BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate generally to a method of customizing an article of footwear, and, in particular, to a method of customizing an article of footwear to have a specified heel stiffness profile.

Articles of footwear generally include two primary elements: an upper and a sole member. The upper is often formed from a plurality of material elements (e.g., textiles, polymer sheet layers, foam layers, leather, and synthetic leather) that are stitched or adhesively bonded together to form a void on the interior of the footwear for comfortably and securely receiving a foot. More particularly, the upper forms a structure that extends over the instep and toe areas of the foot, along medial and lateral sides of the foot, and around a heel area of the foot. The upper may also incorporate a lacing system to adjust the fit of the footwear, as well as permitting entry and removal of the foot from the void within the upper. In addition, the upper may include a tongue that extends under the lacing system to enhance adjustability and comfort of the footwear, and the upper may incorporate a heel counter.

The sole member is secured to a lower portion of the upper so as to be positioned between the foot and the ground. In athletic footwear, for example, the sole member includes a midsole and an outsole.

Articles of footwear are usually manufactured in bulk and are sold without customization. For example, articles of footwear are typically sold with only one option for heel stiffness.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of customizing an article of footwear. The method may include a step of 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. The first article of footwear may have a first heel stiffness profile. The method may include a step of providing the first article of footwear to a customer. The method may include a step of providing an evaluation system to the customer. The method may include a step of receiving a customer evaluation of heel stability of the first article of footwear. The method may include a step of 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. The method may include a step of 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. The method may include a step of providing the second article of footwear to the customer.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of customizing an article of footwear. The method may include a step of 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. The method may include a step of providing the first article of footwear to a customer. The method may include a step of providing an evaluation system to the customer. The method may include a step of receiving a first customer evaluation of heel stability of the first article of footwear. The method may include a step of 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. The method may include a step of 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. The method may include a step of adjusting the second sole structure of the second article of footwear to have the second heel stiffness profile. The method may include a step of providing the second article of footwear to the customer.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of customizing an article of footwear. The method may include a step of 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. The method may include a step of providing the first article of footwear to a customer. The method may include a step of providing an evaluation system to the customer. The method may include a step of receiving a customer evaluation of heel stability of the first article of footwear. The method may include a step of manufacturing a second article of footwear having a second sole structure with a forefoot region, a heel region opposite the forefoot region, a midfoot region disposed between the forefoot region and the heel region, wherein the second sole structure has an outer surface with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall. The method may include a step of removing material from the outer surface of 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. The method may include a step of providing the second article of footwear to the customer.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.

