Golf Shoe with Reinforcement Structure

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/522,380 filed on Nov. 29, 2023, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/821,996 filed on Aug. 24, 2022 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 12,290,142 on May 6, 2025), which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/686,146 filed on Mar. 3, 2022 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,986,048 on May 21, 2024), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The sport of golf involves a variety of actions that a golfer may perform, such as a golf swing, walking a golf course, crouching down to line-up a putt, and other golfing actions. Having proper equipment when playing the sport of golf may be a factor in how well the golfer may be able to perform these actions. Golf shoes are one example piece of equipment that can affect a golfer's performance. For example, when a golfer swings a club and transfers their weight on their feet, there are high forces placed on the foot. The shoe needs to provide a stable platform for the golfer when he/she makes their swing, but the foot also needs to be able to flex to a certain degree. The bending of the shoe also is important when the golfer is walking, crouching down, and other golfing actions.

It is with respect to these and other general considerations that the aspects disclosed herein have been made. Also, although relatively specific problems may be discussed, it should be understood that the examples should not be limited to solving the specific problems identified in the background or elsewhere in this disclosure.

Examples of the present disclosure describe a golf shoe comprising a sidewall reinforcement structure for providing increasing bending stiffness, torsion stiffness, and cushioning of the shoe.

In an example, the technology relates to a golf shoe comprising: an upper; a bending axis passing through a bite line; and a sole assembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly comprising: an outsole; a midsole; and a U-shaped reinforcement structure, the reinforcement structure comprising: a bridge extending a transverse width across the sole assembly, the bridge having centroid positioned a first vertical distance from the bending axis; a lateral wing extending upward from a lateral side of the bridge along a periphery of a lateral sidewall of the sole assembly, the lateral wing having a centroid located a second vertical distance from the bending axis, the second vertical distance being less than the first vertical distance; and a medial wing extending upward from a medial side of the bridge upward along a periphery of a medial sidewall of the sole assembly, the medial wing having a centroid located a third vertical distance from the bending axis, the third vertical distance being less than the first vertical distance.

In another example, the technology relates to a golf shoe comprising: an upper; and a sole assembly connected to the upper, the upper and sole assembly, the sole assembly comprising: an outsole; a midsole comprising a foam material; and a U-shaped reinforcement structure, the reinforcement structure comprising: a bridge extending a transverse width across the sole assembly, the transverse width being at least 60 mm; a lateral wing extending from a lateral side of the bridge upward a first height along a periphery of a lateral sidewall of the sole assembly outside of the foam material of the midsole, the first height being at least 12 mm; and a medial wing extending from a medial side of the bridge upward a second height along a periphery of a medial sidewall of the sole assembly outside of the foam material of the midsole, the second height being at least 12 mm.

In another example, the technology relates to a golf shoe comprising: an upper; a bending axis passing through a bite line; and a sole assembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly comprising: an outsole; a midsole; and a U-shaped reinforcement structure, the reinforcement structure comprising: a bridge extending a transverse width (x) across the sole assembly, the bridge having: a bridge thickness (y); and a centroid positioned a first vertical distance (D) from the bending axis; a lateral wing extending upward from a lateral side of the bridge along a periphery of a lateral sidewall of the sole assembly, the lateral wing having: a lateral-wing thickness (x); a lateral-wing height (y); and a centroid located a second vertical distance from the bending axis, the second vertical distance (D); and a medial wing extending upward from a medial side of the bridge upward along a periphery of a medial sidewall of the sole assembly, the medial wing having: a medial-wing thickness (x); a medial-wing height (y); and a centroid located a third vertical distance (D) from the bending axis, wherein the reinforcement structure has an area moment of inertia about the bending axis between 6, 139 mmand 21,477 mm, wherein the area moment of inertia is calculated according to the following equation:

=[( 1/12)+()]+[( 1/12)+()]+[( 1/12)+()].

