Abstract: A brake having a brake element, such as a brake pad for engagement with the flat surface of a disc or like moving element of a brake system, has a relatively soft layer (4) of elastomeric material interposed between a layer of friction material (3) of the pad lining (1), and the backing plate (2) to which the lining (1) is secured. The elastomeric material is required to have a Rockwell value greater than 0.30 millimetre penetration. The elastomeric material may have a Rockwell value of a depth of penetration at least twice that of the friction material. Hot-spotting and thermal damage to the moving element are thus reduced, and so is wear of the lining (1) itself.