Article of Footwear Having a Sole Plate

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The present disclosure relates generally to an article of footwear including a sole plate.

Many conventional shoes or other articles of footwear generally comprise an upper and a sole attached to a lower end of the upper. Conventional shoes further include an internal space, i.e., a void or cavity, which is created by interior surfaces of the upper and sole, that receives a foot of a user before securing the shoe to the foot. The sole attaches to a lower surface or boundary of the upper and is positioned between the upper and the ground. As a result, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning to the user when the shoe is being worn. In some instances, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. The outsole may provide traction to a bottom surface of the sole, and the midsole may be attached to an inner surface of the outsole and may provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, a sole may include a particular foam material that may increase stability at one or more desired locations along the sole, or a foam material that may reduce stress or impact energy on the foot or leg when a user is running, walking, or engaged in another activity. The sole may also include additional components, such as plates, embedded with the sole to increase the overall stiffness of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

The upper generally extends upward from the sole and defines an interior cavity that completely or partially encases a foot. In most cases, the upper extends over the instep and toe regions of the foot, and across medial and lateral sides thereof. Many articles of footwear may also include a tongue that extends across the instep region to bridge a gap between edges of medial and lateral sides of the upper, which define an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be disposed below a lacing system and between medial and lateral sides of the upper, to allow for adjustment of shoe tightness. The tongue may further be manipulable by a user to permit entry or exit of a foot from the internal space or cavity. In addition, the lacing system may allow a user to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or the sole, thereby allowing the upper to accommodate a wide variety of foot types having varying sizes and shapes.

However, in many cases, articles of footwear having uppers with an increased comfort and better fit are desired, along with soles having improved cushioning systems or structural characteristics such as a sole plate to add rigidity or spring-like properties.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end of the forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, and the outer edge includes a first plurality of peaks and a first plurality of valleys that are located on the lateral side of the forefoot region. The first plurality of peaks and the first plurality of valleys are disposed between the widest section of the sole plate and the toe end of the sole plate.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end of the forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region including a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate defines an outer edge, and the outer edge includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys. At least half of the plurality of peaks are disposed on the lateral side between the widest section and the toe end, and the peaks that are disposed on the lateral side between the widest section and the toe end define a smaller radius of curvature than the peaks that are not disposed on the lateral side between the widest section and the toe end.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a sole plate for a sole structure of an article of footwear includes a forefoot region including a toe end at a distal end of the forefoot region. The sole plate further includes a midfoot region and a heel region with a heel end at a distal end of the heel region. The sole plate further includes a medial side, a lateral side, a widest section, and a narrowest section. The sole plate includes an outer edge, a curved portion, and a rear portion. The sole plate also includes a plurality of ribs and a plurality of apertures. The lateral side of the forefoot region of the outer edge includes at least three peaks and at least two valleys.

In some embodiments, the heel end of the sole plate includes a plurality of heel peaks separated by a heel valley. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the sole plate defines a central longitudinal plane that runs from a toe end of the sole plate to a heel end of the sole plate, and the plurality of ribs are generally disposed along the direction of the central longitudinal plane. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a curved portion and a rear portion, and the curved portion is an anterior curved portion, and the rear portion is generally planar. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the sole plate, which includes a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys on the lateral side of the forefoot region, includes more peaks than valleys. In some embodiments, the plurality of valleys on the lateral side of the forefoot region includes two valleys. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of apertures. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures includes a first aperture and a second aperture, and the first aperture is disposed closer to a toe end of the sole plate than the second aperture. In some embodiments, the medial side of the outer edge of the sole plate includes at least one peak and at least one valley.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of valleys of the outer edge is disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the valley or valleys disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region define a smaller radius of curvature than the valleys that are not disposed on the lateral side of the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of apertures and a plurality of ribs. In some embodiments, the plurality of ribs includes a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib. In some embodiments, the first rib and the second rib extend from the forefoot region to the heel region, and the third rib is entirely disposed within the forefoot region.

