Abstract: The elastically deformable base of an article of footwear has a substantially plane lower surface which is formed with a deep recess below the heel, with an elongated shallow recess below the outer portion of the instep, with a two-part recess below the ball and with a two-part recess below the toes of the foot resting on the upper surface of the base. The depth of the recesses is reduced to zero or close to zero when the corresponding sections of the base are stressed by the adjacent portions of the foot during walking, jogging or running. The depth of the recesses is proportional to the magnitude of shocks or stresses which are transmitted to the corresponding sections of the base in actual use of the article of footwear. The upper surface of the base is deformed in response to a reduction of the depth of recesses in the plane lower surface so that the profile of the foot is imprinted into successive portions of the upper surface when the article of footwear is in use.