Abstract: The present invention utilizes an upper and a midsole which is disposed in a conventional manner below the upper. The midsole includes an elastomeric material and has a number of spaced-apart horizontal tubes extending the width of the midsole which are encapsulated in the elastomeric material. The tubes are hollow and lay side by side in a direction either perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shoe, parallel to the axis, or in any other direction functional for foot and shoe mechanics. The elastomeric material has a hardness less than the tubes and fills the space between the tubes. To visualize the midsole, a transparent window may be utilized.