Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a sock-lined footwear upper defining a foot-receiving cavity and comprising a sock having an outer surface and an inner surface at least partially delimiting the foot-receiving cavity and comprising a heel counter area; an outer layer covering at least partially the outer surface of the sock; and a heel pad at least partially secured to the inner surface of the sock in the heel counter area thereof. The present disclosure also concerns such a heel pad, an item of sock-lined footwear comprising such an upper and a method for manufacturing such an item of sock-lined footwear.