Articles of Footwear Having Therapeutic Assemblies

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/737,898, filed Jun. 7, 2024, entitled “ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR HAVING THERAPEUTIC ASSEMBLIES;” and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/508,249, filed Jun. 14, 2023, entitled “ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR HAVING A VIBRATION ASSEMBLY.” The entireties of the disclosures of these applications are hereby incorporated herein by this reference.

This disclosure relates to articles of footwear, such as slides, that include one or more therapeutic assemblies, and more particularly to articles of footwear that provide targeted vibration and/or targeted light therapy to areas of a user's foot.

Athletes and other individuals sometimes desire to use massage and therapeutic devices to warm up their muscles before working out and/or to recover after working out. Generic massage and therapeutic devices may not be ideal for a particular body part or muscle. Moreover, it can be time consuming to use a massage and therapeutic device for multiple body parts or muscles.

An article of footwear for warm-up, active recovery, and treatment of pain is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole and a light therapy system coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the light therapy system includes a plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a battery to power the light therapy system and control circuity configured to control the light therapy system.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a transparent layer disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the transparent layer and the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a layer disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the layer defines holes. In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a transparent cover disposed in each hole. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of LEDs is aligned with one of the transparent covers. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDS is arranged in a plurality of rows.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a mounting layer disposed above the sole and a plurality of vibrating motors coupled to the mounting layer. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to power the plurality of vibrating motors and the control circuitry is configured to control the plurality of vibrating motors. In some embodiments, the mounting layer includes pockets. In some embodiments, each pocket is configured to receive a motor and each of the plurality of motors is disposed in one of the pockets. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the mounting layer and the sole. In some embodiments, the mounting layer defines a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, each hole is aligned with one of the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the mounting layer defines a cavity configured to receive the plurality of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a bracket disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the bracket is configured to support the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a longitudinal section and a plurality of transverse sections. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to be recharged with a wireless charging device.

An article of footwear for warm-up and active recovery is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole, a vibration system coupled to the sole, a light therapy system coupled to the sole, a battery to power the vibration system and the light therapy system, and control circuity to control the vibration system and the light therapy system. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes a plurality of motors. In some embodiments, the light therapy system includes a plurality of LEDs.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a mounting layer disposed above the sole. In some embodiments, the mounting layer has pockets, and each pocket can receive a motor. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of motors is disposed in one of the pockets and is configured to vibrate. In some embodiments, the mounting layer defines a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, each hole is aligned with one of the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the mounting layer and the sole. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the mounting layer defines a cavity configured to receive the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the battery and the control circuitry are part of a control assembly and are disposed in a protective housing. In some embodiments, a bottom surface of the mounting layer defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the control assembly.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a bracket disposed above the sole and configured to support the plurality of LEDs. In some embodiments, the bracket includes a longitudinal section and a plurality of transverse sections. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a plurality of transparent covers. In some embodiments, each transparent cover is disposed within one of the plurality of holes of the mounting layer. In some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs is disposed between the bracket and the plurality of transparent covers. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to be recharged with a wireless charging device. In some embodiments, the article of footwear is a slide. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes a first motor disposed in a forefoot region of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes a second motor disposed in a midfoot region of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes a third motor disposed between the midfoot region and a rearfoot region of the article of footwear.

An article of footwear is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole, a mounting layer coupled with the sole, a plurality of motors, a protective housing coupled to the mounting layer that contains a battery and control circuitry, and a switch coupled to the control circuitry and configured to turn the motors on and off. In some embodiments, the mounting layer has pockets with each pocket being configured to receive a motor. In some embodiments, each motor is disposed in one of the pockets and is configured to vibrate. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to power the motors and the control circuitry is configured to control the motors.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear is a slide. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes one or more cables coupling the control circuitry and the plurality of motors. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors are eccentric rotating mass vibrating motors. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes five motors. In some embodiments, the plurality of motors includes at least one motor disposed in a forefoot region of the sole, at least two motors disposed in a midfoot region of the sole, and at least two motors disposed in a rearfoot region of the sole.

In some embodiments, the pockets are disposed on a bottom of the mounting layer. In some embodiments, the pockets include five pockets. In some embodiments, the mounting layer is silicone. In some embodiments, the switch includes a button. In some embodiments, the button is disposed on an interior of the article of footwear. In some embodiments, the button is disposed such that a user's foot can operate the switch while wearing the article of footwear.

