In the following questions, choose the correct word that completes the corresponding space in the paragraph below.

In good running shoes, heavily padded soles absorb the shock of hitting hard surfaces. __1__ (These/These soles) are usually made of natural rubber. The wedge reaches from the heel to the arch, and the midsole extends the length of the sole. __2__ (This/This midsole) is thicker at the heel. Like wedges, __3__ (these/these midsoles) are made of shock-absorbing material.