CN115702712A - Footwear with alternating lacing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to footwear with an alternating lacing system. An article of footwear is provided, comprising: (a) an upper having a tongue opening at a front portion thereof; (b) A padded tongue including a tongue flap positioned over the tongue opening, and a pair of padding that attach laterally opposite sides of the tongue flap to the upper; (c) A pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten respective sides of the tongue flap to the upper; (d) A first lacing system located on the upper and arranged to direct lacing over the padded tongue and tongue fastener when the side of the tongue is secured to the upper; and (e) a second lacing system located on the tongue flap and arranged to direct the lace over the tongue flap and away from the tongue fastener when the side of the tongue flap is unfastened from the upper.

Description

Footwear with alternating lacing system

Technical Field

This specification relates generally to footwear, and more particularly to footwear fastening systems.

Background

Articles of footwear (e.g., boots) typically include a fastening system (e.g., lacing system, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, etc.) for tightening and securing the footwear about the foot and/or lower leg of the wearer.

Disclosure of Invention

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of applicants' teachings and is not intended to limit any invention thereto.

According to some aspects, a boot for wearing on a foot and lower leg of a wearer, comprising: (a) An upper having a forefoot portion for covering a forefoot of a wearer, a rear portion opposite the forefoot portion for covering a rear and a lower leg of the foot of the wearer, and a pair of laterally spaced side portions extending between the forefoot portion and the rear portion for covering opposite sides of the foot and the lower leg. The pair of side portions have respective front edges above the forefoot portion that are laterally spaced from one another by a tongue opening. The boot further comprises: (b) a padded tongue covering the tongue opening. The padded tongue includes a tongue flap positioned over a tongue opening and a gusset that attaches opposite lateral edges of the tongue flap to respective lateral portions of the upper. The boot further comprises: (c) A pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten respective lateral edges of the tongue flap to respective lateral portions of the upper. The tongue fastener is configurable between an open configuration in which each lateral edge of the tongue flap is spaced from a forward edge of the respective lateral portion by a gap across which the respective bootie extends to expand the boot opening of the boot, and a closed configuration in which each lateral edge of the tongue flap is fastened to the respective lateral portion adjacent the forward edge of the respective lateral portion to close the gap and fold the bootie for collapsing the boot opening. The boot further comprises: (d) A lateral lacing system located on a lateral portion of the upper outboard of the tongue fastener. The lateral lacing system includes a pair of lateral rows of lace guides. Each lateral row is adjacent a front edge of a respective side portion, and the pair of lateral rows are arranged to guide a lace over the padded tongue and tongue fastener between the pair of lateral rows when the tongue fastener is in the closed configuration. The boot further comprises: (e) A medial lacing system located on the tongue flap inboard of the tongue fastener. The medial lacing system includes a pair of medial rows of lace guides. Each medial row is connected to the tongue flap adjacent a respective lateral edge, and the pair of medial rows are configured to guide a lace across the tongue flap and out of the tongue flap fastener and gusset between the pair of medial rows when the tongue flap fastener is in the open configuration.

In some examples, each tongue fastener includes a zipper.

In some examples, the boot further includes a lower lacing system located on at least the forefoot portion of the upper under the tongue fastener. The lower lacing system includes a pair of lower rows of lace guides. Each lower row is positioned toward a respective side of the upper, and the pair of lower rows are configured to guide a lower portion of the lace at least over the forefoot portion with an upper portion of the lace being guided through either of the medial and lateral lacing systems.

In some examples, each medial row of lace guides includes a plurality of lace receiving openings spaced apart from one another along respective lateral edges of the tongue flap. In some examples, the medial lacing system includes a pair of straps attached to the tongue flap. Each strap extends along and adjacent a respective lateral edge of the tongue flap and has: (i) A plurality of attachment portions attached to the tongue flap and spaced apart from each other along the lateral edge, and (ii) a plurality of separation portions interspersed between the attachment portions and spaced apart from the tongue flap to define the lace-receiving opening.

In some examples, the rear portion and the side portions of the upper have a lower segment that defines a rear waist of the boot and an upper segment that defines a rear and sides of a barrel segment of the boot. The shaft section extends upwardly from the rear waist to an upper perimeter of the upper that defines the boot opening. The tongue flap, gusset, tongue fastener, and gap extend along substantially the entire length of the shaft section.