In some embodiments, the sole plate further includes a peak on the medial side of the forefoot region of the outer edge. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a valley on the medial side of the midfoot region of the outer edge. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of apertures, and the plurality of apertures include a first aperture and a second aperture. In some embodiments, the first aperture is disposed closer to a toe end of the sole plate than the second aperture. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a first rib and a second rib. In some embodiments, a first end of the first rib and a first end of the second rib is disposed between the widest section and the toe end. In some embodiments, a second end of the first rib and a second end of the second rib is disposed between the narrowest section and the heel end. In some embodiments, the first aperture is disposed between the first rib and the second rib. In some embodiments, the second aperture is disposed between the first rib and the second rib. In some embodiments, the sole plate includes a plurality of ribs, and at least one rib is primarily disposed within the forefoot region.

The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a shoe and a sole structure including a sole plate. Although embodiments of a shoe or sole structure are disclosed with reference to a sports shoe, such as a running shoe, tennis shoe, basketball shoe, etc., concepts associated with embodiments of the shoe or the sole structure may be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including cross-training shoes, football shoes, golf shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and cleats, walking shoes, and track cleats, for example. Concepts of the shoe or the sole structure may also be applied to articles of footwear that are considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, loafers, slippers, and heels. In addition to footwear, particular concepts described herein may also be applied and incorporated in other types of apparel or other athletic equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Even further, particular concepts described herein may be incorporated in cushions, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Accordingly, concepts described herein may be utilized in a variety of products.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear and/or specific components of the article of footwear, such as an upper, a sole or sole structure, and/or a sole plate. The upper may comprise a knitted component, a woven textile, and/or a non-woven textile. The knitted component may be made by knitting of yarn, the woven textile by weaving of yarn, and the non-woven textile by manufacture of a unitary non-woven web. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by way of warp knitting, weft knitting, flat knitting, circular knitting, and/or other suitable knitting operations. The knit textile may have a plain knit structure, a mesh knit structure, and/or a rib knit structure, for example. Woven textiles include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by way of any of the numerous weave forms, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weaves, and/or double cloth weaves, for example. Non-woven textiles include textiles made by air-laid and/or spun-laid methods, for example. The upper may comprise a variety of materials, such as a first yarn, a second yarn, and/or a third yarn, which may have varying properties or varying visual characteristics.

Referring now to the figures,depicts an exemplary embodiment of an article of footwearincluding an upperand a sole structure. The upperis attached to the sole structureand together define an interior cavity into which a foot may be inserted. The sole structureis connected or secured to the upperand extends between a foot of a user and the ground when the article of footwearis worn by the user. The sole structuremay include one or more components, which may include a top midsole, a sole plate, a front midsole, a heel midsole, and an outsole. For example, in some embodiments, a sole structure may include an outsole that provides structural integrity to the sole structure, along with providing traction for a user, one or more midsoles that provides a cushioning system, and a sole plate that provides additional durability, stability, and propulsion. As will be further discussed herein, the sole structureof the present embodiment of the invention includes one or more components that provide the sole structurewith preferable spring and damping properties.

Referring to, the article of footwearincludes the upperthat is configured for attachment to the sole structure. Many conventional footwear uppers are formed from multiple elements (e.g., textiles, polymer foam, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather) that are joined through bonding or stitching at a seam. In some embodiments, the upperof the article of footwearis formed from a knitted structure or knitted components. In various embodiments, a knitted component may incorporate various types of yarn that may provide different properties to an upper. For example, in some embodiments, one area of the upperis formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, and another area of the upperis formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, properties of the uppermay vary throughout the upperby selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper.

Still referring to, the sole structureincludes a first or top midsole, a sole plate, a second or front midsole, a third or heel midsole, and an outsole. The top midsoleis directly coupled to and disposed below the upper, and is further directly coupled to and disposed on top of the sole plate. The sole plateis directly coupled to and disposed on top of each of the front midsoleand the heel midsole. The front midsoleis disposed laterally forward and spaced from the heel midsole. The front midsoleand the heel midsoleare also each directly coupled to and disposed on top of spaced portions of the outsole. In some embodiments, the outsoleincludes a plurality of sections or portions that are spaced from one another. In some embodiments, the front midsoleand the heel midsoleare directly coupled to different sections of the outsole.

