| CPC A43C 11/165 (2013.01) [A43C 1/00 (2013.01); A43C 7/02 (2013.01); A43C 11/008 (2013.01)] | 19 Claims |

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1. An article of footwear comprising:
an upper;
a sole;
a bite line;
a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region;
a medial side and a lateral side extending between the forefoot region and the heel region;
a single flap positioned entirely in the midfoot region on the lateral side of the article of footwear, wherein the flap has an upper region and a lower region that is thicker and more rigid than the upper region, wherein the flap comprises a rigid and stiff layer that is moveable in an arc between a relaxed position and an engaged position; and
a closure system that secures the flap to the upper, wherein the closure system comprises a lace with a first end coupled to an adjustable dial positioned in the heel region and a second end that is fixedly coupled to the lower region of the flap,
wherein the closure system is configured to cross over an outer surface portion of the flap to engage a lace guide and a lace anchor provided above the outer surface portion of the flap,
wherein the closure system is adjustable to (i) secure the flap to the lateral side of the upper and (ii) separate from a forefoot end of the flap to allow the flap to arc outwards and away from the upper.
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