NIKE. has filed a patent for an innovative article of footwear with a unique sole structure. The design includes a foam midsole layer with forefoot and heel cushioning components, each containing a bladder and tensile component to provide enhanced comfort and support during physical activities. GlobalData’s report on NIKE gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.

According to GlobalData’s company profile on NIKE, AI-assisted fitness tracking was a key innovation area identified from patents. NIKE's grant share as of January 2024 was 76%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.

Footwear with foam midsole, forefoot and heel cushioning components

Source: United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Credit: NIKE Inc

A newly filed patent (Publication Number: US20240032650A1) describes an innovative article of footwear with a unique sole structure. The footwear includes a foam midsole layer with distinct regions for the forefoot, midfoot, and heel, each with foot-facing and ground-facing surfaces. The forefoot and heel regions feature cushioning components with bladders enclosing gas-filled cavities and tensile components. The forefoot cushioning component has inwardly-protruding bonds that narrow the bladder, allowing fluid communication of gas across the bonds. The patent also details the symmetrical arrangement of inwardly-protruding bonds and articulation axes for the forefoot cushioning component.

Furthermore, the patent outlines the integration of a shank in the midfoot region, with specific placement under the forefoot cushioning component. The footwear design includes top recesses in the foam midsole layer for accommodating the forefoot and heel cushioning components, ensuring a comfortable fit. Additionally, the patent mentions the inclusion of an upper secured to the sole structure, a lateral side wrap, and an arcuate heel clip for added support and stability. The innovative features of this footwear design aim to enhance comfort, performance, and overall user experience, setting it apart in the competitive footwear market.

To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on NIKE, buy the report here.

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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.