NIKE, Inc.
Sole structure for article of footwear having a nonlinear bending stiffness

Abstract:

A sole structure for an article of footwear comprises a sole plate, a plurality of traction elements protruding from the sole plate, and a tension member extending through at least some of the plurality of traction elements. The tension member can move through at least some of the plurality of traction elements during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a first flexion range. The tension member interferes with at least some of the plurality of traction elements during dorsiflexion of the sole structure in a second flexion range, which is greater than the first flexion range.