An outsole for an article of footwear including a base and a plurality of
lugs extending from the base in the forefoot and in the heel portions of
the outsole. The lugs each include a leading edge and a trailing edge,
and are individually contoured to include a profile increasing in height
relative to the base from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The
plurality of lugs can also collectively form a contour having an
increasing height profile from toe to heel in both the forefoot portion
and the heel portion of the outsole. The shape of the lugs, both
individually and collectively, permits efficient energy return when
walking and simultaneously provides localized, independent reactivity to
accommodate a wearer's pressure profile and gait.