HK1261606B - Article of footwear with multiple layers - Google Patents

Description

Articles of footwear having multiple layers

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/279,458, filed January 15, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

background

Conventional footwear typically includes two main components: an upper and a sole structure. The upper is secured to the sole structure and forms a cavity within the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving the foot. The sole structure is secured to the lower surface of the upper so as to be positioned between the upper and the ground. For example, in some articles of athletic footwear, the sole structure may include a midsole and an outsole. The midsole may be formed from a polymer foam material that attenuates ground reaction forces to reduce stress on the foot and leg during walking, running, and other ambulatory movements. The outsole is secured to the lower surface of the midsole and forms the ground-engaging portion of the sole structure, which is formed from a durable and wear-resistant material.

The upper of an article of footwear typically extends over the instep and toe area of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel area of the foot. Access to the cavity inside the upper is typically provided by an ankle opening in the heel area of the footwear. A lacing system is typically incorporated into the upper to adjust the fit of the upper, thereby allowing the foot to enter and exit the cavity within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends below the lacing system to enhance the adjustability of the footwear, and the upper may include a heel counter to limit the movement of the heel.

describe

The present embodiments generally relate to an article of footwear having multiple layers. The article of footwear may include an inner layer having a cavity sized to receive at least a portion of a foot. The article of footwear may also include an outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer. A midsole may be disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the midsole is secured to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect connection between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer may be movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations separate from the indirect connection.

The inner layer may have no direct attachment to the outer layer.

The first shape of the inner layer may be disproportionate to the second shape of the outer layer.

The first shape of the inner layer may include a first length along the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear, a first width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a first ratio of the first length to the first width. The second shape of the outer layer may include a second length along the longitudinal axis, a second width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second ratio of the second length to the second width. The first ratio may be greater than the second ratio.

The article of footwear may have at least one tensile element secured to the inner layer and at least one aperture formed in the outer layer. The at least one tensile element may be disposed through the at least one aperture.

The outer layer may have at least one window for viewing the inner layer.

At least one of the inner layer and the outer layer may include a void spot in the ankle area of the article of footwear to facilitate flexion of the ankle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an article of footwear having an outer layer and an inner layer.

2 illustrates a lateral side view of an embodiment of an outer layer for an article of footwear.

3 illustrates a lateral side view of an embodiment of an inner layer for an article of footwear.

4 illustrates a lateral side view of the article of footwear including the outer layer shown in FIG. 2 partially surrounding the inner layer shown in FIG. 3 .

5 illustrates a lateral side view of the article of footwear depicted in FIG. 4 , including dashed lines depicting certain hidden features.

6 illustrates a lateral side view of an additional embodiment of an outer layer for an article of footwear.

7A illustrates a top view of an inner layer for an article of footwear.

7B illustrates a top view of an outer layer for an article of footwear.

7C illustrates a top view of the article of footwear including the outer layer of FIG. 7B partially surrounding the inner layer of FIG. 7A .

Detailed description

The subject matter of the present invention is described in detail herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter may also be implemented in other ways, in conjunction with other existing or future technologies, to include different steps or combinations of steps that are similar to the steps or combinations of steps described in this document.

The present embodiment generally relates to articles of footwear with multiple layers. Referring to Fig. 1, article of footwear 100 can have outer layer 210 and inner layer 310. As shown, outer layer 210 can at least partially surround inner layer 310 and can optionally be fixed to outsole 114. Fixing device can be provided, such as lace 110 in the shoe throat area 112 of article of footwear 100, so that outer layer 210 and/or inner layer 310 are tightened around the foot of the user. As used herein, the term "user" refers to the person wearing article of footwear. In some embodiments, outer layer 210 can be formed by textile or fabric components (depicted as knitted components 212) completely or at least in part. For example, the knitted components 212 of outer layer 210 can be formed by knitting process, such as flat knitting process, circular knitting process and similar process. Knitted components 212 can be processed (for example, steamed or otherwise processed on a foot-shaped shoe last) to obtain suitable properties (such as suitable) after the knitting process. In some embodiments, knitted component 212 is formed during a single knitting process and without any seams. In other words, sewing or other attachment steps are not needed to form knitted component 212 after the knitting process. Advantageously, there is no seam to produce a more solid and more durable outer layer 210, because the area with a seam or other attachment points is normally the least solid and least durable area of the parts included in the article of footwear. Other suitable textile manufacturing processes can be used to form outer layer 210 (for example, braiding). In some embodiments, outer layer 210 can be formed at least in part by the material (for example, leather, plastic, rubber or any other suitable material) outside the textile material. Outer layer 210 can be configured to surround the foot of the user generally, including at least a portion of the lateral side and medial side of the foot and at least a portion of the dorsal surface and plantar surface of the foot. The outer layer can extend on the instep area and toe area of the foot, along the medial side and lateral side of the foot and around the heel area of the foot. Outer layer 210 can also surround at least a portion of the ankle and/or shin of the user.

