Abstract: An iron and a soleplate having an improved anti-friction layer are provided. Said soleplate is characterized in that the anti-friction layer consists predominantly of aluminum oxide which is formed in an electrochemical manner. The anti-friction layer on the inventive soleplate and hence on the inventive iron can be provided in a simple and cheap manner. It has additionally been found that the layer thus provided meets a large number of requirements, such as a sufficient degree of hardness, good anti-friction properties, a low corrosion resistance a good scratch resistance, good gliding properties and that it is easy to clean such a layer. If desired, the anti-friction layer is applied to an intermediate layer which is situated between the anti-friction layer and the soleplate. By virtue thereof, use can be made of an injection-moldable aluminum soleplate on which an electrochemical anti-friction layer is more difficult to form.