A structure to absorb, dissipate and measure a force includes a plurality of distinct layers. The layers include a first impact absorbing material having an outer face facing the direction of expected impact and an opposite inner face, an impact dissipating layer adjacent to the inner face of the first impact absorbing material and having a higher flexural rigidity than the first impact absorbing material, a second impact absorbing material having an outer face adjacent to the impact dissipating layer and an opposite inner face, and having a lower hardness than the impact dissipating layer, and a pressure sensor arranged across the inner face of the second impact absorbing material. An impact on the outer face is partially absorbed by that material, dissipated by the impact dissipating layer and further absorbed by the second impact absorbing material, with the remaining transmitted force being sensed by the pressure sensor.