Similarly, inner layer 310 can be formed at least in part by textile or fabric components (depicted as knitted components 312). For example, the knitted components 312 of inner layer 310 can be formed at least in part by a knitting process, such as a flat knitting process, a circular knitting process or other suitable knitting processes. Inner layer 310 can be knitted in a single knitting process and without any seams. Alternatively, inner layer 310 can be configured so that any seams are located in an area of inner layer 310 that is not usually subjected to high stress during normal use (for example, as shown in FIG3 at the seam 326 in the toe area of inner layer 310). Other suitable textile manufacturing processes (for example, weaving) can be used. In some embodiments, inner layer 310 can be formed at least in part by materials other than textile materials. Inner layer 310 can be configured to generally surround the foot of the user, including at least a portion of the lateral side and medial side of the foot and at least a portion of the dorsal surface and plantar surface of the foot. The inner layer 310 can extend over the instep and toe regions of the foot, along the medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around the heel region of the user's foot. The inner layer 310 can also surround at least a portion of the user's ankle and/or shin.

Inner layer 310 and outer layer 210 can be made of different materials. For example, inner layer 310 can be formed from a first material, and outer layer 210 can be formed from a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material has a greater resistance to stretching than the first material. However, while article of footwear 100 also preferably has a stable structure with sufficient rigidity, this can be advantageous in situations where a compliant inner layer 310 is desired to provide comfort and reduce friction between the user's foot and article of footwear 100. It is contemplated that one of the layers can be formed substantially from a knitted component or other textile component, while the other of the layers is not.

FIG2 shows a lateral side view of an embodiment of the outer layer 210 of the article of footwear 100. Referring to FIG2, the outer layer 210 may include a cavity 214 configured to receive the inner layer 310 (shown in FIG1) and the user's foot. The outer layer 210 may include an ankle opening 213 configured to allow the user's foot to pass through during insertion or removal of the foot into or from the cavity 214. An inner surface 215 may face the inner cavity 214. A plurality of holes 216 may be formed in the outer layer 210 in the throat area 112, and in some embodiments, as shown, the plurality of holes 216 may be specifically formed in the knitted component 212 of the outer layer 210. The holes 216 may, for example, be configured to receive a lace (e.g., shoelaces) or another fixing device configured to tighten the article of footwear 100 around the foot. Alternatively or additionally, the holes 216 can be configured to receive loops of a tensile element, as described in detail below. The holes 216 can be formed, for example, by cutting or punching holes through the outer layer 210. In some embodiments, the holes 216 can be integrally formed within the knitted component 212 during the knitting process, without requiring modification of the knitted component 212 in a subsequent knitting step. Grommets (not shown) can be included within the holes 216 to prevent tearing, fraying, and/or unraveling of the outer layer 210.

In some embodiments, outer layer 210 can be attached to outsole 114. Outsole 114 can be formed of plastic, rubber, or other suitable materials and attached to outer layer 210 using an adhesive, stitching, or any other suitable attachment mechanism. Outsole 114 can have a ground-engaging surface 116 that is configured to contact the ground when article of footwear 100 is in use. It is contemplated that outsole 114 may include a tread, cleats, or other features configured to appropriately grip the ground. Outsole 114 can also provide cushioning and/or absorb contact forces when a user walks, runs, or performs other activities while wearing article of footwear 100.

