that extends around 100% of the “surrounded component.” Rather, if desired, a “surrounding component” may have one or more breaks or interruptions in its overall structure while still providing a structure that may be seen as “surrounding” the “surrounded component.” More specifically, a component “surrounds” another component if (a) the surrounding component (e.g., the band or ring) includes actual physical structure extending around at least 80% of its perimeter and (b) the “surrounded component” lies completely within an area defined by the surrounding component, wherein the area defined by the surrounding component includes the area defined within the actual physical structure of the perimeter of the surrounding component and straight line segments that join adjacent ends of any breaks in the actual physical structure of the perimeter of the surrounding component.
• B. Uppers, Articles of Footwear, and Other Features
• Additional aspects of this invention relate to articles of footwear that include any of the various sole structures and/or any one or more of the various features of the sole structures described above. The sole structure may be engaged with an upper for an article of footwear. The upper may have any desired construction, including conventional footwear upper constructions as are known and used in the art.
• As other examples, however, uppers included in footwear structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include a rear heel portion having: (a) a first band of elastic or stretchable material, (b) a second band of elastic or stretchable material vertically displaced from the first band, and (c) a first band of exposed mesh material extending between the first and second bands of elastic or stretchable material. If desired, a second band of exposed mesh material may extend downward from the second band of elastic or stretchable material. The mesh material(s) may be less elastic or stretchable than the materials of the bands of elastic or stretchable materials. This construction, particularly when used in conjunction with a “tongueless” instep construction, helps provide sufficient stretchability to enable easy foot insertion and removal.
• Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the instep area of the upper may include a continuous structure (without a conventional footwear “tongue” member) that includes a similar construction, namely: (a) a first band of elastic or stretchable material, (b) a second band of elastic or stretchable material displaced forward from the first band, and (c) a first band of exposed mesh material extending between the first band of elastic or stretchable material and the second band of elastic or stretchable material. In fact, if desired, the instep area may include a plurality of bands of elastic or stretchable material, wherein adjacent band pairs of the plurality of bands are separated by a band of exposed mesh material. As some more specific examples, the plurality of bands of elastic or stretchable material may include at least four bands that extend across the instep area, and in some examples, at least six bands or even at least eight bands. This construction helps provide sufficient stretchability to enable easy foot insertion and removal while still providing a secure fit.
• Articles of footwear in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include a heel support engaged with a rear heel portion of the upper and at a rear heel area of the sole structure (as well as along the lateral heel side and the medial heel side of the footwear structure). At the rear heel area and along the lateral and medial heel sides, the heel support may extend above an upper perimeter of the sole structure. The heel support may include a rearward extending projection in the rear heel portion. If desired, the heel support may include a top edge and a bottom edge (e.g., an exposed bottom edge portion), and a plurality of vertically spaced slits may extend through the heel support between the top edge and the bottom edge (and optionally through the rearward extending protrusion). The vertically spaced slits may define at least three vertically spaced bands of heel support material, and in some examples, at least six or even at least eight vertically spaced bands of heel support material. The slits help provide more flexibility and breathability in the heel area while still overall providing support for the heel.
• C. Detailed Description of Specific Examples of this Invention
• FIGS. 1A-1D provide various views of an article offootwear200 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. More specifically,FIG. 1A provides a lateral side view of this example article offootwear200,FIG. 1B provides a medial side view,FIG. 1C provides a top view, andFIG. 1D provides a close up view of the instep area. This example article offootwear200 is a hightop basketball shoe. Aspects of this invention, however, also may be used in shoes for other types of uses and/or other athletic activities. The article offootwear200 includes an upper202 and asole structure204 engaged with the upper202. The upper202 andsole structure204 may be engaged together in any desired manner, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts (such as by adhesives or cements, by stitching or sewing, by mechanical connectors, etc.).
• The upper202 of this example includes a foot-receivingopening206 that provides access to an interior chamber into which the wearer's foot is inserted. The upper202 further may include a tongue member located across the foot instep area (or other structure, as will be described in more detail below) and positioned so as to moderate the feel of theclosure system210 on the wearer's foot (theclosure system210 in this illustrated example constitutes a lace type closure system). As shown in the specific example ofFIGS. 1A-1D, however, rather than including a separate tongue component, this example upper202 is formed as a unitary construction with aninstep covering component202aintegrally formed with and joining themedial side area202mand thelateral side area2021 of the upper202. In this manner, as shown in the figures, the upper202 has somewhat of a sock-like foot-receivingopening206 and/or a sock-like overall appearance.
• The upper202 may be made from any desired materials and/or in any desired constructions and/or manners without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, at least a portion of the upper202 (and optionally a majority, substantially all, or even all of the upper202) may be formed as a woven textile component and/or as a knitted textile component. The textile components for upper202 may have structures and/or constructions like those used in FLYKNIT® brand footwear and/or via FLYWEAVE™ technology available in products from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.
• Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the upper202 construction may include uppers having foot securing and engaging structures (e.g., “dynamic” and/or “adaptive fit” structures), e.g., of the types described in U.S. Patent Appln. Publn. No. 2013/0104423, which publication is entirely incorporated herein by reference. As some additional examples, if desired, uppers and articles of footwear in accordance with this invention may include foot securing and engaging structures of the types used in FLYWIRE® Brand footwear available from NIKE, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg. These types of wrap-around and/or adaptive or dynamic fit structures are shown as part of thelace engaging elements210ain example upper202 ofFIGS. 1A-1D. Thelace engaging elements210amay form portions of relatively unstretchable components engaged with or integrally formed in theupper structure202, e.g., that at least partially wrap around and securely hold the wearer's foot.
• As yet another option or alternative, if desired,uppers202 and articles offootwear200 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention may include fused layers of upper materials, e.g., uppers of the types included in NIKE's “FUSE” line of footwear products and/or upper materials bonded by hot melt or other adhesive materials. As still additional examples, uppers of the types described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and/or 8,429,835 may be used without departing from this invention (each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,347,011 and 8,429,835 is entirely incorporated herein by reference).
• In the specific example upper202 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D, arear heel portion212 of the upper202 includes various stretch enabling features including: (a) a first band of elastic orstretchable material212a(e.g., 0.25 to 1.25 inch wide), (b) a second band of elastic orstretchable material212b(e.g., 0.25 to 1.25 inch wide) vertically displaced from thefirst band212a, (c) a first band of exposedmesh material214a(e.g., 0.125 to 1 inch wide) extending between the first band of elastic orstretchable material212aand the second band of elastic orstretchable material212b, and (d) a second band of exposedmesh material214b(e.g., 0.125 to 1 inch wide) extending downward from the second band of elastic orstretchable material212b. The upper-most band of elastic or stretchable material (element212ain this illustrated example) forms and defines the top of the foot-receivingopening206 for the article of footwear200 (and may include comfort-enhancing soft material). In thisrear heel portion212 structure, thebands214aand/or214bof exposed mesh material are less elastic or stretchable than thebands212aand/or212bof elastic or stretchable material (e.g., which may be made from an elastic containing material). As another option, however, the stretchability of the materials could be reversed (e.g., andbands214aand/or214bcould be made of relatively elastic or stretchable materials andbands212aand/or212bcould be made of less elastic or stretchable materials). Other types of materials and/or material structures also could be used without departing from the invention. The elastic orstretchable materials212aand/or212bprovide sufficient flexibility to help enable insertion and removal of a wearer's foot while the overall structure still provides a stable, secure, and breathable fit (e.g., from the mesh structure and/or from return of the elastic/stretchable materials to/toward their initial/unstretched side and/or shape). Thebands212a,212b,214a, and/or214bmay be engaged together, e.g., by stitching or sewing, by adhesives or cements, etc.
• Some articles of footwear in accordance with examples of this invention (including this specifically illustrated example200) may include a similar arrangement of a plurality of elastic orstretchable bands222 separated by a plurality of less elastic or stretchable (e.g., mesh)bands224 in theinstep area202a(e.g., substituting for a more conventional footwear “tongue” in this footwear structure200). Notably, as shown inFIGS. 1C and 1D, theinstep area202aincludes a plurality of bands of elastic orstretchable material222, and adjacent/neighboring band pairs of the plurality of bands of elastic orstretchable material222 are separated by a band of exposedmesh material224. In this manner, thebands222 and224 are arranged generally in parallel and in an alternating manner across theinstep area202aand extend from themedial side area202mto thelateral side area2021 of thefootwear200. In thisinstep area202astructure, thebands224 of exposed mesh material are less elastic or stretchable than thebands222 of elastic or stretchable material (e.g., made from an elastic containing material). As another option, however, the stretchability of the materials could be reversed (e.g., andbands224 could be made of relatively elastic or stretchable materials andbands222 could be made of less elastic or stretchable materials). Other types of materials and/or material structures also could be used without departing from the invention. The elastic orstretchable materials222 provide sufficient flexibility to help enable insertion and removal of a wearer's foot while the overall structure still provides a stable, secure, and breathable fit (e.g., from the mesh structure and/or from return of the elastic/stretchable materials to/toward their initial/unstretched side and/or shape).
• Any number of bands of relatively elastic orstretchable material212/222 and/or less elastic or stretchable material214/224 may be provided in therear heel area212 and/orinstep area202awithout departing from the invention. In this illustrated example, therear heel area212 includes two bands of each, although as additional examples, from 2-6 bands of each could be provided, if desired. Also, in this illustrated example, theinstep area202aincludes 12 bands of each, although as additional examples, from 3-18 bands, 4-16 bands, 6-15 bands, or 8-12 bands of each could be used, if desired.
• FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2B-2F, 2M, 2R, and 2S illustrate aheel support250 that may be included withfootwear uppers202 and/orsole structures204 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention (e.g., engaged with therear heel portion212 of the upper202 and/or with one or more sole structure components (e.g., midsole components), as will be described in more detail below). Theheel support250 may take on the structure and/or function of a conventional heel counter type structure, including heel counter structures as are generally known and used in the footwear art.
• This specifically illustratedheel support250, however, does not have a conventional heel counter structure and will be described in more detail below. As shown in the above-noted figures, theheel support250 of this example extends above anupper perimeter300P of the footwear midsole component300 (e.g., aboveupper perimeters300P of a lateralside midsole component300L, a medialside midsole component300M, and abase midsole component300B in theexample midsole structure300 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D and aboveupper perimeters400P of a lateralside midsole component400L and a medialside midsole component400M in theexample midsole structure400 shown inFIGS. 2A-2V). As further shown in the noted figures, theheel support250 includes an exposedtop edge250T and an exposedbottom edge250B (when thesole structure204 is oriented on a horizontal base surface as shown), and a plurality of vertically spacedslits250S extending through theheel support250 between thetop edge250T and thebottom edge250B. Theseslits250S define a plurality offlaps250F (or bands) of theheel support250 material (e.g., rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane, polymeric foam, or other polymeric material) betweenadjacent slits250S. This slitted structure helps improve/control the flexibility of the heel region while still providing support and improved breathability. As shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2C, and2D, theslits250S do not extend to the forward edges of theheel support250 to thereby allow theheel support250 to be produced as a unitary, one-piece construction with a plurality offlexible flaps250F around therear heel area212.
• As further shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2C, 2D, and 2M in this illustrated example, theheel support250 includes a rearward extendingprotrusion250P, which in this illustrated example constitutes a somewhat thicker, bulbous area in the immediate rear heel vicinity. When shaped in this manner and when at least some of the plurality of vertically spacedslits250S extend through the rearward extendingprotrusion250P, as best shown inFIG. 2M, the central area flaps250F may be formed to have a somewhat greater width (in the heel-to-toe direction) than theflaps250F nearer to thetop edge250T and/or nearer to thebottom edge250B. While the example structures ofFIGS. 1A-2V show eight vertically spacedflaps250F or bands ofheel support250 material, any desired number offlaps250F could be provided, including, for example, at least threeflaps250F, at least sixflaps250F, from 0 to 16flaps250F, and in some examples, from 1 to 15flaps250F, from 2 to 12flaps250F, or even from 3 to 10 flaps, etc. Theflaps250F may have a thickness (top to bottom dimension) of less than 5 mm, and in some examples, in a range from 0.5 mm to 4 mm, or even 1 mm to 3.5 mm.
