A tire includes a plurality of tread blocks disposed circumferentially
around the tire. At least one sipe is formed into at least one of the
tread blocks and is defined by first and second confronting sidewalls.
The sipe has a cross-sectional profile in a plane generally perpendicular
to the top surface of the tread block, which profile has a generally
arcuate central portion and first and second ends separated by the
central portion. The sidewalls are spaced apart at least one first width
at the central portion of the sipe, and are spaced apart at least one
second width at the ends, wherein the second width is greater than the
first width. In one embodiment, the sipe has a cross-sectional profile
having a stepped configuration.