A run-flat tire of improved load bearing capacity after being punctured is disclosed. The tire has two circumferential sidewalls, at least one circumferential intermediate wall interposed between the sidewalls, and a transverse base extending from one sidewall to the other and defining a compartment between a sidewall and an adjacent intermediate wall or between two adjacent intermediate walls. Each compartment is adapted to assume an expanded symmetrical configuration when an adjacent sidewall or intermediate wall is punctured. A carcass portion is provided within each sidewall, each intermediate wall and base. A shock absorber is provided in the vicinity of a junction connecting each intermediate wall to the base. A padding element is affixed to the inner liner portion applied to the bead wrap of each intermediate wall.