According to some aspects, an article of footwear comprises: (a) An upper having a tongue opening at a forward portion thereof and a foot receiving opening at a top portion thereof; (b) A padded tongue including a tongue flap positioned over the tongue opening and a pair of padding that attach laterally opposite sides of the tongue flap to the upper; (c) A pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten respective sides of the tongue flap to and from the upper for folding and unfolding the gusset to respectively contract and expand the foot-receiving opening; (d) A first lacing system located on the upper and arranged to direct lacing over the padded tongue and tongue fastener when the side of the tongue is secured to the upper; and (e) a second lacing system located on the tongue flap and arranged to direct a lace over the tongue flap and away from the tongue fastener when a side of the tongue flap is unfastened from the upper.

In some examples, each tongue fastener includes a zipper.

In some examples, the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lacing guides attached to the upper on opposite sides of a tongue of the lace gusset.

In some embodiments, the second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lacing guides attached to the tongue flap. Each second row extends adjacent and along a respective side of the tongue flap.

In some examples, the article of footwear further includes a third lacing system on the upper below the first and second lacing systems. The third lacing system is arranged to direct a lower portion of the lace over the upper and away from a tongue and fastener of the lace bootie if an upper portion of the lace is directed through either of the first and second lacing systems. In some examples, the third lacing system includes a pair of third rows of lacing guides attached to the upper. Each third row is located toward and extends along a respective side of the upper.

According to some aspects, an article of footwear comprises: (a) an upper; (b) at least one bootie located in the upper; (c) At least one fastener configured to selectively expand and fold the bootie to expand and contract, respectively, a foot-receiving opening of the article of footwear; (d) A first lacing system located on the upper and arranged to guide a lace over the upper over the at least one bootie and the at least one fastener when the at least one bootie is folded; and (e) a second lacing system located inboard of the first lacing system and arranged to direct lacing away from the at least one bootie and the at least one fastener when the at least one bootie is deployed.

In some examples, the at least one fastener comprises a zipper.

In some embodiments, the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lace guide elements and the second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lace guide elements positioned between the pair of first rows.

In some embodiments, the article of footwear includes a tongue flap having at least one lateral edge attached to the upper by the at least one gusset, and wherein the first lacing system is outboard of the tongue flap and the at least one gusset, and the second lacing system is on the tongue flap.

In some examples, the article of footwear further includes a third lacing system on the upper below the first and second lacing systems. The third lacing system is arranged to direct a lower portion of the lace over the upper and away from the at least one bootie and the at least one fastener if an upper portion of the lace is directed through either of the first and second lacing systems.

Drawings

The drawings included herein are for the purpose of illustrating various examples of articles, systems, and methods of this specification and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example boot in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the boot in a deployed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the boot of FIG. 1;

figure 4 is a top view of the boot of figure 1; and

figure 5 is a side view of the boot of figure 1.

Detailed Description

Various articles, systems or processes will be described below to provide examples of embodiments of each claimed invention. The embodiments described below do not limit any claimed invention, and any claimed invention may cover articles of manufacture, systems or processes that differ from those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to an article, system, or process that has all of the features of any one of the articles, systems, or processes described below, nor to features that are common to multiple or all of the articles, systems, or processes described below. The article, system, or process described below may not be an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an article, system, or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protective document (e.g., a continuous patent application), and it is not the intention of the applicant, inventor, or owner to disclaim, deny, or dedicate any such invention to the public by virtue of the disclosure in this document.

Articles of footwear, such as, for example, boots, typically include a tightening system for contracting and tightening the boot about the foot and lower leg of the wearer to achieve a secure fit. In some cases, it may be necessary or desirable to have the boot partially or fully released and/or extended during use (e.g., to accommodate insertion of a thicker coat (e.g., snow pants) into the boot).

