Abstract: A shoe comprises an outsole, a midsole operatively connected to the outsole, an insole operatively connected to the midsole, the midsole and insole each having at least one aperture therein, and a cushion. The cushion includes at least one pillar extending generally upwardly from outsole through the at least one aperture in the midsole and the aperture in the insole. The cushion can further include a radial flange sandwiched between the outsole and the midsole.