A rubber or elastomer laminate comprising a plurality of layers that can be vulcanized or crosslinked, wherein at least one of the layers includes a blowing agent. During vulcanization the layer containing the blowing agent expands to form a closed cell foam rubber layer. In a preferred embodiment, the closed cell foam rubber is interposed between two layers free or substantially free of a blowing agent. Composites, including the laminate, and preferably a metal article, most preferably a rail for use in an electric transit system, are formed by bonding the laminate to the metal article using a suitable bonding agent such as a rubber to metal adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the unvulcanized laminate is applied or connected to the metal article prior to vulcanization. Rubber clad rail assemblies having a closed cell rubber foam layer and methods for preparing the same are disclosed.