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an article of footwear in the form of a boot includes an upper with one or more fasteners (e.g., zippers). The one or more fasteners can be selectively opened to expand a shaft segment defining a foot-receiving boot opening of the boot to obtain a looser fit (e.g., by allowing one or more booties in the shaft segment to expand). The one or more fasteners can be closed to contract the shaft segment and boot opening to achieve a tighter fit (e.g., by folding the one or more booties). The boot may also include an alternative lacing system that includes a first lacing system for use when the fasteners are closed and a separate second lacing system for use when the fasteners are open. The first lacing system can be used to adjust the tightness of the boot opening and the shaft section when retracted and to guide the lace over the closed fasteners, for example, to inhibit undesired opening of the fasteners and to facilitate a tighter and more secure fit. The second lacing system can be used to adjust the tightness of the shell segment as the boot opening and shell segment are deployed, and/or to keep the laces clear of the fasteners (e.g., to allow access and use of the fasteners) and/or to keep the laces arranged in an organized and aesthetic manner. In some examples, the first lacing system can be disposed outboard of the one or more fasteners to allow lacing to be guided by the first lacing system over the fasteners, and the first lacing system can be referred to as an outboard lacing system. The second lacing system may be disposed inboard of the first lacing system (and in some examples, between a pair of fasteners), and the second lacing system may be referred to as a medial lacing system.

Referring to fig. 1, an example article of footwear in the form of a boot 100 is shown. The boot 100 has a sole 102 and an upper 104 coupled to the sole 102. Upper 104 includes a forefoot portion 106 for covering a forefoot of the wearer, a rear portion 108 opposite forefoot portion 106 for covering the foot and lower leg of the wearer (including the ankle and achilles tendon), and a laterally spaced pair of side portions 110a, 110b extending between forefoot portion 106 and rear portion 108 for covering opposite sides (i.e., lateral and medial sides) of the foot and lower leg of the wearer. In the illustrated example, the forefoot portion 106 defines a toe section 112 and a toe section 114 of the upper 104. The rear portion 108 and the side portions 110a, 110b have a lower section that collectively defines the rear waist 116 of the boot 100 and an upper section that defines the rear and sides of the barrel section 118 of the boot 100. Shaft section 118 extends upwardly from rear waist 116 to upper perimeter 120 of upper 104. In the illustrated example, the upper perimeter 120 defines a collar of the boot 100. The upper perimeter 120 bounds the rear and sides of a foot-receiving boot opening 122 of the boot 100. Boot opening 122 opens into the top of boot 100.

Referring to fig. 2, in the illustrated example, the pair of side portions 110a, 110b have respective anterior edges 124a, 124b above the forefoot portion 106. Forward edges 124a, 124b are laterally spaced apart from one another by a tongue opening 126 that opens toward the front of upper 104. In the illustrated example, the forward edges 124a, 124b and tongue opening 126 are located on the shaft segment 118 of the boot 100 and extend along substantially the entire length of the shaft segment 118.

In the illustrated example, the boot 100 includes a padded tongue 128 that covers the tongue opening 126. In the illustrated example, tongue 128 defines a forward portion of shaft section 118. In the illustrated example, the padded tongue 128 includes a tongue flap 130 positioned over the tongue opening 126. In the illustrated example, the tongue flap 130 has a lower end 132 attached to the forefoot portion 106 of the upper 104, an upper end 134 adjacent the upper perimeter 120 and bounding a front of the boot opening 122, and a pair of lateral edges 136a, 136b extending between the lower end 132 and the upper end 134 on laterally opposite sides of the tongue flap 130.

Still referring to fig. 2, in the illustrated example, the padded tongue 128 has a pair of gussets 138a, 138b that attach respective lateral edges 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130 to respective lateral portions 110a, 110b of the upper 104. In the illustrated example, each gusset 138a, 138b comprises a piece of material and extends lengthwise (vertically in the illustrated example) between the lower end 132 and the upper end 134 along a respective lateral edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130. In the illustrated example, each gusset 138a, 138b extends laterally between an inner edge attached to tongue flap 130 adjacent respective side edge 136a, 136b of tongue flap 130 and an outer edge attached to respective side portion 110a, 110b adjacent front edge 124a, 124b.

