Abstract: A sports boot that includes a tightening device cooperating with a series of return elements for tightening an upper portion, and a return element itself. Each return element includes a closed loop made of a flexible and traction-resistant material, wherein the return element includes a guiding portion connected to the loop and has a sliding surface for the passage of the tightening device within the loop along a passage plane, the guiding portion having sufficient stiffness in the passage plane to resist deformation when the tightening device is placed under tension. The tightening efficiency is thus optimized by reducing friction. The size of the return element is limited in order to provide greater comfort in case pressure is exerted by an external element.