Abstract: Improved cushioned footwear of the type in which, in the past, nails, such as heel nails, gang nails and/or heel seat nails extended into the heel area of the footwear and/or in which, in the past, such footwear included a rigid shank which extended into the heel area, is formed with an opening in the heel area. The heel plug of a cushioning element is placed in the opening. The apparatus for forming the opening is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for precisely perforating an opening in footwear by positioning the footwear on a foot form with the outsole facing upward, supporting the vamp area of the footwear by a V-shaped support, clamping the rear section of the footwear to stabilize the footwear and moving the footwear upwardly against the die under pressure so that an opening is perforated in the heel area of the footwear. The apparatus includes a shuttle member on which the foot form, the V-shaped support and the clamp are carried. The clamp is activated when the shuttle is moved to contact a limit switch. The footwear is caused to be moved upwardly against the die under pressure upon the operator activating a switch.