A bearing (24, 86) adapted to support and allow controlled relative movement with an opposed bearing surface. The bearing is constructed to have a long life by incorporating a locally compliant surface that addresses many causes of friction and wear. The bearing (24, 86) includes a plurality of support members (28) extending from a base. Together, the plurality of support members (28) can support a load applied perpendicular to the base through an opposed bearing. Additionally, the plurality of support members (28) allow sliding contact between the opposed bearings. The support members (28) can move independently to accommodate irregularities located between the support member and the opposed bearing, such that plowing is reduced and wear to the bearings is minimized. Also, the support members (28) maintain the distance between the opposed bearing when any foreign particle or asperity causes one or more of the support members to flex independently on a localized basis.