An article of footwear having an upper and a sole structure secured together is provided. The upper comprises a plurality of material elements joined together to define (a) a lateral side of the upper, (b) a medial side of the upper located opposite the lateral side, and (c) a void within the upper and between the lateral side and the medial side for receiving at least a foot, the material elements also defining (a) a lace region that includes a plurality of lace-receiving elements and (b) a lower region proximal to an area where the sole structure is secured to the upper, the material elements forming an opening in an area between the lace region and the lower region, the opening extending from an exterior surface of the upper to the void, and the opening having an area of at least nine square centimeters; and a plurality of strand segments extending from the lace region to the lower region and across the opening, the strand segments being secured to the material elements in the lace region and the lower region.