A sole construction for supporting at least a portion of a human foot and for
providing
energy storage and return is provided. The sole construction includes a generally
horizontal layer of stretchable material, at least one chamber positioned adjacent
a first side of the layer, and at least one actuator positioned adjacent a second
side of the layer vertically aligned with a corresponding chamber. Each actuator
has a footprint size smaller than that of the corresponding chamber, and is sized
and arranged to provide individual support to the bones of the human foot. The
support structure when compressed causes the actuator to push against the layer
and move the layer at least partially into the corresponding chamber. In one embodiment,
the horizontal layer of stretchable material is at least partially enclosed by
a wall the prevents horizontal displacement of the layer during compression.