A suture construct for fixation of soft tissue to bone (or of soft tissue to soft tissue) formed of a flexible material (for example, a suture strand, a braid, a suture tape, a stuffed suture, or a combination thereof) with a portion having an expanded footprint to provide a cushion or tissue protector between the flexible strand (suture) and the tissue to be attached. The suture and cushion may be manufactured from materials that have properties to amplify the bodys healing response. The cushion may have any shape and geometry that provides cushioning action between the suture and the tissue to be fixated. The cushion may be provided along the length of the flexible strand (i.e., the flexible strand may be provided with a cushion) or the flexible strand may extend from the cushion.