US Patent 7793435 Article of footwear having an integrated support system

Articles of footwear having integrated support structures and methods for producing them. A support structure is formed by finger-like extensions of the upper material that are wrapped around at least the midfoot region of the outer surface of the midsole of the article of footwear to at least partially form a ground engaging surface of the article of footwear. The portions of the shoe upper that wrap around the midsole may have a layer of injected TPU material thereon to form an outsole of the article of footwear. Shoelace eyestays may extend through the top portion of the support structures so that when a wearer wishes to tighten the shoelaces, the entire support structure tightens around the periphery of the upper and sole of at least the midfoot region of the article of footwear.