In some embodiments, the top midsole, the front midsole, and the heel midsoleare individually constructed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane (PU), for example, and/or an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or a similar type of material. In other embodiments, the top midsole, the front midsole, and/or the heel midsoleare an EVA-Solid-Sponge (“ESS”) material, an EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, an olefin block copolymer, a thermoplastic material (e.g., a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or a supercritical foam. In some embodiments, the top midsole, the front midsole, and/or the heel midsoleare a single polymeric material. In some embodiments, the top midsole, the front midsole, and/or the heel midsoleare a blend of materials, such as an EVA copolymer, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymer, and/or an olefin block copolymer. One example of a PEBA material is PEBAX®.

In embodiments where the top midsole, the front midsole, and/or the heel midsoleare formed from a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise micropore foams or particle foams, such as a TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process that is performed within an autoclave, an injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated/pressurized container that can process the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO, N, or mixtures thereof) with a material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof) that is preferably molten. During an exemplary process, a solution of supercritical fluid and molten material is pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, such that the molecules of the supercritical fluid rapidly convert to gas to form small pockets within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam, which is used as the top midsole, the front midsole, and the heel midsole. In further embodiments, the top midsole, the front midsole, and the heel midsoleare formed using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, an injection machine, a pellet expansion process, a cold foaming process, a compression molding technique, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the top midsole, the front midsole, and/or the heel midsoleare formed using a process that involves an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam a material and then compression molded or die cut to a particular shape.

In some embodiments, the sole platecomprises a PU plastic, such as a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, for example. Other thermoplastic elastomers consisting of block copolymers are also possible. In some embodiments, the sole platecan include carbon fiber, for example.

In some embodiments, the outsoledefines a bottom end or surface of the sole structure. Further, in some embodiments, the outsoleis a ground-engaging portion or includes a ground-engaging surface of the sole structureand is opposite of an insole (not pictured) thereof. The outsoleis formed from one or more materials to impart durability, wear-resistance, abrasion resistance, or traction to the sole structure, and the outsoleof the sole structurecan include a plurality of sections in some embodiments.

As shown in, the sole structuredefines a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region. The forefoot regiongenerally corresponds with portions of the article of footwearthat encase portions of the foot that include the toes, the ball of the foot, and joints connecting the metatarsals with the toes or phalanges. The midfoot regionis proximate and adjoining the forefoot region, and generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwearthat encase the arch of foot, along with the bridge of the foot. The heel regionis proximate and adjoining the midfoot regionand generally corresponds with portions of the article of footwearthat encase rear portions of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus bone, the ankle, and/or the Achilles tendon.

The article of footwearalso includes a medial sideand a lateral side. In particular, the lateral sidecorresponds to an outside portion of the article of footwearand the medial sidecorresponds to an inside portion of the article of footwear. As such, left and right articles of footwearhave opposing lateral sidesand medial sides, such that the medial sidesare closest to one another when a user is wearing the articles of footwear, while the lateral sidesare defined as the sides that are farthest from one another while being worn. The medial sideand the lateral sideadjoin one another at opposing, distal ends of the article of footwear.

Unless otherwise specified, the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, the medial side, and the lateral sideare intended to define boundaries or areas of the article of footwear. To that end, the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, the medial side, and the lateral sidegenerally characterize sections of the article of footwear. Further, both the upperand the sole structureare characterized as having portions within the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, and on the medial sideand the lateral side. Therefore, the upperand the sole structure, and/or individual portions of the upperand the sole structure, can include portions thereof that are disposed within the forefoot region, the midfoot region, the heel region, and on the medial sideand the lateral side.

Still referring to, in some embodiments, the outsoledefines a bottom end or surface of the sole structureacross the heel region, the midfoot region, and the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the outsoleis disposed in the forefoot regionand in the heel region. In some embodiments, the sole structurenarrows in the midfoot region, and widens toward the forefoot regionand the heel region. A central longitudinal planeof the sole structureis defined as a plane that runs longitudinally through the center of the sole structure.

