An earplug with a stem (22) and with fins (31-34) extending at rearward and radially-outward inclines from the stem, is constructed for comfort and for high noise blocking. The stem has a multiplicity of air pockets (60) lying in an imaginary band (62) that lies on the earplug axis (20). The band has opposite band sides (64, 66) spaced radially inward of the periphery (40) of the stem, the air pockets helping to block the passage of noise. A plurality of the fins are of constant thickness with parallel front and rear surfaces (50, 52), and with the fins being stubby with a fin thickness (T) at least 20% of the fin length (E), and with the front surface (50) of each fin being at least 20% longer than the fin length (E), all as seen in a sectional view taken along the earplug axis (20). Stem peripheral parts (80) that lie between adjacent fins, extend continuously at rearward and radially inward inclines of more than 15°.
