Abstract: An internal footwear construction is generally disclosed comprising a substantially non-yielding platform, a substantially non-yielding support frame, and at least one elastic element. The platform must extend into at least a portion of the heal region and be disposed above the outer sole. The support frame is adjacent to at least one portion of the heel region and the elastic element extends between the platform and the support frame, above the heel region. The elastic element is spatially arranged to permit elongation and contraction between the support frame and platform. Several embodiments are disclosed for a variety of footwear designs and shoe assemblies. A user replaceable elastic element permits selective adaptation for conventional, athletic and recreational applications.