In some embodiments, the switch is configured to transition between operating modes of the motors. In some embodiments, the operating modes includes different speeds of vibration. In some embodiments, the operating modes include different patterns of vibration. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a charging port configured to receive a charger to charge the battery. In some embodiments, the protective housing is disposed in a foot arch section of the sole. In some embodiments, the battery is rechargeable. In some embodiments, the one or more cables includes three sets of cables. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a strap coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the strap extends from a lateral side of the sole to a medial side of the sole such that an area between the strap and the sole is configured to receive a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, the article of footwear is injection molded.

In some embodiments, a top surface of the sole comprises cavities. In some embodiments, the cavities include a cavity for each of the plurality of motors. In some embodiments, the cavities include a cavity for the protective housing.

An article of footwear for warm-up and active recovery is provided according to some embodiments. The article of footwear may include a sole and a vibration system coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes a plurality of vibrating motors, a battery, control circuitry, and a switch. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes three vibration zones.

In some embodiments, the three vibration zones include a front vibration zone having at least one vibrating motor of the plurality of vibrating motors disposed in a forefoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the three vibration zones include a middle vibration zone having at least two vibrating motors of the plurality of vibrating motors disposed in a midfoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the three vibration zones include a back vibration zone having at least two vibrating motors of the plurality of vibrating motors disposed in a rearfoot region of the sole. In some embodiments, the plurality of vibrating motors is at least partially embedded within the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear also includes a mounting layer coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the mounting layer includes a plurality of pockets. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of vibrating motors is disposed in one of the plurality of pockets.

A slide is provided according to some embodiments. The slide may include a sole, a strap coupled to the sole that extends from a lateral side of the sole to a medial side of the sole such that an area between the strap and the sole is configured to receive a wearer's foot, and a vibration system that is coupled to the sole. In some embodiments, the vibration system includes a plurality of vibrating motors, a battery, control circuitry, and a switch.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS if any are included.

Detailed aspects and applications of the disclosure are described below in the following drawings and detailed description of the technology. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed technologies may be applied. The full scope of the technology disclosed herein is not limited to the examples that are described below.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a step” includes reference to one or more of such steps.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

When a range of values is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The term “plurality,” as used herein, means more than one.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example “comprising” and “comprises,” mean “including but not limited to,” and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components.

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are included herein. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limits, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention. The specific examples below will enable the disclosure to be better understood. However, they are given merely by way of guidance and do not imply any limitation.

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying figures and examples, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific materials, devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed inventions.

More specifically, this disclosure, its aspects and embodiments, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.

The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear, such as slides, that include one or more therapeutic assemblies, and more particularly to articles of footwear that provide targeted vibration and/or targeted light therapy to areas of a user's foot. Athletes and other individuals sometimes desire to use massage and therapeutic devices to warm up their muscles before working out and/or to recover after working out. Generic massage and therapeutic devices may not be ideal for a particular body part or muscle. Moreover, it can be time consuming to use a massage and therapeutic device for multiple body parts or muscles. A massage and therapeutic device that is directed specifically to providing vibration therapy and/or light therapy to a user's foot is desirable, especially one that is incorporated into an article of footwear, such as slides.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises one or more therapeutic assemblies. The one or more therapeutic assemblies may include a vibration assembly, a light therapy assembly, or both. The article of footwear may have any of the features described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/508,249, filed Jun. 14, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present disclosure. For example, the vibration assembly may include any of the features described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/508,249, filed Jun. 14, 2023. In some embodiments, the one or more therapeutic assemblies may share components (e.g., power source, control system, etc.).

In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises a sole and a vibration assembly coupled to the sole. The vibration assembly may include one or more vibrating devices (e.g., vibrating motors), a battery, and control circuitry. The motors may be disposed in locations that facilitate targeted vibration to key areas of the foot, such as soft tissue structures, fascia, muscles, and regions of nerve innervation. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a mounting layer for the motors, the battery, and/or the control circuitry. The mounting layer may be coupled with the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a switch. The switch may be configured to turn the vibrating motors on and off and/or to transition between different operating modes. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a slide.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises a sole and a light therapy assembly coupled to the sole. The light therapy assembly may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a battery, and control circuitry. The LEDs may be disposed in locations that facilitate targeted light therapy to key areas of the foot, such as soft tissue structures, fascia, muscles, and regions of nerve innervation. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a mounting layer (such as an insole and/or other supporting structure) for the LEDs, the battery, and/or the control circuitry. The mounting layer may be coupled with the sole. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises an insole configured to allow light from the LEDs to reach a wearer's foot (e.g., a transparent insole, an insole with holes aligned with the LEDs). In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a switch. The switch may be configured to turn the LEDs on and off and/or to transition between different operating modes. In some embodiments, the article of footwear comprises a slide.