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf shoe, comprising an upper and a sole assembly connected to the upper. In some embodiments, the sole assembly comprises a midsole and an outsole. In some embodiments, the midsole comprises (i) a first midsole component extending from a heel region of the sole assembly to a midfoot region of the sole assembly and (ii) a second midsole component extending from a forefoot region of the sole assembly to the midfoot region of the sole assembly. In some embodiments, the first midsole component and the second midsole component have a variable thickness that tapers towards the midfoot region of the sole assembly.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe comprises a reinforcement structure. In some embodiments, the reinforcement structures comprises (i) a lateral side wing that extends upward from a lateral side of the sole assembly and crosses over a lateral side of the upper, (ii) a medial side wing that extends upward from a medial side of the sole assembly and crosses over a medial side of the upper, and (iii) a bridge section that extends between the lateral side wing and the medial side wing.

In some embodiments, the first midsole component has a first thickness at the heel region and a second thickness at the midfoot region. In some embodiments, the second thickness is less than the first thickness. In some embodiments, the second midsole component has a first thickness at the forefoot region and a second thickness at the midfoot region. In some embodiments, the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

In some embodiments, the first midsole component extends to a first location in the midfoot region, and the second midsole component extends to a second location in the midfoot region. In some embodiments, the first location and the second location are offset relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first midsole component and the second midsole component overlap each other. In other embodiments, the first midsole component and the second midsole component may not or need not overlap each other.

In some embodiments, the first midsole component comprises a first end disposed in the heel region and a second end disposed in the midfoot region, and the second midsole component comprises a first end disposed in the forefoot region and a second end disposed in the midfoot region. In some embodiments, the second end of the first midsole component is positioned closer to the forefoot region of the sole assembly than the second end of the second midsole component. In some embodiments, the second end of the second midsole component is positioned closer to the heel region of the sole assembly than the second end of the first midsole component.

In some embodiments, the first midsole component has a top surface that contacts a bottom surface of the reinforcement structure, and the second midsole component has a bottom surface that contacts a top surface of the reinforcement structure. In some embodiments, the top surface of the first midsole component is configured to slope downwards as the first midsole component extends from the heel region towards the midfoot region. In some embodiments, a curvature of the top surface of the first midsole component corresponds to a curvature of the bottom surface of the reinforcement structure. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the second midsole component is configured to slope upwards as the second midsole component extends from the forefoot region towards the midfoot region. In some embodiments, a curvature of the bottom surface of the second midsole component corresponds to a curvature of the top surface of the reinforcement structure.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure is positioned between the first midsole component and the second midsole component. In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure comprises a symmetric wing configuration. In some embodiments, the reinforcement structure comprises an asymmetric wing configuration. In some embodiments, the lateral side wing and the medial side wing include a curved upper edge and a curved lower edge forming a curvilinear distal end of the medial or lateral side wing. In some embodiments, the lateral side wing or the medial side wing extends forward to the forefoot region of the sole assembly. In some embodiments, the lateral side wing or the medial side wing extends rearward to the heel region of the sole assembly. In some embodiments, the lateral side wing extends forward to the forefoot region of the sole assembly, and the medial side wing extends rearward to the heel region of the sole assembly.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf shoe comprising an upper, a sole assembly connected to the upper, the sole assembly comprising an outsole and a midsole comprising a first midsole region with a first hardness and a second midsole region with a second hardness, and a three-dimensional shank comprising a suspension system and a plurality of supports extending on different sides of the suspension system to support a lateral side and a medial side of the sole assembly. In some embodiments, the suspension system comprises (i) a body portion that is integrally formed with the plurality of supports and (ii) a spring portion that extends underneath the body portion from a first end of the body portion to a second end of the body portion. In some embodiments, the spring portion and the body portion are configured to move vertically relative to each other based on an amount of force exerted on the sole assembly during a golf-related action or movement.

In some embodiments, the suspension system comprises an opening disposed between the spring portion and the body portion. In some embodiments, the opening extends transversely between the plurality of supports positioned on the different sides of the suspension system. In some embodiments, the spring portion and the body portion are configured to move towards each other to decrease a size of the opening when a force exceeding a pre-determined threshold is exerted on the sole assembly. In some embodiments, the spring portion and the body portion are configured to move away from each other to increase the size of the opening when said force is released or reduced.

