Abstract: A footwear construction and related method of manufacture are provided. The footwear can include an upper with a closed liner disposed in an interior of the upper, a flexible Strobel board closing the bottom of the upper and an outsole joined with the upper. The method can include providing an upper having a liner secured thereto, closing an open bottom of the liner with a bottom closure without closing an open bottom of the upper, Strobel stitching a flexible Strobel board to the upper to close the upper bottom, placing the upper with the lining and Strobel board secured thereto on a last and joining an outsole with the upper. The liner bottom closure and Strobel board can be of a thickness and flexibility so that a wearer can perceive movement of the outsole underfoot. Accordingly, the footwear can provide enhanced proprioceptive feedback from a surface being traversed.

Abstract: A footwear construction and related method of manufacture are provided. The footwear can include an upper with a closed liner disposed in an interior of the upper, a flexible Strobel board closing the bottom of the upper and an outsole joined with the upper. The method can include providing an upper having a liner secured thereto, closing an open bottom of the liner with a bottom closure without closing an open bottom of the upper, Strobel stitching a flexible Strobel board to the upper to close the upper bottom, placing the upper with the lining and Strobel board secured thereto on a last and joining an outsole with the upper. The liner bottom closure and Strobel board can be of a thickness and flexibility so that a wearer can perceive movement of the outsole underfoot. Accordingly, the footwear can provide enhanced proprioceptive feedback from a surface being traversed.