Abstract: The device comprises a ratchet (3) and a base (4) that are to be respectively secured to the two footwear portions (A, B) to be closed on one another, a sprocket wheel (12) supported on the base (4) to be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction of the ratchet (3), a lever (8) mounted on the base (4) so that it can be swung about the axis of the sprocket wheel (12), as well as first (13, 15) and second. (26) unidirectional retainers means respectively between the lever (8) and the sprocket wheel (12), for the rotation of the sprocket wheel and the resultant sliding in one direction of the ratchet (3), and for holding the ratchet with respect to the base (4) in the opposite direction; the first unidirectional retaining means comprises a coupling having front teeth (13, 15), which coupling acts between one axial end of the sprocket wheel and the lever.