In some embodiments, the spring portion is visible on or through a bottom surface of the outsole. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the outsole includes one or more apertures or windows configured to expose the spring portion of the suspension system. In some embodiments, the outsole comprises a rubber-based material and/or a TPU-based material.

In some embodiments, the suspension system further comprises a composite layer extending between the plurality of supports. In some embodiments, the composite layer is configured to extend under the body portion and through an opening disposed between the spring portion and the body portion of the suspension system.

In some embodiments, the plurality of supports comprise one or more supports extending upward along the upper of the golf shoe. In some embodiments, the one or more supports comprise a medial support and/or a lateral support.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may further comprise a saddle system configured to engage a lace or a cable of the golf shoe. In some embodiments, the saddle system comprises an external saddle system extending from the plurality of supports. In some embodiments, the saddle system comprises an internal saddle extending under an outermost layer of the upper. In some embodiments, the outermost layer of the upper extends between the internal saddle and the plurality of supports.

In some embodiments, the first midsole region extends between a forefoot region and a midfoot region of the sole assembly, and the second midsole region extends between the midfoot region and a rearfoot region of the sole assembly. In some embodiments, the first hardness of the first midsole region is greater than the second hardness of the second midsole region. In some embodiments, the first hardness ranges from about 60 Shore C hardness to about 70 Shore C hardness, and the second hardness ranges from about 45 Shore C hardness to about 55 Shore C hardness.

In some embodiments, the midsole comprises one or more recessed regions on a medial side or a lateral side of the midsole. In some embodiments, the one or more recessed regions are positioned below the plurality of supports.

In some embodiments, the golf shoe may further comprise an EVA cookie. In some embodiments, the EVA cookie may be positioned between the body portion and the spring portion of the suspension system.

In some embodiments, the midsole comprises a split bottom configuration. In some embodiments, the split bottom configuration exposes a portion of the midsole underneath the plurality of supports.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional aspects, features, and/or advantages of examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

The present technology now will be described more fully in reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the technology are shown. However, this technology should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the technology to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity. The views shown in the Figures are of a right shoe and it is understood the components for a left shoe will be mirror images of the right shoe. It also should be understood that the shoe may be made in various sizes and thus the size of the components of the shoe may be adjusted depending upon the shoe size.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the technology. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached,” “coupled” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly attached, coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached,” directly coupled” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present technology are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

As briefly discussed above, when walking and playing golf, there are numerous and varied forces that may act on the foot and different parts of a golfer's shoe. For example, downward and upward forces can act on a midsole during a golf swing. Various features of a midsole that may be designed for increased cushioning and comfort, may also cause the midsole to be less rigid. Accordingly, increasing comfort of the shoe with a softer midsole may decrease an amount of support provided by the shoe when forces are applied; and alternatively, increasing the rigidity of the midsole may decrease the amount of cushioning, forefoot flex, and other comfort characteristics. One drawback with some athletic golf shoes is these shoes may help provide the golfer with good cushioning, forefoot flex, and other comfort characteristics; however, there may be a loss in rigidity of the midsole, which may not provide a stable platform for the golfer when he/she maker their swing. For example, a softer midsole may decrease the amount of support to prevent collapse of the shoe's suspension during a golf swing. Thus, there is a need for a golf shoe that can provide a high level of stability, such as that may be provided in a classic golf shoe having a rigid midsole designed for optimal stability, and yet also provide high flexibility, such as that may be provided in an athletic golf shoe that may have a midsole designed for optimal forefoot flex and underfoot cushioning/comfort.

