NIKE, Inc.
WOVEN FOOTWEAR UPPER WITH INTEGRATED TENSILE STRANDS

Abstract:

Aspects hereof relate to a footwear upper formed from a plurality of tensile strands interwoven with a webbing material. The upper may have a bootie configuration. At least a portion of the strands may extend between a lateral-side portion of the upper and a medial-side portion of the upper and extend over an instep region and/or a sole region of the upper. The tensile strands may be bundled such that a plurality of strands forms a single weft or warp. Bundles having differing quantities of tensile strands may form a pattern on the upper that is effective for aiding conformance of the upper to a wearer's foot while enhancing ventilation and reducing water saturation. The tensile strands, whether singular or bundled, may be effective for transferring a load of a fastening mechanism through the woven upper while allowing the upper to have a desired degree of elasticity, support and/or comfort.