A tendon assembly for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tendon assembly includes a tendon positioned between a base layer and a cover layer in a non-bonded manner such that the tendon may move freely within the layers. The tendon assembly may be rigidly secured to a shoe upper. One end of the tendon may be rigidly secured at or near the sole of the footwear. A second portion of the tendon may be integrated with a fastening system of the footwear such that the tendon may pull the footwear upper snugly against a wearer's foot to provide added support.