A microelectronic structure includes a semiconductor having conductive elements at a first surface. Wire bonds have bases joined to the conductive elements and free ends remote from the bases, the free ends being remote from the substrate and the bases and including end surfaces. The wire bonds define edge surfaces between the bases and end surfaces thereof. A compliant material layer extends along the edge surfaces within first portions of the wire bonds at least adjacent the bases thereof and fills spaces between the first portions of the wire bonds such that the first portions of the wire bonds are separated from one another by the compliant material layer. Second portions of the wire bonds are defined by the end surfaces and portions of the edge surfaces adjacent the end surfaces that are extend from a third surface of the compliant later.