An article of protective footwear in the form of a boot (10) protects a foot (12) of a user against effects of a landmine explosion. A composite sole volume (16) between an outer sole (18) and an inner sole (20) incorporates shock wave guide elements (28) of a material having a high acoustic speed, in the form of glass strips which extend spatially from the outer sole (18) obliquely laterally outwardly to a side of the sole volume. The strips (28) are surrounded by liquid. Above the strips (28) and below the inner sole (20), there is provided a barrier of material having a low acoustic speed, e.g. vermiculite. Surrounding the foot (12), opposed to the sole of the foot, there is provided a fluid having a high acoustic speed, e.g. glycerin to ensure effective transfer of any shock wave component entering the foot, away from the foot.