The invention is an upper for an article of footwear that includes a textile
having fusible filaments or fibers. The textile is incorporated into the upper
and specific areas of the upper are heated such that the fusible filaments or fibers
fuse with other filaments or fibers to form fused areas. In comparison with unfused
areas of the upper, the fused areas may impart properties that include greater
stretch-resistance, stability, support, abrasion-resistance, durability, and stiffness,
for example. In addition, the fused areas generally provide air-permeability without
significantly increasing the weight of the footwear.