In some embodiments, an article of footwear comprises both a vibration assembly (such as the one described above) and a light therapy assembly (such as the one described above). In some embodiments, the battery and the control circuitry may be used to control both therapeutic assemblies. In addition, the switch may be used to transition between various operating modes for both the vibration assembly and the light therapy assembly. In some embodiments, multiple switches may be used (e.g., one for each therapeutic assembly). Slides with vibration and/or light therapy and a built-in battery provide a portable, lightweight, and comfortable massage and therapeutic device that can provide targeted therapy to a wearer's feet. Such slides can be used for warm-up prior to working out and for active recovery after working out. Such slides can also be used for treatment of pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness.

In some embodiments, the sole is shaped to provide massage, myofascial release, and/or a rolling benefit to the wearer. In addition, the sole's shape, material, or density may provide energy absorption, cushioning, and/or pressure distribution that leads to a more comfortable article of footwear (e.g., resulting in less stress on a wearer's joints). Thus, the sole's shape, material, or density may contribute to the therapeutic nature of the article of footwear (e.g., therapeutic effects related to pain, stiffness, and recovery).

Embodiments of articles of footwear having one or more therapeutic assemblies are described below. Features that are discussed with respect to any embodiments below may also be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not expressly discussed with respect to other embodiments.

An article of footwearaccording to some embodiments is shown, for example, in. Article of footwearmay have a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a rearfoot region. Article of footwearmay have a lateral sideand a medial side. In some embodiments, article of footwearcomprises a sole. Article of footwearmay be a slide, as shown in. Thus, in addition to sole, article of footwearmay comprise a strapcoupled to sole. Strapmay be configured to extend from soleat a lateral sideto soleat a medial sidesuch that strapand soletogether form an opening to receive a wearer's foot. In some embodiments, article of footwearmay be a different type of article of footwear, such as another type of sandal or a shoe with a sole and an upper section.

In some embodiments, article of footwearcomprises a vibration assembly. As shown, for example, in, the vibration assembly may include one or more vibration devices(e.g., motors) and a control assembly. The control assemblymay include a protective housingcontaining a batteryand control circuitry(see). In some embodiments, article of footwearcomprises a mounting layerto hold one or more of the motorsand any of the components of the control assembly. These and other aspects of article of footwearare discussed further below.

In some embodiments, motorsare vibrating motors. For example, the motorsmay be eccentric rotating mass (ERM) vibrating motors. Other types of vibrating motors may also be used. The vibration of the motorsprovides massage therapy to targeted areas of the wearer's foot. Local vibration has been shown to have both prophylactic and reactive benefits related to circulation, recovery, and pain. Furthermore, it has been associated with being able to help different medical conditions related to both circulatory and neurological disease states. The vibration devicescan include vibration frequencies of between 0-300 Hz and vibration amplitudes of between 0.5-12 mm.

In some embodiments, motorsare waterproof. In some embodiments, motorsare lightweight. For example, each motormay be less than 10 grams. In some embodiments, each motormay be less than 5 grams. Each motormay be about 2 grams. In some embodiments, motorsmay be designed to have minimum noise. In some embodiments, motorsmay be pill-shaped motors. For example, motorsmay have a diameter between 5 and 10 mm (e.g., 7 mm) and a length between 20 and 300 mm (e.g., 24.5 mm). In some embodiments, motorswith bigger dimensions may be used. Larger motorsmay be beneficial in providing a stronger vibration. In some embodiments, motorsare coin-shaped instead of pill-shaped. Other shapes of motorsmay also be used.

The number and placement of motorsmay vary in different embodiments. In some embodiments, article of footwearmay include one to ten motors. For example, article of footwearmay include two, four, six, or eight motors. In some embodiments, article of footwearincludes more than ten motors. Motorsmay be positioned under or adjacent to various key areas of the foot, such as soft tissue structures, fascia, muscles, and regions of nerve innervation. Target areas of the foot may include one or more of plantar fascia, lateral plantar fascia, flexor digitorum brevis tendons, flexor hallucis longus tendon, adductor hallucis, lumbricales, flexor hallucis brevis, flexor digiti minimi brevis, plantar interossei, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis, abductor digiti minimi, plantar aponeurosis, quadratus plantae, flexor digitorum longus tendons, deep peroneal nerve, superficial peroneal nerve, tibial nerve, sural nerve, medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, medial calcaneal nerve, saphenous nerve, or other structures.