In other embodiments, the outsole 114 can be integral with the outer layer 210. For example, it is contemplated that the knitted component 212 of the outer layer 210 can include yarns formed at least in part from a material that can serve as a tread on the ground engaging surface 116 of the outsole 114, such as yarns coated with a rubber or plastic material. In some embodiments, the knitted component 212 includes fusible yarns, such as yarns that include a thermoactive material that changes state in response to heat (e.g., a thermopolymer or thermoplastic polymer that transitions from a solid state to a softened or liquid state when subjected to a certain temperature, including polyurethane, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, nylon, etc.). These fusible yarns can form a relatively continuous, relatively ridged, and relatively durable tread on the outsole 114 after cooling and hardening from the heated softened state.

FIG3 shows a lateral side view of one embodiment of an inner layer 310 (for article of footwear 100). The inner layer 310 depicted has a cavity 314 sized to accommodate a user's foot, and an ankle opening 313 configured to allow the user's foot to pass through during insertion or removal of the foot into or from cavity 314. An inner surface 315 can be configured to contact the user's skin (e.g., near the user's ankle). Thus, the inner surface 315 can be configured to be smooth or soft to the touch (e.g., by knitting the inner layer 312 so that relatively soft yarns are exposed on the inner surface 315). In some embodiments, the properties of the inner surface 315 are optimized to contact socks worn by the user. The outer surface, and particularly the bottom surface 320, can be configured to attach to another element of the article of footwear 100, thereby retaining the inner layer 310 within the first cavity 214 of the outer layer 210 (as shown in FIG4 ).

As depicted in FIG3 , ankle region 321 of inner layer 312 can be highly elastic or stretchable. This can be achieved, for example, by the knit structure (e.g., a knitted rib structure) and/or the type of yarn used (e.g., a relatively elastic nylon yarn) of knitted component 312. This feature can provide a relatively tight and comfortable fit around the user's ankle and/or shin while also allowing the user to put on and take off article of footwear 100 relatively easily.

Although not shown, the inner layer 310 can have a plurality of holes that can be configured to receive laces or other fasteners. As described above with respect to the outer layer 210 (see FIG. 2 ), the holes in the inner layer 310 can be formed in the knitted component 312 near the throat area 112. As described above, the holes can be formed, for example, by cutting or punching holes through the inner layer 310 during the knitting process or by forming them integrally with the knitted component 312 of the inner layer 310.

As depicted in FIG3 , inner layer 310 may include a plurality of tensile elements 322. Tensile elements 322 may be incorporated into knitted component 312. For example, tensile elements 322 may be embedded within one or more courses or wales of knitted component 312 during the knitting process of knitted component 312. Tensile elements 322 may provide stretch resistance to corresponding areas of inner layer 310. Tensile elements 322 may be included in any suitable area of inner layer 310. In some embodiments, the inner layer 310, the knitted component 312 and/or the tensile element 322 can be combined with the teachings of U.S. patent application publication No. 2010/0154256, entitled “Article of Footwear Having An Upper Incorporating A Knitted Component,” filed on December 18, 2008, and published on June 24, 2010, and/or the teachings of U.S. patent application serial number 13/048,514, entitled “Article Of Footwear Incorporating A Knitted Component,” filed on March 15, 2011, and published on September 20, 2012 as U.S. patent application publication No. 2012/0233882, to Huffa et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Tensile element 322 may be rotated at a location adjacent to throat area 112 to form a plurality of loops 324. Loops 324 may be located on both the medial and lateral sides of throat area 112 (or anywhere else on inner layer 310). In some embodiments, a single tensile element 322 extends substantially around the entire inner layer 310 to form loops 326 on both the medial and lateral sides of throat area 112. Although not shown, outer layer 210 may additionally or alternatively include tensile elements (with or without loops).

Loop 324 can extend from outer surface 321 of inner layer 310 and can be configured to receive a lace or other securing device of article of footwear 100. As described in more detail below, loop 324 can be aligned with hole 216 of outer layer 210 and/or can be disposed through hole 216 of outer layer 210 (as shown in Figures 4-5). In embodiments where inner layer 310 has a hole (not shown) in throat area 112, it is contemplated that tensile element 322 can surround the hole (e.g., not extend from outer surface 321) when embedded in knitted component 312, and/or loop 324 can be formed adjacent to the hole so that both the hole in inner layer 310 and loop 324 of inner layer 310 are configured to together receive a lace or other securing device.

