NIKE, Inc.
SOLE STRUCTURE HAVING AN OUTSOLE WITH INTEGRATED TRACTION ELEMENTS

Abstract:

A sole structure including an outsole and a midsole disposed over the outsole. The outsole includes an outsole plate and a plurality of traction elements molded to the outsole plate. Each of the plurality of traction elements includes a plurality of overhangs. Each of the plurality of overhangs is cantilevered from the outsole plate. The midsole includes a plurality of discrete pods. Each of the plurality of discrete pods includes a midsole fluid-filled bladder. The midsole fluid-filled bladder defines an interior cavity and includes a first polymeric layer, a second polymeric layer, and a plurality of midsole tethers interconnecting the first polymeric layer and the second polymeric layer. Each of the plurality of midsole tethers is disposed in the interior cavity of the midsole fluid-filled bladder. Each of the plurality of discrete pods is disposed over and aligned with one of the plurality of traction elements.