Leprosy: microcellular rubber for protective footware

This is a piece of microcellular rubber (MCR). It is one of the materials in India used to make protective footwear for leprosy patients with anaesthetic feet. The softness of the rubber protects the foot by distributing pressure evenly. Sandals or shoes are made with a sole of hard material, such as used car tyres, and with an insole of microcellular rubber from 1 to 1.5 cm thick.