FIG4 shows a lateral side view of article of footwear 100, which includes outer layer 210 from FIG2 , partially surrounding inner layer 310 from FIG3 . As depicted, loop 324 of tensile element 322 is at least approximately aligned with aperture 216 of outer layer 210. Here, loop 324 of tensile element 322 is additionally positioned through aperture 216. Although not shown, a lace or other securing device may extend through loop 324 and may act solely on loop 324 to tighten outer layer 210 and inner layer 310 around a user's foot. In other embodiments, loop 324 may be located below outer layer 210, and/or a lace may extend through loop 324 and aperture 216 together (as generally shown in FIG1 ).

As depicted in Figure 4, the ankle region 321 of the inner layer 310 can extend higher than the ankle region 222 of the outer layer 210. Advantageously, this embodiment can provide the user with the coverage on his or her ankle and/or lower shin by the inner layer 310, thereby providing cushioning, support and comfortable fitting for the ankle or lower shin. In this embodiment, the outer layer 210, which can be made of more ridged material and/or can be processed for strength and/or rigidity, does not cover the user's ankle or lower shin, and therefore does not hinder the movement of this area of health. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the outer layer 210 and the inner layer 310 can have substantially the same height, and therefore end at the approximate same area of the user's foot, ankle and/or shin. Alternatively, the ankle region 222 of the outer layer 210 can extend to a level higher than the ankle region 321 of the inner layer 310. For example, this embodiment may be advantageous when cushioning and protection of the ankle is desired, but it is not desired to provide the article of footwear 100 with a snug fit around the user's ankle or shin.

FIG5 shows the article of footwear 100 of FIG4 (without a separate outsole), with dotted lines depicting hidden features. A midsole 510 is depicted in FIG5 as being disposed between the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210. As shown, the bottom surface 320 of the inner layer 310 is adjacent to the top surface 512 of the midsole 510, and the top surface 223 of the outer layer 210 is adjacent to the bottom surface 514 of the midsole 510. In one non-limiting example, the midsole 510 can be at least partially formed of a polymer foam material that reduces ground reaction forces, thereby alleviating stress on the foot and leg during walking, running, etc. The midsole 510 can be made of any other suitable material (plastic, metal, rubber, etc.).

In some embodiments, the midsole 510 is secured to the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210, thereby forming an indirect coupling between the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210. The inner layer 310 can be movable relative to the outer layer 210 at one or more locations separate from the indirect coupling formed through the midsole 510. In some embodiments, the inner layer 310 may not have a direct attachment to the outer layer 210.

The midsole 510 can be secured to the inner layer 310 and the outer layer 210 in a variety of ways. For example, the midsole 510 can be secured to the inner layer 310 and/or the outer layer 210 using an adhesive (e.g., a cement-based adhesive or another suitable type), using stitching, or using any other suitable securing mechanism. It is contemplated that the midsole 510 can be secured to the inner layer 310 in a manner different from that of the outer layer 210. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the midsole 510 can be free (e.g., not secured) relative to one or both of the outer layer 210 and the inner layer 310.

As shown in FIG5 (and as described in more detail above), loop 324 formed by tensile elements 322 of inner layer 310 is aligned with (or at least approximately aligned with) and disposed through aperture 216 of outer layer 210. In some embodiments, inner layer 310 is coupled to outer layer 210 solely via one or more tensile elements 322 extending through aperture 216 (although this is not required in all embodiments). Advantageously, these embodiments allow both outer layer 210 and inner layer 310 to be tightened around a user's foot using only one lacing or securing device in communication with tensile elements 322. Furthermore, in some cases, it may be desirable for inner layer 310 to be relatively loosely coupled to outer layer 210, such that at least a portion of inner layer 310 is movable relative to outer layer 210. When inner layer 310 and outer layer 210 are coupled only at aperture 216, a substantial portion of inner layer 310 will be movable relative to outer layer 210. This may provide comfort, reduce friction between the user's foot and article of footwear 100, and provide the user with an enhanced ability to quickly change lateral direction.

