Energy storage and release sole structure

A sole structure of a shoe comprising:

• an energy capture mechanism positioned in a first midsole region and elastically deformable under the pressure of a foot-strike by the wearer;
• an energy storage and release device positioned a in second midsole region and connected to the energy capture device, the energy storage and release device comprising:
• a storage element movable comprising at least one spring and between a first unloaded position and a second loaded position;
• and
• a locking element cooperating with the storage element to lock the storage element in the second loaded position, and
• wherein actuation of the locking element based on a wearer input releases the storage element to return stored energy to the wearer.

A sole structure having an energy storage and release device comprising:

• a leaf spring assembly movable between a first unloaded position and a second loaded position positioned in a forefoot region;
• and
• a locking linkage cooperating with the leaf spring assembly to lock the leaf spring assembly in the second loaded position, wherein the locking linkage cooperates with the leaf spring assembly so as the locking linkage is moved to a locked position, the leaf spring assembly is moved to the second loaded position;
• and
• a trigger connected to the locking linkage,
• wherein actuation of the locking linkage based on a wearer input releases the locking linkage to an unlocked position and allows the leaf spring assembly to move to the first unloaded position and thereby return stored energy to the wearer.