Abstract: A tire includes a plurality of tread blocks disposed circumferentially around the tire. At least one sipe is formed into at least one of the tread blocks and is defined by first and second confronting sidewalls. The sipe has a cross-sectional profile in a plane generally perpendicular to the top surface of the tread block, which profile has a generally arcuate central portion and first and second ends separated by the central portion. The sidewalls are spaced apart at least one first width at the central portion of the sipe, and are spaced apart at least one second width at the ends, wherein the second width is greater than the first width. In one embodiment, the sipe has a cross-sectional profile having a stepped configuration.