Abstract: A shoe structure for athletic use includes an upper adapted and constructed to at least partially cover an upper surface of the foot of a wearer of the shoe. A sole element is secured to the upper, and is fabricated from a relatively flexible and cushioned material. A plurality of multi-island platforms are secured to the sole element. The multi-island platforms have varying degrees of stiffness. Stiffer multi-island platforms are located in areas of the foot requiring stiffness to enhance footwear performance, and more flexible multi-island platforms are located in areas of the foot requiring flexibility to enhance footwear performance.