Abstract: The elasticized overlay is particularly adaptable for use in an athletic type shoe which includes a tongue and a modified blucher construction. The modified blucher is fabricated without eyelets and receives thereover the elasticized overlay. An elasticized fabric together with suitable attaching strips is affixed to the shoe along one edge to form the elasticized blucher overlay. The elasticized fabric extends substantially the entire length of the blucher construction and has the free edge provided with a plurality of spaced eyelets to accommodate an eyelet lacing system. The blucher and tongue can be padded with a foam lining to shield the wearer's foot from pressures developed in the elasticized fabric and imposed at the laces.