NikePatent applicationClothing & sportInterest 6/10

Nike patents shoe sole with cushioning pods and flexible support frames

Nike has filed a patent for a new shoe sole design that features specific cushioning pods extending from the midsole. These pods are surrounded by flexible struts and connected to a support platform near the toe area to provide structure.

Why it mattersThis design aims to improve how the sole supports the foot, which could lead to changes in the comfort or stability of future running shoes.

In the filing’s own words

A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a midsole including at least one cushioning pod extending from the midsole to a distal end, and at least one support frame unit disposed on the at least one cushioning pod and having (i) one or more resilient struts surrounding the cushioning pod and (ii) a support frame platform connected to the one or more resilient struts adjacent to the distal end of the cushioning pod.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A sole structure for an article of footwear, the sole structure comprising: a midsole including at least one cushioning pod extending from the midsole to a distal end; and at least one support frame unit disposed on the at least one cushioning pod and having (i) one or more resilient struts surrounding the cushioning pod and (ii) a support frame platform connected to the one or more resilient struts adjacent to the distal end of the cushioning pod.

Facts

Company: Nike (NIKE, Inc.)
Official title: SOLE STRUCTURE FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR
Publication number: US20260283307A1
Application number: 19567716
Filed: Mar 16, 2026
Published: Sep 24, 2026
Inventors: 3
Claims: 20

Classified under

A43B 13/184 Human necessitiesA43B 13/122 Human necessities

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.