Referring to fig. 1, in the illustrated example, the boot 100 includes a pair of tongue fasteners 144a, 144b configured to selectively fasten or unfasten respective lateral edges 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130 to or from respective lateral portions 110a, 110b of the upper 104. In the illustrated example, the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b may be configured between an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 2) and a closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1). Referring to fig. 2, when the tongue fastener 144a, 144b is in the open configuration, each side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130 is laterally spaced from the forward edge 124a, 124b of the respective side portion 110a, 110b by a gap 146a, 146b, with the respective gusset 138a, 138b extending across the gap 146a, 146b to expand the boot opening 122 and the shaft section 118. This may help provide a looser fit around the lower leg, e.g., to accommodate thicker pants (e.g., snow pants). Referring to fig. 1, when the tongue fastener 144a, 144b is in the closed configuration, each lateral edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130 is fastened to the respective side portion 110a, 110b adjacent the forward edge 124a, 124b of the respective r side portion 110a, 110b to close the gap 146a, 146b and fold the respective gusset 138a, 138b, thereby contracting the boot opening 122 and the shaft section 118. This may allow a tighter fit around the lower leg, and in some examples a firmer fit.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the illustrated example, each tongue fastener 144a, 144b includes a zipper. Each zipper includes an outer row 148 of interlockable teeth extending along the front edge 124a, 124b of the respective side portion 110a, 110b, an inner row 150 of interlockable teeth extending along the respective side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130, and a slider 152 movable up and down along the outer and inner rows 148, 150 of teeth to zip up and down.

Referring to fig. 2, in the illustrated example, each tongue fastener 144a, 144b extends from the lower end 132 to the upper end 134 of the tongue flap 130 along a respective lateral edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130. In the illustrated example, each gap 146a, 146b extends along the respective lateral edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130 from the lower end 132 to the upper end 134 of the tongue flap 130 when the fasteners 144a, 144b are in the open configuration, and each gap 146a, 146b is generally V-shaped and flares laterally in an upward direction toward the upper end 134 of the tongue flap 130. In the illustrated example, the tongue flap 130, the gusset 138a, 138b, the tongue fastener 144a, 144b, and the gap 146a, 146b extend along substantially the entire length of the shaft segment 118 of the boot 100.

Referring to fig. 1 and 5, in the illustrated example, lateral lacing system 154 is provided on lateral portions 110a, 110b of upper 104 outboard of tongue fasteners 144a, 144b. In the illustrated example, lateral lacing system 154 includes a pair of lateral rows 156a, 156b of respective lateral lace guides 158a, 158b. The outer rows 156a, 156b are laterally spaced apart from one another, and each outer row 156a, 156b is adjacent the front edge 124a, 124b of the respective side portion 110a, 110b. Each lateral row 156a, 156b includes a plurality of respective lateral lace guides 158a, 158b that are spaced apart from one another along the front edges 124a, 124b of the respective side portions 110a, 110b (see also fig. 5). In the illustrated example, the pair of lateral rows 156a, 156b are arranged to guide a lace 159 (e.g., in a cross or other lacing pattern) between the pair of lateral rows 156a, 156b over the padded tongue 128 and tongue fasteners 144a, 144b when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in a closed configuration (with the gaps 146a, 146b closed and the gussets 138a, 138b folded).

Referring to fig. 2, in the illustrated example, a medial lacing system 160 is provided on the tongue flap 130 inboard of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b. Medial lacing system 160 includes a pair of medial rows 162a, 162b of corresponding medial lace guides 164a, 164b. Medial rows 162a, 162b are laterally spaced apart from one another, and each medial row 162a, 162b is attached to tongue flap 130 adjacent a respective side edge 136a, 136b. Each medial row 162a, 162b includes a plurality of respective medial lace guides 164a, 164b that are spaced apart from one another along respective side edges 136a, 136b. The pair of medial rows 162a, 162b are arranged to guide a lace 159 (e.g., in a cross or other lacing pattern) between the pair of medial rows 162a, 162 over the tongue flap 130 inboard of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b and out of the way of the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b when the tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in an open configuration.

In the illustrated example, a lower lacing system 166 is provided on at least forefoot portion 106 of upper 104, with lower lacing system 166 being below tongue fasteners 144a, 144b and lateral and medial lacing systems 154, 160. The lower lacing system 166 includes a pair of lower rows 168a, 168b of corresponding lower lace guides 170a, 170b. The pair of lower rows 168a, 168b are laterally spaced apart from one another, and each lower row 168a, 168b is positioned toward a respective side of upper 104. Each lower row 168a, 168b includes a plurality of respective lower lace guides 170a, 170b that are spaced apart from one another at least along the forefoot portion 106. The pair of lower rows 168a, 168b are arranged to guide lower portion 159a of lace 159 at least over forefoot portion 106 if upper portion 159b of lace 159 is guided through either of medial lacing system 160 and lateral lacing system 154 (e.g., depending on whether tongue fasteners 144a, 144b are in a closed configuration for use with lateral lacing system 154, as shown in fig. 1, or an open configuration for use with medial lacing system 160, as shown in fig. 2). In the illustrated example, the lower lacing system 166 also includes a central lace guide 172, the central lace guide 172 being forward of the pair of lower rows 168a, 168b of lower lace guides 170a, 170b and centered between the pair of lower rows 168a, 168 b.

