NIKE, Inc.
SECURING MECHANISMS FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR

Abstract:

An article of footwear includes a sole structure, an upper, and a securing mechanism. The upper comprises a toe region, a midfoot region, a heel region, a lateral side, and a medial side, and is coupled to the sole structure. The securing mechanism is fixedly attached to the upper and comprises a forefoot portion and a heel lock element. The heel lock element has a first and a second end and extends from the lateral side of the upper, passes around the heel region of the upper, and extends to the medial side of the upper. The heel lock element comprises a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the upper and is configured such that tensioning the securing band adjusts the heel segment of the main portion relative to a wearer's heel.