A flexible strap 401 for retaining protective eyewear 501 on a wearers head comprises an energy absorbing material 201, which may be foam, which deforms to absorb kinetic energy on impact. The energy absorbing material 201 is integrally boned to the strap 401 and has a thickness of 1-6mm. The energy absorbing material 201 may be positioned between first and second layers 302, 303 and/or may comprise a plurality of tubes which may be welded together. The strap 401 may be adjustable 505, breathable and/or comprise elasticated material. A method of manufacturing protective eyewear 501 comprises the steps of obtaining energy absorbing material 201, fabricating a flexible strap 401 and bonding the energy absorbing material 201 to the strap. Adhesives may be used to secure the first and second layers 302, 303 to the energy absorbing material 201. The energy absorbing material 201 may be constructed by extruding tubes with an inner circumference of a first material and an outer circumference of a second material, the second material having a lower melting point, cutting predetermined lengths, arranging the lengths and applying heat to melt the outer circumferences but not the inner circumferences.
