an integrally molded midsole for an athletic shoe having tubular suspension members is disclosed . the tubular suspension members behave as springs and have spring constants which may be designed for a particular application by choice of the tube length , the tube wall thickness or the hardness of the tube material . preferably , the midsole is made of an elastomer such as hytrel that is cast in a preformed shape and thereafter subjected to substantial compressive forces so that the tubular springs take a compression set and thereafter perform as near - ideal springs .