Abstract: An apparatus for use as a pad and for placement intermediate a rail and a railroad tie includes a plurality of geometrical recesses that extend into the pad, either at a normal longitudinal axis or at an angle other than normal. An elastomeric material is used to form the pad. The recesses may include any geometric shape in plan at the surface of the pad. If desired, a tiered structure, is provided for any of the recesses. According to a modification, any of the recesses are modified to include a longitudinal axis that is not normal. The modified recesses include any geometrical, polygonal, circular, or oval shape in plan at the surface of the pad.