As shown in, the sole plateseparates the top midsolefrom each of the front midsoleand the heel midsole. In some embodiments, the upperincludes an underside with a generally curved profile. The top midsoleis directly coupled to the underside of the upper. As such, in some embodiments, the top midsolehas a generally curved upper side that follows the shape of the underside of the upper. The top midsoleis generally thicker in the forefoot regionthan in the heel region. As a result, the underside of the top midsoleis curved, i.e., not flat. In some embodiments, the sole platefollows the curvature of the underside of the top midsole. As such, the sole plateis curved in the forefoot regionand the midfoot region, and is generally straight or flat in the heel region. In some embodiments, the sole plateextends past a toe endof the top midsole. In some embodiments, a toe endof the front midsoleand a toe endof the outsoleextend farther than a toe endof the sole plate. Further, in some embodiments, the toe endof the front midsoleand the toe endof the outsoleextend in a direction toward the upper, i.e., defining a nub. As shown in, the toe endof the front midsolesurrounds the toe endof the sole plate, and the toe endof the outsoleat least partially surrounds the toe endof the front midsole. The toe endof the top midsole, the toe endof the front midsole, the toc endof the outsole, and the toe endof the sole plateare located at a distal end of the forefoot regionof the top midsole, the front midsole, the outsoleand the sole platerespectively. In some embodiments, the sole platedoes not extend through the entire heel regionof the sole structure.

Referring now to, a rear cross-sectional view is shown of the sole structurein the forefoot region. As shown in, which is taken along line-of, the sole plateis disposed substantially in a pocket that is defined within the front midsole. In some embodiments, the sole plateis disposed off-center with respect to the longitudinal plane. To that end, the sole platemay be positioned closer to the lateral sidethan the medial sideof the sole structure. However, in some embodiments, the sole platemay be positioned closer to the medial sidethan the lateral side. The sole plateincludes portions that are generally flat or straight, and further includes portions that define one or more ribsthat result in a plurality of curved portions. The top midsole, the front midsole, and the outsoleextend uninterrupted from the medial sideto the lateral side.

illustrates another rear cross-sectional view of the sole structurein the forefoot region. Taken along the line-of, the top midsoleis shown extending from the medial sideto the lateral side. The sole plateis disposed substantially in the pocket defined within the front midsole. The sole plateincludes the various flat portions; however, the sole plateis discontinuous along the central longitudinal planeof the sole structure. Further, a thickness of the ribsof the sole plateshown along line-ofis thicker than a thickness of the ribsof the sole plateshown along line-of. As a result, curved sectionsof the ribsalong line-have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved portionsshown along line-(see). Still further, inthe sole plateis substantially centered within the front midsole. The front midsoleis discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane, and the outsoleis discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane. The underside of the top midsoleis the bottom-most surface of the sole structureat some points along the line-of.

Referring now to, a rear cross-sectional view of the sole structureis shown in the midfoot region. Taken Along the line-of, the top midsoleis shown extending from the medial sideto the lateral side. The sole plateis substantially disposed within the pocket defined by the front midsole. The sole platefurther includes portions that are generally planar. A thickness of the plurality of ribsof the sole platealong line-ofis thicker than the thickness of the plurality of ribsalong line-and the thickness of the plurality of ribsalong line-. As a result, curved sectionsdefined by the ribsalong line-have a smaller radius of curvature than the curved sectionsalong line-(see) and the curved portionsalong line-(see). Further, the sole plateis substantially centered within the front midsolealong line-, the front midsoleis discontinuous along the central longitudinal planeof the sole structure, and the outsoleis discontinuous along the central longitudinal planeof the sole structure. Since the front midsoleand the outsoleare discontinuous along the central longitudinal plane, the underside of the sole plateis the bottom-most surface of the sole structurealong the central longitudinal planeof the sole structure.

With reference to, the sole plateis shown in detail, which includes the plurality of ribsand a plurality of apertures. The ribsrun longitudinally along the sole platefrom the forefoot regionto the heel region. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribsdo not extend entirely to the toe endof the sole plateor to a heel endof the sole plate. The heel endof the sole plateis defined as the distal end of the sole platein the heel region. However, in some embodiments, the one or more of the ribsextend entirely to the toe endand/or to the heel end. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribsextend downward with respect to a ground surface, i.e., as shown in. However, in some embodiments, one or more of the ribsextend upward. In the illustrated embodiments, the sole plateincludes a first riband a second rib. In some embodiments, the sole platehas more or fewer ribs. In some embodiments, the ribsare different in length or shape, the ribsare placed differently, or the ribsare sized differently.

