The invention is an article of footwear with an upper and a sole structure. The
primary components of the sole structure are a midsole and a frame element. The
midsole is connected to the upper in a forefoot region of the footwear, but is
unconnected to the upper in a rearfoot region of the footwear. The frame element
is structured to extend onto a heel portion of the upper and around the heel portion
to thereby stabilize the heel portion. The frame element may serve as a spring
that provides cushioning in combination with the midsole. The configuration of
the frame element, which extend onto the heel portion of the upper, leaves a lower
surface of the upper exposed to permit direct contact with the midsole.
