Abstract: An article of orthopaedic footwear comprises an upper of thermosoftening plastics material, e.g. a vinyl polyer, having a lining of resilient expanded thermosoftening plastics material of closed cell construction, e.g. an expanded cross-linked polyethylene. The upper has an autogenously welded seam covered externally by a strip of thermosoftening plastics material, e.g. a vinyl polymer, autogenously welded to the upper on both sides of the seam, e.g. by longitudinal and/or transverse welds. The article can be shaped by forming and/or cutting the upper.