초록 ▼

The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially

The article of footwear taught in the present invention includes a spring element which can provide improved cushioning, stability, running economy, and a long service life. Unlike the conventional foam materials presently being used by the footwear industry, the spring element is not substantially subject to compression set degradation and can provide a relatively long service life. The components of the article of footwear including the upper, insole, spring element, and outsole portions can be selected from a range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired. Further, the relative configuration and functional relationship as between the forefoot midfoot areas of the article of footwear can be readily modified and adjusted. Accordingly, the article of footwear can be customized by a wearer or specially configured for a select target population in order to optimize desired performance criteria.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis, comprising an upper, a sole, at least one fastener, and a spring element comprising a superior spring element and an inferior spring element, said superior

1. An article of footwear having an anterior side, a posterior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis, comprising an upper, a sole, at least one fastener, and a spring element comprising a superior spring element and an inferior spring element, said superior spring element extending substantially between said posterior side and said anterior side of said article of footwear and substantially positioned within said upper, said inferior spring element and said sole substantially positioned interiorly and externally with respect to said upper, said superior spring element affixed in functional relation to said inferior spring element by said at least one fastener thereby securing said upper in functional relation therebetween.