Fig. 6 shows the lateral side view of the article of footwear 102 with outer layer 610 and inner layer 710.As shown, outer layer 610 has cavity void 628 in ankle region 622.Cavity void 628 can provide flexibility near the front (front portion) of the user's ankle joint, so that the bending of ankle.In the embodiment not shown, cavity void can be formed in inner layer 710 alternatively or additionally.The projection 632 in the ankle region 622 of outer layer 610 can extend adjacent to cavity void 628 and can be configured to cover the ankle of the user.The projection 632 can have one or more holes 616, and these one or more holes 616 are configured to be communicated with laces or other fixing devices, to tighten the projection around the foot, ankle or leg of the user. It is contemplated that the inner layer 710 and/or the outer layer 610 may include a tensile element that wraps around the ankle, as taught by U.S. patent application serial number 13/686,048, entitled “Knitted Footwear Component With An Inlaid Ankle Strand,” filed on November 27, 2012, by Podhajny et al. and published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0145652 on June 13, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A padded area 634 can be disposed in the ankle region 622 and at least partially on the protrusion 632. It should be noted that the padded area can be placed at any suitable location on the outer layer 610 or the inner layer 710. The fill of the padded area 634 can be secured within a pocket formed in the outer layer 610, for example, within a pocket integrally formed within a knit element (such as the knit element 212 described above).

The outer layer 620 may also include windows 630 that provide for viewing areas of the inner layer 710 that are located within the cavity of the outer layer 610. For illustration, in FIG6 , several areas 736 of the inner layer 710 are aligned with the windows 630 of the outer layer 610. In some embodiments, the visual appearance of the inner layer 710 differs from the visual appearance of the outer layer 610. Advantageously, viewing the areas 736 of the inner layer 710 through the windows 630 can provide an aesthetically appealing visual contrast. Similarly, areas 734 of the inner layer 710 can be viewable through the cavity space 628 of the outer layer 610. This visual effect can be particularly noticeable when the inner layer 710 has a multi-colored, textured, marbled, striped finish, or any other non-continuous finish. As described above, because inner layer 710 can be at least partially movable relative to outer layer 610, providing discontinuous visual features on inner layer 710 can achieve a dynamic (e.g., moving) visual effect as a user walks, runs, or performs other movements or activities. For example, when inner layer 710 is multicolored, as article of footwear 102 flexes and moves inner layer 710 relative to outer layer 610, some colors will appear and/or disappear from view through window 630.

7A-7C , the shape of inner layer 810 may not be proportional to the shape of outer layer 910. In FIG7A , inner layer 810 (shown alone) may have a first shape having a first length L810 along the longitudinal axis of article of footwear 104. The first shape of inner layer 810 may also include a first width W810 that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A first ratio of inner layer 810 may be defined as the ratio of first length L810 to first width W810 (i.e., L810:W810).

7B , outer layer 910 may have a second shape having a second length L910 along the longitudinal axis of article of footwear 104. The second shape of outer layer 910 may also include a second width W910 that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A second ratio of outer layer 910 may be defined as the ratio of second length L910 to second width W910 (i.e., L910:w910).

In some embodiments of article of footwear 104, the first ratio corresponding to inner layer 810 and the second ratio corresponding to outer layer 910 are different. For example, the first ratio corresponding to inner layer 810 can be greater than the second ratio corresponding to outer layer 910. In other words, inner layer 810 can be narrower than outer layer 910 in its length. This is particularly illustrated in FIG. 7C , which shows article of footwear 104 with inner layer 810 partially surrounded by outer layer 910. This feature can be achieved, for example, by knitting inner layer 810 to be smaller than outer layer 910 and/or by processing inner layer 810 and outer layer 910 on different lasts during a post-knitting processing step (e.g., a steaming step). As a result, a space or gap 812 can appear within the cavity of outer layer 910. Advantageously, this can provide the user with an enhanced ability to quickly change lateral direction when participating in athletic activities, while also providing the necessary support, comfort, and a snug fit in the toe and heel areas of the foot. It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, inner layer 910 may be stretchable such that gap 812 is reduced (or even substantially eliminated) when a user places his or her foot into article of footwear 104 .

