Article of Footwear Including a Sole Structure

This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 18/188,159, filed Mar. 22, 2023, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/322,839, filed Mar. 23, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates generally to sole structures for articles of footwear and more particularly to sole structures incorporating a fluid-filled bladder.

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Articles of footwear conventionally include an upper and a sole structure. The upper may be formed from any suitable material(s) to receive, secure, and support a foot on the sole structure. The upper may cooperate with laces, straps, or other fasteners to adjust the fit of the upper around the foot. A bottom portion of the upper, proximate to a bottom surface of the foot, attaches to the sole structure.

Sole structures generally include a layered arrangement extending between a ground surface and the upper. One layer of the sole structure includes an outsole that provides abrasion-resistance and traction with the ground surface. The outsole may be formed from rubber or other materials that impart durability and wear-resistance, as well as enhance traction with the ground surface. Another layer of the sole structure includes a midsole disposed between the outsole and the upper. The midsole provides cushioning for the foot and may be partially formed from a polymer foam material that compresses resiliently under an applied load to cushion the foot by attenuating ground-reaction forces. The midsole may additionally or alternatively incorporate a fluid-filled bladder to increase the durability of the sole structure, as well as to provide cushioning to the foot by compressing resiliently under an applied load to attenuate ground-reaction forces. Sole structures may also include a comfort-enhancing insole or a sockliner located within a void proximate to the bottom portion of the upper and a strobel attached to the upper and disposed between the midsole and the insole or sockliner.

Midsoles employing fluid-filled bladders typically include a bladder formed from two barrier layers of polymer material that are sealed or bonded together. The fluid-filled bladders are pressurized with a fluid such as air, and may incorporate tensile members within the bladder to retain the shape of the bladder when compressed resiliently under applied loads, such as during athletic movements. Generally, bladders are designed with an emphasis on balancing support for the foot and cushioning characteristics that relate to responsiveness as the bladder resiliently compresses under an applied load.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

In the discussion that follows, terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and the like, when used in describing a numerical value, denote a variation of +/−10% of that value, unless specified otherwise.

Referring to, an article of footwearmay include an upperand a sole structure. The article of footwearmay be divided into one or more regions. The regions may include a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and a heel region. The forefoot regionmay be subdivided into a toe portionT corresponding with phalanges, and a ball portionB associated with metatarsal bones of a foot. The mid-foot regionmay correspond with an arch area of the foot, and the heel regionmay correspond with rear portions of the foot, including a calcaneus bone. The footwearmay further include an anterior endassociated with a forward-most point of the forefoot region, and a posterior endassociated with a rearward-most point of the heel region. Referring to, a longitudinal axis Aof the footwearmay extend along a length of the footwearfrom the anterior endto the posterior end, and may generally divide the footwearinto a lateral sideand a medial side. Accordingly, the lateral sideand the medial siderespectively correspond with opposite sides of the footwearand extend through the regions,,.

The uppermay include interior surfaces that define an interior void configured to, for example, receive and secure a foot for support on sole structure. The uppermay be formed from one or more materials that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form the interior void. Suitable materials of the upper may include, but are not limited to, mesh, textiles, foam, leather, and synthetic leather. The materials may be selected and located to impart properties of durability, air-permeability, wear-resistance, flexibility, and comfort.

In some examples, the uppermay include a strobel having a bottom surface opposing the sole structureand an opposing top surface defining a footbed of the interior void. Stitching or adhesives may secure the strobel to the upper. The footbed may be contoured to conform to a profile of the bottom surface (e.g., plantar) of the foot. Optionally, the uppermay also incorporate additional layers such as an insole or sockliner that may be disposed upon the strobel and reside within the interior void of the upperto receive a plantar surface of the foot to enhance the comfort of the article of footwear. An ankle openingin the heel regionmay provide access to the interior void. For example, the ankle openingmay receive a foot to secure the foot within the void and facilitate entry and removal of the foot from and to the interior void.