To help alleviate the above problems, among other things, the examples of the present disclosure describe a golf shoe comprising a reinforcement structure. A sole of a shoe comprising the reinforcement structure may help provide additional stability. For example, the reinforcement structure may aid the shoe in being able to hold and support the medial and lateral sides of the golfer's foot as they shift their weight while making a golf shot. Thus, the golfer has a stable platform to drive power for a golf swing while being able to stay balanced during the follow through of the golf swing. The reinforcement structure may further provide greater bending and torsion stiffness in the midfoot area of the sole. For instance, the reinforcement structure may help provide the shoe with additional mechanical strength and structural integrity that does not allow excessive flexure, twisting or turning of the shoe. Thus, the shoe may provide improved midfoot stability. At the same time, the shoe may retain forefoot flexibility so the golfer is able to walk and play the course and engage in other golf activities comfortably.

depict various views of an example golf shoe, sometimes referred to herein generally as a shoe, in which aspects of a U-shaped reinforcement structure may be implemented. For example,is a medial (e.g., inner) side view of the shoe,is a lateral (e.g., outer) side view of the of the shoe,is a bottom view of the shoe. The shoemay generally include a shoe upperand a sole assembly. The sole assemblymay include a midsoleand outsole. Some example sole assembliesthat can be incorporated in the shoeare described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,019,874 titled “Golf Shoe Having Outsole with All-Surface Traction Areas” filed on Dec. 20, 2018, and U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/038,3421 titled “Golf Shoe Having Midsole and Outsole for Providing Flex and Stability” filed Aug. 26, 2019, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

The midsolemay be positioned above the outsole, such that the midsolemay be between the wearer's foot and the outsole. According to an example, a reinforcement structuremay be at least partially embedded within or otherwise secured to the sole assembly. A bottom or outer surfaceof the outsolemay be configured to engage the ground surface G on which the wearer is standing, walking, or performing a golfing action. A top or inner surface of the outsole(not shown) may be configured to engage a bottom surfaceof the midsoleand, in some examples, a bottom surface of the reinforcement structure, which may be arranged between the midsoleand outsole. As will be described in further detail below, the reinforcement structuremay be formed to cradle a portion of the golfer's foot to provide midsole rigidity and allow forefoot flex. For example, the material from which the reinforcement structureis constructed may have a hardness level (durometer) higher than the material(s) of the midsoleand outsole. For example, the reinforcement structuremay be constructed of any suitable reinforcing material such as a carbon composite material, fiberglass composite material, TPU composite material, or other material that may provide additional structural rigidity to the shoe. In one example, the material may comprise a binding matrix (resin) and reinforcing fiber. The binding polymer can be a thermoset material, such as polyester, polyolefin, nylon, or polyurethane. In an example, a carbon fiber, such as graphite, may be used as the reinforcing fibers. Other fibers, such as aramids (e.g., Kevlar™), aluminum, or glass fibers can be used in addition to or in place of the carbon fibers. In an example, the material may have a flexural rigidity of approximately greater than 45 N-cm, as determined via the ASTM D790-10 method. In another example, the material may have a flexural strength of approximately greater than 148 MPa and a flexural modulus of approximately greater than 7,445 MPa, as determined via the ASTM D790-10 method per testing performed in carbon direction. In an illustrative example, the fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite material may have an approximate thickness of 1.0 mm or between 0.6 mm to 2.0 mm.

In general, the anatomy of the foot can be divided into three bony regions. A rearfoot region generally includes the ankle (talus) and heel (calcaneus) bones. A midfoot region includes the cuboid, cuneiform, and navicular bones that form the longitudinal arch of the foot. The forefoot region includes the metatarsals and the toes. The shoe, and accordingly, the upper, midsole, and outsole, may generally include a rearfoot areacorresponding to the rearfoot and that may include a heel area, a midfoot areathat corresponds to the midfoot region, and a forefoot areacorresponding to the forefoot region and which may include a toe area. It is understood that the rearfoot area, midfoot area, and forefoot areaare intended to represent general areas of footwear and not demarcate precise areas. As described herein, the rearfoot area(and heel area) is considered to be a posterior end of the shoe, and, conversely, the forefoot area, including the toc area, is considered to be an anterior end of the shoe.

