NIKE, Inc.
Footwear sole structure with bladder

Abstract:

A sole structure includes a midsole layer with a lower surface having a first recess that has an outer periphery spaced inward of an outer periphery of the midsole layer, and a peripheral bonding region between the outer periphery of the midsole layer and the outer periphery of the first recess. A sole plate has an upper surface with a second recess forming a cavity with the first recess between the sole plate and the midsole layer. The upper surface of the sole plate has a peripheral bonding region between an outer periphery of the sole plate and an outer periphery of the second recess. A bladder nests in the cavity with a contoured upper surface inward of the peripheral bonding region of the midsole layer and a contoured lower surface inward of the peripheral bonding region of the sole plate. A method of manufacturing the sole structure is disclosed.