In some examples, one or more fastenersmay extend along the upperto adjust a fit of the interior void around the foot and to accommodate entry and removal of the foot therefrom. The fastenersmay include laces, straps, cords, hook-and-loop, or any other suitable type of fastener. The uppermay include a tongue portion that extends between the interior void and the fasteners.

With reference to, the sole structuremay include a midsoleconfigured to provide cushioning characteristics to the sole structure, a cushioning elementconfigured to provide cushioning characteristics to the sole structure, and an outsoleconfigured to provide a ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear.

Referring to, the midsolemay extend continuously from the anterior endto the posterior end. The midsolemay span width of the article of footwearfrom the lateral sideto the medial side. The midsolemay include a foam material (e.g. ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane, or the like.) The midsolemay include a top surface, a lateral face, a bottom surface, an interior cavity(shown in), a heel portion, a forefoot portion, one or more sidewalls, a first foam, and a second foam. Midsolemay also include a medial faceopposite the lateral face. The medial facemay be substantially similar to the lateral face. The first foammay be an upper inner foam of the midsolewhile the article of footwearis at rest with the outsolefacing a ground surface. The second foammay be a lower inner foam of the midsolewhile the article of footwearis at rest with the outsolefacing a ground surface.

Referring to, the top surfacemay be a substantially smooth surface. Top surfacemay extend continuously from the heel regionto the forefoot region. As top surfaceextends from the heel regionto the forefoot region, top surfacemay slope downwards in the mid-foot regionwhen viewed from an exterior of the midsole. On medial sideand lateral side, one or more sidewallsmay extend upward from the top surface.

The lateral faceof the midsolemay include a window. Windowmay be defined by an absence of material and/or comprise a material having a transparent region. The entirety of windowmay include the material comprising the transparent region. It is contemplated that windowmay include a material comprising a translucent region. The entirety of windowmay include the material comprising the translucent region. Windowmay extend from a portion of the heel regionto a portion of the mid-foot region. Windowmay have a height ranging from about 8 mm—to about 40 mm. Further, windowmay have a height ranging from about 16 mm to about 20 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the windowis about 19 mm. While windowis transparent, windowmay allow for a person viewing the exterior of the sole structureto see through the material of windowto the interior of the sole structure. More particularly, when viewing through window, a person viewing from the exterior will see upper inner foamand the lower inner foam. The viewer will see through the cushioning elementand out through the opposing window

Referring to, with description of the lateral side of the midsole, the one or more sidewallsmay extend from the heel regionto the forefoot region. The one or more sidewallsmay have a first regionpresent in the heel region. The first regionmay rise towards an apexin the heel region. The one or more sidewallsmay extend from the apextowards a second regionpresent in the forefoot region. The one or more sidewallsmay slope downwards in the mid-foot regionwhen the one or more sidewallsare extending from the apextoward the second point, when viewed from an exterior of the midsole. The one or more sidewallsmay have disposed thereon a plurality of notches. The plurality of notchesmay be disposed between the apexand the second point. For example, notchesmay be present on a portion of the one or more sidewallspresent in the mid-foot region. It is contemplated that the portion may be within an area of ball portionB disposed within the forefoot region.

The medial side of the midsolemay be substantially similar to the lateral side of the midsole. One or more sidewallsmay extend from the heel regionto the forefoot region. The one or more sidewallsmay have a first region present in the heel region. The first region may rise towards an apex in the heel region. The one or more sidewallsmay extend from the apex towards a second region present in the forefoot region. The one or more sidewallsmay slope downwards in the mid-foot regionwhen the one or more sidewallsare extending from the apex toward the second point, when viewed from an exterior of the midsole. The one or more sidewallsmay have disposed thereon a plurality of notches. The plurality of notchesmay be disposed between the apex and the second point. For example, notchesmay be present on a portion of the one or more sidewallspresent in the mid-foot region. It is contemplated that the portion may be within an area of ball portionB disposed within the forefoot region.

