Midsoles, and articles of footwear having such midsoles, with a distal surface profile based, in whole or in part, on a pressure map of pressures exerted on the bottom of a human foot when in contact with the ground are provided. The pressure map may be a measurement of the pressures exerted on the bottom of a human foot during, for example, standing, walking, or running (e.g., a natural
gait). The distal surface profile of a midsole and an article of footwear may be defined, at least in part, by a plurality of
cushioning projections extending from the midsole and having predetermined height profiles based on a pressure map. Methods of making midsoles and articles of footwear including a distal surface profile based, in whole or in part, on a pressure map are also provided.