US Patent 7774884 Article of footwear having an upper with a matrix layer

An article of footwear is disclosed that includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes a matrix structure that defines a plurality of apertures. The apertures may have an elongate configuration to impart differences in the extensibility of the upper in different directions. For example, the matrix layer may be formed from a plurality of segments that cross each other to define the apertures. A method of manufacturing the article of footwear is also disclosed.