GROUND-ENGAGING STRUCTURES FOR ARTICLES OF FOOTWEAR

Ground-engaging components for articles of footwear include: (a) an outer perimeter boundary rim that at least partially defines an outer perimeter of the ground-engaging component, wherein the outer perimeter boundary rim defines an open space at least at a forefoot support area of the ground-engaging component; and (b) a matrix structure extending at least partially across the open space at least at the forefoot support area to define an open cellular construction with plural open cells in the open space at least at the forefoot support area. A plurality of these open cells of the open cellular construction have openings with curved perimeters and no distinct corners. Additional aspects of this invention relate to ground-engaging components that are very lightweight yet very stiff, particularly in the forefoot support area. Two or more sizes of the ground-engaging components may be provided with substantially constant forefoot stiffness (optionally substantially constant over a size run).