• Thesole structure204 of the specific example article offootwear200 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D now will be described in more detail. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, this examplesole structure204 includes a midsole component300 (made from multiple parts) and anoutsole component306. As briefly mentioned above, themidsole component300 of this example is a multipart structure that includes a lateralside midsole component300L, a medialside midsole component300M, and abase midsole component300B. Thebase midsole component300B forms the main plantar support surface of thesole structure204, and it extends from the rear heel area of thesole structure204 to a forward toe area of thesole structure204 and from the lateralside midsole component300L to the medialside midsole component300M. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the lateralside midsole component300L and/or the medialside midsole component300M may form some, a majority, or even all of the plantar support surface. Themidsole component parts300B,300L, and300M may be fit together in any desired manner without departing from this invention, including through the use of cements or adhesives, mechanical connectors, friction fits, etc. Also, themidsole component parts300B,300L, and300M may be made from any desired materials without departing from this invention, including the same or different materials, if desired, such as one or more of polymer foam materials (e.g., polyurethane foams, ethylvinylacetate foams, etc.), thermoplastic polyurethane materials, thermoset polyurethanes, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the variousmidsole component parts300B,300L, and300M may be made in any desired manners without departing from this invention, including in conventional manners as are known and used in the art (e.g., injection molding, compression molding, other molding techniques, etc.).
• The lateralside midsole component300L of this examplesole structure204 provides support for the outside lateral edge of the foot during various movements, such as turning or cutting actions when playing basketball. Therefore, in some examples of this invention, the lateralside midsole component300L may be made from a material that is harder, firmer, and/or stiffer than the material of the medialside midsole component300M. The added hardness, firmness, and/or stiffness may help provide enhanced support for those types of actions. Also, as shown in the view ofFIG. 1C, thesole structure204 may widen out somewhat at the lateral forefoot and/or midfoot area300LF to provide a wider base for better support, e.g., during turning or cutting actions, e.g., when playing basketball.
• Additionally, as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, this examplesole structure204 includes anoutsole component306 engaged with one or more of themidsole component parts300B,300L, and/or300M. While theoutsole component306 could be made from multiple independent parts or elements, in this illustrated example,outsole component306 is a one-piece construction that extends from the rear heel area to the forward toe area of thesole structure204 and covers at least a majority of the bottom surface of themidsole base component300B (and/or other midsole components). Also, as shown, theoutsole component306 of this example extends upward in a forward toe area of thesole structure204 to provide a reinforcedtoe region306T, e.g., that at least partially covers the forward end surfaces of one or more of themidsole base component300B, the lateralside midsole component300L and/or the medialside midsole component300M. Theforward toe region306T also may engage the footwear upper202, if desired. Theoutsole component306 may be formed of any desired materials, such as rubbers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermosetting polyurethanes, other polymer materials, etc., including materials as are conventionally known and used in the footwear arts.
• Various potential aspects, characteristics, and/or features of thesole structure204 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D will be described in more detail below with reference to the sole structures shown inFIGS. 2A-5. Thesole structure204 ofFIGS. 1A-1D may have any one or more of the features described in more detail below, including but not limited to: features of the foot-supporting areas (e.g., support area locations, sizes, shapes, etc.); features of the impact force-attenuating regions (e.g., locations of the bands, sizes, shapes, etc.); features of the rings (e.g., locations, numbers, sizes, shapes, etc.); midsole side wall heights and/or other dimension features; etc.
• Thesole structure204 ofFIGS. 2A-2S now will be described in more detail.FIG. 2A provides a bottom view of this examplesole structure204;FIG. 2B provides a top view;FIG. 2C provides a lateral side view;FIG. 2D provides a medial side view;FIG. 2E provides a toe view;FIG. 2F provides a heel view;FIG. 2G provides a top view of onemidsole component400M;FIG. 2H provides a top view of anothermidsole component400L;FIG. 2I provides a bottom view ofmidsole component400M;FIG. 2J provides a bottom view ofmidsole component400L;FIG. 2K provides a top partially assembled view of themidsole component400;FIG. 2L provides a bottom partially assembled view of themidsole component400;FIG. 2M provides a longitudinal sectional view along line M-M inFIGS. 2A and 2B;FIG. 2N provides a sectional view along line N-N inFIGS. 2A and 2B;FIG. 2O provides a sectional view along line O-O inFIGS. 2A and 2B;FIG. 2P provides a sectional view along line P-P inFIGS. 2A and 2B;FIG. 2Q provides a sectional view along line Q-Q inFIGS. 2A and 2B;FIG. 2R provides a sectional view along line R-R inFIGS. 2A and 2B; andFIG. 2S provides a sectional view along line S-S inFIGS. 2A and 2B.
• Rather than the four piecesole structure204 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D, this examplesole structure204 ofFIGS. 2A-2S has three main parts, namely: a medialside midsole component400M; a lateralside midsole component400L; and anoutsole component406. If desired, however, thesole structure204 ofFIGS. 2A-2S could be used with the upper ofFIGS. 1A-1D and/or in place of the specificsole structure204 shown inFIGS. 1A-1D. Theheel support structure250 shown inFIGS. 2A-2S may be considered to constitute another part of thesole structure204, a part of the upper structure (e.g.,202), and/or generally a part of the footwear structure (e.g.,200).
• Themedial midsole component400M of this examplesole structure204 may be formed at least in part from a polymeric foam material (e.g., polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc., formed by compression molding, injection molding, etc.), and it may form at least a majority of aplantar support surface400S and at least a majority of amedial sidewall surface402M of thesole structure204. This examplemedial midsole component400M further includes alateral side edge404 and abottom surface400B opposite theplantar support surface400S. Themidsole component400 further includes alateral midsole component400L formed at least in part from a second polymeric foam material (e.g., polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc., formed by compression molding, injection molding, etc.), wherein thelateral midsole component400L forms at least a majority of alateral sidewall surface402L of thesole structure204. Thislateral midsole component400L includes amedial side edge408 that extends adjacent (and optionally engages and/or is fixed to) thelateral side edge404 of themedial midsole component400M. The junction between side edges404 and408 may be located along the plantar support surface of themidsole component400, e.g., optionally closer to thelateral sidewall surface402L than to themedial sidewall surface402M. This junction between side edges404 and408 may extend continuously from a rear heel area to a forward toe area of themidsole component400 and/orsole structure204. Thelateral midsole component400L also may form at least a portion of the bottom surface of the overall midsole structure (e.g., seearea408B).
• As also shown in various figures, at least some portion(s) of the exteriormedial sidewall surface402M formed by themedial midsole component400M may include a plurality of bellow or ring structures, and/or at least some portion(s) of the exteriorlateral sidewall surface402L formed by thelateral midsole component400L also may include a second plurality of bellow or ring structures.
• In at least some examples of this invention, the polymeric foam material of at least some portion of thelateral midsole component400L (and optionally all of thelateral midsole component400L) will have a higher durometer/hardness than the polymeric foam material of at least a portion of themedial midsole component400M (and optionally all of themedial midsole component400M). As some more specific examples: (a) the medialfoam midsole component400M may have a hardness within the range of 30-60 Asker C, and in some examples, from 35-55 Asker C, from 40-50 Asker C, or even from 43-47 Asker C, (b) the lateralfoam midsole component400L may have a hardness within the range of 45 to 75 Asker C, and in some examples, from 50 to 70 Asker C, from 55 to 65 Asker C, or even from 57-61 Asker C, and/or (c) the lateralfoam midsole component400L may have at least a 10% higher hardness than the medialfoam midsole component400M, and in some examples, at least 15% higher hardness or even at least 20% higher hardness (e.g., based on measurements on the Asker C scale). Alternatively, if desired, thelateral midsole component400L could form at least a majority of theplantar support surface400S and/or plantar support surface area or themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L could each make up half of theplantar support surface400S and/or plantar support surface area. Themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L may be engaged with each other (e.g., alongedges404 and408, respectively), e.g., by cements or adhesives, by mechanical connectors, by a fusing technique, by a co-molding technique, etc.
• As further shown in the figures, in this illustrated example, each of themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L extends continuously from a heel area to a forefoot area of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400. For example, as shown in various figures, arear junction area404R between themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L in thisexample structure400 is located in a rear heel area (e.g., at a rearmost heel location RH) of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400. In this manner, (a) themedial midsole component400M forms at least a portion of a rear heel medial sidewall of thesole structure204 and/or themidsole structure400 and/or (b) thelateral midsole component400L forms at least a portion of a rear heel lateral sidewall and/or lateral heel sidewall of thesole structure204 and/or themidsole structure400. Also, a forward junction area404F between themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L in this examplesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400 is located at a forward toe area of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400. As other potential options or features, either or both of themedial midsole component400M and/or thelateral midsole component400L may be made from two or more separate parts (e.g., engaged together by cements or adhesives, mechanical connectors, fusing techniques, co-molding techniques, etc.).
• Themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L may have various different relative sizes with respect to one another and/or with respect to theoverall midsole structure400 without departing from this invention. As some more specific examples, themedial midsole component400M may form at least 70% of an overall volume of themidsole component400, and in some examples, at least 75%, at least 80%, or even at least 85% of this overall volume. Insuch structures400, thelateral midsole component400L may form 30% or less of the overall volume of the midsole component, and in some examples, 25% or less, 20% or less, or even 15% or less of this overall volume. As another potential feature, themedial midsole component400M may form at least 75% of a plantar support surface area of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400, and in some examples, at least 80% or even at least 85% of the plantar support surface area. Insuch structures400, thelateral midsole component400L may form 25% or less of the plantar support surface area of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400, and in some examples, 20% or less or even 15% or less of this plantar support surface area.
• FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate additional features of the midsole400 (e.g., relating to the midsole height) that may be included insole structures204 and/or articles offootwear200 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As described above with reference toFIG. 6, asole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400 may define a rear-most heel location RH, a forward-most toe location FT, and a longitudinal length L from the rear-most heel location RH to the forward-most toe location FT. Returning toFIGS. 2C and 2D, in at least some examples of this invention, ahighest point410M of themedial sidewall surface402M formed by themedial midsole component400M and/or ahighest point410L of thelateral sidewall surface402L formed by thelateral midsole component400L may be: (a) located forward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length L of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole component400 and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length L at least 20% of the longitudinal length L forward from the rear-most heel location RH (i.e., forward of the plane at 0.2L) and/or (b) located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length L of thesole structure204 and/ormidsole component400 and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length L at least 40% of the longitudinal length L forward from the rear-most heel location RH (i.e., rearward of the plane at 0.4L). In some examples, thesehighest points410M and/or410L may be located forward of a parallel plane at 0.25L and/or rearward of a parallel plane at 0.35L. In this manner, e.g., as shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, thehighest points410M and/or410L may be located toward a front of the foot-insertion opening206 of theupper structure202, and the sidewalls402M and402L provide significant side support for the heel and/or midfoot areas of the wearer's foot. If thehighest points410M and/or410L constitute one or more line segments, the “highest point” is determined as the midpoint of a line segment joining the outermost points of the line segment(s). The top edge ofmedial sidewall surface402M and/orlateral sidewall surface402L may smoothly curve upward to their respectivehighest points410M and/or410L, as shown in the figures.
• The structures and orientations shown inFIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate additional potential features of themidsole structure400. More specifically, as shown in these figures, themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L define a rear heel height dimension H₁from a horizontal base surface S to the top of themidsole components400M and400L at the rear-most heel location RH. Also, thesemidsole components400M and400L define a highest sidewall height dimension H_Mand H_L, respectively, from the horizontal base surface S to thehighest points410M,410L, respectively. In at least some examplesole structures204 and/ormidsole structures400 in accordance with this invention, one or more of the following dimensional properties may be provided:

• 	HL≧ 1.25 H1	HM≧ 1.25 H1
  	HL≧ 1.4 H1	HM≧ 1.4 H1
  	HL≧ 1.6 H1	HM≧ 1.6 H1
  	HL≧ 1.8 H1	HM≧ 1.8 H1

• As some additional or alternative potential options, from a more absolute dimension point of view, H_Land/or H_Mmay be at least 0.5 inch greater than H₁, and in some examples, at least 0.75 inch greater, at least 1 inch greater, or even at least 1.25 inches greater.
• Other potential features of this examplesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400 are illustrated inFIG. 2R. As shown, this examplesole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400 defines a first width dimension W₁between: (a) thehighest point410M of themedial sidewall surface402M formed by themedial midsole component400M and (b) thehighest point410L of thelateral sidewall surface402L formed by thelateral midsole component400L. Thissole structure204 and/ormidsole structure400 further defines a second width dimension W₂corresponding to a widest or maximum width dimension between (a) an outer surface of themedial sidewall402M (or othersole structure204 component) and (b) an outer surface of thelateral sidewall402L (or othersole structure204 component) in a vertical plane that passes through thehighest point410M of themedial sidewall surface402M and thehighest point410L of thelateral sidewall surface402L (e.g., the plane of the page ofFIG. 2R). In at least some examplesole structures204/midsole components400 in accordance with this invention, one or more of the following properties may be provided:

• 	W1≧ 0.85 W2	W1≧ 0.8 W2	W1≧ 0.75 W2

• As noted above, thesole structure204 shown inFIGS. 2A-2S includes anoutsole component406. Thisexample outsole component406 includes atop surface406A engaged with thebottom surface400B of themedial midsole component400M and/or with thebottom surface408B of thelateral midsole component400L. If desired, thetop surface406A of theoutsole component406 may completely cover at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or even 100% of combined areas of the bottom surfaces400B,408B of themedial midsole component400M and thelateral midsole component400L. Thisexample outsole component406 further includes aforward toe portion406T that extends upward and covers aforward-most toe edge408M of themedial midsole component400M and/or aforward-most toe edge408L of thelateral midsole component400L.
• In the examplesole structure204 shown inFIGS. 2A-2S, however, theoutsole component406 includes at least one opening defined through it such that portions of the bottom surfaces400B,408B of at least one of themidsole components400M and/or400L may be exposed through the opening. In this specifically illustrated example, a portion of thebottom surface400B of themedial midsole component400M is exposed through twooutsole component406 openings, but thebottom surface408B of thelateral midsole component400L is not exposed through either of those openings. The examplesole structure406 ofFIGS. 2A-2S includes oneopening406H in the heel-supporting area (seeFIGS. 2A and 2S) and oneopening406F in the forefoot-supporting area (seeFIGS. 2A and 20). More or fewer openings of this type may be provided through theoutsole structure406, if desired, without departing from this invention. Theseopenings406H and406F are provided at major heel and forefoot impact-force attenuating locations of the sole structure204 (e.g., areas where force pressure maps indicate that higher impact forces are experienced when playing basketball) to allow thefoam midsole component400M to directly contact the ground and provide its impact force attenuation properties at these high impact force locations.
• FIGS. 2T and 2U are provided (enlarged versions ofFIGS. 2O and 2S, respectively) to illustrate additional potential features of impact-force attenuating structures in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. As shown in these figures, this examplesole structure204 includes a sole member (e.g.,midsole component400,medial midsole component400M, and/orlateral midsole component400L) having an upper-facingsurface400S and a ground-facingsurface400B, wherein the ground-facingsurface400B includes:
• • (a) a heel-based impact-force attenuating structure420H (FIG. 2U) including a first central area (e.g., a first recessed central area)422H, afirst band424A (e.g., or ring) ofsole structure204 material (e.g., midsole material) surrounding (and optionally at least partially defining) the firstcentral area422H, asecond band424B (e.g., or ring) ofsole structure204 material (e.g., midsole material) surrounding thefirst band424A, and a first recessedgroove426A separating thefirst band424A and thesecond band424B (and optionally at least partially defining one or bothbands424A and/or424B); and
  • (b) a forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure420F (FIG. 2T) including a second central area (e.g., a second recessed central area)422F, athird band424C (e.g., or ring) ofsole structure204 material (e.g., midsole material) surrounding (and optionally at least partially defining) the secondcentral area422F, afourth band424D (e.g., or ring) ofsole structure204 material (e.g., midsole material) surrounding thethird band424C, and a second recessedgroove426B separating thethird band424C and thefourth band424D (and optionally at least partially defining one or bothbands424C and/or424D).
• As further shown in the example ofFIGS. 2T and 2U, either one or both of the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure422H and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure422F may be formed from a polymer foam material (e.g., the polymer foam material of one of theelements400M and/or400L of midsole component400). As further shown, the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure422H is exposed at an exterior of thesole structure204 through theheel opening406H in theoutsole component406 and/or the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure406F is exposed at the exterior of thesole structure204 through theforefoot opening406F in theoutsole component406.FIGS. 2T and 2U further illustrate that anouter edge424E of thesecond band424B is surrounded by (and optionally at least partially defined by) a third recessedgroove426C and/or anouter edge424G of thefourth band424D is surrounded by (and optionally at least partially defined by) a fourth recessedgroove426D. Optionally, if desired, additional bands and/or recessed grooves may be provided (e.g., of progressively larger sizes around thecentral recesses422H and/or422F).
• Additional potential features and/or characteristics of the recessedareas422H,422F, thebands424A-424D, and/orgrooves426A-426D are described below. For example, a deepest depth (e.g., in themedial midsole component400M in theplantar support surface400S tobottom surface400B direction, e.g., dimension D₁) of the central area (e.g., the recessed central area)422H may be deeper than a deepest depth (e.g., dimension D₂) of the first recessedgroove426A and/or the deepest depth of the first recessedgroove426A (dimension D₂) may be deeper than a deepest depth of the third recessedgroove426C (e.g., dimension D₃, if present). SeeFIG. 2U. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a deepest depth (e.g., in themedial midsole component400M in theplantar support surface400S tobottom surface400B direction, e.g., dimension D₄) of the central area (e.g., the recessed central area)422F may be deeper than a deepest depth (e.g., dimension D₅) of the second recessedgroove426B and/or the deepest depth of the second recessedgroove426B (dimension D₅) may be deeper than a deepest depth of the fourth recessedgroove426D (e.g., dimension D₆, if present). SeeFIG. 2T.
• In at least some examples of this invention, the dimension D₁will be such that the recess ofcentral area422H extends through a depth of about 25% to 65% of an overall thickness T₁of themidsole component400M at a location immediately adjacent the recessedarea422H (e.g., the thickness of thefirst band424A) (and in some examples, through about 30% to 60% of the overall thickness T₁). Additionally or alternatively, in somestructures400 the dimension D₂will be such that the first recessedgroove426A extends through a depth of about 15% to 50% of the overall thickness T₁of themidsole component400M and/or through 15% to 50% of the thickness offirst band424A and/orsecond band424B (and in some examples, through about 20% to 40% of one or more of these thicknesses) and/or the dimension D₃will be such that the third recessedgroove426C will extend through a depth of about 10% to 30% of the overall thickness T₁of themidsole component400M and/or through 10% to 30% of the thickness offirst band424A and/orsecond band424B (and in some examples, through about 12% to 25% of one or more of these thicknesses). Additionally or alternatively, in some structures, the dimension D₄will be such that the recess ofcentral area422F extends through a depth of about 55% to 85% of an overall thickness T₄of themidsole component400M at a location immediately adjacent the recessedarea422F (e.g., the thickness of thethird band424C) (and in some examples, through about 60% to 80% of the overall thickness T₄). Additionally or alternatively, in somestructures400, the dimension D₅will be such that the second recessedgroove426B extends through a depth of about 25% to 60% of the overall thickness T₂of themidsole component400M and/or through 25% to 60% of the thickness of thethird band424C and/orfourth band424D (and in some examples, through about 30% to 50% of one or more of these thicknesses) and/or the dimension D₆will be such that the fourth recessedgroove426D will extend through a depth of about 18% to 45% of the overall thickness T₂of themidsole component400M and/or through 18% to 45% of the thickness of thethird band424C and/orfourth band424D (and in some examples, through about 24% to 40% of one or more of these thicknesses).
• As another potential feature, as also shown inFIG. 2A, if desired, one or more of the first central area (e.g., the first recessed central area)422H, thefirst band424A, thesecond band424B, the first recessedgroove426A, the third recessedgroove424C, the second central area (e.g., the second recessed central area)422F, thethird band424C, thefourth band424D, the second recessedgroove426B, and/or the fourth recessedgroove424D may have a curved shape. As some more specific examples, any one of the recessed central areas, bands, and/or recessed grooves may have any one of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, an oval shape, an elongated shape, etc. (or other non-linear and/or non-planar shape).
• Some additional example dimensional features of these example impact-force attenuating structures420H and/or420F will be described in more detail below. In the example structure ofFIGS. 2A-2S, the exposed area of thebottom surface400B ofmedial midsole component400M in each of the twoopenings406H,406F (seeFIG. 2A) may be within a range of about 0.75 in²to 10 in², and in some examples, from 2 in²to 8 in²or even from 2.5 in²to 6 in². These area ranges also may define the areas of the impact-force attenuating structures420F and/or420H (e.g., the area enclosed by the outermost deep recessed groove of eachstructure420F and/or420H). When circular, theopenings406H and/or406F may have a diameter in a range of 1 inch to 3.5 inches, and in some examples, from 1.5 inches to 3 inches. SeeFIG. 2V (which is an enlarged view ofFIG. 2O).
• As further shown inFIG. 2V, the various central areas, bands, and recessed grooves of impact-force attenuating structures420H and/or420F may have one or more of the following dimensional features:

• 	Example
  	Dimensional	Additional Example
  Feature	Ranges	Dimensional Ranges
  Inner Diameter Dv of Bands	0.2 inch to 1 inch	0.25 inch to
  424A, 424C		0.75 inch
  Outer Diameter Dw of Bands	0.5 inch to 1.5 inch	0.6 inch to 1.25inch
  424A, 424C
  Inner Diameter Dx of Bands	0.75 inch to	1 inch to 1.5inch
  424B, 424D	1.75 inch
  Outer Diameter Dy ofBands	1 inch to 2 inch	1.25 inch to
  424B, 424D		1.75 inch
  Diameter Dz of Outside of	1.25 inch to 3.5 inch	1.5 inch to 3inches
  Recesses
  426C, 426D and/or
  Opening/Window Diameter