In the illustrated example, each of the lateral lacing system 154, the medial lacing system 160, and the lower lacing system 166 is disposed on an exterior of the boot 100. In the illustrated example, each of lateral lace guides 158a, 158b, medial lace guides 164a, 164b, and lower lace guides 170a, 170b can include, for example, eyelets, hooks, loops, openings, and/or combinations thereof.

Referring to fig. 3, in the illustrated example, medial lace guide 164a, 164b includes a plurality of lace receiving openings 174 that are spaced apart from one another along respective lateral edges 136a, 136b of tongue flap 130. In the illustrated example, medial lacing system 160 includes a pair of straps 176a, 176b attached to tongue flap 130. Each strap 176a, 176b extends along and adjacent to a respective side edge 136a, 136b of the tongue flap 130. Each strip 176a, 176b has: a plurality of attachment portions 178 attached to tongue flap 130 and spaced apart from one another along respective side edges 136a, 136 b; and a plurality of breakaway portions 180 interspersed between attachment portions 178 and spaced apart from tongue flap 130 to define lace-receiving opening 174.

Referring to fig. 5, in the illustrated example, lateral lace guide 158a, 158b of each lateral row 156a, 156b includes a plurality of eyelets 182 (see also fig. 1) that are spaced apart from one another along forward edges 124a, 124b of respective side portions 110a, 110b. In the illustrated example, lateral lace guide 158a, 158b of each lateral row 156a, 156br also includes at least one upper D-ring 184 (see also fig. 1) positioned above the plurality of eyelets 182 and adjacent to upper perimeter 120.

Referring to fig. 4, in the illustrated example, the lower lace guides 170a, 170b of each lower row 168a, 168b include a plurality of lower D-rings 186 spaced apart from one another along the forefoot portion 106 of the upper 104. Referring to fig. 5, in the illustrated example, the lower lace guides 170a, 170b of each lower row 168a, 168b also include eyelets 188. The eyelets 188 of each lower row 168a, 168b are positioned rearward of the lower D-rings 186 of each lower row 168a, 168b (and below the lateral and medial lacing systems 154, 160). In the illustrated example, the central lace guide 172 of the lower lacing system 166 includes a loop.

Claims (17)

1. A boot for wearing on a foot and lower leg of a wearer, the boot comprising:

a) An upper including a forefoot portion for covering a forefoot of a wearer, a rear portion opposite the forefoot portion for covering a rear and a lower leg of the foot of the wearer, and a pair of laterally spaced side portions extending between the forefoot portion and the rear portion for covering opposite sides of the foot and the lower leg, the pair of side portions having respective front edges above the forefoot portion and being laterally spaced from one another with a tongue opening;

b) A padded tongue covering the tongue opening, the padded tongue comprising: a tongue flap positioned over the tongue opening; and a pair of gussets attaching opposite lateral side edges of the tongue flap to respective lateral side portions of the upper;

c) A pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten respective side edges of the tongue flap to and from respective side portions of the upper, the tongue fasteners being configurable between an open configuration in which each side edge of the tongue flap is spaced from a forward edge of the respective side portion by a gap, a respective bootie extending across the gap to expand a boot opening of the boot, and a closed configuration in which each side edge of the tongue flap is fastened to and adjacent a forward edge of the respective side portion to close the gap and fold the bootie for contracting the boot opening;

d) A lateral lacing system located on the side portion of the upper outboard of the tongue fastener, the lateral lacing system including a pair of lateral rows of lacing guides, each lateral row being adjacent a front edge of the respective side portion, and the pair of lateral rows being arranged to guide a lace between the pair of lateral rows over the padded tongue and the tongue fastener when the tongue fastener is in the closed configuration; and

e) A medial lacing system on the tongue flap inboard of the tongue fastener, the medial lacing system including a pair of medial rows of lacing guides, each medial row attached to the tongue flap adjacent a respective lateral edge, and the pair of medial rows arranged to guide a lace across the tongue flap between the pair of medial rows and out of the tongue fastener and gusset when the tongue fastener is in the open configuration.

