The invention relates to a mold and a process for molding a tread 11 and a tire having a tread, the tread including a running surface 12, lateral surfaces 13, axial recesses 15 opening axially on to at least one of the lateral surfaces, the process including steps of inserting into the uncured tread projections 5 which mold the axial recesses 15, and of then removing them from the vulcanized tread, the process being characterized in that the projections 5 are inserted in the direction of the thickness of the tread 11 and are removed in the direction of the width of the tread 11.