A tread (1) comprising a tread pattern formed of elements in relief (3, 31) defined by grooves (2), at least one of said grooves being oriented in the longitudinal direction of the tread and having a depth H; this tread comprising, axially to the outside of at least one of its edges, at least one element in relief (4), referred to as a “protective element”, having a contact surface (41) which is offset towards the inside of the tread relative to the contact surface (30) of the element(s) in relief (3) which it protects from irregular wear; this element is connected to the protected element (3) by at least one rubber connecting bridge (6) connecting the facing lateral faces (42, 32) of said elements.