Abstract: A shoe of the moccasin type is made crush- and deformation-resistant toe by use of a premolded box toe stiffener for stiffening the toe region of the shoe upper. The stiffener is of flexible, resiliently stable character, characteristically remaining in or reverting to its original configuration, including an upstanding flange of curved configuration for lying against and providing securement to the corresponding interior surface of the upper. Principal and side tabs extend rearwardly from the bottom edge of the flange for securement to the sole part of the upper, or to an insole. Exterior foot-opposed surfaces of the stiffener are coated with heat-activated adhesive for adhesive securement to said shoe interior surfaces. The flange has a rear, foot-side inner surface devoid of adhesive, being exposed within the shoe. The method of making the shoe involves thermally forming the stiffener by molding from a blank of heat-formable material.