Footwear counter for easier entry and removal

A shoe comprising: an upper, the upper defining a foot receiving shoe opening; a heel counter located at a rear portion of the upper, the heel counter comprising a heel cup; and 5 wherein the heel cup is rigid; wherein the heel cup comprises a lower portion, a midportion, and an upper portion having a curvature extending from a top edge of the heel cup and curved downward towards the shoe opening; and wherein, in a vertical cross-section, the heel cup has a S wave shape; a compressible layer located along an inner wall of the heel cup; wherein the compressible layer is configured to curve around at least a portion of a user's ankle above the 10 user's heel when the shoe is worn by the user; and wherein the compressible layer is configured to be compressed by the user's foot during insertion of the foot into the shoe, and to at least partially expand to secure the foot within the shoe after insertion of the foot into the shoe.