As shown in, in addition to having a rearfoot area, midfoot area, and forefoot area, the shoe, and accordingly, the upper, midsole, and outsole, may also have a medial side and a lateral side that are opposite to one another. The medial side may generally correspond with an inside area of the wearer's foot and a surface that faces toward the wearer's other foot. The lateral side may generally correspond with an outside area of the wearer's foot and a surface that faces away from the wearer's other foot. The lateral side and the medial side may extend through each of the rearfoot area, the midfoot area, and the forefoot areaand correspond with opposite sides of the shoe(e.g., and upper, midsole, and outsole). The medial side and a lateral side may extend around the peripheryor perimeter of the shoe. For example, the anterior end and posterior end may apply to the shoein general, and an anterior end and posterior end may apply to each of the upper, midsole, and outsoleand associated areas in reference or relation to orientation toward the front or back of the shoe.

The uppermay have a traditional shape and may be made from a combination of standard upper materials such as, for example, natural leather, synthetic leather, knits, non-woven materials, natural fabrics, and synthetic fabrics. For example, breathable mesh and synthetic textile fabrics made from nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, polyurethanes, rubbers, foams, and combinations thereof can be used. The material used to construct the uppermay be selected based on desired properties such as breathability, durability, flexibility, comfort, and water resistance. The upper material is stitched or bonded together to form an upper structure using traditional or non-traditional manufacturing methods. As an example of a non-traditional manufacturing method, the shoemay have an uppercomprised of a single piece of flat knit engineered mesh with vacuum hot melt reinforcements. In one example, the shoemay be waterproof, and the forefoot areaof the upperand at least an outermost layer of the uppermay be constructed of one or a combination of materials having water resistant properties. Additional waterproofing features (described below) may be applied in construction of the shoefor providing additional waterproofing capabilities.

The uppermay include a vamp, for covering a forepart of the foot, connected to a quarter, for covering and/or supporting the rear portions of a wearer's foot (e.g., the area surrounding and below the Achilles tendon, the posterior of the heel, and the talus and calcaneus bones). In one example, the heel area of the quartermay include a molded heel cup. In another example, the quartermay be a molded heel cup. For instance, the quartermay be comprised of a plurality of layers that may be molded together to form the heel cup. In another example, the uppermay include a continuous piece of material for the vampand quarter.

The uppermay include an instep regionwith an openingfor inserting a foot. In some examples, the uppermay further include a soft, molded foam heel collarextending around at least a portion of the openingfor providing enhanced comfort and fit. The instep regionmay include a tongue member. A variety of tightening system can be used for tightening the shoearound the contour of the foot. For example, lacesof various types of materials (e.g., natural or synthetic fibers, metal cable) may be included in the tightening system. In one example, the shoemay include a metal cable (lace)-tightening assembly that may comprise a dial, spool, and housing and locking mechanism for locking the cable in place.

It should be understood that the above-described uppershown inrepresents only one example of an upper design that can be used in the shoeconstruction of this disclosure and other upper designs can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Some features of the shoemay be similar to that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/576,854, titled “GOLF SHOE HAVING COMPOSITE PLATE IN MIDSOLE FOR PROVIDING FLEX AND STABILITY,” filed on Sep. 20, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Referring still to, and with concurrent reference to, a sole assemblyaccording to a first example is described.includes a medial view of an example sole assembly,includes a bottom view of the sole assemblyof, andincludes a lateral view of the sole assemblyof.includes an exploded view of the first example sole assembly,includes a top schematic view of the first example sole assembly, andincludes a cross-sectional view of the first example sole assembly.

As used herein, a longitudinal centerline Cof the sole assembly() may refer to a primary axis of length along the center of the shoe. The longitudinal centerline Cmay bisect the rearfoot areaand may extend parallel or approximately parallel to the lateral side edge of the sole assembly. For example, the centerline of at least the back half of the wearer's foot, which may extend centrally through the wearer's calcaneus, may generally align with the longitudinal centerline C. Thus, the longitudinal centerline Cmay represent both the centerline of the wearer's foot and the centerline of the rearfoot areaof the sole assembly, although, as appreciated, a true centerline of the wearer's foot may intersect the longitudinal centerline C.at a slight acute angle and extend between the second and third metatarsal.