With reference to, the interior cavitymay be present within an interior of the midsole. Interior cavitymay be defined by an upper inner foamand a lower inner foam. Upper inner foamand lower inner foammay comprise one or more interior portions of midsole. Upper inner foammay comprise an upper interior portion of midsole. Lower inner foammay comprise a lower interior portion of midsole. Interior cavitymay further be defined by the windowsand. Interior cavitymay be configured to enclose the cushioning element.

The forefoot portionmay be disposed in the forefoot region. The anterior most endof the forefoot portionmay be curved radially inward towards the center of midsole. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the anterior most endmay curve radially outward.

Referring to, the heel portionmay be disposed at a rearmost portion of the midsolecorresponding to the heel regionand the posterior end. A bottom surfaceof the heel portionmay taper inward from a first pointpresent in the heel regiontoward a second pointpresent at the posterior end. A top surfaceof the heel portionmay be substantially flat when viewed from above. The top surfacemay curve radially outward at its posterior most portion. The heel portionhave may have disposed thereon one or more slots. The one or more slotsmay span an entire width of the heel portionand may extend into a portion of the lateral faceand the medial face.

With reference to, the cushioning elementof the midsolemay include an opposing pair of barrier filmsand, which can be joined to each other at discrete locations to define a chamber, a web area(divided into web areas,,,, and), and a peripheral seam. Cushioning elementmay be an airbag or a bladder.

Referring to, the barrier filmsandmay include a first, upper barrier filmand a second, lower barrier film. Alternatively, the chambercan be produced from any suitable combination of one or more barrier films. Web areamay be an area where opposing barrier filmsandare bonded directly to one another without an intervening gap between the films.

As used herein, the term “barrier film” or “barrier membrane” (e.g., barrier filmsand) encompasses both monolayer and multilayer films. In some embodiments, one or both of barrier filmsandmay each be produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a monolayer film (a single layer). In other embodiments, one or both of barrier filmsandmay each be produced (e.g., thermoformed or blow molded) from a multilayer film (multiple sublayers). The multi-layered film may comprise a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers may comprise one or more barrier layers. The one or more barrier layers may comprise a barrier material. The barrier material may comprise or consist essentially of one or more gas barrier compounds. The multi-layered film may comprise at least 5 layers or at least 10 layers. In other embodiments, the multi-layered film may comprise from about 5 layers to about 400 layers. In one aspect of a multi-layered film, the plurality of layers may include a series of alternating layers, in which the alternating layers include two or more barrier layers. Each of the two or more barrier layers may individually comprise a barrier material, the barrier material comprising or consisting essentially of one or more gas barrier compounds. In the series of alternating layers, adjacent layers may be individually formed of materials which differ from each other at least in their chemical compositions based on the individual components present (e.g., the materials of adjacent layers may differ based on whether or not a gas barrier compound is present, or differ based on class or type of gas barrier compound present), the concentration of the individual components present (e.g., the materials of adjacent layers may differ based on the concentration of a specific type of gas barrier compound present), or may differ based on both the components present and their concentrations.

The plurality of layers of the multi-layered film may include first barrier layers comprising a first barrier material and second barrier layers comprising a second barrier material, wherein the first and second barrier materials differ from each other as described above. The first barrier material may be described as comprising a first gas barrier component consisting of all the gas barrier compounds present in the first barrier material, and the second barrier material may be described as comprising a second barrier material component consisting of all the gas barrier compounds present in the second barrier material. In a first example, the first barrier component may consist only of one or more gas barrier polymers, and the second barrier component may consist only of one or more inorganic gas barrier compounds. In a second example, the first barrier component may consist of a first one or more gas barrier polymers, and the second component may consist of a second one or more gas barrier polymers, wherein the first one or more gas barrier polymers differ from the second one or more gas barrier polymers in polymer class, type, or concentration. In a third example, the first barrier component and the second barrier component both may include the same type of gas barrier compound, but the concentration of the gas barrier compound may differ. Optionally the concentrations may differ by at least 5 weight percent based on the weight of the barrier material. In these multi-layered films, the first barrier layers and the second barrier layers may alternate with each other, or may alternate with additional barrier layers (e.g., third barrier layers comprising a third barrier material, fourth barrier layers comprising a fourth barrier material, etc., wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth, etc., barrier materials differ from each other as described above).

