NikePatent applicationClothing & sportInterest 6/10

Nike patents heel design using angled knit layers for support

Nike has filed a patent for a shoe upper that uses a knitted component in the heel area. This component features wedge-shaped structures made from knit rows that are angled relative to one another, rather than running straight across. The design also allows for different yarns to be woven into specific sections of the knit.

Why it mattersThis filing suggests Nike is refining how they build shoe heels using knitting technology to create specific structural shapes within the fabric.

In the filing’s own words

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a knitted component comprising a course with a plurality of loops. An inlaid strand formed of a second yarn may be included in the knitted component. A first portion of the course may be formed with a first yarn and a second portion of the course may be formed with the second yarn. The inlaid strand may be inlaid within the first portion of the course.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. An article of footwear, comprising: an upper, comprising: a forefoot region, a midfoot region, a heel region, and a knitted component, wherein at least a portion of the knitted component is located in the heel region, and comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped structures with knit courses that are non-parallel to each other; and a sole structure attached to the upper.

Facts

Company: Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
Official title: KNITTED COMPONENT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
Publication number: US20260265965A1
Application number: 19658089
Filed: Apr 24, 2026
Published: Sep 10, 2026
Inventors: 2
Claims: 22

Classified under

D04B 1/123 Textiles & paperD04B 1/22 Textiles & paperD04B 15/56 Textiles & paperA43B 23/0215 Human necessitiesD10B 2403/032 Textiles & paperD10B 2501/043 Textiles & paper

Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.