As stated above, the sole assemblymay comprise a midsoleand an outsole. The midsolemay be relatively lightweight and provides cushioning to the shoe. The midsolemay be made from midsole materials such as, for example, foamed ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or foamed polyurethane compositions. In one example, the midsolemay be constructed using two different foamed materials as described below.

As shown in, the midsole,may comprise two (2) regions: an upper layerand a lower layer. The upper layermay be made of a relatively soft and flexible material. For example, the upper layermay be made of a relatively soft first EVA foam composition having a first hardness level (durometer). The lower layermay be made of a relatively firm material, such as a second EVA foam composition having a second hardness level (durometer). That is, the lower layermay have a greater hardness level (durometer) than the upper layer. In one example, a blend of EVA and styrenic block copolymer rubber (such as “SI”, “SIS”, “SB”, “SBS”, “SIBS”, “SEBS”, “SEPS” and the like, where “S” is styrene, “I” is isobutylene, “E” is ethylene, “P” is propylene, and “B” is butadiene), can be used to form the relatively firm second EVA foam composition.

As stated above, the lower layermay have a greater hardness level (durometer) than the upper layer. In an example, the upper layermay have a durometer ranging from approximately 40 to about 75 Shore C, while the lower layermay have a durometer ranging from approximately 45 to about 80 Shore C. In another example, the relatively soft first EVA foam composition of the upper layermay have a Shore C hardness in the range of approximately 50 to approximately 70, and the relatively firm second EVA foam composition of the lower layermay have a Shore C hardness in the range of approximately 50 to approximately 75 Shore C. In another example, the relatively soft first EVA foam composition of the upper layermay have a durometer in the range of approximately 55 to approximately 60 Shore C, and the relatively firm second EVA foam composition of the lower layermay have a durometer in the range of approximately 65 to approximately 70 Shore C. For example, the hardness of the foamed lower layermay be at least 5% greater than the hardness of the foamed upper layer. In some examples, the hardness of the foamed lower layermay be at least 10% or 15% greater; and in other examples, at least 20% or 25% greater.

The densities of the first foamed composition and second foamed composition may also be different. For example, the density of the relatively firm second EVA foamed composition used to form the lower layermay be greater than the density of the relatively soft first EVA foamed composition used to form the upper layer. Different foaming additives and catalysts may be used to produce the EVA foam compositions used to form the midsole. For example, the EVA foam composition normally contains polyethylene. The EVA foam compositions have various properties making them particularly suitable for constructing midsolesincluding good cushioning and shock absorption; high water and moisture-resistance; and long-term durability. In some examples, the lower layerof the midsolemay form a first (lower) sidewallof the midsole, which may help hold and support the medial and lateral sides of the golfer's foot. The lower sidewallmay include a lower medial sidewalldisposed on the medial side of the lower layerof the midsoleand a lower lateral sidewalldisposed on the lateral side of the lower layerof the midsole. In other examples, a second (upper) sidewallof the midsolemay be formed by the upper layer. The upper sidewallmay include an upper medial sidewalldisposed on the medial side of the upper layerof the midsoleand an upper lateral sidewalldisposed on the lateral side of the upper layerof the midsole.

In some examples, and as shown in, the midsolemay include a cavity comprised of a plurality of nesting areas,,defined in the lower surface of the lower layerof the midsoleand in the lower sidewallsthat may be configured to receive the reinforcement structure. In some examples and as shown in, the reinforcement structuremay be generally U-shaped with a medial wing, a lateral wing, and a bridgeconnecting the medial wingand lateral wing. For example, the reinforcement structuremay be positioned within the plurality of nesting areas and sandwiched between the midsoleand outsole. In other examples (described below with reference to), the reinforcement structuremay be at least partially embedded within the midsole. As shown in, the reinforcement structuremay be included in the sole assemblyand positioned behind a shank areathat may be located at approximately a midlineof the shoe. For instance, the reinforcement structuremay be located at the posterior (rearward) end of the midfoot area, between the rearfoot areaand the midfoot area, and/or at the anterior (forward) end of the rearfoot area.

