<p>The invention relates to an item of protective footwear with external metatarsal protection which is in the form of a flexible side member having at least two air chamber regions separated by a flat section extending at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the foot. Consequently, the metatarsus is well protected from knocks and impacts etc. without there being a restriction on the freedom to move, in particular, bending in the middle of the foot.</p>
