Abstract: An injection molded sole (10) has an upper ungrooved portion (2) and a lower tread portion (4). At least two, continuous, undulating S-shaped grooves (6) extend generally longitudinally of the tread portion between the toe and heel ends thereof, and a plurality of grooves extending generally transversely intersect the longitudinally extending undulating grooves. The grooves have a minimum depth of about 5 mm and define individual separated tread areas (28) which can be moved apart during flexing of the sole (10). The flexibility of the sole is such that when it is incorporated in footwear, it does not restrict rolling movements of the foot when walking so that a gait can be adopted which is akin to barefoot walking.

Abstract: An injection moulded sole (10) has an upper ungrooved portion (2) and a lower tread portion (4). At least two, continuous, undulating S-shaped grooves (6) extend generally longitudinally of the tread portion between the toe and heel ends thereof, and a plurality of grooves extending generally transversely intersect the longitudinally extending undulating grooves. The grooves have a minimum depth of about 5 mm and define individual separated tread areas (28) which can be moved apart during flexing of the sole (10). The flexibility of the sole is such that when it is incorporated in footwear, it does not restrict rolling movements of the foot when walking so that a gait can be adopted which is akin to barefoot walking.

Abstract: A mat (12) of impervious material for incorporation in an article, such as an article of footwear, for enabling airflow has a plurality of passageways (14) extending in a plane of the mat (12). At least one of the passageways of the plurality (14) is interconnected with at least one further passageway which extends substantially transversely to the plane of the mat (12). Air in passageways of the plurality can therefore flow to the further passageway(s) and air in the further passageway(s) can flow to passageways of the plurality. Air can therefor flow within the mat in two substantially transverse directions. Such a mat can be incorporated into an article to enable air flow into and out of the article.