A method of forming an item of footwear

In a method of forming an item of footwear 100, a sole member 2 formed of a first rubber material having a first compressive resistance is provided. The sole 2 includes a cavity 4 in an upper surface of a heel region. An insert 6, having a second compressive resistance lower than the first compressive resistance, is placed into the chamber 4. An upper part 8 formed of a second rubber material is then attached to the sole 2 by vulcanising at a first temperature. The material of the insert 6 is solid at this temperature. An item of footwear 100 comprising the sole 2, insert 6 and upper 8 is also disclosed, wherein the material of the insert 6 has a melting temperature above 140 degrees Celsius. The insert 4 may include a plurality of air pockets or channels arranged therein, which may form a honeycomb structure.