Still referring to, a first apertureof the plurality of aperturesis disposed partially in the forefoot regionand partially in the midfoot region. The first aperturedefines an edge that is generally rounded, with at least three inflection points. The first aperturetapers moving in heel-to-toe direction at a forward end of the first aperture. A second apertureof the plurality of aperturesis generally disposed within the midfoot regionand the heel region. The second apertureis irregularly shaped, and includes at least four inflection points. In some embodiments, the first apertureand the second apertureare the same shape, are positioned differently, or are sized differently. In some embodiments, there are more or fewer apertures. The aperturesare advantageous to allow the medial sideand lateral sideof the sole plateto flex independent of one another.

Referring now to, the ribsof the sole plateincludes a third ribdisposed along the lateral sideof the underside of the sole plate. The third ribruns longitudinally along a portion of the lateral sideof the forefoot regionof the sole plate. The third ribis slightly curved in shape, having a concave portion closer to the toe endof the sole plate, and a convex portion closer to the heel endof the sole plate. The third ribgenerally follows the contour of the edge of the lateral sideof the forefoot regionof the sole plate. In some embodiments, the third ribextends downward. In some embodiments, the third ribextends downward by the same distance that the first riband the second ribextend downward. In some embodiments, the third ribextends downward a different distance than the first riband the second rib. In some embodiments, the third ribis not included on the sole plate.

Referring now to, the sole plateincludes a curved portionand a rear portion. The rear portionis relatively flat or straight. The curved portionis an anterior curved portion and includes one or more radii of curvature. The toe endof the sole platecurves upwards, and a vertexof the curved portionis disposed in the forefoot region. The midfoot regionincludes a transition point. The transition pointdefines the point at which the sole platetransitions from the curved portionto the rear portion. In some embodiments, the sole platehas a uniform thickness.

Turning to, a bottom elevational view of the sole plateis shown. The sole plategenerally widens in the forefoot region, narrows in the midfoot region, and remains a generally consistent along portions within the heel region. A first reference axisdefines the widest section of the sole plate. In some embodiments, the first reference axisis disposed within the forefoot region. A second reference axisdefines the narrowest section of the sole plate. In some embodiments, the second reference axisis disposed within the midfoot region.

Still referring to, the sole platedefines an outer edge. The outer edgeof the sole platein the forefoot regionon the lateral sideis curved. More specifically, the outer edgeof the sole platein the forefoot regionon the lateral sidedefines a plurality of peaksand a plurality of valleys. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer edgedefines three peaks and two valleys on the lateral sideof the forefoot region, but in some embodiments, there are more or fewer peaks and valleys. A first peakof the plurality of peaksis located at the toe endof the sole plate. A second peakof the plurality of peaksis located on the lateral sideof the forefoot region. A first valleyseparates the first peakand the second peak. The first valleydefines a first radius of curvature. A third peakis located on the lateral sideof the forefoot region. The third peakis farther from the toe endthan the second peak. A second valleyseparates the second peakand the third peak. The second valleydefines a second radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is smaller than the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is the same as the first radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the second radius of curvature is larger than the first radius of curvature. The first peak, second peak, third peak, first valley, and second valleyare disposed on the lateral sideof the sole platebetween the toe endof the sole plateand the first reference axis, i.e., the first peak, second peak, third peak, first valley, and second valleyare disposed on the lateral sideof the sole platebetween the toc endof the sole plateand the widest section of the sole plate.

Still referring to the lateral sideof the sole plateas shown in, the outer edgeof the sole plategenerally curves toward the central longitudinal planebetween the third peakand the midfoot region. As such, the sole platenarrows between the forefoot regionand the midfoot region. The outer edgeis generally straight through the midfoot regionand the heel region. At the heel endof the sole plate, the outer edgedefines a first heel peakand a second heel peak. The first heel peakis on the lateral sideof the sole plate. The second heel peakis on the medial sideof the sole plate. A first heel valleyseparates the first heel peakand the second heel peak. The first heel valleydefines a heel radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the heel radius of curvature is larger than the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature of the first valleyand the second valleyrespectively. The outer edgeof the medial sideof the sole plateis generally straight through the heel region. The outer edgeof the medial sideof the sole plategenerally curves toward the central longitudinal planein the midfoot region. As such, the sole platenarrows in the midfoot region. The outer edgeof the medial sideof the sole platecurves away from the central longitudinal planein between the midfoot regionand the forefoot regionon the medial side.

