Shoe constructions having upper assemblies with independent booties and/or decoupled sole assemblies are disclosed herein. A shoe configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper assembly attached to a sole assembly. The upper assembly can include a throat portion defining an opening configured to receive a foot and a bootie attached the overlay primarily at the throat portion. The bootie can be movable relative to the remaining portion of the upper assembly and the sole assembly. The sole assembly can include a midsole and an outsole that together define a first portion in a forefoot region of the shoe and a second portion in a heel region of the shoe. The first portion and second portions can be decoupled from each other. The midsole can include a stability plate that provides medial and lateral stability to the sole assembly.