An anisotropic bending element which contains at least the following layers: I. a reinforcing layer I, which contains a fibrous reinforcing component I with a tensile modulus of elasticity of from 1,800 to 20,000 N/mm2, and II. an elastomeric layer II with a tensile modulus of elasticity of from 2 to 1,300 N/mm2; the component I of the reinforcing layer or layers I and the total amount of elastomer of the layer or layers II having in relation to one another a weight ratio of 1:99 to 40:60 and, in the case of bending about an axis running parallel to the reinforcing layer I, the ratio of the rigidity of the complete bending element in the case of a positive direction of rotation in relation to the rigidity in the case of a negative direction of rotation being 1:1.2 or more. The bending element can be used, for example, as an insert part for sports shoes.