A resin-impregnated endless belt for a long nip press of the shoe type has a base structure impregnated by a polymeric resin material which renders the belt impermeable to fluids, such as oil, water and air. The polymeric resin material forms layers on the inner and outer sides of the base structure. The inner layer is smooth, but the outer layer has primary grooves for the temporary storage of water pressed from a paper web. The primary grooves are separated by land areas which have secondary grooves extending thereacross to relieve stresses which give rise to flex fatigue and stress cracking. |