As one example,shows article of footwearhaving five motors.is drawn schematically to show approximate locations of motors(and the other components of the vibration assembly) with respect to a plan view of article of footwear. Thus, these components would typically not be visible from a top view of article of footwearbut would instead be located underneath mounting layeras discussed further below or otherwise embedded within sole. Motorsmay include a motordisposed in the forefoot region, two motors disposed in the midfoot region, and two motorsdisposed in the rearfoot region.

Motorsmay include a motordisposed in the forefoot region, as shown in. For example, a motormay be disposed in the forefoot regionsuch that it would be disposed underneath the ball of a wearer's foot when article of footwearis worn. In some embodiments, this forefoot motormay be disposed centrally between lateral sideand medial side. In some embodiments, this forefoot motormay be disposed partially or entirely underneath strap. For example,shows the forefoot motorlocated such that a portion of the forefoot motoris underneath strapand a portion of the forefoot motorextends past straptowards a front of article of footwear. This forefoot motormay be configured to provide massage therapy to the plantar fascia in the wearer's forefoot, superficial tendons and muscle in the forefoot (e.g., tendons of flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis), deep tendons and muscle in the forefoot (e.g., tendons of flexor digitorum longus, lumbricals, plantar interossei), and/or nerves in the forefoot (e.g., medial plantar nerve). Other locations of a forefoot motorare also possible (e.g., to target a specific tendon, muscle, nerve, or other tissue structure). In some embodiments, multiple motorsmay be disposed in forefoot region.

Motorsmay include two motorsdisposed in the midfoot region, as shown in. For example, a motormay be disposed at a lateral sideof article of footwearin the midfoot regionand another motormay be disposed at a medial sideof article of footwearin the midfoot region. The medial side motorin the midfoot regionmay be disposed such that it would be disposed underneath and/or adjacent to the arch of a wearer's foot when article of footwearis worn. Motorsin the midfoot regionmay be aligned with each other such that their positions in a longitudinal direction are lined up or they may be offset from each other. In some embodiments, the midfoot motorsmay be disposed partially or entirely underneath strap. For example,shows the midfoot motorslocated such that a portion of the midfoot motorsare underneath strapand a portion of the midfoot motorsextends past straptowards a back of article of footwear. The medial midfoot motormay be configured to provide massage therapy to the plantar fascia in the wearer's medial midfoot, superficial tendons and muscle in the medial midfoot (e.g., flexor hallucis brevis, abductor hallucis), deep tendons and muscle in the medial midfoot (e.g., tendons of tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus, flexor hallucis brevis), and/or nerves in the medial midfoot (e.g., medial plantar nerve, saphenous nerve). The lateral midfoot motormay be configured to provide massage therapy to the plantar fascia in the wearer's lateral midfoot, superficial tendons and muscle in the lateral midfoot (e.g., flexor digiti minimi brevis, abductor digiti minimi), deep tendons and muscle in the lateral midfoot (e.g., tendons of fibularis brevis and fibularis longus), and/or nerves in the lateral midfoot (e.g., lateral plantar nerve, sural nerve). Other locations of midfoot motorsare also possible (e.g., to target a specific tendon, muscle, nerve, or other tissue structure). In some embodiments, a different number of motorsmay be disposed in midfoot region(such as only one motoror more than two).

Motorsmay include two motorsdisposed in the rearfoot region, as shown in. For example, a motormay be disposed at a lateral sideof article of footwearin the rearfoot regionand another motormay be disposed at a medial sideof article of footwearin the rearfoot region. The medial side motorin the rearfoot regionmay be disposed such that it would be disposed underneath and/or adjacent to the heel of a wearer's foot when article of footwearis worn. Motorsin the rearfoot regionmay be aligned with each other such that their positions in a longitudinal direction are lined up or they may be offset from each other. The medial rearfoot motormay be configured to provide massage therapy to the plantar fascia in the wearer's medial rearfoot, superficial tendons and muscle in the medial rearfoot (e.g., flexor hallucis brevis, abductor hallucis), deep tendons and muscle in the medial rearfoot (e.g., tendons of tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus, flexor hallucis brevis, quadrates plantae), and/or nerves in the medial rearfoot (e.g., tibial nerve, saphenous nerve). The lateral rearfoot motormay be configured to provide massage therapy to the plantar fascia in the wearer's lateral rearfoot, superficial tendons and muscle in the lateral rearfoot (e.g., flexor digiti minimi brevis, abductor digiti minimi, plantar aponeurosis), deep tendons and muscle in the lateral rearfoot (e.g., tendons of fibularis brevis and fibularis longus), and/or nerves in the lateral rearfoot (e.g., tibial nerve, sural nerve). Other locations of rearfoot motorsare also possible (e.g., to target a specific tendon, muscle, nerve, or other tissue structure). In some embodiments, a different number of motorsmay be disposed in rearfoot region(such as only one motoror more than two).