• The dimensional features in the above Table may apply to a heel-based impact-force attenuating structure420H, a forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure420F, and/or impact-force attenuating structures provided at other desired locations in a sole structure. Also, while their structures may be the same, impact-force attenuating structures of this type on a single article offootwear200,midsole structure400, and/orsole structure204 may be different from one another (e.g., dimensionally) without departing from this invention. As another option, if desired, a specificsole structure204 and/ormidsole component400 may contain only one of this type of impact-force attenuating structure (e.g., in the heel only, in the forefoot only, etc.).
• In the illustratedexample structure400, the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure420H and the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure420F are located in themidsole structure400 at locations shown to experience high impact forces during typical use (e.g., based on two-dimensional foot force or foot pressure diagrams; based on measured foot forces or foot pressures; measured when a player is performing certain functions, such as walking, running, landing a step or jump, playing basketball or other activities, etc.; etc.). The central areas (e.g., recessed central areas)422F,422H; thebands424A-424D; and the recessedgrooves426A-426D may be formed as a unitary, one-piece construction, for example, in the ground-facingsurface400B of the polymeric foam midsole component400 (e.g.,medial midsole component400M). In this manner, thecentral areas422F,422H, thebands424A-424D, and the recessedgrooves426A-426D are formed in or from a polymer foam material as may be used in footwear midsole constructions.
• As further shown, for example, inFIGS. 2O and 2S, at least one (and optionally some or even all) of thefirst band424A and thesecond band424B around heel-basedcentral area422H and thethird band424C and thefourth band424D around forefoot basedcentral area422F (and optionally other bands and/or rings around theseareas422H and/or422F) may include abase424Y and anapex424X (wherein thebase424Y of each band is located closer to the upper-facingsurface400S of themidsole component400 than is the apex424X of that band). If desired, at least one (and optionally some or even all) of thefirst band424A, thesecond band424B, thethird band424C, and/or thefourth band424D may be formed to be wider in cross section at itsbase424Y than at itsapex424X (e.g., triangular, truncated triangular, rounded triangular, trapezoidal, gum-drop shaped, etc., shaped grooves in cross section). If desired, the ground-facing surfaces orapices424X of thefirst band424A and thesecond band424B may be co-planar (optionally along with apices of any one or more additional bands in heel-impact force-attenuatingstructure420H) and/or the ground-facing surfaces orapices424X of thethird band424C and thefourth band424D may be co-planar (optionally along with apices of any one or more additional bands in forefoot-impact force-attenuatingstructure420F).
• While not wishing to be bound by any specific theory of operation, for at least some example structures according to aspects of this invention, under a compressive force (e.g., when a foot contacts the ground after landing a step or jump), it is believed that the recessedcentral areas422F,422H and the recessedgrooves426A-426D will begin to collapse or reduce in depth and/or thebands424A-424D decrease in depth and/or flatten out as the incident force deforms or deflects themidsole structure400, particularly at one or more ofbands424A-424D. The shapes and/or geometries of recessedcentral areas422F,422H (and any others),bands424A-424D (and any others), and recessedgrooves426A-426D (and any others), e.g., withbands424A-424D wider in cross section at their bases than at their apices and/or recessedareas422F,422H and recessedgrooves426A-426D narrower in cross section at their upper ends than at their exposed and/or open ends, provide spaces between thebands424A-424D and clearance for spreading of the foam material as eachband424A-424D compresses, deforms, or deflects under the incident forces. As these actions occur and/or the impact force increases, it is believed that the recessedcentral areas422F,422H and/or recessedgrooves426A-426D become substantially filled with the midsole material and/or otherwise deformed, which cause the impact-force attenuating structures420F,420H to begin to slow and/or resist additional deformation and/or deflection (as the deflected material filling the recessedcentral areas422F,422H and/or recessedgrooves426A-426D slows or stops further deformation/deflection). In this manner, the impact-force attenuating structures420H,420F provide a comfortable feel (e.g., soft initial response) and a responsive ride. Moreover, in response to relatively low foot forces or pressures, the feel is very soft (because the recessedareas422F,422H are open, relatively large, and can easily receive deflected midsole material), but themidsole component400 is adequately supportive under higher foot forces or pressures (as deformation and/or deflection occur, as described above). The impact-force attenuating structures420F,420H may operate in somewhat of a “bumpstop” type manner to attenuate impact forces.
• FIGS. 2A-2V illustrate other potential impact-force attenuating features, traction-enhancing features, and/or support-enhancing features that may be provided insole structures204 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. For example, as shown inFIG. 2A, theoutsole component406 also may include central areas (e.g., recessed central areas) that are surrounded by one or a plurality of rings (e.g., two or more rings). As one specific example shown inFIG. 2A, theoutsole component406 includes a midfoot-supportingregion470 including a midfoot central area (e.g., a recessed midfoot central area)470asurrounded by a plurality ofrings470b. In this illustrated example, the plurality ofrings470bincludes an innermost ring that immediately surrounds (and optionally at least partially defines) the midfootcentral area470aand at least three additional rings of increasingly larger circumference surrounding the innermost ring. As shown inFIG. 2Q, this midfootcentral area470aand the depressions between (and optionally defining) therings470bare not as deep as the recessedcentral areas422F,422H and/or recessedgrooves426A-426D of the impact-force attenuating structures420F and420H formed in themidsole component400 of this example. As a more specific example, if desired, the depressions that defineadjacent rings470bmay have a maximum depth of less than 20% of a deepest depth of any one or more of the recessedcentral areas422H,422F and/or the recessedgrooves426A-426D (and in some examples, less than 15% or even less than 10%). This midfoot-supporting region (e.g., located between impact-force attenuating structures420F and420H in the longitudinal direction of sole structure204) can provide additional midfoot impact force attenuation, support, and/or stability, particularly for use in basketball shoes.
• FIG. 2A shows additional foot-supporting regions including central areas (e.g., recessed central areas) surrounded by one or a plurality of rings at other locations in thesole structure204. For example, thesole structure204 ofFIG. 2A includes three lateral side foot-supportingregions480a,480b,480clocated along the lateral side edge of the sole structure204 (and formed in theoutsole component406 in this illustrated example). Portions of these lateral side foot-supportingregions480a,480b,480calso are shown inFIGS. 2N, 2O, and2P, respectively. Each of theseregions480a,480b, and480cincludes a central portion (e.g., a recessed central portion) surrounded by one or a plurality of rings (e.g., two or more rings) of the general types described above with respect to midfoot-supportingregion470. In this illustrated example, the lateral side foot-supportingregions480a,480b,480care arranged in a generally heel-to-toe direction with respect to one another and are located at a lateral side of the forefoot impact-force attenuating structure420F (withregion480blocated between theopening406F for the forefoot impact-force attenuating structure420F and the lateral side edge of the sole member204). The lateral side foot-supportingregions480a,480b,480cmay provide additional traction, support, and/or stability, e.g., for basketball type activities, such as additional impact force attenuation, traction, stability, and/or lateral support when making a turn or cutting maneuver, when making a fast stop or direction change, when landing a step or jump, etc.
• FIG. 2A further shows two forefoot or forward toearea supporting regions490aand490blocated along the forward toe area of the sole structure204 (and formed in theoutsole component406 in this illustrated example). Each of theseregions490aand490bincludes a central portion (e.g., a recessed central portion) surrounded by one or a plurality of rings (e.g., two or more rings) of the general types described above with respect to midfoot-supportingregion470. In this illustrated example, the forefoot or toe area-supportingregions490aand490bare arranged in a generally side-to-side direction with respect to one another and are located at a forward side of the forefoot impact-force attenuating structure420F. The forefoot or toe area-supportingregions490aand490bmay provide additional impact force attenuation, traction, support, and/or stability, e.g., during a toe-off phase of a running step cycle, during a jump, when changing directions, etc.
• The ring structures shown in theoutsole component406 and described above are not limited to rings that immediately surround a single central area of a foot-supportingregion470,480a-480c,490a, and/or490b. Rather, as shown inFIG. 2A, as the rings become larger, a single (e.g., continuous) ring may be provided that extends around more than one foot-supportingregion470,480a-480c,490a, and/or490b. As some more concrete examples, ring492 (and indeed a plurality of rings that encompass ring492) surrounds a combined area of forefoot or toe-supportingregions490aand490b. Additionally or alternatively, some rings may be provided that surround combined areas of one or both impact-force attenuating structures420F and420H and/or one or more of the other foot-supportingregions470,480a-480c,490a, and/or490b. In fact, as shown inFIG. 2A, some of the outermost rings ofoutsole component406 surround combined areas of all of impact-force attenuating structures420F and420H and foot-supportingregions470,480a-480c,490a, and/or490b. Such rings may be located at or near an outermost perimeter of theoutsole component406.
• Foot-supporting rings (e.g., optionally having size, shape, and/or dimensional features likerings470band/or492 described above) are not limited to the foot-supporting surface of anoutsole component406. Rather, as shown inFIGS. 2C-2F, rings of this type may extend along lateral side surfaces of theoutsole component406, e.g., along the lateral side (optionally along the entire lateral side as shown inFIG. 2C), along the medial heel side area (FIG. 2D), along the medial forefoot area (FIG. 2D), along the forward toe area (FIG. 2E), and/or along the rear heel area (FIG. 2F). Additionally or alternatively, as shown in these figures, similar rings of this type could be provided along at least some portions of the walls ofmedial midsole component400M and/or thelateral midsole component400L (e.g., on at least portions of the rear heel walls (FIG. 2F) and/or at least portions of the sidewall surfaces402L and402M (FIGS. 2C, 2D)). The ring structures along the sidewalls of theoutsole component406, themedial midsole component400M and/or thelateral midsole component400L can help provide a more consistent appearingsole structure204, help conceal junctions between theoutsole406 andmidsole400, and/or help conceal wrinkling when thesole structure204 is compressed during use.
• Further, as shown inFIGS. 2A, 2I, 2L, 2M, 2O, and 2S-2V,ring structures494 of the types described above may be formed in the ground-facing surfaces of one or more of thebands424A-424D of the impact-force attenuating structures420F and/or420H. Thesering structures494 can help provide additional traction and/or impact-force attenuation to themidsole component400. More specifically, as shown in the noted figures, one or more of thefirst band424A, thesecond band424B, thethird band424C, and/or thefourth band424D may include two (or more) rings on the ground-facing surface(s) thereof, wherein each pair of adjacent rings are separated by a depression defined in the outer (ground-facing) surface of the respective band. When present, the depression(s) provided in the band(s)424A-424D to define the rings therein may have a depth of less than 20% of a depth D₁-D₆of any one or more of the recessedcentral areas422F and/or422H and/or the recessedgrooves426A-426D (and in some examples, less than 10% of the depth of any one or more of the depths D₁-D₆).