In either aspect, each layer or sublayer can have a film thickness ranging from about 0.2 micrometers to about 1 millimeter. In further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 0.5 micrometers to about 500 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 1 micrometer to about 100 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness for each layer or sublayer can range from about 72 micrometers to about 320 micrometers.

The lower barrier filmmay have a greater thickness than the upper barrier film, or vice versa. When thicker than the upper barrier film, the lower barrier filmmay be configured to provide a portion of the ground-contacting surface of the article of footwear. Alternatively, the lower barrier filmand upper barrier filmmay have equal thicknesses.

One or both of barrier filmsandmay independently be transparent, translucent, and/or opaque. For example, the upper barrier filmmay be transparent, while the lower barrier filmis opaque. It is contemplated that upper barrier filmmay be transparent or translucent, while lower barrier filmis opaque, or upper barrier filmmay be opaque, while lower barrier filmis transparent or translucent, etc. As used herein, the term “transparent” for a barrier film and/or a fluid-filled chamber means that light passes through the barrier film in substantially straight lines and a viewer can see through the barrier film. In comparison, for an opaque barrier film, light does not pass through the barrier film and one cannot see clearly through the barrier film at all. A translucent barrier film falls between a transparent barrier film and an opaque barrier film, in that light passes through a translucent film but some of the light is scattered so that a viewer cannot see clearly through the .film.

The chambermay be produced from barrier filmsandusing any suitable technique, such as thermoforming (e.g. vacuum thermoforming), blow molding, extrusion, injection molding, vacuum molding, rotary molding, transfer molding, pressure forming, heat sealing, casting, low-pressure casting, spin casting, reaction injection molding, radio frequency (RF) welding, and the like. In an aspect, barrier filmsandmay be produced by co-extrusion followed by vacuum thermoforming to produce an inflatable chamber, which may optionally include one or more valves (e.g., one way valves) that allows the chamberto be filled with a fluid (e.g., gas).

The chambermay be provided in a fluid-filled (e.g., as provided in footwear) or in an unfilled state. The chambermay be filled to include any suitable fluid, such as a gas or liquid. In an aspect, the gas can include air, nitrogen (N), oxygen gases (O), inert gases, or any other suitable gas. In other aspects, the chambermay alternatively include other media, such as pellets, beads, ground recycled material, and the like (e.g., foamed beads and/or rubber beads). The chambermay be a membrane having a relatively low rate of transmittance of a fluid. When used alone or in combination with other materials in an airbag or bladder, the barrier membrane resiliently retains the fluid. Depending upon the structure and use of the airbag or bladder, the barrier membrane may retain the fluid at a pressure which is above, at, or below atmospheric pressure. The fluid provided to the chambermay result in the chamberbeing pressurized. The chambermay have a pressure ranging from about atmospheric pressure to about 40 PSI. The chambermay have a pressure ranging from about 10 PSI to about 25 PSI. The chambermay have a pressure ranging from about 12 PSI to about 25 PSI. In an exemplary embodiment, the chambermay have a pressure of about 15 PSI. It is contemplated that the chambermay be pressurized to a pressure for desired characteristics of cushioning. Alternatively, the fluid provided to the chambermay be at atmospheric pressure such that the chamberis not pressurized but, rather, simply contains a volume of fluid at atmospheric pressure.

The chamberdesirably may have a low gas transmission rate to preserve its retained gas pressure. In some embodiments, the chambermay have a gas transmission rate for nitrogen gas that is at least about ten (10) times lower than a nitrogen gas transmission rate for a butyl rubber layer of substantially the same dimensions. In an aspect, the chambermay have a nitrogen gas transmission rate of 15 cubic-centimeter/square-meter·atmosphere·day (cm/m·atm·day) or less for an average film thickness of 500 micrometers (based on thicknesses of barrier filmsand). In further aspects, the transmission rate is 10 cm/m·atm·day or less, 5 cm/m·atm·day or less, or 1 cm/m·atm-day or less.