As such, the outer edgeof the medial sidedefines a medial side valleyin the midfoot region. In some embodiments, the medial side valleyis disposed entirely between the heel endof the sole plateand the first reference axis. In some embodiments, the medial side valleyis disposed between the first reference axisand the second reference axis. In some embodiments, the medial side valleyis disposed on the second reference axis. Further, the sole platewidens between the midfoot regionand the forefoot region. Within the forefoot region, the outer edgeswitches from curving away from the central longitudinal planeto curving toward the central longitudinal plane. As such, the outer edgeof the medial sidedefines a medial side peak. The medial side peakis substantially disposed in the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the medial side peakis disposed on the first reference axis. In some embodiments, the medial side peakis located between the toe endof the sole plateand the first reference axis.

As shown in, the first riband the second ribare illustrated extending from the forefoot region, through the midfoot region, and into the heel region. In some embodiments, the first riband the second ribdo not extend entirely to the toe endof the sole plate. The first riband the second ribextend to a point between the first reference axisand the toe endof the sole plateon one end. The first riband the second ribextend to a point between the second reference axisand the heel endof the sole plateon the other end. The first riband the second ribdo not extend entirely to the heel endof the sole plate. The third ribis illustrated primarily in the forefoot region. In some embodiments, the third ribis entirely disposed between the first reference axisand the toc endof the sole plate. In some embodiments, the third ribfollows the shape of the outer edgeof the sole plate. More specifically, the third ribfollows the first radius of curvature of the first valleyand the second radius of curvature of the second valley.

As shown in, the first apertureis substantially disposed within the forefoot regionof the sole plate. In some embodiments, a majority of the first apertureis disposed between the first reference axisand the heel endof the sole plate. In some embodiments, the first apertureis disposed entirely between the first reference axisand the heel endof the sole plate. In some embodiments, a section that is not a majority of the first aperture is disposed between the first reference axisand the second reference axis. The second apertureis disposed within the midfoot regionand the heel region. In some embodiments, the second apertureis disposed entirely between the first reference axisand the heel endof the sole plate. In some embodiments, a majority of the second apertureis disposed between the second reference axisand the heel endof the sole plate. In some embodiments, the first apertureis disposed between the first riband the second rib. In some embodiments, the second apertureis disposed between the first riband the second rib. In some embodiments, the first apertureand the second apertureare disposed substantially forward of a rearmost pointof the first rib, wherein forward is defined as closer to the toe endof the sole plate. In some embodiments, the first apertureand the second apertureare substantially disposed forward of a rearmost pointof the second rib. In some embodiments, the first riband the second ribare generally curved. In some embodiments, the first riband the second ribare generally straight. In some embodiments, the first riband the second ribare positioned differently relative to the first apertureand the second aperture.

Turning to, a top view of the sole plateis illustrated. Similar to, the outer edge, the first rib, the second rib, the third rib, the first aperture, and the second apertureof the sole plateare illustrated.

As shown in, the sole platedefines a generally planar surface and several curves that align with the first rib, the second rib, and the third rib. In some embodiments, the third ribextends along a first reference plane, which is disposed at an angle with respect to the planar surface of the sole plate. The planar surface of the sole plateextends along a second reference plane. In some embodiments, an anglebetween the first reference planeand the second reference planeis between five degrees and 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the angleis between six degrees and 45 degrees, or between seven degrees and 35 degrees, or between eight degrees and 25 degrees, or between nine degrees and 20 degrees, or between 10 degrees and 15 degrees, or between 11 degrees and 14 degrees, or between 11 degrees and 12 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 13 degrees. In some embodiments, the angleis about 12 degrees.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with different embodiments. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to articles of footwear of the type specifically shown. Still further, aspects of the articles of footwear of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other athletic equipment.

As noted previously, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.