ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR

An article of footwear comprises an upper; a plate having a top surface facing the upper and a bottom surface formed on an opposite side than the top surface, the plate extending from a first end in a forefoot region to a second end in a heel region; a first cushioning element having an upper surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate in the forefoot region and including a first side shield extending from the upper surface and along a medial side of the upper and a second side shield extending from the upper surface and along a lateral side of the upper; and one or more fluid-filled bladders each at least partially surrounded by the first cushioning element in the forefoot region and having a top surface attached to the bottom surface of the plate. The first cushioning element includes one or more apertures each configured to receive a corresponding one of the one or more fluid-filled bladders.