Cleated footwear

Abstract

An article of footwear, such as a cleated shoe, includes a sole portion with cleats which taper transversely, protruding less at the sole edges and more towards the middle of the sole. The footwear may take the form of a substantially flat sole to which the cleats are anchored and a shock-absorbing outsole portion that the cleats protrude through. The footwear also includes mini cleats arranged along the sole, and the sole includes plural thickness demarcators. The footwear also includes integral ankle protectors, a hinged cuff, and an inner boot.

1 . An article of footwear, such as a cleated shoe, comprising: a sole portion with cleats which taper transversely, protruding less at the sole edges and more towards the middle of the sole.  
   
   
       2 . The footwear of  claim 1  further including mini cleats arranged along the sole.  
   
   
       3 . The footwear of  claim 1  comprising a substantially flat sole the cleats are anchored to and a shock-absorbing outsole portion that said cleats protrude through.  
   
   
       4 . The footwear of  claim 1  wherein the sole includes a plurality of thickness demarcators.  
   
   
       5 . The footwear of  claim 1  further including integral ankle protectors.  
   
   
       6 . The footwear of  claim 1  further including a hinged cuff.  
   
   
       7 . The footwear of  claim 6  further including a hinged cuff with lateral play.  
   
   
       8 . The footwear of  claim 7  wherein said hinged cuff includes a means for adjusting lateral play.  
   
   
       9 . The footwear of  claim 1  further including an inner boot.  
   
   
       10 . The footwear of  claim 1  wherein the cleats are arranged in a circular pattern, thereby minimizing torsional stresses on the knee and ankle.  
   
   
       11 . The article of footwear of  claim 6  that includes a hightop in lieu of a hinged cuff.  
   
   
       12 . The article of footwear of  claim 1  that includes a means for attachment of the shoe to a shin guard.