2. The boot of claim 1, wherein each tongue fastener comprises a zipper.

3. The boot of claim 1, further comprising a lower lacing system located at least on the forefoot portion of the upper and below the tongue fastener, the lower lacing system including a pair of lower rows of lace guides, each lower row positioned toward a respective side of the upper, and the pair of lower rows arranged to guide a lower portion of the lace at least over the forefoot portion as an upper portion of the lace is guided through either of the medial and lateral lacing systems.

4. The boot of claim 1, wherein the lace guide of each medial row includes a plurality of lace-receiving openings spaced apart from one another along respective lateral edges of the tongue flap.

5. The boot of claim 4, wherein the medial lacing system comprises a pair of straps attached to the tongue flap, each strap extending along and adjacent a respective lateral edge of the tongue flap, and each strap having: (i) A plurality of attachment portions attached to the tongue flap and spaced apart from each other along the lateral edge, and (ii) a plurality of detachment portions interspersed between the attachment portions and spaced apart from the tongue flap to define the lace receiving opening.

6. The boot of claim 1, wherein the rear and side portions of the upper have a lower section defining a rear waist of the boot and an upper section defining a rear and side of a shaft section of the boot, the shaft section extending upwardly from the rear waist to an upper perimeter of the upper that bounds the boot opening, and wherein the tongue flap, the gusset, the tongue fastener, and the gap extend along substantially the entire length of the shaft section.

7. An article of footwear, comprising:

a) An upper having a tongue opening at a front portion thereof and a foot receiving opening at a top portion thereof;

b) A lined tongue, the lined tongue comprising: a tongue flap positioned over the tongue opening; and a pair of gussets attaching laterally opposite sides of the tongue flap to the upper;

c) A pair of tongue fasteners configured to selectively fasten and unfasten respective sides of the tongue flap to and from the upper for folding and unfolding the gusset to respectively contract and expand the foot-receiving opening;

d) A first lacing system located on the upper and arranged to direct a lace over the padded tongue and the tongue fastener when a side of the tongue is secured to the upper; and

e) A second lacing system located on the tongue flap and arranged to guide a lace over the tongue flap and away from the tongue fastener when a side of the tongue flap is unfastened from the upper.

8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein each tongue fastener includes a zipper.

9. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lacing guides attached to the upper on opposite sides of a tongue of the padded shoe.

10. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lacing guides attached to the tongue flap, each second row adjacent to and extending along a respective side of the tongue flap.

11. The article of footwear of claim 7, further comprising a third lacing system located on the upper below the first and second lacing systems, the third lacing system arranged to guide a lower portion of the lace over the upper and away from a tongue and fasteners of the padded bootie as the upper portion of the lace is guided through either of the first and second lacing systems.

12. The article of footwear according to claim 11, wherein the third lacing system includes a pair of third rows of lace guides attached to the upper, each third row positioned toward and extending along a respective side of the upper.

13. An article of footwear, comprising:

a) A shoe upper;

b) At least one bootie located in the upper;

c) At least one fastener configured to selectively expand and fold the bootie to expand and contract, respectively, a foot-receiving opening of the article of footwear;

d) A first lacing system located on the upper and arranged to guide a lace over the upper over the at least one bootie and the at least one fastener when the at least one bootie is folded; and

e) A second lacing system located inboard of the first lacing system and arranged to direct the lace away from the at least one bootie and the at least one fastener when the at least one bootie is deployed.

14. The article of footwear according to claim 13, wherein the at least one fastener comprises a zipper.

15. The article of footwear of claim 13, wherein the first lacing system includes a pair of first rows of lace guides and the second lacing system includes a pair of second rows of lace guides positioned between the pair of first rows.

16. The article of footwear of claim 13, further comprising a tongue flap having at least one lateral edge attached to the upper by the at least one gusset, and wherein the first lacing system is outboard of the tongue flap and the at least one gusset, and the second lacing system is located on the tongue flap.

17. The article of footwear according to claim 13, further comprising: (f) A third lacing system positioned on the upper below the first and second lacing systems, the third lacing system arranged to guide a lower portion of the lace across the upper and away from the at least one bootie and the at least one fastener as the upper portion of the lace is guided through either of the first and second lacing systems.

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