An integrated article of footwear including a waterproofing membrane
direct attached to an upper of the footwear. An outsole is further
secured to the membrane and/or the upper. In one embodiment, the membrane
includes a visible aesthetic bead in the footwear forefoot region, but
not the heel region. The membrane may be of greater thickness in the
forefoot region to provide added rigidity. A heel cradle is positioned in
the footwear heel region between the upper and the outsole. The footwear
provides the durability of a direct attach construction in the forefoot
and the comfort and cushion of an athletic construction in the heel of
the shoe. A method for constructing the footwear includes direct
attaching the membrane to an upper of the shoe. Optionally, a heel cradle
is disposed in the heel region of the shoe, and the outsole is secured to
the heel cradle and/or upper there.