US Patent 10470524 Article of footwear

The present invention is directed toward an article of footwear with an improved eyelet system independent of the upper. The article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure, where the sole structure includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral side and a medial side. The article of footwear further includes an eyelet system coupled to the top surface of the sole structure. The eyelet system includes a base structure and a plurality of looped strand portions coupled to the base structure. The base structure is coupled to the top surface of the sole structure such that the plurality of looped strand portions extend outwardly from the sole structure, enabling the looped strand portions to receive a fastening element.