• As another option or alternative, if desired, theoutsole component406 of the examplesole structure204 shown inFIGS. 2A-2V could be omitted, and the features of the outsole component406 (e.g., one or more ofrings492, foot-supportingregions470,480a-480c,490a,490b, etc.) may be formed in the midsole structure400 (e.g., in the ground-facingsurface400B and/or408B). If desired, at least the exterior-most surfaces of themidsole structure400 may be made from a relatively durable foam material and/or other material, to provide better wear resistance and durability properties.
• Another examplesole structure504 in accordance with at least some examples of this invention will be described below in conjunction withFIGS. 3A-3N. Specifically,FIG. 3A provides a bottom view of thesole structure504;FIG. 3B provides a top view;FIG. 3C provides a lateral side view;FIG. 3D provides a medial side view;FIG. 3E provides a toe view;FIG. 3F provides a heel view;FIG. 3G provides a bottom view of an alternative outsole construction and/or feature;FIG. 3H provides a longitudinal sectional view along line H-H inFIGS. 3A and 3B;FIG. 3I provides a sectional view along line I-I inFIGS. 3A and 3B;FIG. 3J provides a sectional view along line J-J inFIGS. 3A and 3B;FIG. 3K provides a sectional view along line K-K inFIGS. 3A and 3B;FIG. 3L provides a sectional view along line L-L inFIGS. 3A and 3B;FIG. 3M provides a sectional view along line M-M inFIGS. 3A and 3B; andFIG. 3N provides a sectional view along line N-N inFIGS. 3A and 3B. Because the features of the midsole component400 (includingmedial midsole component400M andlateral midsole component400L) in this examplesole structure504 are the same or similar to those described above in conjunction withFIGS. 2A-2V, much of the detailed description ofmidsole component400,medial midsole component400M, andlateral midsole component400L will not be repeated. Notably, however, like reference numbers in the various figures refer to the same or similar parts, and themidsole component400,medial midsole component400M, and/orlateral midsole component400L ofFIGS. 3A-3N may have any of the various features, characteristics, and/or options to those described above in conjunction withFIGS. 2A-2V.
• One difference between thesole structure204 ofFIGS. 2A-2V and thesole structure504 ofFIGS. 3A-3N relates to the absence of theheel support250 from thesole structure504 ofFIGS. 3A-3N. Alternatively, if desired, aheel support250 having any of the features, options, and/or characteristics described above could be used with thesole structure504 ofFIGS. 3A-3N. As another option or alternative, if desired, a conventional heel support or heel counter structure, as are known and used in the footwear art, may be provided in thesole structure504 ofFIGS. 3A-3N. Also, thesole structure504 ofFIGS. 3A-3N may be engaged with a footwear upper structure, including, if desired,footwear uppers202 of the various types and/or having any one or more of the features described above in conjunction withFIGS. 1A-1D.
• Another difference in this examplesole structure504 relates to theoutsole component506. Specifically, theoutsole component506 of this examplesole structure504 does not includebottom openings406H and/or406F defined through it. Rather, as shown inFIGS. 3A, 3H, 3J, and 3N, in this examplesole structure504, theoutsole component506 covers the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure420F and the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure420H (although impact-force attenuating structures420F and420H of these types are still provided in the ground-facing surface of the midsole component400). Thus, in this examplesole structure504, the forefoot-based impact-force attenuating structure420F and the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure420H are not exposed at the bottom surface of the sole structure504 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 3A) (and thus impact-force attenuating structures420H and420F may be better protected from the external environment to improve durability, wear resistance, abrasion resistance, etc.).
• More specifically, as shown inFIGS. 3A-3N, this examplesole structure504 includes an upper-facing surface and a ground-facing surface opposite the upper-facing surface, wherein: (a) a heel-supportingregion520H including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area)522A surrounded by at least one, and optionally, a first plurality ofrings524A, defined in the ground-facing surface (e.g., of an outsole component506); and/or (b) a forefoot-supportingregion520F including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area)522B surrounded by at least one, and optionally, a second plurality ofrings524B, defined in the ground-facing surface (e.g., of thesame outsole component506 or adifferent outsole component506 part). Each of the first plurality ofrings524A and the second plurality ofrings524B may include: a first ring (e.g., an innermost ring) that surrounds (and optionally at least partially defines) the respectivecentral area522A,522B and at least a second ring that surrounds the first ring. In the illustrated example, each of the first plurality ofrings524A and the second plurality ofrings524B includes at least a third ring that surrounds the second ring; and optionally a fourth ring that surrounds the third ring; and optionally more rings. Thecentral areas522A/522B and rings524A/524B may help provide traction, impact-force attenuation, support, and/or stability.
• As further shown, for example, inFIGS. 3H, 3J, and 3N, at least some (and optionally all) of the first ring and second ring aroundcentral areas522A and522B (and optionally other rings around these areas) in the first plurality ofrings524A and/or the second plurality ofrings524B may include abase524Y and anapex524X (wherein thebase524Y of each ring is located closer to the upper-facingsurface406A of theoutsole component406 than is the apex524X of that ring). If desired, at least some (and optionally all) of the first ring and the second ring in the first plurality ofrings524A and/or the second plurality ofrings524B may be formed to be wider in cross section at itsbase524Y than at itsapex524X (e.g., triangular, truncated triangular, rounded triangular, trapezoidal, gum-drop shaped, etc. in cross section). If desired, some or all of the ground-facing surfaces or apices of the first and/or second plurality ofrings524A,524B may be co-planar, including at least the first ring and the second ring in either or both of thepluralities524A and/or524B. The shapes and/or geometries of thecentral areas522A,522B (and any others), rings524A,524B (and any others), and/or the depressions between therings524,524B, e.g., withrings524A,524B wider in cross section at theirbases524Y than at theirapices524X and/orcentral areas522A,422B and depressions between the rings narrower in cross section at their upper ends than at their exposed and/or open ends, may provide space between therings524A,524B and clearance for spreading of the sole material as eachring524A,524B compresses, deforms, or deflects under force.
• If desired, as shown inFIG. 3G, theoutsole component506 may be formed to include at least a first window region defined in it, and wherein this first window region may be at least partially transparent or translucent. More specifically, in thesole structure504 shown inFIG. 3G, theoutsole component506 includes aforefoot window510F and aseparate heel window510H that are at least partially transparent or translucent. In this manner, if desired, the bottom surface of the midsole component400 (e.g., the bottom of medial midsole component406M), the bottom of impact-attenuating structures (e.g.,420F and/or420H), etc., may be visible (but not openly exposed) through theforefoot window region510F and/or theheel window region510H.
• Windows510F and/or510H of this type, when present, may be formed in theoutsole component506 in any desired manner without departing from this invention. For example, if desired, openings may be cut in anoutsole component506 and/or theoutsole component506 may be made with openings in them (e.g., in a manner akin to theoutsole component406 described above, such as by molding techniques, etc.), and then separate window components may be engaged with theoutsole component506 and/or themidsole component400 to close the openings (e.g., engaged by adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, fusing techniques, friction fits, etc.). As another option, if desired, the window region(s)510F and/or510H may be integrally formed with the remainder of theoutsole component506, e.g., by selectively locating at least partially transparent or translucent outsole material in a mold at the areas of the window(s)510F/510H (e.g., using “dams” in the mold or in other appropriate ways), and then molding theoverall outsole component506. As yet another option, if desired, the entire bottom of the outsole component506 (or even the entire outsole component506) may be made from an at least partially transparent or translucent outsole material.
• FIGS. 3A-3N further illustrate that theoutsole component506 may have the various ring features surrounding one or more of (including combined areas of any two or more of) foot-supportingregions520H,520F,470,480a,480b,480c,490a, and/or490b. Themidsole component400 further may have rings of this same type (e.g., on its sidewall surfaces, rear heel surface, forward toe surface, etc.). The surrounding rings of thesole structure504 may have any one or more of the various features, sizes, shapes, constructions, and/or orientations as described above with respect to the example structures ofFIGS. 2A-2V.
• Alternatively, if desired, theoutsole component506 of the example structure shown inFIGS. 3A-3N could be omitted, and the features of the outsole component506 (including any of the recessed central areas, rings, and depressions described above and below) may be formed in the midsole structure400 (e.g., with or without the impact-force attenuating structures420F and/or420H formed in the midsole component400). If desired, at least the exterior-most surfaces of themidsole structure400 may be made from a relatively durable foam material, e.g., to provide better wear resistance and durability properties. As a more specific example, the heel-supportingregion520H and/or the forefoot-supportingregion520F could constitute parts of a single midsole element (e.g.,midsole component400,medial midsole component400M,lateral midsole component400L, etc.), which may be made from a polymeric foam material (e.g., polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc.).
• As further shown in the examplesole structure504 ofFIGS. 3A-3N, a plurality of rings are provided that extend around a combined area of the forefoot-supportingregion520F, the heel-supportingregion520H, and the midfoot-supportingregion470. As another feature, as shown in these figures, two forward toe-supportingregions490a,490b(each including a recessed toe central area surrounded by one or more rings (also called “toe rings” herein)) are defined in the ground-facing surface of theoutsole component506. At least one of these toe-supporting regions (e.g.,region490ainFIG. 3A) may be located closer to a medial side edge of thesole structure504 than to a lateral side edge of thesole structure504 or closer to a lateral side edge of thesole structure504 than to a medial side edge of thesole structure504. The illustrated two forward toe-supportingregions490a,490bare arranged in a generally side-by side orientation, e.g., with one forward toe-supporting region (e.g.,490a) located closer to a medial side edge of thesole structure504 than is the other forward toe-supporting region (e.g.,490b). As further shown, inFIG. 3A, one or more rings may be formed in theoutsole component506 that extend around a combined area of the first forward toe-supportingregion490aand the second forward toe-supportingregion490b. Additionally, one or more rings may further extend around a combined area of the forefoot-supportingregion520F, the first forward toe-supportingregion490a, and the second forward toe-supportingregion490b(and optionally also around the heel-supportingregion520H, any present midfoot-supportingregion470, and/or any one or more lateral side (or lateral forefoot) supporting region (e.g.,480a,480b, and/or480c). At least some of the central areas and/or rings associated with the various foot-supporting regions (and optionally all) may have a curved shape (and optionally, at least some may have a circular shape, elliptical shape, oval shape, etc., or other non-linear or non-planar shape).