According to an example, a central nesting areaof the cavity defined in the midsolemay be formed across the bottom surfaceof the lower layer, a medial nesting areamay be formed into the lower medial sidewall, and a lateral nesting areamay be formed into the lower lateral sidewall. For example, the medial nesting areaformed in the lower medial sidewallmay be configured to receive the medial wingof the reinforcement structure, the lateral nesting areaformed into the lower lateral sidewallmay be configured to receive the lateral wingof the reinforcement structure, and the central nesting areaformed into the bottom surfaceof the lower layerof the midsolemay be configured to receive the bridgeconnecting the medial wingand lateral wing. For example, the central nesting areamay extend from the medial side to the lateral side of the bottom surfaceof the lower layerof the midsole. As should be appreciated, the central nesting area, medial nesting area, and lateral nesting areamay be configured to assume a similar contour and positioning as the reinforcement structureto provide a nest for the reinforcement structure. Contour and positioning of the reinforcement structureare described in detail below.

The outsolemay be designed to provide support and traction for the shoe. As shown in, a bottom surfaceof the outsolemay include a plurality of traction members(e.g., spikes, soft spikes, or other removable or permanent features) to help provide traction between the shoeand the different surfaces of a golf course or other ground surfaces (G). The traction memberscan be made of any suitable material such as rubbers, plastics, and combinations thereof. Thermoplastics such as nylons, polyesters, polyolefins, and polyurethanes can be used. In one preferred embodiment, the traction membersare made of a relatively hard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composition. Different polyamide compositions including polyamide copolymers and aramids also can be used to form the traction members. In an example, an elastomer comprised of block copolymers of rigid polyamide blocks and soft polyether blocks can be used. Suitable rubber materials include, but are not limited to, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene-propylene rubber (“EPR”), ethylene-propylene-diene (“EPDM”) rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers (such as “SI”, “SIS”, “SB”, “SBS”, “SIBS”, “SEBS”, “SEPS” and the like, where “S” is styrene, “I” is isobutylene, “E” is ethylene, “P” is propylene, and “B” is butadiene), polyalkenamers, butyl rubber, nitrile rubber, and blends of two or more thereof. Various structures and geometries of traction membersand outsolesmay be included and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some examples, and as shown in, the outsolemay comprise a medial extensionand a lateral extension, and a toe cap. The medial extensionmay extend from the medial perimeter of the outsole, and may be molded or otherwise formed to project upward in alignment with the medial nesting areaformed into the lower medial sidewallof the midsoleand the medial wingof the reinforcement structure. For example, the medial extensionmay be molded to fit around and accommodate the medial wingof the reinforcement structure, such that the medial wingmay be sandwiched between the midsoleand the outsole. Additionally, the lateral extensionmay extend from the lateral perimeter of the outsole, and may be molded or otherwise formed to project upward in alignment with the lateral nesting areaformed into the lower lateral sidewallof the midsoleand the lateral wingof the reinforcement structure. For example, the lateral extensionmay be molded to fit around and accommodate the lateral wingof the reinforcement structure, such that the lateral wingmay be sandwiched between the midsoleand the outsole.

, illustrate an example reinforcement structureaccording to a first example, shown from the medial side and embedded in the sole assemblyin, shown from the lateral side and embedded in the sole assemblyin, shown from below and embedded in the sole assemblyin, shown from behind and below in, in a schematic representation from above and embedded in the sole assemblyin, shown in a rear sectional view in, shown from behind and above in, shown in a rear view in, and shown from the top in a cut but unformed state in. As shown, the reinforcement structuremay be formed to be generally U-shaped to form the medial wing, lateral wing, and bridgeconnecting the medial wingand lateral wing.