As already noted above, article of footwearmay have a different number of motorsand may use different locations for motorsother than those discussed above and shown in. In some embodiments, motorsmay be placed to have different vibration zones. For example, the vibration assembly may provide two or more vibration zones. In some embodiments, the vibration zones may include a front vibration zone (e.g., a vibration zone provided by motor(s)in forefoot region), a middle vibration zone (e.g., a vibration zone provided by motor(s)in midfoot region), and a back vibration zone (e.g., a vibration zone provided by motor(s)in rearfoot region). In some embodiments, control assemblymay be configured to allow each vibration zone to be turned on individually or together with one or more of the other vibration zones.

In some embodiments, motorsare coupled to mounting layer, as shown, for example, in. Mounting layermay include one or more pockets. Each pocketmay be configured to receive a motor. Thus, the number of pocketson mounting layermay be the same as the number of motorsdiscussed above. For example, mounting layermay include five pockets. In addition, the location of pocketson mounting layerand with respect to the rest of article of footwearmay be the same as the locations of motorsdiscussed above. In some embodiments, pocketsare disposed on a bottom of mounting layer. Other components of the vibration assembly may also be coupled to mounting layer. In some embodiments, the other components of the vibration assembly may be disposed underneath mounting layer(e.g., embedded in a material of soleor disposed in a cavity of solewithout any bonding connection to mounting layer).

Mounting layermay be rigid enough to be durable but flexible to minimize noise of motors. Various thicknesses of mounting layermay be used (e.g., depending on the material of mounting layer). Mounting layermay be thin enough such that the vibration of motorsis felt by a wearer (so that the massage therapy is effective), while being thick enough to provide a reliable mounting structure for motors. In some embodiments, mounting layeris made of silicone. Other materials may also be used for mounting layer(e.g., rubber, foam, etc.). In some embodiments, mounting layerprovides a soft material to be in contact with the wearer's foot (e.g., silicone, rubber, foam, etc.). In some embodiments, mounting layermay be a plastic structure to support motorswith a soft material covering a top of mounting layerto provide a soft surface to be in contact with the wearer's foot. In some embodiments, mounting layeris coupled to sole. The connection of mounting layerto solemay be any flexible, reliable, and waterproof connection. In some embodiments, mounting layeris coupled to soleusing contact cement. In some embodiments, mounting layeris glued to sole. In some embodiments, mounting layeris stitched to sole. In some embodiments, mounting layeris an additional layer that is added to sole. For example, solemay provide a hollow center surrounded by external surfaces forming sole, and mounting layermay be attached to solein the hollow center. In some embodiments, mounting layermay be covered either from a top or bottom to enclose mounting layerwithin sole.

In some embodiments, a top surface of mounting layerforms a top surface of soleon which a wearer's foot may rest. In some embodiments, a different material is disposed above mounting layerto form a top surface of sole. In some embodiments, article of footweardoes not include a mounting layer. For example, the components of the vibration assembly (e.g., motorsand components of control assembly, etc.) may be embedded within a material of solewithout using a mounting layer.

Control assemblyis configured to power and control motorsto provide massage therapy. In some embodiments, control assemblymay be disposed in an arch regionof article of footwear(i.e., a region that corresponds to an arch of the wearer's foot when article of footwearis worn), as shown in. Control assemblymay include protective housingcontaining a batteryand control circuitry(see). Control assemblymay also include cablingcoupling control circuitryto motors.

In some embodiments, control circuitryis configured to control operation of motors. For example, control circuitrymay control the voltage provided to motorsto turn the motors on and off and/or to transition between different operating modes (vibration speeds, vibration patterns (e.g., vibration frequencies, intensities, or durations) vibration zones, etc.). In some embodiments, control circuitrymay also control the charging of battery. In some embodiments, control circuitrymay comprise a printed circuit board. Control circuitrymay be contained within protective housing.