US Patent 7395616 Article of footwear with a pivoting sole element

An article of footwear is disclosed that has a sole structure with a sole element and a coupling. The sole element is spaced from a remainder of the footwear to define a space between a portion of the sole element and the remainder of the footwear. The coupling extends upward from the sole element to join the sole element with the remainder of the footwear. The coupling is spaced from the periphery of the sole element, and the coupling is the only attachment point between the sole element and the remainder of the footwear. In operation, the coupling permits the sole element to pivot in relation to the remainder of the footwear.