A padded shoe includes a flexible, resilient sole having a substantially outer surface. A shoe upper is adjoined to the sole, the shoe upper having closed-cell foam padding disposed therein. A padded tongue is attached to the shoe upper and includes an inner padded tongue portion and an outer padded tongue portion. Retaining structure retains the shoe on the foot of a wearer. Engagement structure is included for securing the outer padded tongue to cover the inner tongue portion, with the engagement structure located at least partially under the outer padded tongue portion. The outer padded tongue portion substantially covers the engagement structure. The wearer can strike a target with the shoe, and the target and the wearer are protected from injury caused by direct impact with the retaining structure and/or the engagement structure.