In some implementations, the upper barrier filmand the lower barrier filmmay cooperate to define a geometry (e.g., thicknesses, width, and lengths) of the chamber. For example, the web areaand the peripheral seammay cooperate to bound and extend around the chamberto seal the fluid (e.g., air) within the chamber. Thus, the chamberis associated with an area of the cushioning elementwhere interior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier filmsandare not joined together and, thus, are separated from one another. As shown in, a space formed between opposing interior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier filmsanddefines an interior void of the chamber. Similarly, exterior surfaces of the upper and lower barrier filmsanddefine an exterior profile of the chamber. Accordingly, the upper and lower barrier filmsanddefine respective upper and lower surfaces of the cushioning element.

Referring to, the cushioning elementmay include a medial tubular body, a lateral tubular body, one or more central tubular bodies, and a valve.

Medial tubular bodyand lateral tubular bodymay be disposed on the respective medial sideand lateral side. Medial tubular bodymay extend from a medial first endto a medial second end. Lateral tubular bodymay extend from a lateral first endto a lateral second end. Medial tubular bodymay have a “J”-shape. Lateral tubular bodyalso may have a “J”-shape. Medial tubular bodyand lateral tubular bodymay be substantial mirrors of one another. The medial tubular bodymay taper inward when approaching medial second end. The lateral tubular bodymay taper inward when approaching lateral second end. The web areas,,,, andmay be disposed between the medial tubular bodyand the lateral tubular body. The taper between the medial second endand lateral second end, the web area, and the peripheral seammay form a pinchin the heel most region of the cushioning element. Pinchmay be substantially X-shaped when viewed from an exterior and on the side of the cushioning element.

The peripheral seammay be disposed on a bottom surface of cushioning element. Specifically, peripheral seammay be disposed on a bottom surface of medial tubular bodyand lateral tubular body. A portion of peripheral seamforming the pinchmay rise from the bottom surface of the medial tubular bodytoward the medial second end. A second portion of peripheral seamforming the pinchmay rise from the bottom surface of the lateral tubular bodytoward the lateral second end. Peripheral seammay not be visible through windowsand

The one or more central tubular bodiesmay extend along a length of the cushioning element. The one or more central tubular bodiesmay span a width of the cushioning elementextending between the medial tubular bodyand the lateral tubular body. The one or more central tubular bodiesmay taper radially inward at a medial endas the one or more central tubular bodiesapproach the medial tubular body. In other words, the medial endmay form a reduced diameter section. The reduced diameter section comprises a diameter of the medial endbeing less than a diameter of a portion of the medial tubular body. Additionally, the one or more central tubular bodiesmay taper inward at a lateral endas the one or more central tubular bodiesapproach the lateral tubular body. In other words, the lateral endmay form a reduced diameter section. The reduced diameter section comprises a diameter of the lateral endbeing less than a diameter of a portion of the medial tubular body. The web areas,, and, may be disposed between the one or more central tubular bodies. The one or more central tubular bodiesmay be in fluid communication with the medial tubular bodyand the lateral tubular body. The web areamay have disposed therein one or more pairs of holes. The one or more pairs of holesmay be disposed at respective medial and lateral ends of the web areacorresponding to the medial and lateral endsand, respectively.

Valvemay be present at the forefoot most area of the cushioning elementor any other suitable location for providing fluid to the cushioning element. Valvemay be in fluid communication with the one or more central tubes. The valvemay be configured to provide a fluid passage between a mold cavity (not shown) and the interior of the chamber.

With reference to, the web areamay formed at a bonded region of the upper barrier filmand the lower barrier film, and may extend between and connect each of the medial tubular body, the lateral tubular body, and the one or more central tubular bodies.

