Abstract: A shoe having a sole, an upper formed from a relatively soft and extensible material, a lacing strip and a bandage connecting the lacing strip with the sole. The bandage is formed from a material which is less extensible than the material of the upper. The bandage includes an elongated portion and a connecting portion which extends laterally of the elongated portion at the juncture of the bandage with the lacing strip. The laterally-extensive connecting portion transmits forces from the lacing strip to the elongated portion, and substantially prevents transmission of such forces through the extensible material of the upper. Thus, the upper is less apt to become fatigued or distorted during wear. This abstract should not be taken as a complete exposition of the present invention.