US 2017/0245588 A1 · Method Of Customizing Stability In Articles Of Footwear

Abstract

The disclosed method provides a way to manufacture a style of an article of footwear in bulk, while providing customization for heel stability for individual customers. Moreover, the disclosed method provides a way to customize articles of footwear for a customer on an ongoing basis, such that the heel stability of the articles of footwear is refined until a tailored fit is achieved for the same customer. Generally, the method may include providing a user/customer with an article of footwear, getting evaluation information about the stability of the article of footwear from a survey (e.g., asking the user to rate the stability of the article of footwear in a smartphone app), modifying the next article of footwear provided to the user/customer according to the evaluation information, and iterating through this process to give the user an article optimized for stability.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of customizing an article of footwear, comprising:

manufacturing a first article of footwear having a first sole structure with a forefoot region, a heel region opposite the forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region, wherein the first article of footwear has a first heel stiffness profile;
providing the first article of footwear to a customer;
providing an evaluation system to the customer;
receiving a customer evaluation of heel stability of the first article of footwear;
manufacturing a second article of footwear having a second sole structure with a forefoot region, a heel region opposite the forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region;
adjusting the second sole structure of the second article of footwear to have a second heel stiffness profile that is different from the first heel stiffness profile;
and
providing the second article of footwear to the customer.

5 more elements

A method of customizing an article of footwear, comprising:

manufacturing a first article of footwear having a first sole structure with a forefoot region, a heel region opposite the forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region, wherein the first article of footwear has a first heel stiffness profile;
providing the first article of footwear to a customer;
providing an evaluation system to the customer;
receiving a first customer evaluation of heel stability of the first article of footwear;
manufacturing a second article of footwear having a second sole structure with a forefoot region, a heel region opposite the forefoot region, and a midfoot region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region;
using the first customer evaluation of heel stability to determine a second heel stiffness profile for the second sole structure, wherein the second heel stiffness profile is different from the first heel stiffness profile;
adjusting the second sole structure of the second article of footwear to have the second heel stiffness profile;
and
providing the second article of footwear to the customer.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method Of Customizing Stability In Articles Of Footwear

Life of this patent

Method Of Customizing Stability In Articles Of Footwear

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20