With reference to, outsolemay extend from the anterior endto the posterior end. Outsolemay have disposed thereon a plurality of traction elements,,, and. Outsolemay comprise a plurality of traction zones,,, and. Outsolemay further include one or more separators. Separatorsmay be grooves in the outsole. Alternatively, it is contemplated that separatorsmay be protrusions or the like extending from outsoleas necessary for dividing the outsole into multiple areas of traction for the article of footwear. In an exemplary embodiment, separatorsmay be subdivided into separators,, and. It is contemplated that there may be one, two, three, or more separators as necessary to provide separation for various traction zones.

Traction zonemay be disposed at the anterior end. Traction zonemay be disposed adjacent to traction zoneand traction zone. Traction zonemay be separated from traction zoneby separator. Traction zonemay be separated from traction zoneby separator. In other words, traction zonemay be bound at its top surface by traction zoneas well as separator, and traction zonemay be bound at its bottom surface by traction zoneas well as separator. Traction zonemay be disposed adjacent to traction zoneand traction zone. Traction zonemay be separated from traction zoneby separator. Traction zonemay be separated from traction zoneby separator. In other words, traction zonemay be bound at its top surface by traction zoneas well as separator, and traction zonemay be bound at its bottom surface by traction zoneas well as separator. Traction zonemay be disposed adjacent to traction zone, and separated by separator. Traction zonemay be disposed at the posterior end. Traction zonemay not be disposed adjacent to either of traction zonesand. Traction zonemay not be disposed adjacent to traction zone. Traction zonemay not be disposed adjacent to transaction zone. Traction zonemay not be disposed adjacent to either of traction zonesand.

Each of the traction zones,,, andmay include the corresponding plurality of traction elements,,, and. The plurality of traction elementsmay have a shape that is substantially square or rectangular. It is contemplated that the plurality of traction elementsmay have a shape that is triangular, diamond, ovular, or irregular to provide a desired form of traction.

The outsolemay be formed of materials, e.g., resilient materials among others, configured to impart properties of abrasion resistance and traction to the sole structure. One or more of the outsoleand traction elementsmay be formed of a first material having a higher durometer than the other. Alternatively, the outsoleand the traction elementsmay include the same material. The outsoleand the traction elementsmay form the ground-engaging surface of the article of footwear.

The material of the outsolecan be a resilient material as described below. In one aspect, the resilient material is an elastomeric material comprising or consisting essentially of one or more elastomers. Examples of elastomers include butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubber such as styrene-butadiene rubber, polyolefin rubber such as ethylene propylene rubber, silicone rubber, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the one or more elastomers comprise thermoset elastomers. In other aspects, the one or more elastomers comprise thermoplastic elastomers. Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include thermoplastic styrenic block copolymer rubber, thermoplastic vulcanizate rubber, thermoplastic polyolefin rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane rubber, and combinations thereof. In addition to the one or more elastomers, the elastomeric material optionally can comprise one or more non-polymeric compounds, including fillers, processing aids, colorants, and combinations thereof.

With reference to, the cushioning elementmay be configured to cooperate with the internal cavityof the midsole. The cushioning elementmay be disposed between the upper inner foamand lower inner foam. The upper and lower inner foamsandmay be in communication with the web areaof the cushioning elementthereby allowing the upper and lower inner foamsandto surround the cushioning element. Specifically, chamberof the cushioning elementmay be surrounded by the upper and lower inner foamsandsuch that a viewer of the sole structurewould be able to see the environment on the opposite side due to the transparency of windowsandas well as barrier filmsandof the cushioning element.

When viewing the exterior of the footwearfrom the ground up, the sole structuremay include the outsole, the midsole, and the cushioning element.

Referring to, when viewing the stacked sole structure from the ground up along the exterior path of line A, the stacked sole structure may include the outsoleand the midsole. When viewed along the exterior path of line B, the stacked sole structure may include the outsole, the window, cushioning element, the chamber, the upper and lower inner foamsand, and the midsole. The cushioning element, the chamber, and the upper and lower inner foamsandare only visible through the window. When viewed along the exterior path of line C, the stacked sole structure may include the outsole, the window, cushioning element, web area, the upper and lower inner foamsand, and the midsole. The cushioning element, web area, and the upper and lower inner foamsandare only visible through the window.