• Another examplesole structure604 in accordance with some aspects of this invention is illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4O. Specifically,FIG. 4A provides a bottom view of thesole structure604;FIG. 4B provides a top view;FIG. 4C provides a lateral side view;FIG. 4D provides a medial side view;FIG. 4E provides a toe view;FIG. 4F provides a heel view;FIG. 4G provides bottom views of theoutsole606 andmidsole600 structures;FIG. 4H provides top views of theoutsole606 andmidsole600 structures;FIG. 4I provides a longitudinal sectional view along line I-I inFIGS. 4A and 4B;FIG. 4J provides a sectional view along line J-J inFIGS. 4A and 4B;FIG. 4K provides a sectional view along line K-K inFIGS. 4A and 4B;FIG. 4L provides a sectional view along line L-L inFIGS. 4A and 4B;FIG. 4M provides a sectional view along line M-M inFIGS. 4A and 4B;FIG. 4N provides a sectional view along line N-N inFIGS. 4A and 4B; andFIG. 4O provides a sectional view along line O-O inFIGS. 4A and 4B. Because much of themidsole component600 in this examplesole structure604 may be the same or similar to those described above in conjunction withFIGS. 2A-2V andFIGS. 3A-3N, much of the detailed description ofmidsole component600 will not be repeated (although some differences will be discussed). Notably, like reference numbers in the various figures refer to the same or similar parts, and themidsole component600 and/oroutsole component606 may have any of the desired features, characteristics, and/or options to those described above in conjunction with the structures ofFIGS. 2A-3N. Also, thesole structure604 ofFIGS. 4A-4O may be engaged with a footwear upper structure, including, if desired,footwear uppers202 of the various types and/or having any one or more of the features described above in conjunction withFIGS. 1A-1D.
• Some differences between thesole structure604 ofFIGS. 4A-4O and the other sole structures described above in conjunction withFIGS. 1A-3N relate to themidsole structure600. In thesole structure600 ofFIGS. 4A-4O, themidsole structure600 constitutes a single piece construction (e.g., made from a polymeric foam material, such as polyurethane foam, ethylvinylacetate foam, etc., e.g., made by injection molding, compression molding, and/or other processes as are known and used in the footwear arts). Furthermore, thisexample midsole structure600 includes relatively smooth and/or gently contoured upper-facing (and plantar surface supporting)base surface600S and ground-facingsurface600B. Specifically, and in contrast to thestructures400 described above,midsole structure600 of this example lacks the impact-force attenuating structures420F and420H described with respect to thesole structures204 and504 above. Alternatively, if desired,midsole structure600 could include one or more impact-force attenuating structures, e.g., like one or both ofstructures420F and420H described in detail above.
• Theoutsole component606 of this example differs somewhat from theexample structures406,506 described above. For example, whileoutsole component606 includes heel-supportingregion520H, forefoot-supportingregion520F, midfoot-supportingregion470, and forward toe-supportingregions490a,490b, these regions are shaped and/or oriented somewhat different from corresponding regions described above in conjunction withFIGS. 2A-3N. While each of these regions still includes a central area (e.g., a recessed central area) (e.g.,522A,522B,470a, and the corresponding areas inregions490a,490b) and a plurality of rings (e.g.,524A,524B,470b, and the corresponding rings inregions490a,490b), these regions are shaped somewhat differently. For example, the central area (e.g., recessed central area)522A and/or rings524A of the heel-supporting region520 and the central area (e.g., recessed central area)470aand/or rings470bof the midfoot-supportingregion470 are elongated in a fore-to-aft direction of the sole structure604 (e.g., somewhat oval, elliptical or egg shaped). Also, the central area (e.g., the recessed central area)522B and/or rings524B of the forefoot-supportingregion520F are elongated in a lateral side-to-medial side direction (e.g., again, somewhat oval, elliptical or egg shaped). Similarly, the central areas and/or rings of the forefoot/toe-supportingregions490aand/or490balso are elongated in the fore-to-aft direction (e.g., again, somewhat oval, elliptical or egg shaped).
• Some additional example dimensional features of thisoutsole component606 will be described in more detail below. In the example structure ofFIGS. 4A-4O, each of heel-supportingregion520H, midfoot-supportingregion470, and forefoot-supportingregion520F are defined by a plurality of rings that surround only that specific supporting region. In at least some examples of this invention, the area of heel-supportingregion520H enclosed by rings that surround only the heel-supportingregion520H will be within a range of 2 in²to 14 in²(and in some examples, from 2.5 in²to 12 in²or even from 3 in²to 10 in²). Additionally or alternatively, the area of midfoot-supportingregion470 enclosed by rings that surround only the midfoot-supportingregion470 will be within a range of 0.75 in²to 8 in²(and in some examples, from 1 in²to 7 in²or even from 1.5 in²to 6 in²). Additionally or alternatively, the area of forefoot-supportingregion520F enclosed by rings that surround only the forefoot-supportingregion520F will be within a range of 2 in²to 14 in²(and in some examples, from 2.5 in²to 12 in²or even from 3 in²to 10 in²). These same size ranges may be used in the various heel, forefoot, and/or midfoot-supporting regions in the other sole structures described herein.
• Thesole structure604 ofFIGS. 4A-4O includes some foot-supporting regions, each with central areas and one or more rings, that are not shown in the other examplesole structures204,504 described above. For example, a forward midfoot-supportingregion620 including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area)622 and a plurality of rings624 (having increasing larger perimeters or circumferences) is provided rearward from the forefoot-supportingregion520F. This forward midfoot-supportingregion620 may provide additional traction, impact-force attenuation, stability, and/or support for the first metatarsal head support area (e.g., for use during the toe-off phase of a step cycle, when landing a step or jump, when launching a step or jump, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, a rearward midfoot-supportingregion630 including a central area (e.g., a recessed central area)632 and a plurality of rings634 (having increasing larger perimeters or circumferences) is provided forward and/or along the medial side from the heel-supportingregion520H. This rearward midfoot-supportingregion630 may provide additional stability and/or support for the arch area (e.g., for use when landing a step or jump, etc.).
• As shown inFIGS. 4G and 4H, thesole structure604 of this example is assembled by engaging theinner surface606S of theoutsole component606 with thebottom surface600B of themidsole component600. These parts may be engaged together in any desired manner, including through the use of adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, friction fits, fusing techniques, or the like, including in manners conventionally known and used in the footwear arts.
• Again, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, one or more rings may surround a combined area of any two or more of the forefoot-supportingregion520F, the heel-supporting region,520H, the midfoot-supportingregion470, the rearward midfoot-supportingregion630, the forward midfoot-supportingregion620, the forward toe-supportingregion490a, and/or the forward toe-supportingregion490b. These surrounding rings may take on any of the features, options, and/or characteristics for the similar rings described above, e.g., and may extend to the side areas or surfaces, rear heel area or surface, and/or forward toe area or surface of theoutsole structure606 and/or themidsole structure600.
• Alternatively, if desired, theoutsole component606 of the example structure shown inFIGS. 4A-4O could be omitted, and the features of theoutsole component606 may be formed in the midsole structure600 (e.g., inbottom surface600B). If desired, at least the exterior-most surfaces of themidsole structure600 may be made from a relatively durable foam material, to provide better wear resistance and durability properties.
• FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of another sole structure700 (e.g., a midsole component, an outsole component, combined midsole and outsole components, etc.) in accordance with additional potential aspects of this invention. Like the example ofFIGS. 2A-2V, this examplesole structure700 includes a heel-based impactforce attenuating structure720H and a forefoot-based impactforce attenuating structure720F having central areas (e.g., central recessed areas) (722A and722B, respectively), surrounding bands (724A-724D), and recessed grooves (726A-726D) of the types described above. Theseareas720H,720F,722A,722B,724A-724D, and/or726A-726D may have any of the specific features, characteristics, structures, sizes, etc., as the corresponding parts described above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2V.
• Thestructure700 ofFIG. 5, however, shows additional or alternative potential features of impact-force attenuating structures (e.g.,720H,720F) in accordance with this invention. For example,FIG. 5 shows that the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure720H includes athird band724E located outside ofband724B and separated therefrom (and/or at least partially defined) by another recessedgroove726E. An additional recessedgroove726F surrounding groove726E defines the outer edge ofband724E in this example and morphs into the remainder of thesole structure700. Thebands724A,724B, and724E and recessedgrooves726A,726C,726E, and726F change from a generally circular structure toward the inside (e.g.,elements724A,724B,726A) to a more teardrop type structure toward the outside (e.g.,elements726C,724E,726E, and726F).
• Furthermore, while thesole structure700 ofFIG. 5 includes foot-supporting regions akin toregions470,480a,480b,480c,490a, and490bdescribed above, in thissole structure700, at least some of these foot-supporting regions (e.g.,regions480b,490a, and490bin this illustrated example) are located inside the recessedgroove726D defining the outer edge of the forefoot based impact force-attenuatingstructure720F. More, fewer, and/or different foot-supporting regions of this type could be provided inside the outermost recessedgroove726D if desired. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, one or more other support regions (having recessed central areas and a plurality of rings) could be provided within one or more of the recessedgrooves726A,726C,726E, and/or726F provided in the heel-based impact-force attenuating structure720H. Such impact force-attenuating structures of these types could be provided in a single sole component700 (e.g., an outsole or a midsole component) or on two or more separate sole components (e.g., outsole and/or midsole components). Also, thesole structure700 ofFIG. 5 may be engaged with a footwear upper structure, including, if desired,footwear uppers202 of the various types and/or having any one or more of the features described above in conjunction withFIGS. 1A-1D. Thesole structure700 ofFIG. 5 also may have any of the surrounding ring structures described above, e.g., on an outsole or midsole component, including on the side surfaces or sidewalls of either of these components.
II. CONCLUSION
• The present invention is disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to a variety of embodiments and/or options. The purpose served by the disclosure, however, is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the features of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, comprising:

a first midsole component formed at least in part from a first polymeric foam material, wherein the first midsole component forms at least a majority of a plantar support surface and at least a majority of a medial sidewall surface of the sole structure, and wherein the first midsole component includes a lateral side edge; and

a second midsole component formed at least in part from a second polymeric foam material, wherein the second midsole component forms at least a majority of a lateral sidewall surface of the sole structure, wherein the second midsole component includes a medial side edge that extends adjacent the lateral side edge of the first midsole component, and wherein the second polymeric foam material has a higher durometer than the first polymeric foam material.

2. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the first midsole component extends continuously from a heel area to a forefoot area of the sole structure, and wherein the second midsole component extends continuously from the heel area to the forefoot area of the sole structure.

3. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the first midsole component forms at least a portion of a rear heel medial sidewall of the sole structure, and wherein the second midsole component forms at least a portion of a rear heel lateral sidewall of the sole structure.

4. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the sole structure is a midsole component.

5. The sole structure according toclaim 4, wherein the first midsole component and the second midsole component each form a portion of a bottom surface of the midsole component.

6. The sole structure according toclaim 4, wherein the first midsole component forms at least 70% of an overall volume of the midsole component and the second midsole component forms 30% or less of the overall volume of the midsole component.

7. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the first midsole component forms at least 75% of a plantar support surface area of the sole structure, and wherein the second midsole component forms 20% or less of the plantar support surface area of the sole structure.

8. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the sole structure defines a rearmost heel location, a forward-most toe location, and a longitudinal length from the rearmost heel location to the forward-most toe location, wherein a highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component is located forward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole structure and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length at least 20% of the longitudinal length forward from the rearmost heel location, and wherein the highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component is located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole structure and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length at least 40% of the longitudinal length forward from the rearmost heel location.

9. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein the sole structure defines a rearmost heel location, a forward-most toe location, and a longitudinal length from the rearmost heel location to the forward-most toe location, wherein a highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component is located forward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole structure and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length at least 20% of the longitudinal length forward from the rearmost heel location, and wherein the highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component is located rearward of a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the sole structure and oriented to intersect the longitudinal length at least 40% of the longitudinal length forward from the rearmost heel location.

10. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein, with the sole structure oriented on a horizontal base surface, the first midsole component defines: (a) a rear heel height dimension from the horizontal base surface and (b) a highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface from the horizontal base surface, and

wherein the highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface is at least 1.25 times the rear heel height dimension.

11. The sole structure according toclaim 10, wherein the highest sidewall height dimension of the medial sidewall surface is at least 0.5 inch greater than the rear heel height dimension.

12. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein, with the sole structure oriented on a horizontal base surface, the second midsole component defines: (a) a rear heel height dimension from the horizontal base surface and (b) a highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface from the horizontal base surface, and

wherein the highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface is at least 1.25 times the rear heel height dimension.

13. The sole structure according toclaim 12, wherein the highest sidewall height dimension of the lateral sidewall surface is at least 0.5 inch greater than the rear heel height dimension.

14. The sole structure according toclaim 1, wherein, with the sole structure oriented on a horizontal base surface, the sole structure defines:

a first width dimension between: (a) a highest point of the medial sidewall surface formed by the first midsole component and (b) a highest point of the lateral sidewall surface formed by the second midsole component, and

a second width dimension corresponding to a maximum width dimension between (a) an outer surface of the medial sidewall and (b) an outer surface of the lateral sidewall in a vertical plane that passes through the highest point of the medial sidewall surface and the highest point of the lateral sidewall surface,

wherein the first width dimension is less than 80% of the second width dimension.

15. The sole structure according toclaim 1, further comprising:

an outsole component having a top surface engaged with a bottom surface of the first midsole component and with a bottom surface of the second midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes at least a first opening defined through it, and wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first midsole component is exposed through the first opening but the bottom surface of the second midsole component is not exposed through the first opening.

16. The sole structure according toclaim 1, further comprising:

an outsole component having a top surface engaged with a bottom surface of the first midsole component and with a bottom surface of the second midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes a first opening defined through it and a second opening defined through it, and wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface of the first midsole component is exposed through each of the first opening and the second opening, but the bottom surface of the second midsole component is not exposed through either of the first opening or the second opening.

17. The sole structure according toclaim 1, further comprising:

an outsole component having a top surface engaged with a bottom surface of the first midsole component and with a bottom surface of the second midsole component, wherein the outsole component includes a forward toe portion that extends upward and covers a forward-most toe edge of the first midsole component and a forward-most toe edge of the second midsole component.

18. The sole structure according toclaim 1, further comprising:

a heel support engaged with each of the first midsole component and the second midsole component, wherein the heel support includes a top edge and a bottom edge, and wherein a plurality of vertically spaced slits extend through the heel support between the top edge and the bottom edge.

19. The sole structure according toclaim 18, wherein the plurality of vertically spaced slits define at least six vertically spaced bands of material.

20. An article of footwear, comprising:

an upper; and

a sole structure according toclaim 1 engaged with the upper.

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