The present embodiment has been described with respect to specific examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment pertains. Certain features and subcombinations have utility and may be used without reference to other features and subcombinations and are considered to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims (30)

1. A type of footwear, comprising: An inner layer, the inner layer including a cavity, the cavity being sized to receive at least a portion of the foot; Outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer; and A midsole layer, wherein the midsole layer is disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. The sole interlayer is fixed to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect connection between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations where it is separated from the indirect connection. The inner layer does not have a direct attachment to the outer layer. 2. The footwear article according to claim 1, wherein the first shape of the inner layer is disproportionate to the second shape of the outer layer. 3. The footwear article according to claim 2, wherein: The first shape of the inner layer includes a first length along the longitudinal axis of the footwear, a first width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a first ratio of the first length to the first width; The second shape of the outer layer includes a second length along the longitudinal axis, a second width substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second ratio of the second length to the second width; and The first ratio is greater than the second ratio. 4. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: At least one tension element, said at least one tension element being fixed to the inner layer; and At least one hole, said at least one hole being formed in the outer layer, The at least one tension element is disposed through the at least one hole. 5. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for observing the inner layer. 6. The footwear article of claim 4, wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for observing the inner layer. 7. The footwear article according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 6, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 8. The footwear article of claim 4, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 9. The footwear article of claim 5, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 10. A type of footwear, comprising: Inner layer, the inner layer including a cavity, the cavity being sized to receive at least a portion of a foot; and An outer layer, wherein the outer layer at least partially surrounds the inner layer. The first shape of the inner layer is disproportionate to the second shape of the outer layer. in: The first shape of the inner layer includes a first length along the longitudinal axis of the footwear, a first width generally transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a first ratio of the first length to the first width; The second shape of the outer layer includes a second length along the longitudinal axis, a second width substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a second ratio of the second length to the second width; and The first ratio is greater than the second ratio. 11. The footwear article according to claim 10, further comprising: At least one tension element, said at least one tension element being fixed to the inner layer; and At least one hole, said at least one hole being formed in the outer layer, The at least one tension element is disposed through the at least one hole. 12. The footwear article of claim 11, wherein the inner layer is connected to the outer layer only by the at least one tension element disposed through the at least one hole. 13. The footwear article according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a sole interlayer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer. 14. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the sole interlayer is fixed to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect connection between the inner layer and the outer layer. 15. The footwear article according to any one of claims 10, 11, 12, and 14, wherein the inner layer has no direct connection to the outer layer. 16. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the inner layer has no direct connection to the outer layer. 17. The footwear article according to any one of claims 10, 11, 12, 14, and 16, wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for observing the inner layer. 18. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for observing the inner layer. 19. The footwear article of claim 15, wherein the outer layer includes at least one window for observing the inner layer. 20. The footwear article according to any one of claims 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 19, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 21. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 22. The footwear article of claim 15, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 23. The footwear article of claim 17, wherein at least one of the inner layer and the outer layer includes a cavity in the ankle region of the footwear article to facilitate ankle flexion. 24. The footwear article according to any one of claims 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 23, wherein the inner layer is formed of a first material and the outer layer is formed of a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material comprises a greater tensile resistance than the first material. 25. The footwear article of claim 13, wherein the inner layer is formed of a first material and the outer layer is formed of a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material has a greater tensile resistance than the first material. 26. The footwear article of claim 15, wherein the inner layer is formed of a first material and the outer layer is formed of a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material includes a greater tensile resistance than the first material. 27. The footwear article of claim 17, wherein the inner layer is formed of a first material and the outer layer is formed of a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material comprises a greater tensile resistance than the first material. 28. The footwear article of claim 20, wherein the inner layer is formed of a first material and the outer layer is formed of a second material, wherein at least a portion of the second material comprises a greater tensile resistance than the first material. 29. A method for manufacturing footwear articles, comprising: The outer layer is positioned to at least partially surround the inner layer, the inner layer including a cavity sized to receive at least a portion of the foot; At least one tension element fixed to the inner layer is guided through at least one hole formed in the outer layer; Positioning the sole interlayer between the inner layer and the outer layer; and The sole interlayer is fixed to the inner layer and the outer layer, thereby forming an indirect connection between the inner layer and the outer layer. The inner layer is movable relative to the outer layer at one or more locations where it is separated from the indirect connection. The inner layer does not have a direct attachment to the outer layer. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the first shape of the inner layer is disproportionate to the second shape of the outer layer.